Mexican Cafe image

Mexican Cafe

Restaurant Mexican restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Mexican restaurants in Auckland


Address

67 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Website

www.mexicancafe.co.nz

Contact

+64 9 373 2311

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: (Christmas Day), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Wednesday: 4 to 9:30 pm
  • Thursday: 4 to 9:30 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 10:30 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 9:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (21) great (17) Mexican (16) service (13) Great (10) chicken (9) staff (9) order (8) cheese (8) nice (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Joanna B. 2 years ago on Google
    I am not one to go to the effort of writing a bad review but I feel that I would have liked to know this before booking at the Mexican cafe. I have been here multiple times a few years ago and absolutely loved it but wow, I was so disappointed with this visit. I have never returned food at a restaurant but we honestly could not eat what they had served. The soft tacos were soggy, brown shredded lettuce obviously from a bag and the chicken was that of what you would get off a supermarket roast chicken. When I let the waitress know that we simply could not eat it as it was honestly disgusting she did offer us something else but there was no real apology or effort made to make our experience more enjoyable. It is safe to say I will not be returning or recommending the Mexican Cafe, unfortunately.
    23 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little Mexican restraunt slightly hidden away. The food was delicious and came very fast!! Highly recommend! Great sangria, the service could be better- a little slow
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Yesha P. 2 years ago on Google
    Today I had dinner with you guys but this time I didn’t enjoy food and always I had Mexican food with you guys from last few years. The lady who took order and served to us she even didn’t smile and welcoming she took order very rude even we order same food before that it was amazing but didn’t enjoy this time. We order extra sauce and the quality is also not worth it. Seriously guys very disappointed
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Alun B. 1 year ago on Google
    A feast for the eyes, but not for your belly. The place still looks cool and the menu has all the classic Mexican meals. Unfortunately the service was appalling and the margarita was possibly the worst I've ever had. The food was exceptionally bland and boring... save yourself some money and get an Old El Paso kit and make better food at home. Way over priced for what it is. Such a shame after so long in business, that this place has lost its charm.. so many better options available.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 JASVIN P. 1 year ago on Google
    After such a long time I was soo excited to eat here as I always considered Mexican Cafe being the OG of decent Mexican food in NZ. I'm from the States and Mexican food is my favourite. In all the years of coming here I only EVER order the classic cheese enchilada. Well let me say never going back. Firstly the waitress didn't understand when I said I just want classic cheese enchilada. She kept asking me which meat I wanted and that she didn't understand. After telling her what I DIDN'T WANT in the Enchilada she finally got the order. Well, when my order came what a shock. The rice and bean came together in a small bowl. Before they used to be a good portion on the plate. Then the salad which was like sorry looking and not good. My daughter was confused saying tasted like Macdonald salad in a burger. But most disappointing was the enchilada. Hardly any cheese and full of big chunks of onion. We love our onions but this is not how they should be in an enchilada. I was absolutely shocked! What is going on there. What a waste of money. Mexicali and Mad Mex are 10x better and I usually dont like togo to those places as they are not authentic Mexican. Money wasted and night ruined.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manpreet S. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was nice and flavourful. Had Chimichangas (ground beef) and quesadilla(chicken) which were really tasty. It was houseful which is expected on a Friday. Nice bar too
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashleigh P. 11 months ago on Google
    Delicious food, especially the cheese dip. Large amount of vegetarian dishes. The drinks were also good, not many beer options but a few different cocktails and lots of tequila, and the frozen margaritas were tasty. Definitely recommend going for happy hour as they have some good deals. Atmosphere was great and staff were friendly and attentive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Muthumal P. 11 months ago on Google
    We found this place on the first night we landed in Auckland from Australia. Place looked amazing, fully decorated just like in Mexico, with a full bar and amazing looking baloney dining area. We didn’t get to sit in the balcony as it was full and we were also advised that the kitchen is very busy and will take a while for our food. When the food did come out it was great. Recommend this place if you looking for a great atmosphere and authentic Mexican food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moana J. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is authentic and so delicious. The staff are so friendly
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great vibe. Tasty food and fast service. So good to have hospitailty back and busy ! Make sure you book as they get real full...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Key M. 8 months ago on Google
    Great lunch here today. Food was really flavourful, kids meals were great. Very vibrant and bright atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura A. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent service. Delicious food. Great value for money. Fabulous decor. Walked in and were served so quickly that our drinks order arrived at the same time as the meals. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 SUSAN 1 year ago on Google
    The paradiso margarita was beautiful. The crumbed squid entree was luke warm. The taco and enchilada combination meal not so appealing. Presentation of food was lacking.

