Review Cielito Lindo Cafe & Taqueria - Auckland

This is everything you want in authentic Mexican food. It tastes amazing! 🤩 This has got to be the best guacamole I’ve ever had anywhere. The cactus taco and nachos are a must.

Love the tacos at this place. I had a fish, pork and nopales (cactus) tacos My favorite was the cactus such a different subtle taste, then there was the pork wonderful, the fish one was a surprise I saved it to last because I thought it would be the best, but I've never had fish tacos and it wasn't what I expected I think I will love it after a few tries but as I said it wasn't what I expected. The salsa was amazing you get a choice of intensity I went for hot, it wasn't killer for me it was just right. It looks like a lunch bar in an industrial estate which is what it is, don't expect white table cloths and silver cutlery, this is a couple of small tables and you eat with your fingers but wow the food is great and you can also get standard lunch bar food. By the way this is not tex mex this is real Mexican food so there will be no cheese on your tacos and that's the way it should be

Some of the most homely Mexican food I have ever had. Loved every bite of it. The beef cheek tacos and nachos are to die for.

Beautiful Mexican place. We had bistek steak burrito, tinga chicken burrito, Mexican Piccadilo nachos, lamb tacos. Omg it was all so delicious. Definitely recommend 👌

The taste of the food surprised us because it reminded us of the true flavor of Mexican food made by hand with love and quality. We enjoyed an exquisite meal, a magnificent time with the family, without stress and with wonderful attention from the people who attended us. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a little slice of Mexico's "Cielito Lindo" just west of Auckland, NZ. 🙂👍

Do not be fooled by its unassuming location or signage. This is hands done one of the top authentic Mexican eateries in the wider Auckland region, a winner of metro top 10 cheap eats. The food here is delicious, I tried all 3 soft shell corn tacos. Tender cactus, beef cheek and lamb. All stunning and full of great flavour, especially the cactus which was just the right amount of juicy. I will definitely be coming back to try the burritos, quesadillas, and of course corn-chips with homemade pico de gallo & guacamole. So yum!!

Gorgeous food, but quite expensive. Had 2 tacos, 1 fish and 1 beef cheek, very delicious, just not enough. Will still definitely go back. Burritos look very good

Family fave! Been coming here for years and the food remains the same. Love the consistency - we know what we're getting every time we go and we've never been disappointed, there's never been a bad day. A credit to this lovely hard working couple! Our favourites are: Tinga (chicken) nachos Beans & nopales (cactus) burrito Tinga (chicken) & nopales burrito Lamb, beef cheek & pork tacos Tinga (chicken) quesadilla Sopes are also delicious Basically, we love most of the menu - and don't forget the spicy salsa (actually spicy) & guacamole Can be a bit of a wait for the food but always worth it. Tortilla chips are made fresh when you order. Small, ex-lunchbar The best!

West Auckland is blessed to have this gem that serves delicious authentic Mexican food. Their food is a bit pricey, but you will feel satiated and satisfied from the portions they serve. I particularly enjoy their bistek and picadillo options for their quesadillas and nachos. To top it all off, they even sell horchata which pairs well with the food. The waiting time for food is reasonable and the staff are friendly and efficient. ¡Muchas gracias!

This place was great, a real hidden gem. $15 got me a huge beef steak burrito which had nice pieces of steak in it and didn't skimp, great flavor too. For me that was the best value item. If you like spice, the salsa was fantastic. Everything is freshly made, even the chips. Highly recommend, best Mexican food in Auckland - 10x better than Taco Bell or Mexicali.

Nothing excites me more than Authentic foods. That's what this place offers, I was first introduced to this place through social media. I had to see what all the hype was about, and I must say I am all here for it. The food is so delicious, trust me in saying this you wont ever get food like this at a mexicali or mad mex. Dont waste your time there! Visit Cielito Lindo! You wont be disappointed with the food! They have grown in popularity for sometime now and it's easy to see why. Simple, delicious, healthy, flavorful, and food for the soul! It's become a part of my Saturday ritual for lunch and I dont plan on changing that anytime soon! (because if I had it my way, I'd be eating here almost every day). Visit this place, spend some time eating real food. I promise you won't be disappointed.

I love your tacos and amazing actitud! If I could I would eat tacos everyday 😍🦩👏🏻🫶🏻✨💕 Best tacos in Auckland 100% Much love and respect. ✨

Im Mexican and I think these are the most authentic tacos in Auckland!! Way better that those ones in Grey Lynn. The tacos here tasted just like home I almost cried of happiness. Even my 10 month old was so happy to have the delicious bean tacos! I’m looking fwd to coming back to try the rest of the menu!

Cali Mexican and makes me feel at home💃🏽😘 love your tacos

You can't get any closer to eating proper Mexican food in a proper Mexican cantina. My wife and I shared the 3x Taco combo ( you can choose from pork carnitas, beef cheeks, beef brisket, chicken, fish or cactus) and a burrito. It was quite filling and we ended up taking half the burrito home. We have been several times and they never fail to disappoint.! Que rico!

