Chido Cantina

Chido Cantina is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Lennox Head, Byron Bay, serving a modern take on familiar Mexican cooking alongside seasonal specials. The kitchen focuses on fresh, local produce and changes things up with a seasonal-surprises approach, so the offering goes beyond a fixed Mexican menu. The venue also promotes a full food and drinks menu, with tapas available during the afternoon and full service at other times listed on its website.

Drinks are a major part of the experience. Chido Cantina describes itself as Lennox Head’s only dedicated tequila and mezcal bar, with a curated range spanning blanco and añejo tequilas as well as smoky mezcals. Margaritas and frozen daiquiris are among its recognised signatures, and classic or frozen margaritas can also be ordered for takeaway with food. A happy hour is listed daily from 4pm to 6pm, while the venue’s service schedule includes lunch, afternoon tapas and dinner sessions on the relevant days.

The setting is designed to feel casual and coastal, reflecting Lennox Head’s surf culture. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a lively bar area and a more relaxed family side, with dogs welcome outdoors. That mix makes it a practical choice for a low-key meal, drinks with friends or a family outing, while the food, cocktails and easygoing atmosphere also suit a relaxed celebration. The restaurant is rated 4.6 from 225 Google reviews.

Chido Cantina also has a strong local backstory. The venue occupies the former Pancho Villa site, a long-running Lennox Head restaurant that operated from 1989 until 2020. It became Chido Cantina after a rebrand, and the current owners took over in August 2023, retaining the site’s connection with the community while adding their own surf-style cantina direction. With seating for more than 80 people across the bar, family and outdoor areas, it can host birthdays, functions and other special occasions as well as regular dine-in and takeaway visits.