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Best Mexican Restaurant Outside Mexico

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Note: We now include 3% surcharge when paying by credit card.

1148 Tutanekai Street

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El Mexicano Zapata Dine In Restaurant

Authentic Mexican restaurant in Rotorua.

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We offer Functions and Bookings

1211 Amohau Street

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El Mexicano Zapata Takeaway Dine In And Delivery

Mexican food delivery in Rotorua.

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We offer Pick-up and Food Delivery

Our Range of Top Authentic Mexican Cuisine Are a Must-Try!

The best way to experience our wide range of authentic & traditional Mexican food, is to visit the store. Follow the aromas and choose the most enticing Mexican food to satisfy your palate. Love Mexican cuisine? You will love us!

We Are Open

Tutanekai Street: Monday, 12:00 NN – 2PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Tuesday – Friday, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Amohau Street: Sunday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 NN – 9:00 PM.

El Mexicano Zapata

4.9

Based on 121 reviews

Mark Nicholas

2020-02-22T07:12:15+0000

Great little restaurant. Food was amazing, very good service, authentic style Mexican. Even had live music (busker)... for second half of our meal. 5 stars 👍read more

Zach Roper

2020-02-14T08:54:41+0000

Awesome experience every time we come here! Thanks El Zapata

Pernille Christensen

2020-02-08T05:26:04+0000

Excellent, authentic Mexican. We had the corn chips with guacamole, the chicken quesadilla, and the pork enchilada... (which was not authentic in presentation but definitely got the spot with taste!). To top the food was an excellent classic margarita on the rocks with salt and a Dos Equis. Best Mexican I've had outside of North America (Mexico/US).read more

Boris Sokratov

2020-01-23T07:24:15+0000

In a word, outstanding. El mejor restaurante Mexicans en Nueva Zelanda by a country mile! Perfect margaritas,... guacamole, taco's. Ambience, super service, great music. Need I say anymore? OK superb value for money.read more

Renee Hayes

2020-01-22T07:21:17+0000

That was absolutely amazing. Lovely welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and OMG the best Mexican Food Ever. Yum as!... Real value for money. Will definitely be back xoread more

Malinda J Bills

2020-01-12T00:41:33+0000

We just got in to town and love Mexican food so decided to give it a try. We had the El Burrito (pork) and it was... delicious and elegantly presented. I would definitely eat here again!read more

Hamu Ti

2019-12-27T20:33:59+0000

hands down the best Mexican food I have ever had. not once have I been disappointed with the food and I have it at... least once every 2weeks for the last year..read more

Frank Opaboer

2019-12-14T08:42:30+0000

Vers bereide en lekker klaargemaakte schotels. Vlotte service.

Peter Barras

2019-12-07T21:25:43+0000

Had dinner here on a recent work trip and it was very good. Fish tacos were tasty and well presented, as was the... chorizo burrito. Staff were fine and the prices very reasonable. Happily go back.read more

Michelle Izababe Birch

2019-11-30T02:55:51+0000

Tacos were such great value!

Casey Alexander

2019-11-09T23:10:01+0000

Always a delicious meal and friendly staff. My fave Rotorua restaurant 🙂

Imre Szandi

2019-11-09T05:46:57+0000

Nagyon finom mexikoi etel, boseges adag, gyors kiszolgalas, mindenki menjen ide!!!!

Andy Parkinson

2019-10-30T08:01:36+0000

Best Mexican I've ever had and have tried many places over the years. great taste , fresh food, great service, well... priced and man that hot sauce is the business!!! Can you please open a store in Cairns? not even joking . 10 outta 10read more

Suzana Ljubisavljevic

2019-10-26T19:46:10+0000

The best authentic Mexican we ever had, delicious food, great atmosphere and amazing service from the staff at... Zapata.Do not miss to dine at this place while in Rotorua, We will be def back again. Thank you Edvardo and Christina.read more

