Review Viva Mexico - Wellington

Love the food and the ambience! Came here with my ladies and we had fun with yummy food, lovely ambience (the interior design is super colorful and meticulous, feels like you’re in Mexico 💜) and friendly staff. The service is fast as well I tried the sola the tortillas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos. All good and no complaints. Too bad we couldn’t try ceviche.. hopefully next time Many choices for vegetarians too, like Morelia enchilada with vegan chorizo! They have varieties of drinks as well. I really love the setting with beautiful murals, pictures, garlands, statues and more. Very vibrant, very Mexico 💜 Happy to be back here again soon!

It really looks like a cantina, all we needed is a mariachi band. Great atmosphere, delicious food with warm and friendly service from the serving staff. The toilet needs a slight upgrade. Aside from that, it was a very pleasant evening amongst friends.

Very instagrammable joint and live the vibes. Service was 5star excellent. We didn't even say anything about celebrating a birthday. The service staff just overheard our conversation and offered the birthday boy a treat! That was not even necessary and we appreciate that very much. So thoughtful. Needless to say, food was super awesome !!!

Absolutely amazing. The energy of the staff and how proactive and professional they all are is great. You order and your food is there so fast! I have never eaten anywhere where the food is bought out so fast. So authentic and really makes you feel happy being in there, the atmosphere and aesthetic is great. The staff are quick, efficient and friendly too which made the whole experience even better, they are so clean and on it when it comes to busting tables and clearing and cleaning efficiently. Drinks were great too!

As authentic as it gets. On the day we visited our chef was one of their Mexican chefs. The food was fresh, flavoursome, and full of colour. The accompanying drinks were the perfect combination for each tasty morsel. The service was quick and knowledgeable. I could also relate to the vibe of its decor.

Pretty darned good! I am a swift judge since I come from Arizona. The green salsa much better than the red. The lamb taco was bomb. All in all good stuff.

Stunning food as always. Brilliant flavours, and presentation. The atmosphere is always warm and inviting too. It was my birthday, and they had a Tequila shot for me and a sombrero! My favourite restaurant in New Zealand by a Looooong way.

BEST Mexican food I have had in New Zealand. Portion sizes are amazing for the price and so flavourful. Service is great. The place can get a little crowded due to the floor layout but it's worth it for the food.

This is the gold standard for Mexican in Wellington, every time my partner and I have dined here it’s been an amazing 10/10 experience. From the great friendly and perfect customer service to the delicious delectable food, there’s nothing this place could do wrong. If you’re thinking of coming here, stop thinking and do it. You won’t regret it and you’ll continue to comeback.

Gracias por la experiencia mejicana compa. I haven't had Tres Leches dessert since living back in Texas and it was a treat! Thank you for the proper serving of guacamole and frijoles con arroz.

Me and my father decided to detour Newtown this weekend and visit @vivamexiconz 🇲🇽🌯🌮. This eatery has been one of our family favourites and a go-to place for authentic Mexican food or cocktails since 2016. <br/><br/>Guacamole and Chips 🥑 $15<br/>The guacamole had a good texture and well seasoned. You could taste the salt🧂, avocado, and spice 🌶 from the black sauce + tabasco sauce. Chips were warm and had a good crunch when biting into it. Great starter and portion size for the price that you pay.<br/><br/>Enchiladas Suiza Chicken 🍗 $25<br/>Chicken enchiladas had good taste and a generous filling of well-cooked, shredded chicken. Pickled onions 🧅 give a mild, tangy flavour and went well with the hint of spice from the green chilli salsa. Maybe a small serving of rice 🍚 + a bit more seasoning on the beans could be nice. But overall, it was worth the money and it was very filling.<br/><br/>Pie de Limon 🍋🥧 $6<br/>A fantastic way to end our hearty meal. The sweetness from the meringue and berry gave just enough balance to got with the sour/zingy taste that I got from the lemon filling in the pie/tart. Good touch with the whipped cream to make the tart less dry. Neatly presented👌on the plate to make the dessert appealing and great for sharing between two people.<br/><br/>Final Words<br/>Me and my father loved our meal and could not find any major faults 👍🏽. Great food, friendly/timely service, and good value for money. The interior was lively, brightly coloured with different artwork 🖼 or knick-knacks to give the eatery a theme that we can easily identify. If we ever have to take friends/family members for a good time, Viva Mexico will be one of our top choices. Hope you liked the food review and please check our snaps from previous visits.

