Sluurpy > Restaurants in Rotorua > El Mexicano Zapata Cantina

Review El Mexicano Zapata Cantina - Rotorua

Joanne M
We had tacos and nachos and both were amazing and very generous serves. Margarita's were some of the best we have ever had and very reasonably priced. Staff also went above and beyond to keep our baby entertained and were friendly and attentive.
Karla Medawar
The best Mexican restaurant in Rotorua Delicious authentic Mexican food, a lot of nice food for very good prices. The whole atmosphere is amazing and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.
Wilson Shum
Was recommended to this place. We ordered the beef empanadas and the pulled pork fajitas. The beef empanadas was quite good, the pastry was crispy and the beef inside was nicely flavour and pairs well with the creamy spicy sauce. The salad salsa that was included was actually really unique, a bit sweet and sour that complements the empanada well. The fajita was not bad, a lot of sauce to choose from and I particularly like the red and green salsa sauce. There was only 5 wraps which I felt not enough, given amount of stuffs to put in. However as a whole I felt only the sauce was good and everything felt a bit simple. Overall, the meals here are above average and we want to try the churros next time.
C Kapnoc
On first impression walking into this place, the restaurant gave off this welcoming Mexican warmth (and not because the heaters were on inside). The staff were friendly and accomodating to us. Their mains do seem pricey being over $30 but are well worth the price as portion sizes are good to share among two people. I tried their chicken enchilada and churros and they were great! ¡Muchas gracias!
Evangeline Wong
The restaurant was fully booked. Luckily we got a table after waiting for a while. Delicious food
Nick Suter
Despite looking like a Mexican themed restaurant, this place is great. Food is excellent with some minor changes from traditional. Large dinner portions. The staff are very friendly and attentive. Drinks were not strong, but were tasty. Prices were reasonable keeping in mind the food is very good. Outdoor seating has warm gas heaters. Good vegetarian options. Either book or be prepared to wait. Street parking can be a challenge. Highly recommended.
Kevin Teo
We ordered the zapata steak and houmita empanadas, which were both very nicely prepared. Would highly recommend the mochachino zapata (coffee, tequila, bailey's, whipped cream) and "special zapata drink". Go early to avoid the crowds!
Aileen Santos
Our go-to for warm dishes and a friendly atmosphere, great for weekend nights out. We highly recommend the black bean dip, the three cheese dip, the tacos, and the churros. There are still dishes we haven't tried, and what we've tried so far are always yummy.
Philip Medford
Fantastic Mexican food. Everything was visually appealing, well portioned, and tasty tasty tasty! Staff was very friendly, courteous, and attentive.
Sun Jasper
Beautiful food, the best meal we had with our stay in Rotorua. We will definitely be back next time we’re in the hood. Thank you ever so much for your warm hospitality and making the experience one in a million! x
Marie Ku Maureen Ceniza
We spent our first night in Rotorua really hungry and craving for Mexican food. We walked through Eat Street, looking at the restaurants and nothing seemed to catch my eye (cos I was badly craving for burrito). Then I decided that we walk a little more past Eat St. and my friend yelled, "I see Mexican!" And oh golly, it was the best spot ever!!!! I love the interior and most especially the food! I am a big mexican food freak and I would say that this is by far, the best mexican restaurant I've ever eaten in! Food and drinks are really worth the price! My friend loved the sangria and I loved my Chicken Burrito. Should've gotten extra salsa but hey, BEST Mexican restau in New Zealand! Might have to drive 4 hours just to eat my fave burrito!! And service was really awesome! Hope you guys would open here in Auckland LOL
Zinal Bhadra
We arrived at this cute little Mexican place pretty hungry at 9 pm after a day of sports and adventures (almost all other restaurants in Rotorua had stopped serving dinner by 9) and with minimum expectations ... just hoping to be fed! And man we were blown! We were greeted warmly by the waitress/bartender/singer Gabriella and seated quickly. We told her we were vegetarians and she suggested some excellent dishes (all were demolished within minutes). She was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. The food was fresh (probably the best Mexican we have eaten) and the portions were generous. Must try the Jalapeño poppers. We sent our compliments to the chef and he came out to talk to us. It's a small family restaurant run by the chef and his wife and every thing about our experience was memorable! We are definitely coming again! Good luck, we hope the business does well!
