Review Mexicali Fresh - Auckland Central

Bruce Davey

Great spot for a quick bite. Called in with my son for a late lunch. Staff engaged with him well. Food was good, as expected at a franchise restaurant. I'm a big fan of Mexican and MF never fails to deliver consistency. Thanks team

Ben James

Crispy nachos. Fresh guacamole, sour cream and salsas. Flavoursome beans and mince. Friendly and professional staff. Thank you Jack! :-)

Shannon

Food is good, same as any mexicali. Service was very slow with none of the staff really appearing to make an effort. And restaurant is always just quite dark and quiet, and more so because it was evening. Maybe have some music playing or something would help.

Danielle Howearth

The guy blasted through this service, failing to ask or listen to my preferences. I have about 20 jalapeños on my taco salad, when I usually like to request just half a dozen, but I got tired of correcting his assumptions of my order. Also the other sauces weren’t available, with no alternatives offered, so I just have sour cream. I understand that they are busy, but if you just take a bit more care; it will actually make the process a whole lot easier quicker and smoother :)

Keith Davis

The foods good, I usually get the taco salad as it's so filling. Just wish there a bit more meat without having to get the double meat. The Mexican drinks are awesome, they used to sell Ben and jerries. I only got it twice so guessing it just didn't sell too well. Fast and friendly service team. Don't see the same people much, think they must have a rotating roster or something.

PRABHJOT SINGH

Amazing food, great atmosphere

Jane Huzrad

Me and my fellow work colleague literally keep coming to Mexicali Constellation because of Ana! I believe she is from Brazil... She has the most amazing smile/ attitude and really makes our day! Highly recommend the food too!

Dominic Osborne

Decent food, slow service although when I got served, the lady behind the counter was lovely.

Dominic Osborne

Decent food, slow service although when I got served, the lady behind the counter was lovely.

COB BA

The food here is not too bad, however, only giving 5 stars for the service. The woman working on the 3rd of September 2022 around 3pm gave us quite possibly the best service I've ever received in the hospitality field. An absolute angel, deserves a promotion or a pay rise at the very least. She also made the best mexicali I have eaten in the last 5 years. Bravo.

Nahed Alhaj

I like it. Everything was yummy. Fast service

Food Cricit

Absolutely lovely service, lovely location, I have no complaints. Slam dunk for 5 stars across the board. But now for the fun part. Burrito was an 8/10 (at least by my standards). Excellent construction and ingredient choice (I got the bandito, so barbacoa beef) the salad's addition of cabbage is a great balance of flavor. The chipotle sauce works very well with the meat choices, adding a sweet and sour flavor that extends on your protein choice. Guac is amazing and I personally always recommend adding jalapeños. The reason it loses its 10/10 rating is the barbacoa seasoning and rice. The rice problem is simple, it's too coarse. The shear almost woodlike texture of the rice works well in small amounts to add texture variety into a dish. However it shares a similar style of texture to the barbacoa beef and the burrito, so it's simply unnecessary. It doesn't really take anything away from the dish, however it's disappointing knowing how much better a softer rice would have been. As for the barbacoa beef seasoning, it's impeccable. For the first part of the flavor. The first flavor of the barbacoa is smoky and delicious, and I will probably choose it again. However the beef's middle flavor and aftertaste are almost nonexistent. This isn't a problem for the dish. The sauces, salsa and salad are perfectly made to round of the flavor of the burrito, but if you do not choose your bites carefully you may just end up with a mouthful of bbq sand.

Rosie Mertz

I will never be returning to eat at Mexicali. My burrito was actually disgusting and I was unable to finish it. The level of inconsistency is just terrible. Sometime the food is so good and sometimes it’s horrible. The employees do not care about their jobs or customers. So over it. Mini chicken fajita burrito couldn’t have been worse. My partner got a mini California burrito and it was just beans and rice. Ugh.

Vivian C

We ordered a Macho Burrito, Longboard Quesadilla, and Mexi Fries. The burrito was dense and packed with beef, chicken and an abundance of beans, rice and salad. The quesadilla was great, the pork and cheese combination was delicious. The fries were unexpectedly some of the best I’ve ever had. Super fresh and the seasoning on top was just perfect. Overall, a very tasty and filling meal with good quality ingredients. Also, virtually no wait for the food.

@C

Went here for twice. Love the food. Simply love it.