Delicious meals - been 3 times and we tried a different meal each time.<br/>Staff are really friendly and a great atmosphere

Visiting Wellington for the weekend. Tried this place, extremely cute. You can wear Zambreros to the table.<br/>Food is extremely reasonably priced. We ordered a range of tacos & quesadillas- kids loved them. <br/><br/>The staff were really efficient & friendly. <br/><br/>Will definitely visit again !!

Went for my birthday lunch with coworkers and had an amazing experience, even learning some Spanish when ordering. My enchiladas mole was fabulous, and service was great. When our server found out it was my birthday, he brought out free dessert and was genuinely thrilled to help us celebrate. Having lived in Texas, this felt like a real Mexican dining experience. Highly recommended!

Love Viva Mexico. The staff are friendly and one the times I have been there have all been wearing Sombreros !! I love that ! Cannot go past the Huarache Patria aka the Jandal. So delish I always order the same thing because its so good. The Queso Fundido is also top notch and who doesn't love cheese! I always really enjoy the Petone restaurant but they do not seem to have a profile on here !

Visited a while back with a group. Found it pretty expensive for what you get..... not bad if your out for a laugh and a few drinks and not focussing on food. Chilli lemonade is worth a go.

Waste of money. <br/>Got enchiladas and torta (takeaway) was really really looking forward to eating our food. One bite into my torta- rock hard bread! Gross. Second bite, couldn't manage was old stale bread and the filing wasn't nice either total let down. Tried husbands enchiladas- sauce was wierd. Not enjoyable we ended up eating something else.

Great service, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable! I got to try cactus 🌵 in the Mexican style for the first time and I must say I enjoyed a lot! Good food I recommend their spicy chipotle sauce, it just hits the spot!

Excellent cheerful ambience, great drinks & great food. The staff are friendly. The staff gave me a free drink as my meal I ordered came out later than everyone else on my table, but I didn't mind.

A little pricey for what you get, but yummy. The quesadillas are great, and the empanadas are good. Service can be little variable but the food is invariably good.

Good food - really weird service though. The service was very awkward. The impression I got was that they were somewhat understaffed when we visited. However the server just came across a bit abrupt to my husband. The food is very tasty, atmos is alright, great location and the place is very clean.

Excellent! The best Mexican food in Wellington. I remember the flavors of real Mexican cuisine times I have traveled to Mexico. I recommend the tortilla soup is amazing

Went in a group of 5 - Margaritas .. quick friendly staff / service - Margaritas .. flavorsome food with good portions - Margaritas .. definitely recommend

I really want to love it here, the atmosphere is great and every time I've gone the staff have been really nice but there's just something that stops me.<br/>The food is alright. However I'm yet to find a meal that I would continue to get if I went but I have friends who have their favorites. Except for the churros. The churros with Salted caramel are amazing!

We went on a friday night - great atmosphere, very friendly service. They made a mistake with our order so they offered a free drink each which was great. food is tasty. if you are in wellington and enjoy Mexican food i recommend Viva Mexico.

