Mexico is one of my favourite eateries in Auckland, for its vibrant and fresh Mexican cuisine, extensive tequila list and super funky and delicious Frida’s margaritas. 

Their menu boasts a wide range of dishes, and there is definitely something for everyone’s tastes. I also love the fact that their menu is so versatile – you can come here for margaritas and some snacks, or have a three course meal, or just order a three lots of their famous fried chicken and you will be set for the night! 

Speaking of fried chicken, my favourite dish on Mexico’s menu is, and always will be, the Mexico Fried Chicken. It is spicy, served with the perfect sauces (chipotle mayo and jalapeno mayo) and I guarantee you will be licking your fingers. I even ordered it for my birthday buffet lunch last year, check it out here.

Mexico

Last week, Mexico launched their new Autumn menu. It is full of earthy local produce, like beetroot, celeriac, butternut pumpkin and black plums, plus there are brand new tacos, snacks, specialties and salads. Mexico has also taken note of fan’s requests to have more vegan and gluten free menu items, so they have added three new dishes with the Guajillo Mushroom Taco, Pan Roasted Cauliflower Taco and Crispy Chickpea and Pumpkin Salad.

And for all you margarita lovers, there are new Frida’s Margaritas flavours! I’m eyeing up the Pineapple and Cracked Pepper and the Raspberry and Elderflower. If you want something without alcohol, there are also two new sugar-free sodas to choose from – Classic Lemonade and Turmeric and Ginger Tonic.

I visited Mexico in Britomart on two occasions to check out their new menu – for a weekday lunch, then lunch on Saturday. Starting with drinks, I LOVE their new Raspberry and Elderflower Margarita. I have had it twice because it is divine… refreshing, sweet, and the perfect accompaniment to the spicy dishes. Also, the Mango and Passionfruit Margarita went down a treat too. And for a great non-alcoholic option, we recommend their Turmeric and Ginger Tonic Soda (pictured above). Delicious!

For snacks, we loved their new Beetroot Hummus Dip, served with cricket tortillas. Super crunchy tortillas, which I enjoyed. On the second occasion, we tried the dip with fresh tortillas, which were equally as good. 

Another highlight were the Croquetas, filled with potato and smoky queso (cheese), green onion, candied almonds and remoulade. These were melt in your mouth!

Along with their lip smacking Fried Chicken, Mexico are also known for their tacos. On the first occasion, I enjoyed the Beef Carnita Taco, with white sesame, chipotle, coriander, crispy ginger and Baja Fish Taco, with red slaw, mayonnaise, chili and coriander (not pictured). Second time, I tried one of Mexico’s new tacos – the Pan Roasted Cauliflower Taco… it is vegan! While I loved the colours, I found it strange… having not had cauliflower in a taco before! It was also too spicy for me. Thank goodness for the margaritas!

Continuing with the vegetarian dishes, we also tried their new Crispy Chickpea and Pumpkin Salad with cucumber, lime & chipotle dressing and candied sesame. It didn’t scream Mexico to me, but it was tasty nonetheless and had wonderful textures. 

Like the Croquetas, another highlight were the Chimichangas, which are essentially deep fried burritos. At Mexico, these are bite sized and are filled with fried mushroom, leek, chili, queso and cactus and served with a salsa asada – beware it is hot! I had never tried Chimichangas before, so this was a joy to eat. Perfectly fried, flavoursome and we could have ordered seconds…or thirds!

And now, for my second love (after the Fried Chicken) – Quesadillas. This delicious morsel is basically a tortilla filled with cheese and heated. However, you can add any fillings you like. Mexico does a great vegetarian one – Portobello Mushroom, with spinach, smoky queso and chili, served with a blackened onion crema. And, my oh my, that crema! They also have two other options – Chicken in Mole Amarillo and Coffee Agave Lamb, which sound divine, so much so, I will have to come back and try them both!

Aside from the food, another reason why Mexico is one of my favourite eateries is the decor. Having being a fan of Mexican sugar skulls (and skulls in general) for a very long time, whenever I walk into Mexico, I feel right at home. The colourful walls are covered in memorabilia from Mexico, including artworks of Frida Kahlo and influences from Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), plus loads of cacti. It is definitely one of the most fun restaurants to visit in Auckland!

If you are not able to get to Mexico in Britomart, there are four other locations in Auckland – Ponsonby, Ellerslie, Takapuna and most recently, Sylvia Park. Plus, there are restaurants in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

Happy taco-ing!

I was sent a voucher to dine at Mexico, however all opinions are (and always will be) my own.

Mexico
23 Britomart Place, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram / Facebook