Laura Oliveira

Easy go to when we are in the mood for a classic burrito or tacos. Not the best Mexican I’ve ever had but a great, reasonably healthy meal.

Anastasia Matiatos

Mexicali Fresh damn nothing beats this place it's fire! I live pretty close to this Mexicali Fresh so whenever I can't be bothered making dinner, off to Mexicali Fresh I go. I always get the chicken quesadilla because it's 10/10 THE BEST, lately I've been trying there taco's and burrito's and they're also super good bro they just straight up so yum! Please go here just please. Recently got an Uber Eats from here and ordered the Chargrilled Chicken Quesadilla which is my go to. But the Quesadilla was very dry which was a let down but I guess thats what you get with Uber Eats :(. I liked how the Quesadilla came with salsa and a mini salad was very yummy. Love this place but it's defiently nicer fresh. x

HQ

Always enjoyed going to Mexicali fresh around Auckland but this one is probably the worst one I’ve been. The store has nice spacious seating. But the staff are not friendly at all, aren’t very pleasant and rude compared to the other stores. The quality of the food is a lot worse as well. Ordered my usual chicken Taco Salad, the rice is very hard, so are the beans, couldn’t eat it and had to throw it out. The chicken is dry, tough and flavourless. Given very small amount of salad and sauces, and no cheese. Very different experience compare to the other stores. Wouldn’t consider coming back.

Kaitlyn Tyler

Super rude, no greeting, just talked at us. Took the lids off of our drinks even though we had said they were takeaway. Really disappointing.

Paul O

Fast and friendly service combined with a colourful interior helps to somewhat offset the low quality of food on offer. The burritos, tacos and nachos tasted nothing much like Californian Mexican food, probably because rather than use decent quantities of tasty but expensive ingredients (e.g. lime, fresh chilli, corriander), chopped lettuce/cabbage bulks up what is on offer here.

Cristina

What a dissatisfaction with this Mexicali outlet. My husband ordered vegetarian nachos and a burrito for take away and trustingly he came home without checking them only to find out that instead of the burrito there was only one little soft taco for which he paid $9! Both of the items were lacking flavours! Definitely never again!

Tinos.adventure

Taco Tuesdays are honestly the best thing ever! And I love how they’ve added new meats to the taco Tuesday range. Affordable and delicious These are a must have

Hanv

You guys are great. Love the atmosphere, service is 10/10 and the food is always on point. We are regular customers and Mexicali fresh at constellation has never failed us. Keep up the amazing work 😊

Raymond Tiong

I enjoyed coming here for a chill Sunday afternoon lunch with friends. While their menu isn’t the cheapest on the block, they do serve fresh, good quality food and the portions of their burritos and taco salads are pretty generous. Service and cleanliness were both good, too. My fish tacos were nice but there was a lot of liquid from the toppings, which made it messy to eat. However, I did enjoy the fruit salsa that they paired with the fish; the flavours of the mango and pickled red onions stood out. I opted to pay $1 for the guacamole, which was unfortunately a bit watery and lacked the tartness I wanted. Maybe they should use more lemon or lime juice? Happy to come back again though!

Hannh Peters

This is my favourite Mexican cafe for both takeaway and dine in. The ambience is easy going, but more Californian than Mexican and the music is 70's 80's happy easy going style. The staff are friendly and service is great. We have tried most of the meals but our favourite are the taco salads. The frozen magaritas are awesome and only $5 during happy hour. They have a playstation gamebox for 2 players which has various games to keep the kids happy if parents want to linger longer. The only thing to watch out for is the sparrow droppings on the seats before you sit down. This has been a rare occurence for us but worth mentioning. It is a minor issue as there are always plenty of paper napkins on the tables to wipe it away before you mess your pants!

Alice Bushell

Just have to say how impressed I am with the customer service here. I came tonight to get take away dinner, a chicken taco salad and a pulled pork burrito. But when I got home I dropped the taco salad on the floor outside the house.... went back to get a replacement feeling annoyed with myself but after ordering to my joy the kind man who served me said it was on the house. The food was so tasty as always but this act of kindness just topped it off. These guys are doing it right!

Imperius Malekith

I ordered the longboard buritto. Was nice, however too much salad to meat & guacamole ratio, and no salsa. (the ones you can self-serve were way too hot for me.) Also the sauces & food quality make it a tasty, yet not healthy nor fresh meal idea. Serving size is good, not too salty and service was fast.

