This place was a nice surprise. Is it authentic Mexican food, no, but it still has a Mexican vibe in some of the food flavor profiles. As someone who has visited and eaten in Mexican A LOT, I never have super high hopes for NZ Mexican to be authentic, mostly due to product availability. That being said, the esquites were really good and had a nice flavor when you added the sour cream to it; very reminiscent of elote. The guacamole was ok, but needed needed a bit of lime to really brighten it, that being said I would order it again. The cauliflower taco was very plain, as in the crispy cauliflower lacked flavor and was overpowered by the spicy crema that was slathered on, and my least favorite. The mushroom fajitas were a huge surprise and really delicious. The coconut flavor described on the menu threw me off, but I couldn't really taste it in the dish, plus it's so NICE to finally see fajitas on an NZ Mexican restaurant menu! The rice needed some more flavor, salt, acid, and cilantro. The black beans were nice, but again a tad bland. I had to ask for the black beans as a side. I wish they included the beans with the fajitas as a side, which is more traditional. I also had to ask for a side of their tomato pico, but that is not tomato pico. What is served is all chopped onion and a tiny bit of tomato, no garlic, not slat, no lime, no cilantro; calling this onion pico would probably be more on point. The margarita traditional is good and not too sweet, which is what I prefer.
The decor is fabulous and reminded me of American Mexican restaurants. The service was very slow and not very attentive with staff standing behind the bar/register just hanging out. I had to get up and ask for our plates to be cleared after 20 mins.
Overall I would recommend this place and I would go back again.
Went down the Ave wanting to try something different from the usual meal and always wanted to try this place out. Looking at the menu I wasn't sure what to order,the friendly staff gave honest suggestions and we went with it. The taste of the food is very good. Naughty lb was good .
We had the place to ourselves on a Saturday lunch service which had me a little worried but all in all we loved our food, had service all to ourselves, food came in good time and was fresh, tasty and full of color and our drinks were amazing.
The jerk fried chicken, and house made tortilla chips, were great. Food came out really quickly. Friendly service.
Brilliant decor, as good as the food. Tacos were fresh with an amazing blend of flavours, suicide chicken was perfectly hot and cooked to perfection. This from people who don't usually eat Mexican because its usually average to poor in New Zealand. A must visit in Whanganui!
Sheryl Leonard-Schlitter
+5
Amazing food gem in Whanganui
Vegan menu available, vegetarian, gluten free and gluten free option offered on site menu items
I had the vegan, gluten free mushroom fajita which was sooo delicious
Hubby had the pan fried tarakihi with salad plus the beetroot, apple, spinach & feta salad
Recommended. We shared four soft-shelled tacos (cauliflower, fish, lamb and coffee beef) between two and were comfortably full. Our wait staff were attentive without being overwhelming and looked after us well. We tried the drink special - lychee margherita 🍹 - out of this world! Will visit again.
We had the cauliflower taco and soft shell crab, and the pulled pork quesadilla which was just beautiful. The pico de gallo could’ve been more balanced and the guacamole zestier, but still a 5-star for the refreshing food and colourful, inspired deco.
Simply delicious. I would have taken photos of my dishes, had I not devoured them so quickly! My only regret is I have no palate for spicy food!
Was our 1st time here and it has great food, service and staff. Only need to slow down serving main whilst trying to enjoy entrees.
Absolutely love this place! Food is delicious, fresh and wholesome. Cocktails are also very dangerously tasty. Have been here twice and left very happy both times. They also have Mexican hats you can wear if you really want to get in to the spirit!
The "Suicide Bomber Chicken" was delicious, but definitely not for people who don't enjoy spicy food. Portion sizes were good, and reasonably priced. Churros were excellent.
Cute little mexican place with amazing chimichangas! Small but good choice of veggie options (could do with a few more soft taco fillings!). Note - you can't really share the churros 😂 only 3 long ones per serving, so keep em for yourself!
Hard to find good Mexican in NZ but this place was great. A little bit of fusion Mexican but pretty close.
My go to place to eat..food and service is always consistent and the margaritas are amazing! 🤩
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