You know, there are some places that stand out for various reasons .. don't get me wrong, I have…read moresome nuggets of badness about La Cantina (their drinks barely wet your mouth before they are gone) but overall I have to say it's a lovely place that serves some really good, really authentic food. The decor is cute, almost like a pub in the plain simple seating and tables, but every picture on the wall tells a story and the license plates make it plain that the focus is not a New Zealand one, this is dedicated to the US TexMex flavouring and the surrounds show it. Service was fast and friendly, they were very concerned that we enjoyed the meal and were super quick with food.. now the food .. We started with simple fries and corn chips, the salsa was something that NZ haven't seen much of, it was smooth, no major chunks and chopped fine .. the corn chips were fresh from the fry machine and hot and delicious, crispy and dusted with a seasoning that made it taste even better. The mains were authentic TexMex fajita and "Mama's chicken" .. let's say if my Mama cooked that well I might not have left home at 13 .. (actually I was kicked out .. but that's a story for another review) So a 5 stars for La Cantina, if you like Authentic food .. come here, if you like mass produced soggy stuff, I have a KFC review that might interest you. Ps. Dr Pepper, Cream Sosa and Root beer ...

An impulsive night out turned out to be a fantastic experience with amazing food and top notch…read morecustomer service. We started off with the guacamole served with warm chips. This was awesome and you can for sure tell the difference between store bought guac and the real deal. My husband ordered a Pacifico cerveza (beer) which according to him was awesome. To our surprise there was some house chips served with a salsa prior to our starter. I wasn't sure about what to order for the main. When I asked our waitress about the chicken chocolate mole on the menu because it was unusual for chocolate to be present in a main dish. The friendly waitress said you'll either love it or hate it. And boy am I glad to have gone with an open mind because I tried and LOVED it. My hubby tried the veg Burito which was yummy while my friends tried the enchilada and fajita. And as for dessert the waiter said that he recommended either the apple chimichanga or the Churros. We'd have been nuts not to have tried the Churros con chocolate. The churros were warm and soft as a cloud dusted with sugar and served with dipping chocolate. We were in a Mexican heaven and it was so good we ended up ordering another plate. Highlight of the evening was definitely trying on the Sombreros which makes your experience more fun and close to authentic. Will I go back again? Absolutely!

I came here on a Saturday with a friend for her birthday. We are both from California and really…read moremiss good Mexican food, and we'd heard that this place was pretty good. Walking in to this restaurant reminded me of walking in to a Chevy's - it's a similar atmosphere. They have a menu that is filled with half drinks and half food. I ordered a classic margarita and a veggie burrito without cheese and without sour cream (I'm vegan). They were really accommodating on my order and it all came out correctly. My friend ordered the veggie fajitas and hers looked so good. My boyfriend, who was with us, ordered a chicken quesadilla, and he liked it. We had asked for chips and salsa when we ordered, but the waiter forgot to bring them out until after our food. The food came out super quick, so it wasn't a problem. When I ate one of the chips, I realized we were not in California any more. They tasted like packaged chips and the salsa tasted like Pace salsa. Not quite what I'm used to, but after some travel abroad I've come to realize that we are spoiled for Mexican food in California. The drinks were mediocre. I could barely taste alcohol in mine, which was surprising as I rarely drink hard alcohol so I thought I would be able to taste it right away. Maybe I'm just used to strong drinks ;) I wasn't particularly impressed with anything about this place but I was very happy to be in a Mexican restaurant that offered burritos and real Mexican food. The food came out as we ordered it and the burrito was good. I ate the whole thing! All in all, it wasn't a particularly memorable experience, but the food was good and came out quick.

I love an ever-changing menu that adapts to the ingredients in season, so we came back to Mexico…read morerecently for dinner to try their new spring menu. We were both enamoured by the hot, crispy and uber cheesy cinnamon braised lamb quesadilla ($15). The cinnamon flavour isn't too predominant or strong, but it balances well with the slight spice and tangy tomato salsa. I didn't get to try the beef taco ($6) but my dining companion was happy with it. The most memorable and creative dish was the Mexico carrot cake ($10) which was unlike any carrot cake I'd seen or had (I thought they served us the wrong dish!). It's like a deconstructed version of the traditional cake - a handful of raisins and blobs of carrot puree served on top of a fried cinnamon sugar crisp. Mixed opinions over the taste... it was interesting, to say the least. Props for the delicious lemon peel ice cream and pretty plating, though! Despite the menu makeover, two things seem to have stayed the same: the fried chicken remains as good as ever, and the eatery is as packed as ever. I found the servers to be nice and ever-smiling. My only gripes are that the carrot cake took a long time to arrive (though they did apologise for this) and we had to ask several times for water. However, being Sunday night and all, it was VERY busy and they were pretty much rushed off their feet so no biggie. Looking forward to their next menu!

