Cielito Lindo Cafe Taqueria - Auckland

This restaurant has all the authentic flavors of Mexico that remind me of my time there. They serve real frijoles, homemade salsas, cactus tacos, and fresh corn tortillas. The vegan options are simple yet delicious. I suggest bringing your own vegan cheese and coconut yogurt to add to your meal. It's in a unique location near the tip of the city, but it has a loyal following of customers who make the trip for the food. Who knows, maybe if you suggest it to the chef, they'll add your additions to the menu!

We tried the beef quesadilla, fish taco, beef taco, and lamb taco, along with a specialty juice. The quesadilla was hands down the standout dish for us, incredibly authentic. Both the lamb and beef tacos were also delicious, and the condiment sauces were incredibly tasty. Personally, I found the fish taco to be lacking, as it tasted like a fish finger. However, the hibiscus juice was wonderfully refreshing. While the decor and exterior may not be spectacular, the service and food are definitely worth trying.

Nice authentic Mexican food, I wouldn’t say it’s the most flavoursome food I’ve had in my life but good portion sizes and tasty all the same. I thought the cactus taco could’ve done with more spice but the bean sopes were satisfying and well balanced. I wasn’t such a fan of the cheese on the nachos (didn’t eat any of the chicken) but that’s just because I’d prefer a bit more veg or freshness but that’s just me. The horchata was quite sweet but really fresh and tasty.

You absolutely must try the authentic Mexican food at this place. We enjoyed the tacos, guacamole, and their delicious homemade salsa. If you happen to be in West Auckland, make sure to stop by and give it a try.

I finally found a genuine Mexican restaurant in Auckland, not the usual Tex-Mex fare! I tried a beef and cactus taco, along with a homemade iced tea from the drinks fridge. The tacos were smaller than what I'm used to, but at $5.3 each, they were a good value. They made for a tasty snack, and paired with some corn chips, they made a satisfying meal. The iced tea was refreshing and complemented the authentic Mexican flavors well. The cactus and beef were delicious and flavorful, and the homemade sauces and salsa only added to the overall experience. The restaurant's interior had a typical NZ fish and chips vibe, but was clean and tidy. The Mexican band music playing in the background created a cozy atmosphere. The staff, who I believe were the owners, were polite and friendly. I really enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back to try more items from the menu next time I'm in the area.