10 Seriously Good Mexican Restaurants (with a Margarita or Two!)
David Sims
| Last Updated: March 2024 It’s not easy to find the perfect burrito that hits all the right spots, especially in Christchurch. Finding truly authentic Mexican flavours is hit or miss.
Still, I’ve eaten my way around all of Christchurch’s acclaimed Mexican spots to see which ones are worth a star for authenticity. And after eating more burritos, tacos, and chimichangas than my pants can handle, I’ve put together a list of all the very best Mexican restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand.
1. Cactus Mexican & Mediterranean
Cactus Mexican & Mediterranean
Address: 3/569 Barbadoes Street, Edgeware, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6433859988
Cactus Mexican & Mediterranean is your fiesta-fueling friend.
Their quesadillas aren’t your average limp quesadillas. Cactus serves up 12-inch monsters overflowing with melted cheese and your choice of fillings.
And if you’re going to get tacos, get Cactus’ chilli lime chicken tacos or their beef tacos.
Pro Tip: Cactus’ churros are legendary. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar.
2. Habanero’s Urban Mexican Grill
Address: Unit 1/32 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +6433652929
Habanero’s isn’t your tablecloth and mariachi band kind of Mexican. It’s a fast-casual spot, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a quick dinner.
If you want something filling, they don’t mess around with their loaded nachos. And the crispy colorados chimichangas are deep-fried pockets of goodness.
Plus, their quesadilla melt isn’t so bad either.
Pro Tip: Their soft tacos are amazing! They’re perfect for a lighter bite.
3. Mexicali Fresh Wigram
Address: 96 The Runway, Wigram, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +6439749279
Mexicali Fresh Wigram has a cool, surfer-skate vibe with funky street art on the walls and upbeat tunes. It’s a place where you can savour some seriously tasty Mexican fare.
Their California burrito is a winner for a reason. Packed with juicy, garlicky chicken, fluffy brown rice, and all the good stuff you expect in a burrito, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
For vegetarians and vegans, the BBQ jackfruit quesadilla is a delicious alternative to
pulled pork, smothered in melty cheese.
And you can’t go wrong either with their chicken fajita taco salad. If you’re looking for something lighter, this taco salad is the perfect choice.
Pro Tip: Head to Mexicali Fresh Wigram on Tuesdays for their epic Taco Tuesdays deal! You can snag delicious tacos for only 4.50 NZD each—now that’s what we call a steal!
4. Mexico Christchurch
Address: 203 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +6433745422
Mexico Christchurch transports you straight to the heart of Mexico City. They bring to you the fresh flavours of Mexican street food.
Their pork tostadas are piled high with tangy salsa and juicy fillings. And the elotes are smothered in creamy goodness. If you feel like eating lamb, you have to get the slow-braised lamb shoulder quesadillas. They literally melt in your mouth.
And you’ve got to try their killer drinks—tequilas, mezcals, Mexican beers, and their signature margaritas.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget dessert—their cinnamon-spiced churros are delicious.
5. Mexicano’s
Address: 131 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +6433655330
Mexicano’s in Christchurch is a full-on fiesta for your taste buds.
If you feel like tacos, you can’t go wrong with their soft-shell crab tacos. They are loaded with crispy-fried soft shell crab, giving you a delightful textural contrast with every bite.
Or try their pork belly alambres. They are a dish you won’t want to share. And Mexicano’s loaded nachos are the stuff dreams are made of.
Pro Tip: Have a margarita or one of their beers and other cocktails.
6. Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar
Address: 136 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
Phone: +6439259716
Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar cumin and corona-battered fish tacos aren’t your average tacos. It’s light, crispy corona batter, and the zingy cumin kick will have you wanting to order another round.
You’ve also got to try their Mexican fried chicken torta. It’s comfort food with a Mexican twist!
But only the real ones know that carne asada is where it’s at. Chiwahwah’s version is marinated in garlic and served with a flavorful pepita chimichurri and a sprinkle of smoky cumin salt.
Pro Tip: Get the Mexican beast board. It’s a fiesta of flavours with half achiote chicken, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, marinated steak, fire-grilled ribs, warm tortillas, and a vibrant selection of slaws and salsas.
7. El Rancho Riverside Taqueria
Address: Riverside Market 100 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64225236280
Go beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings at El Rancho Riverside Taqueria. They have the classics like burritos, soft tacos, and quesadillas.
For the most part, you can customise it by having it with chicken, beef, or veggies. And if you like things spicy, get their el diablo sauce.
Their chimichangas and nachos are pretty filling, too. So, really, it’s hard to go wrong with your order here.
Pro Tip: Get the El Rancho Platter, which provides a sampling of their signature dishes.
8. Muy Muy
Address: 44 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 8:30 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +642041287242
Muy Muy is a full-on tapas and margarita bar experience that will transport you straight to Oaxaca. Their menu is packed with authentic flavours, from fresh ceviche to smoky chipotle prawns.
Yes, Muy Muy has tonnes of tacos to choose from, but their beef birria tacos are legendary! So if you’re going to get any type of taco, get these ones.
Their beef empanadas are delicious too. They are perfect for grabbing and popping in your mouth.
And for the ultimate feast, get the Muy Muy Platter.
Pro Tip: Get a margarita (or two)! Muy Muy’s margaritas are fresh, flavorful, and sure to quench your thirst. Or get Papito’s sangria.
9. Casa Publica
Address: 180 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +6433661389
Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food. Casa Publica takes you on a delicious journey across the continent, with dishes inspired by all corners of South America.
Get their famous coconut-braised chicken tacos—melt-in-your-mouth chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas. In the mood for something lighter? The salmon carretaillero ceviche is a refreshing option.
And for a sizzling showstopper, go for the seared wagyu fajitas. (Yes, it comes with all the good fixings.)
Pro Tip: Get the chorizo guacamole.
10. Pepe’s Mexican Grill
Address: 66-68 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +6433486129
Pepe’s Mexican Grill is here to satisfy your south-of-the-border cravings.
Craving a massive burrito overflowing with your favourite fillings? Or maybe a nacho platter fit for a champion? Pepe’s lets you customise your order, so you get exactly what your taste buds are calling for.
And Pepe’s does all the Mexican staples right. Their chimichangas are crispy and golden, burritos are bursting with goodness, and the mini cheese quesadillas are the perfect starter or shareable side.
Pro Tip: Get the totchos, which are basically tater tot nachos. Crispy tater tots instead of tortilla chips, piled high with all your favourite nacho toppings.
