Montezuma's Ipswich, QLD

Tina and Terry Bartholomai have run Montezuma’s Restaurant at Riverlink Shopping Centre since 2015 and have earned many loyal regular customers in that time.

This is a bright and cheery family restaurant that belongs to the group of Australian restaurants established in 1978 that first brought Mexico's tantalising flavours to suburbs across Queensland and New South Wales.

Tables spill outdoors onto the Terrace overlooking the Bremer River, making a pleasant spot for a glass of sangria on a breezy afternoon.

Tina says the restaurant is known for its hearty, generously portioned meals, delicious cocktails and colourful décor.

It’s the San Francisco that has won local’s hearts from the menu – a chicken and sour cream enchilada snuggled up with a beef burrito under a blanket of molten cheese. You’ll find it on the Combination Plates section of the extensive menu.

Much of the menu is gluten-free, and there are ample options for vegan diners that use vegan cheese and vegan cream, including “chicken-less” and “beef-less” fajitas.

The couple is assisted by their son, Simon, in the business, which is open daily for lunch and dinner. It is a popular spot in which to take a break from the shopping at busy Riverlink.