Let me say the food was good but  putting my partners gin and lemonade in front of a four year old child thinking it was ginger and lemonade was the first of many waiting staff faux pars. Every meal delivered to the table was preceded by an inquisition as to who had ordered what. Maybe they can't handle large groups too well.<br/><br/> Charging $15 for the gin and lemonade-single was extortion plain and simple as cocktails were $15. I tried to sort this out with staff but their excuse was that they only work there-not good enough.<br/><br/>Food is very similar in quality to The Flying Burrito Bros and that's where I'll head for Mexican next time. <br/><br/>Viva the Revolution

Out of all the Mexican restaurants I've eaten at in Wellington: Mexico, Pan Du Muerto, Tequila Joes - this definitely is the stand out winner, as far as authenticity goes. If you're looking for something that resembles more of the real deal - this is where it's at.<br/><br/>Great service, really authentic setting and good atmosphere. The place was pretty packed on our Tuesday night visit.... usually a good sign of great food. We ordered the guacamole and chips, Mole chicken enchiladas, Special Tacos with cherizo and green sauce, and a piece of flan for the road. We washed it all down with Juarrito soda.<br/><br/>Great meal - the guc and home made chips to start was lovely, ripe, fresh avocado, heavy hits of cilantro, garlic and a chilli's. Only thing that could have made this better, is if the chips were still warm from the fryer.<br/><br/>The enchilada was great, the Mole wasn't spicy, heavy on the chocolate but not too much else. With 3 enchiladas, it became too sickeningly sweet. I would have liked my Mole to have a better balance of spice, richness from the chocolate and a bit more depth. Still, it was pretty good. It came with a side of black beans and rice, and a weird lettuce and cabbage salad. I've never had lettuce with Italian dressing at any Mexican restaurant I've been too, in North or South America.... I would probably remove this, and just stick with some really flavorful beans and rice. My rice was dry and not seasoned well. Beans and Rice, can be so amazing when done right.<br/><br/>The cherizo taco with green sauce was the stand out dish here - green sauce was mildly spicy, cherizo was full flavored. This was my favorite out of the two dishes. It also came with rice and beans, and the weird salad. <br/><br/>I took some of the Mole sauce off my enchiladas, and used the green sauce... really wish I'd ordered the green sauce after tasting that combo - I really recommend.<br/><br/>The tortillas they're using are housemade, and are beautifully flavored.<br/><br/>I haven't eaten the flan yet, but I wasn't leaving without it. Definitely would go back, and would love to hire the place for the birthday bash, it just has a great vibe.

Brilliant food, brilliant price, brilliant atmosphere!  Authentic, flavoursome meals served quickly, with a smile.  Always a bright bubbling atmosphere and always welcoming.  A favourite for lunch, try it out if you live or are in Newtown.

Last time I ate at Viva Mexica was when it was in the bus across the street.<br/><br/>The new premises (well, new for me anyway) are great. Love the Mexican décor and murals. It was a lunchtime so it was a bit quite so the atmosphere wasn’t fantastic but I’m sure if it was busy there would be a great vibe there. It’s a good space. <br/><br/>I started with Mexican beer (Bohemia) – Pilsner-ish. It was ok.<br/><br/>We ordered the:<br/>* Jalapenos Rellenos<br/>* Tacos exoticos (2)<br/>* Tacos<br/><br/>All up: $60.00<br/><br/>The jalapenos were tasty but a little salty and the cheese was a bit fake. The mains were good. Nice flavours. Really tasty and satisfying. Good portions with lots of flavoursome juicy chicken. The salad was crisp and had a nice dressing on it.<br/><br/>We were stuffed afterwards. Will definitely visit again sometime.

Went here for dinner and had the small pollo (chicken) quesadilla. Absolutely loved it and was a very decent portion for only $13. Staff are very nice - we were given a one of special of tacos for free by the waiter, which were amazing! So we were very happy with our meal overall. Definitely will return!

We popped in tonight with a guest from Auckland. Booked earlier in the day and were taken to a table next to a heater which was nice as its the end of a very cold week. We started with corn chips and a tasty Guacamole. Margaritas showed up and were soon followed by mains, chicken Tacos and Enchiladas while I went with some filled Ham/Chorizo Rolls. Another couple of Margarita chasers before we bid the friendly staff goodbye with some Churros for the road. Will definately be back.

