Princes Wharf, 137 Quay Street,
Viaduct
Auckland,
(09) 307 2419
The ViewAuckland Review
3 out of 5 stars
It’s no secret Auckland, and indeed New Zealand, hasn’t been long exposed to Mexican food, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t enjoyed here.
In the last few years more and more Mexican restaurants have been popping up around Auckland in a bid to expose our taste buds to the delights of Mexican cuisine. One such restaurant is Mexicali Fresh which offers California style Mexican food.
The restaurant was opened in April 2005 down on the waterfront at Prince’s Wharf by American brothers Tyler and Conor Kerlin. The success of Mexicali Fresh led to the boys opening a second store in Newmarket a year later in 2006.
The brothers know a thing or two about Mexican food, having come from a family who owned one of the best Mexican restaurants back in Oregon. When the family relocated to New Zealand it was the boys who decided to fill a gap in the market for good, quick and tasty Mexican food.
Mexicali Fresh is set in a cafe style venue at Prince’s Wharf. Friendly and vibrant staff add to the fun atmosphere aided by funky tunes and surfing clips running on a big screen over the bar area.
The sit down area is clean and no frills. Basically there’s chairs and tables for those needing a quick bite or outside there’s a more relaxed atmosphere for those wanting to enjoy the view of boats and ferries floating across the water.
On the menu there is the expected burrito, quesadilla and nachos (all $13.50) and tacos ($6 each), with the added option of guacamole any on dish for an extra $1.
Mexicali Fresh is pretty much the Subway of Mexican food. You line up, decide what you want, order and follow your order along the counter adding beans, salad, chilli, onion, sour cream, cheese, etc as you go.
You pay at the cashier and collect your meal, cutlery and napkins before returning to your seat or take it away.
On the liquid side of things there’s a good range of Mexican beer, refreshing frosty margaritas and even tequila for the more outgoing diners. And bottomless soft drink on offer if you are eating in.
Both Auckland venues of Mexicali Fresh are open every day for lunch and dinner from 11am.
I dined in with a large group and it was a quick and easy way of catering for everyone. Plus, because you pay after ordering there was no mix up with the bill or people leaving without paying.
I had the nachos which looked like the best value for money. Those who had the tacos were most disappointed with the serving, some even having to go for seconds to be satisfied.
But all in all it’s a bright friendly place with decent Mexican food and a good range of drinks.
If prices were closer to the $10 side of things I’d say it’s a good cheap and cheerful option, but it’s closer to a reasonable and cheerful label in my books.
Mexicali Fresh has been reviewed by 4 users