Astrid Maria Ory

2019-10-22T05:27:21+0000

Very nice cocktails! Good service, friendly owners 😊👍

Jazmin Cook

2019-10-17T01:47:13+0000

Amazing food, super friendly staff. My mother and I went for dinner last night and it was SO GOOD we HAD to come back... for lunch today. Both times we were stuff full and staff happily gave us containers to take the leftovers home. Highly recommend to locals and tourists alike! 10/10 cocktails and even better food!read more

Paul Mailman

2019-10-12T01:21:07+0000

Absolutely awesome place great food and service

Jordan Aalen

2019-08-14T07:03:00+0000

Amazing food huge portions friendly staff and a great atmosphere. A must try while in Rotorua!

Paula Damen

2019-08-04T02:29:34+0000

Great food and service - recommenced this restaurant for anyone

Aaron Coveney

2019-08-03T09:44:35+0000

Great atmosphere, fantastic staff, amazing food,,,Perfection!!

Chris N Sarah Francis-Tew

2019-08-03T06:54:19+0000

Had take-aways from Amohau st. So tasty, good portion sizes and good value for money. Will be back. 😊👍👍

Serena Kitchener

2019-07-27T09:42:09+0000

Had heard great things about El Mexicano Zapata.....finally went there tonight and totally exceeded all expectations!... Food, venue and staff were all awesome. Will definitely be returning 😁read more

Jennifer Gabrielson

2019-07-10T09:25:46+0000

As someone from Arizona, it's so great to finally have some good Mexican food! I've eaten their food at the Night... Market, in their cosy restaurant, and even had it delivered to my home and it's always been delicious and very affordable. Highly recommended!read more

Michelle Dolheguy

2019-07-10T08:59:07+0000

Fresh, delicious, authentic & great value!!

John Bedovian

2019-07-02T08:15:24+0000

LOVED this place. Great food, great vibe. Highly recommended. Best Mexican we’ve had in ages!

Som Viswanath

2019-07-02T08:14:37+0000

Probably the best Mexican food I’ve had in a while. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in Rotorua and don’t waste your time... with most restaurants on eat street - if you want a good feed, go straight here! Cozy, great portions, friendly staff and most importantly DELICIOUS! Coming back here again for sure!read more

Shaylea Lonsdale

2019-05-30T08:28:55+0000

Loved the food, chocolate baileys and tequila milkshake is good too! great, friendly staff

Jynu Karl

2019-05-12T08:56:48+0000

Very friendly staff and comforting food! Highly recommended

史冀青

2019-04-27T10:59:02+0000

One of the best !

Melissa Hobman

2019-04-23T06:32:20+0000

Seriously good food. When you eat it it’s like you haven’t eaten for days because it’s so good. The staff are awesome... and friendly and it’s my all time favorite place to goread more

Amber Wolfgram

2019-04-22T07:23:15+0000

I’m a local and I’m a very big foodie so I know all the spots and this place is by far my favourite! The food is great... and authentic and the staff are amazing. Love it.read more

Jesus Naynes

2019-04-14T07:18:56+0000

Yummy food! Best service! 👍🏻

Signe Solvang

2019-02-23T07:53:15+0000

Great service, great food, cody place and very central

Karen Jeffries

2019-02-20T05:16:06+0000

Such a lovely place, great friendly staff, the yummiest tacos! Absolutely recommend! 😁

Chandu Grant

2019-01-26T06:17:05+0000

food is delicious, good service, 5 stars

Mel Rolfe

2019-01-11T01:08:14+0000

so delicious. this is the bomb-diggity!!! super awesome

Thea Mobley

2018-12-03T01:01:30+0000

Good food and friendly staff.

Shannan Wright

2018-12-02T09:41:55+0000

Really good food, great staff and a lovely authentic atmosphere will definitely go back!

