Welcome To Our Rotorua Branch.
Authentic Mexican Restaurant In Rotorua.
We offer food delivery here in Rotorua. Order online for takeaway, pick up, in-house food delivery with contactless payment options. We also accept private functions and bookings.
We now include 3% surcharge when paying by credit card. No surcharge on HOLIDAYS!
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Order Online Food Delivery via Menulog or UberEats
1148 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010
We are open:
Sunday: 11:30AM – 9PM | Tuesday: 11:30AM – 9PM | Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Enjoy the experience, with our delicious Mexican cuisine right here at El Mexicano Zapata in Rotorua. Mexican food delivery & dine in restaurant in Rotorua New Zealand. Dine in, order online for takeaway/delivery.
Jess Yock
2023-01-29T20:42:17+0000
Came here last night with my friends to celebrate my birthday and we had a great time! The staff were great and food... was incredible! Best Mexican I have had for a long time! Great atmosphere!! 100% recommend!!read more
Ndo Ve La
2022-10-07T00:16:40+0000
Mrs Hendrick Jennifer is very Knowledgeable on the aspect of Forex & Cryptocurrency market and really does her best to... make her Clients happy. Mrs Hendrick Jennifer is undoubtedly the best Forex and Crypto account manager I've ever seen She was a great help and support throughout the process of trading. Thank you Mrs Jennifer for your time and dedication!!! Highly recommend her to anyone who is planning to join the crypto world and invest for its own future i earned $10,650 in just six days after investing $1,000 you can reach out to her
Email: hendrickjennifer550@gmail.com
WhatsApp +13523402962read more
Ina Cool
2022-09-22T10:38:45+0000
WOW!!! WOW!!! Hands down this is the best restaurant in New Zealand. My husband and I spent 5 weeks travelling all... around New Zealand, both the North and South Islands, and I can say this place had the most delicious food I have ever had in my entire life. Absolutely everything there had an amazing flavour from rice to sauces to meat to tortillas. We ordered Grilled corn cobs (OMG!!!!), Fajitas and Enchilada, and honestly, I am not sure what tasted better. I LOVED everything!!! The portions are massive, we had nowhere to put all the food we ordered, and we struggled to finish everything. The host Sheila is AMAZING!!! She makes you feel like you have come to your old friend’s house for a catch-up, amazing food and drinks. She definitely makes your El Mexicano Zapata Cantina experience 20 times better. If you are in Rotorua, I highly recommend you come to El Mexicano Zapata Cantina.read more
Michelle Fairlie
2022-08-03T06:25:06+0000
Warm welcome.
Attentive server the lovely Corey , quick service and I noticed a lot of bookings while waiting for my... takeaway order.
Date of visit: 03 August 2022read more
Kiri Williams
2022-07-17T20:53:16+0000
Top notch service when me and a small group dined here. food was beautiful and friendly staff. Drinks were lovely. Will... definitely be dining here again soon.read more
Elle Mullooly
2022-07-16T10:12:46+0000
Hands down best Mexican! Great food, great service! Always happy with my meals I’ve had here and amazing service! ✨... 10/10 would recommend!read more
Conan Smith
2022-04-30T08:06:47+0000
Fabulous Mexican food, wonderful flavours. The staff are so welcoming and friendly, highly recommend visiting.
Dianne Reihana
2022-04-10T12:36:04+0000
the food was totally flavorsome and the serving sizes incredibly generous. the staff were very lovely. the best Mexican... ever!read more
Juliet Hume
2022-03-10T08:28:20+0000
Each time we go we try something new on the menu and we are Never disappointed. Staff are friendly and welcoming to us... and our baby. I highly recommend.read more
Daniela Olphert
2022-03-06T04:16:00+0000
We had a fantastic evening. Fast, friendly service with delicious food. Highly recommend. We will be back! Thank you... Tony and co.read more
Kara Niles
2022-03-06T02:26:37+0000
El Mexicano Zapata catered for my 40th birthday. Tony was so easy to work with, communication was great and the menu... was easy to plan. The food was amazing! It was the best party ever and my guest left feeling full and happy. Thank you for great service! And it was all for a very fair price.read more
Nico Mendoza
2022-01-17T06:50:33+0000
Fast service, amazing and authentic Mexican food, large portion sizes, and delicious cocktails 🍹
Would travel all... the way from Auckland just to have a meal here 🌮🌮🌮read more
Karma Te Aonui-Whare
2022-01-11T05:10:50+0000
Love everything I’ve ordered so far! Very tasty and the customer service is the best. Definitely recommend 🤩🤩
Iwi Te Whau Jr.