  • 5/5 Laura M. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food and atmosphere. The staff was very friendly. Great margaritas and fajitas. You have to go up a flight of stairs to get to it but it is worth the climb. Highly recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Nathan C. 8 months ago on Google
    Mexican Cafe is my go to when I visit Auckland. I've been a dozen times over the last 3 years and it's always good. I took my brothers and my dad for a meal Friday on their 40th birthday and it was awesome. The staff are great, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is second to none. You can guarantee I'll be there again this week when I come up for work and take my team out for dinner.

  • 4/5 Tamara R. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place, it’s awesome that it’s open until late and the waitress was lovely. Beautiful atmosphere and very tasty food.

  • 4/5 Katie M. 8 months ago on Google
    Happy hour was great! The atmosphere was incredible. When you walk in you feel like you’ve been transported to a different country. Margarita jugs are tasty. Food is good but some of it not so much. Thanks for having us!

  • 2/5 Kingston L. 8 months ago on Google
    The food just was not good at all. The bean nachos tasted like baby food on chips. There was just mostly beans, sour cream and chips. There was no avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeno, and there was just barely any cheese and onion. It just tasted like unseasoned paste. The chicken tacos were even worse. Once you got past the mountain of lettuce, you would taste the whitest, plainest chicken. No seasoning or spices. It was comparable to countdown chicken. The salsa, and spicy beef tacos were not bad but just not great. The service was actually quite nice, with friendly staff. The waitress at the register was very understanding when my friend and I let them know about the food.

  • 5/5 HM S. 6 months ago on Google
    We stumbled upon this great restaurant and were extremely impressed with every aspect. The atmosphere, the service, were tops and the food was delectable.Complimentary corn chips and salsa on arrival were a nice touch. We shared the beef fajitas and the serving size was generous and the flavours were tops. Wish we were here longer to sample more of the gems on the menu. The Tuatara hazy ale was a great accompaniment. Thanks to all.

  • 4/5 Marcel T. 6 months ago on Google
    We had a good experience at the Mexican Cafe in Auckland CBD! We arrived without a reservation on a bustling Saturday evening and were seated promptly with fast service. While the vegetarian options are somewhat limited, primarily offering beans or plain veggies as substitutes, the burrito and fajita we enjoyed were delicious and generously sized. Good food and great service! 🌮👍

  • 5/5 Annette W. 3 months ago on Google New
    Came for the happy hour specials and was very pleased. I got the margarita and taco and my partner got the beer and nachos. Margarita was very refreshing, taco was very filled and the nachos were a good portion. Definitely reccomened to stop by and enjoy!

  • 5/5 Durgeshni C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience, as always. I've been going to Mexican Cafe for the last 10 years, more often when I was in Uni than I do now, and the food and service is still awesome. The restaurant was so busy when I went this time round but we got served fairly quickly which was impressive. Upon being seated, you get the complimentary corn chips with salsa which has always been good. The salsa has a slight kick to it which adds to the simple taste and makes it nicer. Pictured also is a blended passionfruit margarita jug. The margarita was refreshing and wasn't too sweet, which was great. Most fruit margaritas from other places are too sweet from the puree/syrup added in. We ordered the garlic bread for entree which had really good flavour. For mains we ordered the chicken chimichanga and chicken quesadilla. They had a few elements to add to the main part of the dish, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, beans with cheese and lettuce with dressing. Both dishes tasted great. I was so excited to dig in when they came out, I forgot to get a photo. Overall, Mexican Cafe has maintained its standard of food and exceptional service over the years I've been visiting, and I'll definitely be visiting again in the future.

