El Mexicano Zapata - Rotorua

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

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!

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.

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

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