Mamasita is one of those places I keep reading and hearing about, but just haven't had the chance to visit. The right occasion finally presented itself last night. Knowing that they don't take bookings, I turned up at about 5.40 as our advance party to secure a place on the waitlist. The restaurant was already pretty full and the bar packed, I was told that we could have a table at 7 or 7.30, which suited us anyway as one of our party finishes work later.

Imagine our surprise then, when we got a call at 6.30 saying that our table would be ready in 5 minutes! Other than the fact that my friend and I had to chug down the drinks that we'd just started on and give up our coveted lounge seats at Bar Lourinha, we were pretty thrilled and hurried back over to Mamasita.

By now, the restaurant was truly buzzing. The space is small and noisy, and there's a certain level of shouting that has to happen for everyone to hear each other. However, given that we were so busy stuffing our faces full of food, this wasn't so bad.

The food - what can I say - each dish was delicious, and a good reflection of Mexican food. Don't expect Old El Paso-style meals here, the food is fresh, well thought out and tasty. Tortillas, whether corn or wheat, and beans are the stars of many dishes. I especially recommend the tostaditas - little two-bite sized deep fried corn tortillas piled high with delicious toppings like chicken and avocado or slow-cooked pork. And of course, the grilled corn is a highlight and must-have.

In all, we had a great evening, and other than the slight inconvenience of not being able to book ahead, I thoroughly recommend Mamasita for a fun night out with friends!

Approximate cost: $25

what can i say, this is the spanish place in melbourne you must try and will probably fall in love. you can't book at this place, the queues are usually long. to avoid disappointment, either go early (5pm) or very late (11pm). the food and atmosphere is electric, staff are great. if you are not sure how to order, my first times i just go the waitress to order for us. they did a fabulous job of just the right quantities and a good balance of things to try. the place is open til midnight all week, so whilst collins st is quiet, the restaurant is buzzing. you must try this one.

Approximate cost: $20

I like this restaurant a lot. There is always a wait where you have to stand on the stairs but in my personal experience, it is usually a bit less time than the guy who is taking your name etc says (one time he told us 1 and a half hours and it was only 45). Whilst it is semi-frustrating that you can't book a table, I understand that's just they way they work! The sangria is great and if there are a few of you then the biggest jug is great value. The food is yummy and great for sharing. The service is good, not too attentive but not absent either, just the right balance. Overall a good restaurant where we always enjoy our night. Approx 50 per person if you want to eat and drink well, but you could definitely have a satisfying meal by itself for a lot less.

Approximate cost: $20-30

Mixed feelings about our first visit to Mamasita. We went as a group of 9 for a Monday night birthday in June. Having read the website beforehand which notes booked tables must have a five course set menu at $40 per head (plus drinks) we opted to take the risk and hope we could be seated on the night. A few of us arrived early at 6pm and headed upstairs. There were loads of empty tables at the time, we asked for a table for 9 and were flatly and rudely refused by staff who advised groups needed to book because the kitchen could only cater a set menu for such a large group. We explained that we did not mind not eating all at once or sitting at tables next to each other, but were given a card and sent out the door. This guy was extremely off-putting. We went downstairs and waited for the remainder of our party then headed up with two fresh faces at the front to try again. During this time the venue had gotten busier but there were still multiple long tables available that we knew we could fit at. Second attempt they let us in but would only seat those of us who were here (by now we were 5). At least we were in! Eventually our other guests arrived, but unfortunately not in time to secure the once vacant seats behind us when we arrived. Thus meaning two of our party having to sit opposite us at the bar and one of us standing because staff refused to allow a seat at the end of our table. What's infuriating about this service is they still make the revenue whether we saved the seats behind us and ate together or whether we were split up because they sat other people behind us that could have otherwise sat elsewhere. Anyway, we eventually won the battle to allow a seat at the end of our table and as the group did not all know each other, we were OK to rotate having two of us at the bar. Food was pretty good. Highlights would be the the salsa, guacamole and elotes callejeros (corn). Unfortunately the whole experience was overshadowed by the ridiculous lack of service. Our waiter was prompt in taking orders and supplying drinks, but the concierge who was adamant to make our lives difficult because we hadn't booked with the set menu was a huge disappointment. Overall our night was enjoyed by all and I look forward to going back as a smaller group and enjoying the food more specifically. When will people learn that the customer is there to be accommodated not to make your life easy? Staff should get on with the job of making customers experience memorable, and not in a negative way.

Wow felt like I was entering Havanna Nights. Staff, music, food, drinks are fabulously cheap and satisfying. Real Mexican Food-delicious so are the sangrias!!!!

Approximate cost: $10

Finally, a real Mexican restaurant has arrived. Although as usual, the prices - for what is essentially a mix of cheap ingredients - are high. Despite this, it's refreshing to go to a restaurant in Melbourne that offers a contemporary twist on classic Mexican.

Approximate cost: $25