Kylie Day

2018-11-29T08:16:00+0000

Excellent food, service and atmosphere

Helen Cooper

2018-11-25T02:46:29+0000

Great food, the BBQ Chicken wings and Roja Salsa were incredible made even better by the friendly & helpful staff ... great way to escape the rain and a good excuse to have a bucket of Coronas for lunchread more

Andrea Du

2018-10-27T04:54:47+0000

Staff are friendly and helpful. Food is amazing ! Best Mexican my partner and I have ever had. Thank you !!!!!... Definitely will spread the wordread more

Ann Clark

2018-10-12T10:41:41+0000

They have been here for one year now, and I still am recommending this awesome Mexican Cantina for their most delicious... food, their fantastic service, the beautiful background music and the super friendly atmosphere.... it’s so enjoyable being there, everyone’s happy. The menu is full of tasty choices, all with real Mexican flavours ... I’m so looking forward to my next meal ... see you soon. Highly recommended *****read more

Simone Bishop

2018-10-11T06:58:22+0000

Super friendly staff. Great food - ridiculously generous portions. Boys thought it was some of the best Mexican they... had ever eaten!read more

Cynthia Cater

2018-09-25T03:32:08+0000

I'm from America and have been to Mexico several times. In fact I just returned from Zwhatinajo, Mexico the end of July... this year and was craving Mexican cuisine for my birthday the first week in August and was so taken aback by the authenticity of my meal. I have been in New Zealand for 18 years and finally found what I have been looking for. Well done, you are definitely number one in my books!read more

Elizabeth Maldonado

2018-09-16T06:47:07+0000

Great service/food and awesome music. It felt like we were in Latin America.

Rowena Thompson

2018-09-12T10:47:02+0000

Great food and service! Tasty tacos, large portions, great margueritas and attentive staff who were very accomodating... with our infant.. Will definitely be back 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟read more

Chris Lee

2018-09-11T09:49:35+0000

Great margaritas. Great grilled corn. Everything fresh and tasty. Very friendly service.

Ruth Goldsbury

2018-08-29T01:01:24+0000

great food and service. will be back

Aimi Kerr

2018-08-12T01:22:28+0000

great mexican beauriful staff

Graeme Emma Williams

2018-07-16T08:58:17+0000

Absolutely stunning. Great food, excellent service and as said previously I was told not to leave a tip as I had no... change and wanted to add it to my card. It was a lovely meal for the family with tacos, nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas on show. Only one person finished even though the food was top drawer. I would totally recommend el Mexicano Zapata and we will return next time we visit Rotorua.read more

Clint Astridge

2018-07-14T09:43:21+0000

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.read more

Matthew James Braidford

2018-07-14T09:11:19+0000

The staff were friendly and helpful with our ordering, the portions are big and if we’d been left to our own devices we... would of seriously over ordered.. Food was yum and the nachos were the business.. Left full and happy..��read more

Jennifer Rew

2018-07-02T06:14:29+0000

We just had a fantastic dinner! Two picky children just devoured their dinner and asked if we can come back next week!... Fabulous customer service and wonderful authentic food. Congrats on your win. Well deserved. See you next week.read more

Ann Eades

2018-06-10T03:54:23+0000

Absolutely delicious, most authentic Mexican food outside of Mexico. Great service and lovely staff

Anne Lawrence

2018-06-08T02:09:23+0000

Absolutely fab! Our group of 5 went here on the rebound after another restaurant mucked up our booking. I had seen the... reviews so thought we would try it. It was a fantastic experience and we had so much fun. The staff were so friendly and welcoming (didn't let on why we were there) and the food amazing. Some of the group had been to Mexico and know their stuff. Would definitely go back.read more

Elise Hayes

2018-06-04T23:21:59+0000

Great food, excellent service and best value! We have been here twice in the last two weeks and LOVED it! We even... decided to go back for a lunch instead of buying takeaways as we knew we could rely on their quick and efficient service, with great value! Well done to the whole El Mexicano Zapata team!read more

Corey Sharp

2018-05-20T07:41:10+0000

Paul Allan Lantajo

2018-05-12T10:03:17+0000

Michael Francis Tan

2018-05-11T11:33:07+0000

Kim Hirst

2018-04-15T18:11:53+0000

Delish! Cheap! Filling! Amazing service! What more can I say?! A must when dining out!