Okay so why would Ohio transplanted Arizonans visiting Takapuna Beach go to a restaurant called…read moreMexico? Well, because we can! I have to say I was suspect, but they had Me at hello! The decor and the whole cozy little beach bar vibe is Spot on! Just loved the rustic tables and the family style place settings. Really kitschy in a great way. I had to get Sangria. It was a hot day and well what else can I say? I got the carafe for me, but ended up sharing with friends. Its a tall bit of really tasty goodness. We started off with homemade crisps and salsa. The salsa was nice and spicy with a smokey backtone I really liked. I got skirt steak taco and it was superb. The pico was a mango citrus cilantro taste that really worked well with the steak and the quite lite and deelish tortilla. Very nice combo. Got the Mexican fried chicken and man was It good. Deeply seasoned tenders lightly fried and served with two sauces that both worked magic with the chicken. I added some of the smokey salsa to the mix and oh that was great! Spicy too. I like my meat hot and spicy. No disappointments here! The only minor thing is portions are small and a tad pricey. But if you are here to eat, do yourself a tasty favor and sample. You can and you'll love it aaaaaannnnddd you won't feel guilty doin' it. ; ) The service start to finish was excellent. I don't think any of us weren't taken care of expertly! Great food, and service. Try Mexico. Que Bueno!

Yup, that Ralph's is the business…read more Awesome burgers, Awesome beer, Hiphop beats, Cool friendly folks. Loved it.

Tucked in behind Murder Burger off Dominion Road, Ralph's is a pretty cool spot…read more They offer a simple menu with options for everyone. I had the fried chicken burger with curly fries and the jalapeño poppers. The chicken was pretty overcooked and dry and the chipotle mayo tasted a bit vinegary. Still, it was pretty nice overall. Only other low points were no sauce with the fries other than the usuals on the table, and the poppers were sitting in a pool of chipotle mayo rather than on the side.

Zambrero had fast become a favourite lunch break destination for myself and my workmates due to the…read moregenerous portions, (once) vibrant atmosphere and ethical endeavours. Zambrero is a fresh spin on the old Cali burrito craze, but manages to improve on those familiar themes. I often opt for the quesadillas with tangy verde sauce, but the burritos and salad bowls are also great. In addition to being tasty, many of the menu items are part of a 'Plate 4 Plate' initiative where each purchase also donates a plate of food to a child in need. Update: since coming under new management, the service here has become absolutely dreadful. One day I went in to order and could hear staff laughing and watching videos out back while people were waiting in line for service. I had to call out for assistance to get their attention so that one staff member came out to start making orders. She was followed by another staff member who leant on the counter and continued watching her video while laughing obnoxiously and ignoring customers. The food is still alright but I never stay longer than is strictly necessary because the whole atmosphere of the place is dreadful.

If you, like me, have noticed that there's suddenly been a huge explosion of "build your own" style…read moreMexican chains in the city this summer, you'll have noticed that one name in particular keeps popping up over Auckland everywhere: Zambrero. Whilst the concept is hardly original (think Mexicali) and the menu not exactly wild (think quesadillas, burritos and tacos) the actual flavours and portion sizes of the dishes on offer are commendable, and relatively healthy compared to alternatives! Featured below is their Black Rice Power Bowl with Lamb and Guacamole. Definitely not bad for a somewhat guilt free lunch when you're out and about. I rate it.