I love this place. Good food, awesome margharitas, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service - what more could one ask for? Maybe that the sauce over the enchiladas be a little more spicier, but I guess it's a tricky one keeping everyone happy with. All in all, thumbs up

Came in with a friend last night - was pretty good and staff were friendly. Sangria was great! However as both vegetarians we found the vegetarian mix not spicy enough or didn't really have the Mexican feel. Also found spinach and feta a strange combination for the quesadilla. Yummy flavors though! And great atmosphere/vibe within the restaurant!

It's buzzing inside- vibrant decor, fun music, happy diners. We went on an early Sunday evening and by the end of our meal, the place had filled up with several families and large groups.<br/><br/>We ordered the beef enchiladas with red sauce, and fish tacos with green sauce. Both dishes came with rice, beans and a side salad and were nicely plated. The beef had great flavours, the red sauce was rich, and it was just what you wanted it to taste like. The green sauce was a bit more tart, but I found it worked well with the fish. Could have done with a spicier spicy sauce though!<br/><br/>Following up with dessert- the flan was creamy in texture and had a delicate caramel flavour. It was surprisingly good and probably the standout for me in the meal. The rice pudding also held a twist- it was served cold! It had texture and a 'bite' in a rice, as well as a vanilla, cinnamon flavour which was just the right kick of something sweet.<br/><br/>It was great comfort food but we didn't leave feeling heavy- it was a flavourful meal that was still light (even with dessert!). Overall, had a great time dining there, a large part of it due to the great vibe and service. Love dining at the place where you can feel the staff are proud of their place and food.

okay- i can't type in Spanish. but i have been inspired here, I lived locally, so I saw the construction of the restaurant- and it's hospitality is next to godliness. If you add the art, the ambience, the locality- the spice- and of course the ingredients- you have, ideally, my favourite place on earth. I would take my family here any day -night-  and for coffee- and actually- I have.  wish I could- but then that wouldn't be fair to Wellington.

I had missed lunch and was in Newtown and needed to find a place serving a meal at 4pm on a Thursday afternoon. I found this little place! To be honest I enjoyed the meal and would have given the place a higher rating if it were in the right price bracket. My enchiladas came to be in about 5 minutes and was quite clearly pre-prepared and heated up. It was yum, but it was fast food and I would have been happy paying fast food prices ($12-14) rather than the restaurant price I paid ($20). <br/>

Delicious food which I'm told is authentic but wouldn't know because I don't know what authentic is. However, the food was a far cry better than any other Mexican restaurant in Wellington. Awesome staff/service. Couldn't complain about anything...was a great experience and I can't wait to go back.

This place is great! Food is amazing - especially love the Chicken Taco Soup!! Perfect for lunch and so tasty. Staff are friendly. Would recommend.

Everything was perfect. Easily lives up to its reputation of having the best Mexican food in town.

Best authentic Mexican in Wellington!! New indoor venue in Newtown is awesome. Been ordering the tortilla soup for over two years and still my favorite dish on the menu but anything you order is delicious. Food is amazing, affordable and the staff are great, what more can you want.. Go here NOW

In general this is a very nice place to go. Highly recommended.<br/><br/>In my experience:<br/><br/>Positive:<br/><br/>-They have true Mexican food and recipes.<br/>-Good food, tasty and spicy.<br/>-Well presented.<br/>-The portions are generous.<br/>-The people are very friendly.<br/>-Very nice terrace when the weather is OK. If not they have heaters as well.<br/>-Right prices for the portions of food, not expensive.<br/>-Nice environment, music and decoration.<br/>-Well located.<br/><br/>Negative:<br/><br/>-Maybe they took too time to bring the food, the waitress apologized very professionally. So not bad.<br/>-Some tortillas were too "made". Burnt parts can ruin the presentation and change the taste.<br/>-The drinks are expensive.<br/><br/>I don´t remember nachos in the menu but maybe I am wrong and anyway it is not bad, not all the Mexican restaurants need nachos to have real Mexican food. I missed micheladas as well, but I think they don´t have bar board so it´s OK.<br/><br/>I will go again for sure. Very good place.