  • 5/5 Wiki H. 10 months ago on Google
    Food was delicious, we ordered a chicken Chimichunga with spicy cheese sauce to share between two women; with a nice kick of heat at the end of each mouthful. The Mango Margarita Jug was perfect for us to enjoy a couple of glasses each from it. It was a busy Friday night and we hadn't booked but didn't have to wait longer than 10 minutes for our table. Drinks & food are reasonably priced, $29 each which included everything. Vibrant atmosphere & a great team, from the chefs to the wait staff and bar staff. They know what they're doing, efficient, friendly and bring the experience level up to a "loved it!" My first time & definitely have a great first impression. I'll be sure to come again. (The food & drinks looked delish-worthy too but didn't get a photo till afterwards....hence the empty Jug & glasses, and an almost clean plate.)

  • 5/5 Jayne R. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this cafe. So used to Taco Bill set menu it was nice to see chimichanga and different other choices. We got a table on the balcony no worries for dinner. Staff were wonderful and so kind. Saw families eating here but for us two it was great also. I eat here everytime I come to Auckland. My fave for good reason. Across the road from Sky City. Great CBD location. Chicken nachos to share were filling and my man appreciated the freshly made guacamole. Plenty of cheese! My enchiladas with spicy beef were full of flavour and my man's chimichanga was massive and delicious he said. No room for dessert but we left there happy and satisfied.

  • 5/5 Shelly l. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place. Hospitality & food amazing. Best Mexican food I have had. The recommendation was SPOT ON for the meal we chose. Next time will definitely try the margarita I saw the barman making for another table. See you soon !

  • 4/5 Rachel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Came across this wee gem by accident. Loved the decor, service with a smile and the food was delish. Was a tad expensive for a burrito though, however, It was packed with yummyness as were the tacos!!!!! Salad was beautifully fresh and refried beans were tasty. The staff were so happy and friendly and the service was great. Would Def recommend a visit.

  • 4/5 Charlotte P. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was good, and there was a verity of options, drinks etc. The staff was very nice, friendly, helpful and it was all quite timely. The place however was very cold, and over priced for the size of the meal. $14 for mini curios and dipping chocolate. 4 out 5 stars at best.

  • 1/5 Shannon B. 1 year ago on Google
    The whole night was so disappointing. Friends took me here on my birthday and it took 3 hours to get any food. When it did come out, it came with a good side of attitude. The manager was nice but I can't see us going back. Used to be my favorite place.

  • 4/5 Always E. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the service and complementary chips with Salsa. Happy hour drinks are awesome. I had Beef Nacho which was good. Unsure why this didn't come with Guacamole as normally Nachos do? Chicken Taco was average. Looked more like tostadas. Fresh food and good Veggie option. Margarita is a must have. Good place for date night.

  • 5/5 Alex M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Mexican restaurant/bar, had the deal with the Margaritas and can say it is excellent value for money, the food and drinks were great. We bought a litre of Sangria also and were very pleased with it. Highly recommend.

  • 4/5 Lay 2 years ago on Google
    Came for happy hour 5-7pm (4-6 Friday and Saturday). They have a nice selection of happy hour food and drinks all at really good prices. Good on the main menu seems to be slightly above average (but haven’t tried so don’t know the portion or quality). Came for a light meal and was satisfied overall, you get what you paid for. Came with nachos on the house. Spicy Beef Quesadilla: Came with a medium sized tortilla with beef inside and dip. No side salad or anything. Was $7 so happy with what I got since I wasn’t feeling hungry. Chicken Soft Shell Taco: Came with small size taco shell. Basic ingredients that you would expect in a taco. Big size of filling (which is good!) but the ratio of filling to shell wasn’t good as it was difficult to eat. Cost $7 Devil Fries: Loaded guacamole fries. Decent amount. Was $11 which is okay. Nicely seasoned. Ambience in the terrace was really cute. Overall, was good, not mind blowing. Would come back again.


Call +64 9 373 2311 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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