Mexico is one of my favourite eateries in Auckland, for its vibrant and fresh Mexican cuisine,…read moreextensive tequila list and super funky and delicious Frida's margaritas. Their menu boasts a wide range of dishes, and there is definitely something for everyone's tastes. I also love the fact that their menu is so versatile - you can come here for margaritas and some snacks, or have a three course meal, or just order a three lots of their famous fried chicken and you will be set for the night! Speaking of fried chicken, my favourite dish on Mexico's menu is, and always will be, the Mexico Fried Chicken. It is spicy, served with the perfect sauces (chipotle mayo and jalapeno mayo) and I guarantee you will be licking your fingers. I even ordered it for my birthday buffet lunch last year, check it out on my blog. Last week, Mexico launched their new Autumn menu. It is full of earthy local produce, like beetroot, celeriac, butternut pumpkin and black plums, plus there are brand new tacos, snacks, specialties and salads. Mexico has also taken note of fan's requests to have more vegan and gluten free menu items, so they have added three new dishes with the Guajillo Mushroom Taco, Pan Roasted Cauliflower Taco and Crispy Chickpea and Pumpkin Salad. And for all you margarita lovers, there are new Frida's Margaritas flavours! I'm eyeing up the Pineapple and Cracked Pepper and the Raspberry and Elderflower. If you want something without alcohol, there are also two new sugar-free sodas to choose from - Classic Lemonade and Turmeric and Ginger Tonic. I visited Mexico in Britomart on two occasions to check out their new menu - for a weekday lunch, then lunch on Saturday. Starting with drinks, I LOVE their new Raspberry and Elderflower Margarita. I have had it twice because it is divine... refreshing, sweet, and the perfect accompaniment to the spicy dishes. Also, the Mango and Passionfruit Margarita went down a treat too. And for a great non-alcoholic option, we recommend their Turmeric and Ginger Tonic Soda. Delicious! For snacks, we loved their new Beetroot Hummus Dip, served with cricket tortillas. Super crunchy tortillas, which I enjoyed. On the second occasion, we tried the dip with fresh tortillas, which were equally as good. Another highlight were the Croquetas, filled with potato and smoky queso (cheese), green onion, candied almonds and remoulade. These were melt in your mouth! Along with their lip smacking Fried Chicken, Mexico are also known for their tacos. On the first occasion, I enjoyed the Beef Carnita Taco, with white sesame, chipotle, coriander, crispy ginger and Baja Fish Taco, with red slaw, mayonnaise, chili and coriander (not pictured). Second time, I tried one of Mexico's new tacos - the Pan Roasted Cauliflower Taco... it is vegan! While I loved the colours, I found it strange... having not had cauliflower in a taco before! It was also too spicy for me. Thank goodness for the margaritas! Continuing with the vegetarian dishes, we also tried their new Crispy Chickpea and Pumpkin Salad with cucumber, lime & chipotle dressing and candied sesame. It didn't scream Mexico to me, but it was tasty nonetheless and had wonderful textures. Like the Croquetas, another highlight were the Chimichangas, which are essentially deep fried burritos. At Mexico, these are bite sized and are filled with fried mushroom, leek, chili, queso and cactus and served with a salsa asada - beware it is hot! I had never tried Chimichangas before, so this was a joy to eat. Perfectly fried, flavoursome and we could have ordered seconds...or thirds! And now, for my second love (after the Fried Chicken) - Quesadillas. This delicious morsel is basically a tortilla filled with cheese and heated. However, you can add any fillings you like. Mexico does a great vegetarian one - Portobello Mushroom, with spinach, smoky queso and chili, served with a blackened onion crema. And, my oh my, that crema! They also have two other options - Chicken in Mole Amarillo and Coffee Agave Lamb, which sound divine, so much so, I will have to come back and try them both! Aside from the food, another reason why Mexico is one of my favourite eateries is the decor. Having being a fan of Mexican sugar skulls (and skulls in general) for a very long time, whenever I walk into Mexico, I feel right at home. The colourful walls are covered in memorabilia from Mexico, including artworks of Frida Kahlo and influences from Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), plus loads of cacti. It is definitely one of the most fun restaurants to visit in Auckland! If you are not able to get to Mexico in Britomart, there are four other locations in Auckland - Ponsonby, Ellerslie, Takapuna and most recently, Sylvia Park. Plus, there are restaurants in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. Happy taco-ing!

While we tried this restaurant in the AKL airport, it was fire . We enjoyed the Burritos and bowl…read moreand they were packed with so much flavor! The peri peri chicken was amazing. You order and pick up your food at the counter. The salsa and hot sauce they provide was a great add. Ambiance was your typical airport restaurant. Honestly would go here again this food was fantastic.

