The 7 Best Mexican Restaurants in Wellington NZ
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: February 2024 My usual attempts at cooking Mexican food usually end up with soggy nachos and failed quesadillas. But a night out in town here in Wellington will show you that there’s more to Mexican food than questionable nachos – the city has a lot of great Mexican spots worth trying.
In fact, I tried them all in a bid to find the best ones! One margarita too much later, here are my top picks for the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Wellington!
1. Viva Mexico
Address: 161 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 4 389 0975
Forget the Tex-Mex cliches, because Viva Mexico’s menu is anything but Tex-Mex. Get their enchiladas de cachetes rojas, which have a fiery kick, melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek, and—need I say more—rice and black beans.
But if you’re a seafood lover, try their pescado a la veracruzana. The sweetness of the tomato balances the salty olives and pan-seared fish.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their tres leches cake.
2. Los Banditos
Address: 19 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone: + 64 4 801 8046
If you’re tired of the same old tacos and burritos, you’ve got to try Los Banditos’ fried chicken. It’s soaked in buttermilk, then doused in fiery chipotle, and the creamy cilantro crema on the side will have you drooling.
However, if you’re craving something more traditional, their patatas bravas are a classic done right. The chipotle aioli dip will have you popping more into your mouth.
Pro Tip: Try the roasted pumpkin quesadilla and grab a margarita!
3. Donnie Taco
Address: 14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 4:10 PM to 8:20 PM
- Saturday – 12:10 PM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 12:10 PM to 4 PM, 5:10 PM to 8:20 PM
Phone: +64 21 026 12544
Donnie Taco packs a punch with its authentic flavours and generous portions. Their beef burrito overflows with seasoned, tender barbacoa, rice, beans, and all of the classic fixings.
And the porky taco does not disappoint either. Really, all of their tacos are worth getting here.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip out on the loaded corn chips! These tortilla chips are loaded with smoky pulled pork, creamy refried beans, and, of course, guacamole.
4. Mexico Wellington
Address: 41 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6448946982
When you go to Mexico Wellington, don’t just go for their hearty burritos. Try out the slow-braised lamb shoulder—it comes with a rich guajillo sauce.
For something a little lighter, their chicken tinga tacos are a good choice. Note, though, that these tacos are a little spicy, so have your water or your tequila nearby.
Pro Tip: Try their famed plant-based mango tres leche cake. It’s a twist on the traditional tres leches, so the vegans among us don’t need to miss out.
5. Tequila Joe’s
Address: 43 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +6448025637
Tequila Joe’s is known for its authentic Mexican eats. Their signature dish is their cactus pork carnitas. Make sure you add some of their salsa verde and sour cream.
So if you don’t want carnitas, get their San Diego fish tacos. You’ll get three tacos, perfectly fried and with a creamy, spicy Baja sauce that will leave your mouthwatering.
Pro Tip: Get the most bang for your buck on taco Tuesday and taco Thursday.
6. Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina
Address: 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday- 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +6444737244
Rosie’s is a vibrant cantina, alive with the aroma of sizzling fajitas and the sound of crunchy tortilla chips. For those who like trying new things, give their lamb mole a go. It’s rich and has a zesty kick, thanks to the aji verde.
If you want something more fiery, get the Cheeto chicken. And yes, it’s exactly how it sounds: chicken covered in flaming hot Cheetos.
Pro Tip: Craving something sweet? Get their churro ice cream sandwich.
7. The Flying Burrito Brothers
Address: 182 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6443858811
The Flying Burrito Brothers menu has all of your favourite classics, including tacos, enchiladas, and, of course, burritos. Their adobo beef and pibil pork burritos are among the best. But everyone knows the chimichangas are where it’s really at.
And for the kids at heart, give their margarita milkshake a try. (Yes, it does have alcohol in it.)
Pro Tip: Get the banana chimichanga.
