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 ...

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.

Located at the beautiful Mission Bay this place is great! It's always busy especially when the…read moreMariachi (Mexican band) are playing live music. They have a huge range of very delicious drinks, and if you go there a tip for the girls order the El Torero margarita :P (picture below) Their $16 nachos are huge but not so much the best I've had, they add too much jalapenos in my opinion but everyone has their own different taste buds. If you like spicy then it's definitely for you! ;) As for my favourite dish it's the Eye Fillet with sweet (Kumra) potatoe and salsa from the Grill Menu. The atmosphere is amazing! They have amazing lizards in a tank which is a must see, especially when they wear lil sombrero hats! And if you have children they will let them hold the lizards, very cute! Hahaha! Speaking of sombreros they have a variety of beautifully designed sombreros which they let you to wear, just don't be afraid to ask the staff if they could give them to you. They're very fun and awesome for photos! Makes the atmosphere even better :D Only critique that I do have is that due to how overly busy they are, and always trying to fit everyone in, it feels like a rush to eat and leave. Especially during night times. The last time me and my boyfriend went there, we didn't even finish our meals and they took our plates away in such a rush that it was quite surprising. It all happened so quickly neither of us had the time to act. It was disapointing because the meal was so delicious we didn't have time to enjoy it or finish it :( But definitely try it out, and before you go make sure you make a booking otherwise it will get chaotic!

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!

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.

Super cute spot for a happy hour drink! While staying in Auckland, we walked to pick up some…read moregroceries and stumbled across this little hole in the wall. Good happy hour, friendly staff and delicious jalapeño poppers! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a chill place to grab a drink!

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.

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.

I visited the Sylvia park location but since it's not on Yelp I will write my review here…read more This is a fusion restaurant with Mexico as inspiration, but for me has more style than substance. The staff were friendly and the service was fast, the decor is brilliant, but the food is way off. A carne asada taco really only requires steak, onion, cilantro and salsa. The carne asada taco here had fried onion rings and chipotle mayo. The only thing I could taste when I bit into it was the mayo. The battered shrimp taco tasted like turmeric. With the lack of authentic mexican food in NZ, I really wonder why this restaurant chain thought it needed to change up on an amazing cuisine, and then to name the restaurant "Mexico". I can't tell if it's arrogance or a lack of confidence to reproduce the real flavors. It neither produced something special and new, nor reproduced the magic of the original. Fine for what it is though, but I had high hopes that a restaurant named "Mexico" would live up to its name.

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?

This place was recommended to me by a customer as the most authentic Mexican you can get in…read moreAuckland and he was not wrong! I had the chicken soft taco and was over the moon with it. Fantastic taste and value for money. Perfect portion size for lunch. I will be back again for sure!!

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 !

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 :-/