Tommy Collins
Owner is super friendly and its 100% the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. Their nachos are the fucking best, enough for two people and so perfect. Great environment and food is absolutely amazing, I could definitely see myself making the trip to Rotorua just to come eat here. 😍❤️
Grant Ormsby
Best Mexican food I've had. Authentic and home made, even down to the corn chips in the Nachos. The Chef & Owner is really cool and came out to chat while we ate. He's from Chile originally. Cocktails are spot on. Just don't over order... The plate of Nachos is big enough for two. Makes Nachos from anywhere else look like garbage. Love this place and will def be back. Great staff too. Very helpful and friendly.
Rata Fergiedodd
Best Mexican food I’ve had in New Zealand! � couldn’t rate it highly enough. The Pulled pork tacos, the nachos, the coffee, the service and the atmosphere all 10/10
Allisha Nightingale
We have literally just left the restaurant and we can not believe how amazing this place is! If I could give it 10000 stars I would! Food was amazing, best Mexican I've ever had! As for the service.. Man you guys are awesome, felt like I'd had a meal with long lost family! � guys! We will be back over and over and over!
Sally Binks
New fav place , margaritas to die for, amazing reasonably priced food and wonderful fast service
Nicole Dixon
Went here for a Birthday dinner with 8 people. Was a wonderful experience with delicious food and large portions. The Margarita jugs went down a treat too. The whole ambiance of the restaurant and service from the whole team made it a night to remember and we will all be back in the near future. Highly recommend.
Sheila McNeely
The place is very warm & cozy. Staff was so welcoming & attentive. Food was just divine. Will definitely recommend El Mexicano Zapata to my friends.
Kyla Washington
Probably the best food I’ve had so far in New Zealand! The Mexican fries bread was so good but what really stole the show were the two sauces I had with the tacos! So good! This restaurant has a great spin on the traditional Mexican restaurants you usually encounter
Mykylie Zelaya
This is the best Mexican food and service we have ever had!! Thank you for making our honeymoon extra fun, delicious and special! We will be back :)
Yarryn Whetu Horne
Just finished having the pulled pork Taco!!!!! It was absolutely amazing :) :) Customer service was great. Will definitely come to this place next time I'm in Rotorua. Thank you for the great experience!!!!!
Nadia Davis
Best Mexican, particularly the vegetarian tacos. Had a large group and were accommodated last minute. Highly recommend!
Clint Astridge
Amazing food. Great service, even turning down a tip!! Just write a review they said. So happy to write this review. Great selection of Mexican beers. Big portions of food. If you love Mexican or haven’t tried it. Go here because menu is fully explained. Our 7-10 year olds loved the original Mexican fizzy drinks. We will be back.
Antipasti Bagels Baguette Bangers And Mash Beef Beef Bibimbap Beef Cheeks Bento (Lunch Box) Bibimbap BLT Bolognese Breakfast Breakfast Sandwich Bruschette Burger Burrito Butter chicken Cakes Calamares Calamari Cannelloni Carbonara Carrot Cake Catfish Ceviche Cheeseburger Cheesecake Cheesecakes Chicken Wings Chili Chilli Chicken Chowder Couscous Crab Crawfish Crayfish Creme Brulee Crepes Croque Monsieur Curry Dim Sum Donburi (Rice Bowl) Donuts Duck Dumplings Eggs Benedict Fajitas Falafel Fish Fish & Chips Fish Soup Fish Taco Focaccia Fondue French onion soup French Toast Fried rice Galettes Garlic Prawns Gelato Green Curry Halloumi Hamburgers Hot Pot Hummus Ice Cream Juice & Smoothies Kabobs Lamb Lamb chops Lasagne Lobster Macarons Macaroons Meatballs Meringue Mixed Kebabs Mussels Nachos Noodle Noodles Omelette Oyster Pad Thai Paella Pancakes Pasta Pesto Pho Polenta Porchetta Pork Porterhouse Steak Prawns Pretzel Prosciutto Quail Queso Quiche Ragu Ramen Raw fish Red Curry Ribs Risotto Roast Beef Salad Salmon Sandwiches Sashimi Scallops Schnitzel Seafood Platters Shrimp Sirloin Steak Steak Sandwich Surf And Turf T-Bone Steak Tacos Tagliatelle Tandoori Chicken Tapas Tempura Tikka Masala Tiramisu Toasts Tortillas Tuna Udon Udon & Soba (Wheat & Buckwheat Noodle) Waffles Wild boar Wings Yakitori (Grilled Skewers)
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