ChoMpR

Thought pretty average taste wise but reasonable value for $$. Had 2x mince tacos and 1x chicken taco, $16. Looked like a dogs breakfast when it was served up! Bit too much salad in th tacos for me but certainly filling. Chicken taco yummy. Tables hadn't been cleared either. Staff friendly enough.

Suraj Chande

Rude staff and off putting customer service. When asked for veggie nachos, they litterally put some pieces of veggies on nacho chips and gave it to me. They never bothered to ask if i need salsa, beans or drinks. Had to ask them to put cheese at least. Often went to this place as its close to our home. But, yesterday would be the last visit.

Me&AucklandFood

Became a Converted bean lover thanks to the guys at this place as well as a massive fan of Mexican food now 😊. Slightly pricey but worth It in the end.

Thegreeats

Affordable, delicious, and a very relaxed atmosphere ! Feels like I'm on vacation when I dine here because of the music and decor Their taco bowls are so yum! And very decent portions.

Andrea

Definitely one of the more expensive Mexican restaurants in Auckland (compared to other fast food Mexican chains) but they do give free guacamole on the side, and the presentation is nicer than the other restaurants. I ordered nachos and a quesadila, and both were delicious. The guacamole was fresh, and the meat was nice and tender. I would come back here again for their awesome quesadilas.

Warren

Third time visiting this store: as far as the food goes I can't fault them, have always had a great meal. However the store cleanliness needs to be worked on; tables have been dirty every visit; never enough cutlery especially forks; counter where you help yourself to sauce needs serious attention every time. I will return for the food, would love the house cleaning to be improved.

Scott Kennedy

Could not be happier with the $10 tacos. Will definitely be back again this Thursday. Staff were great, really friendly and happy to throw on some extra jalapeños 💯🙌🏼

DarkSister

The chicken taco salad is my favourite item on the menu. The meat is well seasoned, nice little set up adding to the Mexican theme. Food wise I would recommended trying Mexicali. The last time I went there, I had to wait for 5-10minutes and was standing at the counter like an idiot while the young mousey blonde girl serving smirked, ignored me and continued to serve others queuing up. I was pretty wild with her service or lack of and decided to get another persons attention before the manager kindly helped out and explained the situation. There was a minor mix up with my order I had pre ordered online and I had to wait for a short moment while the manager sorted it. The lack of service from the girl has stopped me going back to this branch for a while but thanks to the manager, I may still go back sometime. I've only experienced bad service once (the last time I went there) and I would recommended people try the food.

A

Had the best family takeout here. So many great vegetarian options and I prefer the refried beans to the black beans- of note they are not fried in animal fat like previously!! Only thing was- we ordered a quesadilla and it only came with a tiny piece- other times it's come with more pieces- maybe communication error? The cabana club phone app is so handy✌🏽️

Maddie

I've come to Mexicali a few times and it's nothing special. I normally get the chicken fajita burrito, which is so dry! Even with quacamole and I wouldn't normally get sour cream but the last time I went, I added it to see if it helped with the dryness and it was still the same. It would probably be a bit better if they spread everything out a little more aswell seeing as you get huge chunks of filling in certain parts of the burrito, rather than having it go all the way though. They flavour is really good though, same with the beef nachoes. It's not my first choice but I don't mind eating here if I come across it.

Iramk - Food Lover!

Great staff great service, always manage to make a great meal I've tried most items on menu and only niggle or complaint could be the refried beans are to stogie but you can always opt for black beans and problem solved. Will return many times in future.

C Carr

I've only been here twice and I will never go back. I find staff quite rude and they constantly fight amongst each other. Service is painfully slow and it takes a while to get to the front of the que. A sham when they have over 6 staff at the front of house serving, they just don't work well together. Save your time and go somewhere else.

Marilyn Moore

I have always liked mexicali I reckon for cheap and quick mexican it is pretty damn tasty. I can only rate the burritos as we've never had anything else....they are super yum and packed full of ingredients, definitely fulls you up!

Sara K

I ordered a quesadilla which was tasty but quite soggy and tricky to eat. The service was a bit hit or miss, think I got the trainee server. $28 for a quesadilla and burrito was quite pricey I thought.

