It’s very slim pickings for really good, authentic Mexican food in Auckland. That’s why Mexican Specialities, a cafe & shop in Ellerslie, is such a gem. It was brought to life by Jose and Maria, natives of Mexico City, who believed in an uncompromising focus on food quality. 15 years later, Jose and Maria have moved on to new adventures, but their passion for Mexican home cooking lives on with the new owner Christine. Upon walking in, the cafe is small but inviting, with traditional decorations brightening up the room. You don’t come here to be wowed by the decor, you come for the amazing food. We went on a weekday and it was bustling with customers & energy that you would expect on a weekend. Another testament to just how good the food is here. We ordered the chicken enchiladas ($14) and the beef taco. The flavours were punchy, just as they should be, and the steak used in the beef taco was juicy and well-cooked. The meals also arrived very quickly (about 10 minutes wait) even though it was so busy. After eating you can enjoy a coffee or a Mexican hot chocolate that has the spice of chili….perfect for a cold winter day. You can also browse the shelves for Mexican groceries and small knick-knacks like Day of the Dead figurines. After vacationing in Playa Del Carmen, I’m so happy I can still have a taste of Mexico here in Auckland.
The cafe is open for lunch from Tuesday through Saturday, and is now open for dinner on Friday from 5pm-8pm.
Mexican Specialities: 5/92 J Rd, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051
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