Eat Out critic Alida Ryder reviews Pretoria’s new authentic Mexican restaurant, El Pistolero.

A side dish at El Pistolero. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

When the owner and chef of Pretoria-favourite Ginger & Fig reveals he is opening another restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. However, when it emerged that said restaurant would be an authentic Mexican joint in Pretoria, a few reservations popped up. Is Pretoria ready for that? How authentic are they actually going to make it?

To answer the first question: most definitely. There has been a movement by Pretorians away from franchises; many patrons want something new, exciting and original. Of course, there will be those who complain that the nachos aren’t covered in cheese and served with sour cream, but this is where Zane Figueiredo excels: he educates the palate and broadens food horizons.

Food

His menu at El Pistolero is small and simple but packed with flavour and interesting ingredients, and everything is handmade and as fresh as can be. Nachos are made with their homemade corn tortillas, topped with queso fresco and fresh coriander, and served with their addictive guacamole and salsa made with burnt tomatoes, black garlic and pickled habaneros. Other starters include chicharrón (drool-worthy pork rinds), corn on the cob served with black-garlic aioli, cheese, cumin and lime, and ceviche made from the freshest yellowtail with red peppers, lime, orange juice and jalapeños.

Tacos at El Pistolero. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

For mains, their tacos are perfection. The zamalek-battered fish taco is everything you want it to be and will instantly become a favourite. They also have slow-cooked pork belly, chicken, beef and a vegetarian option. The quesadillas are equally fabulous, with the mushroom version being a personal favourite. Its mushroominess (yes, that’s a word) is out of this world. The pulled pork and chicken burritos are also winners, judging by neighbouring diners’ moans of delight.

Churros drizzled with milk jam (dulce de leche) and a pot of coconut white chocolate ganache at El Pistolero. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Whatever you do, make sure you save space for dessert. Their churros are perfectly crisp and golden, and come drizzled with milk jam (dulce de leche) and a pot of coconut white chocolate ganache. The ganache is so good, I want to bathe in it.

Drinks

As they are still awaiting their liquor licence, they don’t serve alcohol yet, but fear not, they have plenty of options to quench your thirst. Their aguas frescas (fruit waters) are absolutely the thing to enjoy in summer. (The watermelon version is particularly delicious.) They also have virgin margaritas, homemade tepache (pineapple beer) and, if you’re after good coffee, their moka pot coffee can’t be missed.

Ambience

The vibe is very cool, contemporary and trendy. Interiors are absolutely beautiful, from the utterly gorgeous Mexican tiles to the wooden ceiling.

Outside at El Pistolero. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Staff are friendly and attentive, with plates being cleared promptly and food served speedily. Waitrons are very knowledgeable about the menu and eager to chat to you about the food and drinks.

And…

What stands out is the absolute passion the owners and staff of El Pistolero have for this establishment. It’s infectious and exciting.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read more about our editorial policy here.

Have you tried El Pistolero in Pretoria yet? What did you think? Tell us about it in a quick review and we’ll pledge a meal for a hungry child through Stop Hunger Now SA.