Constanza Montero Escobar

2018-04-09T04:36:07+0000

Vickie Gaither

2018-04-05T07:15:04+0000

Came across this food truck at the Thursday Night Market in Rotorua and man the food was outstanding! I’m American so I... know real Mexican food and this is it! Do yourself a favor go try it! Plus, owner and his partner super nice.read more

Nadia Davis

2018-03-20T07:56:21+0000

Best Mexican, particularly the vegetarian tacos. Had a large group and were accommodated last minute. Highly recommend!

Rata Fergiedodd

2018-03-15T23:44:33+0000

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 10/10read more

Adam Jeffries

2018-03-15T19:28:10+0000

Great value, Great taste, Great atmosphere, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm definitely coming back ,,

Kirsty Paku

2018-03-11T06:14:25+0000

Had the nicest meal ever yesterday food was soooo delicious and the service was awesome. Definitely will be coming back!

Grant Ormsby

2018-03-04T01:47:04+0000

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.read more

Ken Patterson

2018-02-26T09:20:50+0000

Great food and friendly service. I recommend the Enchiladas. 👍

Tommy Collins

2018-02-26T03:31:57+0000

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. 😍❤️read more

Anna Crighton

2018-02-14T20:35:44+0000

This place is amazing!! Came here last night for dinner with hubby and the food was just incredible! Super fresh and... full of flavour. Fantastic service and authetic atmosphere too. Highly recommend the Mexican fried bread and Muchos Nachos ��. Will definitely keep coming back here.read more

Si Addison

2018-01-26T08:06:18+0000

Corrado Toso

2018-01-16T01:49:01+0000

Really good place where eat awesome Mexican food in Rotorua! Corrado & Giulia - Italy

Giulia Peresson

2018-01-16T01:47:42+0000

Alice Rose

2018-01-09T11:31:51+0000

Nathan Higgins

2018-01-05T00:19:57+0000

Jessica Bunker

2017-12-24T07:52:52+0000

Great food with very lovely staff! Highly recommended.

Sally Binks

2017-12-16T13:29:41+0000

New fav place , margaritas to die for, amazing reasonably priced food and wonderful fast service

Alicia Santos Isbister

2017-11-24T04:16:10+0000

Such a nice ambience of true Mexican atmosphere,

Sheila McNeely

2017-11-12T02:28:17+0000

The place is very warm & cozy. Staff was so welcoming & attentive. Food was just divine. Will definitely recommend El... Mexicano Zapata to my friends.read more

Aleisha Thompson

2017-11-11T02:31:45+0000

We had an amazing dinner at El Mexicano last night. Great service, speedy food and drinks which looked and tasted... amazing, and hubby and I both commented on how clean everything was. Can’t wait to go back again,read more

Mykylie Zelaya

2017-11-09T07:15:31+0000

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 🙂read more

Luke Kirk

2017-11-09T04:12:32+0000

Great service and great food. One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve been to.

Kyla Washington

2017-11-08T04:31:28+0000

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 encounterread more

Winiana Nicholls

2017-11-06T03:06:31+0000

My hubby and I have found our new Happy Place to dine�..Food was absolutely delish!� I'm not a Mexican food lover until... now�..the decor and atmosphere is colourful..friendly..full of culture and a lot of love in your devine food! We will no doubt be regular customers for sure!� Thanks for the Great first time experience! and can't wait till we return this week!�Much�Winiana&Williamread more

Ainslee Taikoko

2017-11-06T01:15:26+0000

Jefferson Schwencke

2017-11-05T08:47:27+0000

it's the best. i love it. (nacho voice)

Erana Monika

2017-11-03T17:44:29+0000

Nicole Dixon

2017-11-03T07:49:54+0000

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.read more

Alison Schwencke

2017-11-03T07:42:26+0000

Most amazing Mexican restaurant, friendly kind staff and food is out of this world. We will be visiting again soon. ... Thank youread more