I love love love this place! Have eaten there at least 8 times since they opened earlier this year. The food is fresh, vibrant and delicious. The chicken quesadillas and lamb tacos are my must try dishes. Very friendly staff, who are more than happy to explain the menu, and make you feel at home. Great venue, good atmosphere. It is lovely to sit on top of the bus on a sunny afternoon and enjoy a late lunch. Can't wait until my next meal there!

One of my new favourite places to eat. Am glad viva Mexico has opened down the road from me, so I don't have to travel right into town. The food is so delicious fast and fresh. I took 3 friends there last night and they all raved about their food. The corn chip soup was amazing, my sister in-law recommended it. Churros were decadent, although I found the brownie nothing to rave about. The pork exoticas with orange sauce is my recommended main. Summer here will be great with all the outdoor seating, it's just a shame there's not much indoor seating on these cold winter nights. Ill be back next week as I'm already craving more viva Mexico!

Well, what a refreshing change. It is so good to finally have somewhere that serves authentic Mexican fare. <br/><br/>This is not your bog standard TexMex stuff, this is deep rich and flavorful. <br/><br/>Mexican waitress, who took the time to clearly explain everything on the menu and recommended perfect portion sizes for the two of us to share. <br/><br/>We LOVED the lamb Exoticos, the lamb so tender that it fell apart and topped with a gorgeous Salsa Verde. <br/><br/>Three delicious dishes, two drinks - 40 bucks? Yes please.<br/><br/>Will certainly be returning. <br/>Thank you!!!

Clearly Arthur B. doesn't know what he is talking about! At Viva Mexico you get real traditional Mexican food! Corn chips is texmex... there is no such thing as hard tacos, the sauce is on the enchiladas and is amazing! I agree with Stephan... I've been a few times, great food, top quality ingredients, great atmosphere, friendly staff.... what else could you ask for? A beer!... and apparently there will be soon and byo. Can't wait to see the place grow and expand. :)

I grew up eating Mexican food. <br/><br/>The first thing you should get served is corn chips and salsa -- and they bring you more. Not at Viva Mexico. The salsa should be worthy of the name salsa not be some catsup variant like at Viva Mexico. <br/><br/>Tacos are to be eaten with the hands - - but at Viva Mexico they glob stuff all over the tacos so you cannot pick them up (this was for the so-called special tacos). The taco tortillas are not supposed to be drowned in fried oil like at Viva Mexico (this is what you do when the tortillas are going bad and will crack).<br/><br/>Mexican food is SO easy to do well -- how can these people serve such small portions, and charge such ridiculous prices? I paid $20. for a snack -- and yes, it did taste good except for the lack of flavor in the salsa and the oily tortilla.

Apparently these guys just opened last Wednesday in Newtown. Lovely set up with an antique converted coach as indoor space and lots of outdoor tables to enjoy the sun. Very clean though - I hate sticky tables.<br/><br/>I ate Quesadilla with black beans and cheese sauce. The Quesadilla rolls contained actual real meat - very tender and lean beef. A surprise you'd usually get stew, cooked to death or mince like stuff in those but not this kind of high quality meat. <br/><br/>However the cheese sauce is what bought me! I consider myself an expert if it comes to cheese sauce and there is a lot that can go wrong. That one definitely in my top 3 ever!!!<br/><br/>Friendly and really quick staff. ~7 min and all five of us were munching away. And it is nice to see them all excited and still a bit nervous about their venture to start off. <br/><br/>Unfortunately no beer or wine (man you need a beer with mexican food!) but they said they're getting a licence within the next two weeks. Thumbs up!<br/><br/>Pricing $8 - $20 from what I saw on the menu. <br/><br/>I've had a few awful Mexican food experiences especially in Dunedin for almost twice the money. <br/><br/>You get dining quality food at Viva Mexico for the price of take away!