Rojo Rocket: Mexican Fiesta on Avoca Beach, Central Coast

Don’t be fooled by the tiny shack along Avoca Drive. Step through the colourful façade to an experience that is more akin to a Mexican style resort than a restaurant on the Central Coast.

Rojo Rocket entrance

Owned by Adrian Reed and his Mexican wife Nigdali, Rojo Rocket brings an authentic touch of Mexico to the Central Coast. Situated between Avoca Beach and Copacabana, the restaurant occupies 3 acres of landscaped grounds and is lavishly decorated in bold and fluoro colours, with Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead images, skulls and other paraphernalia.

Day beds for lounging, eating and drinking.

Once inside, you’ll pass a painted cow statue before you are shown to a table or a day bed where you can sit in comfort under a striped awning and sip on Margaritas and Mexican beers.

Dos Equis beer, Margarita and Bohemia beer

The Chef heralds from Playa del Carmen in Mexico and brings an exciting  menu of tapas, tacos y ensaladas and mains with an option to add an extra portion to some of the dishes.

On a busy night, the energetic and friendly staff move around at dizzying speeds ensuring orders are taken and patrons are looked after. And while they may tempt you with a plate of guacamole while you wait, you may want to consider if dessert is an option. The dishes here are filling and the Budin de Elote / Corn Pudding and the Café Agave made with Coffee Patron Tequila are very tempting.

Guacamole 

Start with the guacamole, fresh diced avocado mixed with onion, tomato, coriander and lime juice, served with crisp fresh corn chips.

Tostadas De Atún Fresco

The fresh sashimi tuna tostadas are a must-try. They come garnished with onion, avocado, coriander, creamy chipotle, soy sauce and sprinkled with Tajín chili.

Ceviche De Pescado

Fresh flavours make up the ceviche de pescado, a cold dish of diced fresh water fish, slowly cooked in lemon and lime juice with onion, tomato and coriander. Served with corn chips, this dish is a little challenge to eat while sitting lady-like on a day bed.

Chorizo a la Sidra

Hot grilled chorizos are sautéed in a sweet cider and peach sauce delivering sweet and spicy flavours to this warm dish.

Tacos De Carnitas 

Gluten free soft tortillas are filled with a tender slow-cooked pork, fine herbs and come served with fresh onion, coriander and a spicy salsa.

La cuenta / the bill in a Cuban cigar box

Allow yourself some time to explore the surrounds of the restaurants before paying the bill which is presented in an empty Cuban cigar box.

Scenes from Rojo Rocket

Interior of the restaurant

Indoor and outdoor decor

After dinner, head upstairs to the popular bar area where more of the action takes place. Latino music is pumping and this is where it feels like a Mexican party. You can lounge in semi-secluded comfort or sit under awning-covered tables. A tiny shack makes up the bar with an impressive range of Tequila which the bartenders are happy to recommend according to your price range. Shots of Herradura Añejo Tequila go down well on a balmy summer’s night.

Upstairs bar area

Tequila bar

Much like when the time comes to leave a resort and you start dreaming of your next holiday, you’ll be planning a return to Rojo Rocket. With its fiesta-like ambience, friendly and attentive staff, fresh flavours and a fine Tequila bar, you’ll experience an authentic taste of Mexico on your visit to the NSW Central Coast.

If only Sydney had a Rojo Rocket offshoot in a similar setting.

Rojo Rocket
366 Avoca Drive
Avoca Beach Central Coast 2251
www.rojorocket.com.au
Tel: 0243822255

Planning a visit to Rojo Rocket? Don’t miss our Guide to Avoca Beach on the Central Coast