2021-12-23T10:32:27+0000
thank you for a beautiful kai and your awesome hospitality. it's always top level
Brydie Chapman
2021-11-03T06:36:21+0000
Love returning home to rotorua and come to El Mexicano Zapatas every single time. Loking forward to the chicken... chimichanga, beef enchiladas and amazing jalapeño poppers as soon as I escape lockdown 🥰read more
Jill Crowe
2021-10-15T07:51:59+0000
First time trying this restaurant. Picked up takeaways for tonight. Often by the time you get your takeaway home the... meal doesn’t look great - our meal was presented lovely. Meal superb. Big tick from us.read more
Samantha Elston
2021-10-07T04:40:11+0000
delicious & well priced, love the margaritas & the churros especially!
Heidi Symon
2021-09-24T18:49:07+0000
Great atmosphere and attentive staff....food delish and the churros oml!
Tai Tai
2021-09-12T22:24:45+0000
Warm and welcoming service, great atmosphere and the food was just delicious, we loved it and will be back again soon,... highly recommend 🙌🏼👌🏼😊read more
Wendy Drummond
2021-08-01T06:49:54+0000
Excellent food and excellent service. If I lived in Rotorua this would be my number 1! Thankyou so much
Mercia Alva
2021-07-24T03:43:59+0000
Delicious food that has a real taste of Mexico. The food is fantastic and the warm service is attentive.
This... restaurant is why we visit Rotorua.read more
Rebecca Burton
2021-07-20T06:06:30+0000
Amazing food, had the chimichanga and the calamari…. Both were amazing!!! Great portion sizes
The delivery service was... really quick, super friendly and had great communication.
Looking forward to eating here again!!!read more
Vaneasa Conner
2021-07-17T10:52:44+0000
Absolutely amazing food and friendly staff. Authentic and cosy dinning. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to go back again... ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read more
Niki Alefosio
2021-07-14T07:42:40+0000
Amazing food and service!! Hands down some of the best Mexican I’ve had. Kids absolutely loved their meals which is... impressive given my 12 year old is super fussy!
All staff were so friendly and welcoming. Head chef came out to meet us and was just as friendly! Even bought their tasty hot sauce to take away.
Highly recommend this place to all!!read more
Prabhjot Singh Bedi
2021-07-13T18:52:26+0000
Amazing food with awesome ambience.
Must try when in Rotorua
アルバストロ ジョアナ
2021-07-07T03:01:45+0000
all food are delicious...the place is so nice..the best mexican food in NZ☺️😊
Sinclair Rogers
2021-06-22T20:23:19+0000
lovely people make you feel welcomed everytime my go to place as the food is on point and keeps making come back for... more I would say 100 percent this is the place to take your friends and family out for lunch and dinner thankyou for the awesome hospitalityread more
Sam Renner
2021-02-11T09:21:53+0000
Best Mexican in NZ !
Well done El Mexicano Zapata team !
Good service , fast and fresh! Corn chips , guacamole and... salsa was perfect . Paella was gold .
Meals were filling and tasty!
Corona and lime to make it better!
🍺🍺🍺read more
Maria Dunn
2020-12-27T03:18:07+0000
Really good food at a great price. The only enchiladas we’ve found in NZ and the spicy margarita was excellent!
Cassandra Harvey
2020-10-02T07:51:06+0000
We just had an amazing meal! Delicious! In food heaven! Must eat in Rotorua 😁😁😁
Sandra Bergman
2020-10-01T08:07:56+0000
we love El Zapata, always great food, great service & an awesome family night - see you next time 😀
Gemma Phillips
2020-08-15T08:22:28+0000
We had a delicious dinner tonight and the margaritas were amazing 🍸 thanks for the awesome service 🙂
Inez Okeremi
2020-07-26T00:51:15+0000
Had takeaway from here. Food was fresh and tasty and the portions were huge! The owner gave us a complementary drink... with our big family order!! Will definitely order againread more
Janet Paul
2020-06-18T05:24:15+0000
Friendly staff and AWESOME food(even though I'm not a big fan of spicey) my partner and I found everything delicious 👍🏽
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
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
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
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
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
Jordan Aalen
2019-08-14T07:03:00+0000
Amazing food huge portions friendly staff and a great atmosphere. A must try while in Rotorua!
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
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
Mel Greaves
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 Hindman
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
Karen Jeffries
2019-02-20T05:16:06+0000
Such a lovely place, great friendly staff, the yummiest tacos! Absolutely recommend! 😁
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.
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
Matt 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
Kim Hirst
2018-04-15T18:11:53+0000
Delish! Cheap! Filling! Amazing service! What more can I say?! A must when dining out!
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 ,,
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. 👍
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
Corrado Toso
2018-01-16T01:49:01+0000
Really good place where eat awesome Mexican food in Rotorua!
Corrado & Giulia - Italy
Sally Binks
2017-12-16T13:29:41+0000
New fav place , margaritas to die for, amazing reasonably priced food and wonderful fast service
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
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
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
Yarryn Jane Vahua
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
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!!!
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
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 !
© Copyright 2018 El Mexicano Zapata. Best Mexican Restaurant Outside Mexico. All rights reserved. 1148 Tutanekai Street Rotorua.