BNC Publishing’s resident food aficionado, Mark Anthony Monzon discovers the best new restaurants in town.

“I hate tacos…” said no Juan ever.

That’s a very popular joke that I think has a lot of truth in it because I have never met anyone who doesn’t like tacos. That’s probably why a brand new resto-bar El Noctámbulo has opened its doors on at the ground floor of Building 8 in Dubai Design District.

The Mexican restaurant concept was developed by Samer Hamadeh – creator of the renowned Akiba Dori and Stereo Arcade and was inspired by the dark urban tale of La Mujer Lechuza (a story told to children to keep them from going out at night), but turned into a fun and colorful space. The restaurant is named after those who defy those legends, El Noctámbulo (the night owl) and features a taqueria and tequila bar, serving up Mexican cuisine led by Chef Maria Sainz.

The one thing that I like about El Noctambulo is that they know their identity. The menu is simple and focused on the Mexican dishes that we have all tried and loved. Guests will get to indulge in Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced from the homeland itself.

El Noctámbulo is based on an outsider’s view of what a grown up taqueria would be like. The service is swift, with the kitchen creating a dozen different types of tacos, flautas, empanadas, guacamole and a bar serving everything from tequila, mezcal and the famous Micheladas with music being predominantly Mexican Hip Hop and RnB.

El Noctámbulo’s colourful and bright location is a tribute to Mexico and its delicious cuisine, perfect for lunch, dinner or drinks. If you’re visiting, try the tropical guacamole, flautas, crispy fish tacos, cheese empanada, and leave space for the homemade tres leches, churros con chocolate, and my new ultimate favourite, cheesecake tacos.