COYOTE’S Cantina, a new Mexican restaurant in Murwillumbah, has been attracting steady crowds since its opening in late December. Owner Matt Tillett, who transitioned from a career in the horse racing industry to hospitality, was inspired by his love of Mexican cuisine and its vibrant, social nature. The restaurant’s name pays homage to a beloved former local Mexican venue, South Of The Border, and the dog-friendly establishment encourages patrons to bring their “coyotes” along.

Local chef Ryan Mudge, with a diverse culinary background including fine dining and Asian fusion, leads the kitchen, focusing on an authentic cantina-style menu with a seafood-heavy specials board. The community has warmly embraced COYOTE’S Cantina, which aims to offer an affordable, fun, and social dining option that complements Murwillumbah’s expanding and diverse food scene.