My partner and I went to this restaurant and we decided to order the nachos and the beef cheek tacos and omg for the first time in awhile I demolished the food as this stuff had a kick to it and the nachos were ACTUALLY loaded and had a generous amount of cheese and guacamole with crispy chips that didn't turn into a soggy mess. The meat in both the nachos and the tacos was succulent and perfectly seasoned. We even paired it with spicy salsa that was actually spicy. Honestly will be back for their food and the people running the store were just as warm as their food. If I could give 6 stars I wouldb

Definitely the most authentic Mexican food in Auckland. Three tacos should be enough for lunch but if you are hungry you might want another one. It only takes 5-10mjn for the food so ideal for quick lunch. I hope they do catering service… that would be awesome.

We had the beef quesadilla, fish taco, beef taco and lamb taco. And a specialty juice.<br/>The quesadilla was hands down a show stopper in our humble opinions. Very very authentic. The lamb and beef taco also So so good. And the condiment sauces were SO so yummy. The fish taco, for me personally was just a fish finger, so I didnt enjoy this. The hibiscus juice was refreshinly delish. <br/>The decor and outside appearance isnt amazing, but the service and food is truly something you gotta try.

Nice authentic Mexican food, I wouldn’t say it’s the most flavoursome food I’ve had in my life but good portion sizes and tasty all the same. I thought the cactus taco could’ve done with more spice but the bean sopes were satisfying and well balanced. I wasn’t such a fan of the cheese on the nachos (didn’t eat any of the chicken) but that’s just because I’d prefer a bit more veg or freshness but that’s just me. The horchata was quite sweet but really fresh and tasty.

This authentic Mexican food is a must try. We loved the tacos, guacamole, and their homemade salsa. If you’re around West Auckland, you should definitely try this place.

Mexican Food! Not Tex-Mex in Auckland! Finally!<br/>I had 1 beef and 1 cactus taco alongside a homemade iced tea of some kind from the drinks fridge. <br/>The tacos were small sized (compared to westernised tacos) but for the price of $5.3 each it’s good value. Individually they make a good snack, and a couple with a side of corn chips makes a good meal. <br/>The iced tea was very refreshing and was nice to pair my authentic Mexican food with an authentic beverage also. <br/>The ingredients were delicious, cactus and beef were very rich and flavourful, and the homemade sauces and salsa were equally nice. <br/>The inside is much like a typical NZ fish & chips store but is sufficiently clean and tidy and the Mexican band music playing in the background only adds to the pleasant home like atmosphere. <br/>The staff were very polite and friendly (I believe the owners) too.<br/>I really like this place, and will definitely return to taste the rest of the menu when am out west again.

The place to be 🙌🏼 honestly. Tinga (chicken and cheese) quesadillas are on point. A hidden gem this place. I'm always back here for more! You couldn't say anything bad about this place, because they're that good. Lovely owners, cozy environment, mouth watering food!

Fast authentic Mexican food, good customer service and quality meat selection. I bought all three tacos, they were decent portions and taste good. The burrito was very filling, satisfies the soul. The horchata is good and typical Mexican beverage. I will return for the sopas.

What a find! Very much 'out of the way', tucked into an industrial area. But much seating, either indoor or out... but once did is served it resent last long, so table turnover is quick.<br/>Our kids ordered the Beef Nachos - Ave could have just shared one! We had the 3 taco combo (Beef cheeks, Lamb, Pork and Fish)... I had a cheeky 4 taco combo!<br/>Delicious, authentic Mexican food. My partner is Mexican and was in love with the tacos - and so was I!<br/>We will be back again ❤️🌮

Omg this stuff is authentic Mexican food! Absolute heaven! Keep going back. Tacos, burrito and quesadillas are my faves so far!!!

Really dont understand the hype. Tried to go to this place twice and the waits were over an hour. Finally got food on the 3rd visit. I am disappointed it's just like old el Paso dinner kits from countdown. Save yourself the wait.

I cannot understand why anyone would give this cafe such a high rating.<br/><br/>Over priced<br/><br/>Small portions (their add clearly shows 3<br/> Sopes, I got 2)'<br/>Ran out of most meat choices by 2.30pm<br/>Under cooked<br/><br/>Under spiced (lack of any flavour)<br/><br/>Dirty tables and full rubbish bins.<br/><br/>And the final insult - the cheap plastic chair broke completely. I weigh 70kg<br/><br/>The place is a health and safety hazard.<br/>Mexican Street Food that should really be on the street.<br/><br/>Highly NOT recommended!

wow! i feel so lucky to be able go eat such authentic Mexican food here in Auckland. As soon as you step in, you feel as though you’re in a little Taqueria in Mexico! We got there a bit late in the day so they only had nachos left ( shows you how good they are), but of course we were just glad there was anything left. Nachos chips<br/>were so crunchy, doused in cheesy sauce and drizzled with that homemade spicy salsa, it was heavenly! staff were super friendly and down to earth<br/>and you could tell know their stuff. I will be back again to try the other items on the menu. Just have to patient until<br/>the weekend again.

