MAO Latin Dining
Paddington
MAO Latin Dining is an absolute gem of a charming and authentic Latin American restaurant located in Paddington's Given Street dining and shopping precinct.
Owned by a chef who has worked in fine dining restaurants and his wife, MAO is the go-to for delicious top notch food at great value prices.
Diners can take a seat on the covered pavement outside or in the charming cottage-style interior, with Latin American adornments and stunning vistas over Paddington from the rear window.
On the menu, which is designed to share, are small plates such as Totopos (corn ships & 2 sides, guacamole, chiplotle cream & pico de gallo); Mazorca (charcoal corn, chipotle cream, fresh cheese & coriander); and veggie or beef empanadas (a must-try).
Also recommended are the skewers (charcoal chicken & chimichurri sauce) and ceviche (with casava chips & corn). There's also a selection of heaven;y tacos (battered fish, beef brisket, pork or red capsicum & leek).
Larger dishes include fresh salads (chicken or sweet corn), Chaufa (chicken fried rice); Tamal Vallino (pork & chicken wrapped in corn dough & cooked in banana leaf); Chicharron (twice cooked pork belly & aji salsa with arepa or steamed rice); Fish of the day with coconut sauce; or Steak Rider (Black Angus rib fillet, Colombian creole sauce & fried egg).
Meanwhile desserts include churros with caramel sauce; Fresas con Crema (marscapone cream. shortbread, passionfruit gel & strawberries); or Quesillo (Venezuelan caramel flan).
The drinks list includes classic cocktails like Classic Margarita, Pisco Sour, Mojito and Caiparina and house cocktails such as Mao Tinto de Verano and Mao Hawaii Pina Colada as well as Shots such as Aguardiente Antioqueno (Colombian aniseed drink) and Tequila Don Julio. There's also a small selection of well-priced wines by the glass or bottle, beer (including Club Colombia & Tecate) and non-alcoholic drinks including Pina Colada, Aperol and Mao Sodas.
Good to know - Dogs are welcome to join their owners outside on the pavement seating.
Need to know - There is free on-street parking available on Given Tce and surrounding streets.