Mary Underwood

How difficult Is it to get an order right here. Repeated order 3 times to 'trainer' who proceeded to get it wrong. Proceeded to put the order in a takeaway container even though we were dining in. Ordered nachos for hungry teen. Asked then to add more cheese. Literally sprinkled a few bits of cheese. C'mon up your game here! Saving grace was the Margarita.

Cindy Buell

Just had the best nachos! It's pretty rare to get freshly made tortilla chips in NZ and these guys do them every day. The food is always fresh and full of flavor. I've been here quite a few times over the past several months and have never been disappointed in the service either. Great taste of home. #CaliforniaGirl

Pedro Brash

Very expensive for very average food. The decor is absolute crap - imagine street gang mentality on meth with spray cans. Guys, get rid of your designer and start serving sizes that will fill more than a Biafran refugee. Even then, I'd flip a coin whether I'd even bother going back to this false Mexican joint.

Johny P

Food is reasonable, but it is over priced for basic mexican, and the amount of meat they give you is minimal. Drinks are also very over priced.

Matt Williams

It's pretty hard to find decent Mexican or Cal-Mex food in Auckland, and imo Mexicali Fresh is probably the best you can get. The biggest sign that they actually know what they're doing is that their name explicitly acknowledges that their food is Californian-Mexican. A lot of other supposed "Mexican" restaurants in Auckland don't seem to realise that there's a difference between Cal-Mex and Mexican, and consequently end up serving slop that belongs in neither category. Tangents aside, Mexicali Fresh serve tasty, fresh, large portions of good Cal-Mex food. There's guacamole, black beans, carnitas, hot sauce, chipotle sauce, and in general all the things that belong in Cal-Mex food and nothing that doesn't. At first the prices seem a little high for food served over the counter. But the reality is that the food is a lot better than that served at any of the sit-down "Mexican" restaurants in Auckland, and much cheaper in comparison. I've also always found the service to be great. Yes, some of the staff will be a bit cheeky and sassy at times, but they're funny and kind-spiritied while doing so; I'll take that over fake generic niceness any day.

Sarah

It's my local - the nachos are my fav. It's reliable Mexican food that's not obscenely priced. Love the mild salsa as well.

Peter C.

After being recommended to us this restaurant failed in every way to deliver anything close to what we expected. We ordered four separate meals over half of which were thrown out. Tasteless, bland and just thrown together, it appeared that no effort had been made. Totally disappointing.

Cathy Walker Alqahtani

It is the worst Mexican food I've ever had! Just appalling. The salads look like they've been sitting there for god knows how long, the tables are dirty, the food is just thrown together in a mish mash fashion with no distinct flavours. I should have taken a photo of the nachos. Really shocking.

Victoria McPherson

I really have to agree with the two reviews below. I am normally a big fan of Mexicali Fresh but we visited the Constellation Drive store today for the first time and the service was really poor. The girl behind the counter had a real attitude, I do not think she enjoys her job. She cut me off mid-sentence to tell me I was wrong and pretty much told me off. I was really taken aback and couldn't quite believe it. Normally the Mexicali staff are really friendly so I'm not sure what they did differently in hiring/training but it puts me off visiting again. The food was fine and the fitout of the store is nice (although they have the same problem as all Mexicali stores with loads of birds hopping round on tables and up near the food counter - a bit gross).

Jennifer Bell

Well being a sucker for Mexican food and from my past experiences at the city and Newmarket stores, I once again returned...and was pleasantly surprised. It was a 100000's times better, the staff were more engaging, and helpful, and the food was delicious. The issue for me has never been the food, the food was great last time but it was even better this time because of the great service. Keep up the good work and get better and better!

Jill

Been a regular at this location since they first opened. Started off really good besides new trainees serving customers painfully slow. Food was always fresh, and tasty. I have been back twice in the last month & they are back to their super awesome deliciousness! I would have given five stars for my last visit, as the food was fresh, hot, and very very tasty. The customer service was A+++ and the restaurant was quite clean...However, the medium salsa was empty on the salsa bar & I had to go back up to ask for some. By the time I finished my meal and left, it still hadn't been refilled.

Love Food

friendly staff, but average food. Ok for quick meal choice

Peifen Chua

New mexicali fresh opened up off constellation drive on the north shore. The place is not very visible from the main road, signs not big and clear enough. We missed the turn at first attempt. Place inside is average, I wish they have outdoor seating as well. Would have been nice for sunny days to enjoy some tapas with beer.