Great food. Had the steak quesadilla and cactus taco...was great. Iced coffee was good too. Definitely a hidden gem

We ordered a Tropical Smoothie, Mangosteen Tea, Lamb (Borrego) Taco, Chicken (Tinga) Sopes, and a Beef Steak Chimichanga.<br/><br/>Everything was absolutely amazing. Every single item was flavourful and perfectly cooked. If I had to pick a favourite item, it would probably be the lamb taco as the lamb was incredible soft, juicy and melted in your mouth. Delicious meal overall and the hot sauces we were given made everything all the more tastier. <br/><br/>The drinks were also great and perfect to have with the food, their drink prices were also noticeably a lot cheaper than other cafes.<br/><br/>Truly a hidden gem.

Don't let the outside appearances fool you, the food is as great as the hype around this place. It does taste like fresh authentic Mexican food. Really enjoyed the meal. Staff are very friendly.

Amazing authentic Mexican food, not your usual tex-mex style. Worth driving out west for. Enjoyed the tacos and sopes. Will be back to try more.

I like these hidden away little gems . Can always guarantee that the food is good.<br/>I had the burrito and also ordered a quesadilla to go. The  chicken(pollo) burrito was huge and filling but it was missing something....an ingredient. No matter, it tasted fine. The quesadilla was also filling and tasty. In my broken Spanish, I asked the cook if he had any horchata(Mexican rice drink) he only makes in the summer he replied. Will definitely go back to try the sopes.

Visited today for the first time and was seriously impressed! This is not your run of the mill westernized mexican joint... this is authentic flavourful food that is priced decently enough that you can sample a few things at a time. As soon as you walk through the door the smell of the food takes you on a journey to Mexico. It's a small place, but spotless and the owners are pleasant and friendly. It's a shame they offer "kiwi" items like pies and cooked breakfasts as their traditional food really steals the show. The location of Cielito Lindo is amongst the industrial area in the concourse, a bit tricky to find if you aren't a local but definitely worth the drive. Hoping to come back again soon :)

Authentic Mexican tacos really tasty! The spicy sauce was great and they can make chicken tacos if asked! The chicken and lamb tacos were really tender.

Tasty tacos - worth venturing out for! The beef and lamb are melt-in-your-mouth. It’s a casual eatery with just a few tables but it’s spotlessly clean. Will be back to try more items off their menu!

This place is so great!  Lovely staff, very clean and pleasant premises and the food is really, really good: super fresh and delicious.  I've never had freshly cooked corn chips before and they leave all others in the dust.  We are planning to work our way through the menu: sopes and guacamole today, Wednesday who knows, but it'll be delicious.  As a vegetarian I didn't lack for options.

Had come highly recommended. Pretty authentic Mexican presentation wise, loved the freshly made sauces on the tables with our orders. The food was tasty enough but nothing special, the prices definitely not Mexican especially for an industrial estate, the serving sizes satisfactory. Staff were very friendly and cleanliness excellent.

A true gem located in an industrial area. They serve tasty, authentic Mexican food in huge portions, so be very hungry when you go here. We had to take half of our meals home for later. Excellent little place all around.

One of the few authentic Mexican eateries that is really hard to find in NZ. Great food  and friendly service.Definitely a hidden gem in west Auckland that is worth to visit

The definition of a 'hidden gem!' Found this place while we were driving to the rubbish dump. Picked up a quick taco on my way back home and then had to come back the next day for a proper feed. Great prices, super friendly service and the food is top notch.

This little gem is situated just off the western motorway. Been meaning to check it out for a while so when we were driving past we popped in. I got the chicken burrito with guacamole and my wife got nachos and a taco (she’s pregnant so the taco was for baby)<br/><br/>The food was excellent and there was even a selection of homemade hotsauces. Really authentic little place, probably the best tacos I’ve had in Auckland.

Amazing food and excellent service. Definitely brings through the authentic Mexican flavours. <br/>Highly recommended. <br/>Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes.

Real Mexican food! I'm so happy 😍<br/><br/>The tacos are dope. My favourites were the beef cheek and nopales. I was excited to try the nopales, and I especially liked the texture... It was sort of like really soft roasted capsicum.<br/><br/>We also loved the sopes, the thick corn tortilla was something I hadn't tried before.<br/><br/>The burritos are delicious but very filling... The mince is really good but, for me, the chicken comes out on top. YUM!! my only complaint is that when we ordered the chimichanga, it was too oily... I'm guessing the oil wasn't quite hot enough. It was still tasty, but I'll probably just get the burrito most of the time.