Mission District was founded by Jenna and Tom, Ripponlea locals who have always loved the iconic strip of shops on Glen Eira road. Mission District was created to deliver good, tasty, casual, Cali-style dining Mexican food. Since opening in mid 2021, Mission District has received multiple tremendous write ups by reputable food critics and cultural food guides.

Their love of Mexican food began back in the ‘00s when Tom spent a year studying in California whilst living on a steady diet of takeaway burritos. Years later, Jenna and Tom met and proceeded to eat Mexican food together regularly. This led to a forever commitment to Mexican food and to get married. In 2020 they planned a honeymoon to Mexico, unfortunately the pandemic hit, they were unable to go and instead they decided to open a Mexican restaurant in the heart of Ripponlea. They signed a lease on their favourite building on Glen Eira road, completed a stunning fit-out and put an awesome team together of inspiring chefs, bartenders and front of house staff. Their love for Mexican food has never been stronger.

In Mid-2022 Jenna and Tom went to Mexico, they fell in love with the people, food and culture. They will continue to share parts of the culture they loved through the food at Mission District.