Dine In

1148 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua → Get Directions

Takeaway

1211 Amohau Street, Rotorua → Get Directions

We Are Open

Tutanekai Street: Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: 11:00AM – 9PM | Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00AM – 9:30PM | Friday & Saturday: 11:00AM – 10PM

Amohau Street: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00AM – 3:00PM, 5:00PM – 9:00PM

4.9

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

Katherine Walker

2018-12-08T21:20:39+0000

I had a birthday dinner here last night and it was so fantastic- the food was amazing, the staff accommodating and the atmosphere was fun! Thank you 🙂

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 lunch

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 word

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 *****

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!

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!

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 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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

Trevor Shanahan

2018-08-18T05:17:13+0000

Generous portions, excellent spice, scrumptious Margaritas and super friendly staff. The soft tacos are to die for! I do believe we’ve found our favourite Mexican restaurant in NZ! Pleased to say all this didn’t break the bank either 😃

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.

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.

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..��

Miro Mihaly

2018-07-03T07:47:57+0000

Had the El Beans and El Burrito. So good. So very very good.

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.

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.

Holly Middlemiss

2018-06-05T07:38:39+0000

It was great! Good value for money, meat in the tacos was tender and beautifuly cooked. All around amazing, definitely going back!

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!

Corey Sharp

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

Paul Allan

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

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.

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 10/10

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.

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. 😍❤️

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.

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.

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,

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 🙂

Luke Kirk

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

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

Kyla McLaughlin

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 encounter

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&William

Ainslee Taikoko

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

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 you

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 �

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 LOL

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.

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!!!!!

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.

Vaine Nahu

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

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

DeArna Branson

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!

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!

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!!

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.

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 �

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!!