Absolute crap - probably the worst attempt at Mexican I have ever encountered…read more This was at the Botany on September 3rd. Half the fillings were not available (they only have 6 to start with), Nachos stale, staff are like zombies, the wait was 20+ minutes and there was only 2 people in front of us - the food itself looked like a health hazzard. You can't leave a review on their website because it never works. Just shit all round

Food was ok. Service was friendly, but kind of rushed - strange as I was the only one queuing for…read morefood. Unfortunately the place is dirty - from food slopped on the front counter (my bowl of nachos was pushed through it) to tables not cleared up, to the cutlery station being full of food stains. If they can't be bothered to clean the front, what's the kitchen like?

Muy Bueno ! I've always wanted to eat here and have tried to in the past when their hours were…read morelet's say less than convenient. But it seems there are new owners who want you to enjoy the awesomeness Mexican food has to offer . This is no Tex-Mex joint where they make it in front of you a lá Mexicali fresh , this is the real deal ! Esse . I went for a prawn taco ( $15 spicy but nice ) and a chicken tostada . The prawn taco had capers and tiny small olives in it which was very surprising and the owner brought over some chilli lime dressing to try . This chilli lime dressing should be a pantry staple , it just gave everything a extra zing ! The tostada ( $10 )is a cold flat salad / crunchy almost taco like item it was good , but not as good as the prawn taco . There was a constant flow of people grabbing sauces and pickles that they sell and I loved the Mariachi music in the background . There's a blackboard menu on the wall and the photos that go with it are deceiving, so decide how hungry you are before you order . Arriba !! Taco ! Taco ! Vatos Locos Homes !

The first time I visited this little 'out of the way' café, I looked at it and wondered 'what was…read moremy friend thinking!?'(she suggested this eatery). It sits politely between a few shops in Ellerslie-ish, Auckland. It's not a handsome place, but it will surprise you. It sure did surprise me! After greeting my friend who sat alfresco awaiting my arrival, we joined what in a few minutes became a longer and impatient line of local professionals, each wanting to wolf down some of the fine food from this establishment. I have to say, this was a little strange. I observed the people joining the queue that eventually ended at the friendly female face at the counter. Nicely dressed professionals and such, entering a place that remained less than handsome on the inside as well. Hmm? My friend ordered and I swiftly followed, impressed by the calm demeanour of the woman that served us. She wasn't daunted by the growing queue. We returned to our table just outside the café. In roughly 15 mins, my friend received her order. Maybe another 5-10 mins, and my order arrived... Now, I won't go into details at this stage about the type of food we ordered and ate, but I will say, "Do not deprive yourselves of enjoying a meal at this little gem of a café". The food was fabulous! So good! So tasty! To say the café lacked any real style is no put down. You wouldn't want it here. You want good, honest, tasty food. This is what I got, and I have since returned for more. I'm surprised to read about the poor service had by others. That was NOT my experience. The service was and has since been attentive, and cheerful.

We dropped in at 7pm on Friday, and the place was super busy. Confused by no staff acknowledgement…read morewe stood around at the counter waiting for a staffer to let us know if we could have a table. They took our name and then did seat us in but it was just rather awkward. The couple that owned the place dropped by the table individually and we said we were ready to order, and they both went to get a server to take our order... Again a bit awkward. Once we ordered, the food came quickly, and it was actually very tasty and enjoyable food. They did make a mistake instead of a chicken chimichanga they delivered a vegetarian, but by the time I realized I'd eaten half of it and I really liked it. I think it is just new restaurant settling into a rhythm, so we will go back again soon and hope for service to match the good food.

Father's Day lunch. Opened only recently next door to Lonestar. Even though they normally take…read morereservations as it was Father's Day they did not on that particular Sunday. Parking not a problem as heaps around. The interior decor was really cool and inviting. On entering is the fully loaded bar and the margarita pitcher was simply yum and only 23$ for 500ml. Heaps of cocktails to choose from. We started with a shared platter and then mains which were quite filling and no room for churrios :-/. The staff were very friendly and there is outdoor seating as well. Quite pricy though compared to Mexico franchisee menus and there was no spicy fried chicken which I so wanted. Overall a pleasant experience and will def go there again as it is only a five minute drive from my place. Worth a try :) got a few names mixed up with the mains must b d margaritas lol...sorry yelpers :-/