Mexico

Mexico, Auckland - Restaurant Review

Vibe

Bustling, colourful and energetic, even on a Saturday afternoon of a long weekend. Don’t blame us if you’re distracted from reading the menu by the Mexican cultural memorabilia punctuating the brightly-painted walls – everything from lucha libre wrestling to mariachi bands.


Service

Friendly and knowledgeable on the intricacies of the menu – right down to providing a slightly redundant warning that ‘the food is quite spicy’. Yep, that’s exactly why we’re at Mexico. Delivery from the kitchen is prompt, despite the restaurant already being around half-full.


Drinks

Loads of Mexican beers – including authentic cerveza cocteles like cheladas and micheladas – wickedly strong margaritas, refreshing sangria, and Mexican Jarrito soft drinks. Try the guayabo (grapefruit) or toranja (grapefruit) flavours for something different. Wine choice is limited to just three wines – a Spanish bubbly, and Sauvigon Blanc and Pinot Noir on tap from Revolution.


Highlights

The compact flavour bombs that are Mexico’s soft shell tacos ($6), including crammed with caramel pork carnitas, or the refreshingly spicy variation with adobo fish and watermelon. Top marks too also the jalapeno-studded ceviche ($14) and the cheesy goodness of the lamb and mint quesadilla ($12).


Most Surprising Dish

The hearty black bean and smokey bacon dip ($6), served with warm tortillas, and a Mexican roadtrip away from the grey and gluggy side dish I’ve always been disappointed with.


The Bottom Line

After too many years of bland pretenders, Auckland finally has a terrific Mexican restaurant, with Mexico nailing the ambience and flavours of the nation’s exciting street food.


A Reason To Return

To again be faced with the dessert dilemma of Auckland’s best churros ($8) – complete with chilli-laced dipping chocolate – or the tequila-infused watermelon and fennel granita ($8). Hot? Cold? Winter? Summer? Who cares when it’s all this tasty? We’re kind of keen to check out their compact new bar around the corner on Galyway St too.

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