Hariata Murphy

2017-10-22T22:56:37+0000

What a beautiful place too spend a Sunday lunch loved the food loved the atmosphere the wait staff were so interactive... and friendly and the Chef he is what made me give a 5 star not only did he cook us an amazing lunch he also interacted with his customers came out and made us feel welcome.Made me feel like I was in Mexico. Loved it and enjoyed my dining experience �read more

Marie Ku Maureen Ceniza

2017-10-22T07:36:14+0000

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 LOLread more

Nathan Briggs

2017-10-21T21:15:33+0000

Outstanding tasting food, excellent friendly and knowledgeable staff, fantastic cocktails and choice of drinks.... Brilliant atmosphere. Best Mexican in Rotorua without a doubt. We'll definitely be back.read more

Dana Greer

2017-10-21T03:03:13+0000

Delicious and such a friendly welcoming! Highly recommend!

Yarryn Whetu Horne

2017-10-19T05:28:54+0000

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!!!!!read more

Ann Clark

2017-10-18T23:45:10+0000

Wow, I love Mexican Cuisine and just had the BEST dinner last night at El Mexicano Zapata. The main meal was full of... flavour, and perfectly cooked, and the Mexican dessert was delicious <3 The new menu lists a variety of healthy traditional Mexican meals, all very tempting, I will have to go back again many times to try all the options. Yum Yum.read more

Vaine Nahu

2017-10-17T01:50:02+0000

Thank you so much for a wonderful meal, environment and service. Cheers 😁

Dee Molijn

2017-10-15T00:49:35+0000

Amazing food, great drinks and the service was superb. Will definitely be back �

Allisha Nightingale

2017-10-14T07:56:57+0000

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!read more

Zinal Bhadra

2017-10-13T09:27:20+0000

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!read more

Charlotte Brady

2017-10-13T00:14:17+0000

Great atmosphere, amazing food at a reasonable price. The staff were also all amazing! Will definitely be back!

Cassandra Hastie

2017-10-11T00:51:22+0000

Amazing fish soft tacos!!!! The best! And the salsa roja was so tasty!!!

AE Stephens

2017-10-10T21:46:45+0000

La mejor comida Mexicana en la ciudad!! Deliciosa!! Been looking for authentic Mexican food for a long time and this is... the best!!read more

Susan Brown

2017-10-10T08:01:15+0000

Dinner was very very nice sorry I could not empty my plates but take aways for lunch tomorrow sound great. Thank you so... much to all the staff and owners.read more

Caroline Back

2017-10-10T06:23:27+0000

A fantastic addition to the Rotorua restaurant scene. Loved it, so tasty & very authentic. Can’t wait to come back. The... Pisco Sour is as good as is found in Peru �read more

Alana Gilchrist

2017-10-07T10:39:05+0000

Delicious food, very friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Ashlyn Clarricoats

2017-10-07T10:05:05+0000

Best authentic Mexican food I have found in New Zealand yet! Growing up next to the border of Mexico in Arizona this... food is as close as it gets to perfection. Generous portions, fast to come out and excellent customer service. BEYOND HAPPY to finally have authentic Mexican cuisine in Rotorua! I no longer have to miss the flavour of home, thank you!!read more

Nathan Clarricoats

2017-10-07T09:54:13+0000

Fantastic food, quick service and everyone was so lovely!!! Best Mexican restaurant I've been to so far.

Stephen Michael Fisher

2017-10-06T00:15:46+0000

Yum yum yum...fresh homecooked food. Get supporting this local business !

Mandy Williams

2017-10-04T06:57:36+0000

Great food great service will definitely be back

Celi Fonseca

2017-10-03T04:10:50+0000

Juan Muzzio

2017-10-02T23:25:59+0000

Julianne Wilkinson

2017-10-01T08:06:21+0000

Jessi Kotze

2017-09-28T23:20:16+0000

Loved it! Great food & service! �

Francisco Larrea

2017-09-28T01:25:43+0000

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