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Hours
Tue
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$7.00 – $20.00
CUISINES
Mexican, Latin
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for large groups?
Details
About
Mexican Cantina that offers coffee, modern and traditional Mexican meals and Mexican inspired cakes and deserts. Fresh ingredients, delicious food for reasonable prices. All available to take away.
PRICE RANGE
$7.00 – $20.00
CUISINES
Mexican, Latin
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
242 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
73
Average
20
Poor
16
Terrible
13
S B
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • friends
food is amazing as always but the owner obviously has too much on their table and needs a less stressful environment.
i’ve been going since it first started and have always loved it but it has outgrown its location! always too packed, loud, and cant meet its high demand. most tables are reserved every night and even when you have reserved you feel rushed into leaving so others can fill the table (walk ins frequently left waiting for ages or turned away completely -recommend booking ahead)
Maybe if there was more space and a bigger kitchen the owner wouldnt be so stressed all the time and the food wouldnt take over 40 minutes to prepare (for only 2 people)
once again, cant recommend the food ENOUGH but there are several issues that need to be addressed by the ownership and are worth being aware of
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Christchurch50 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Popped in for a late lunch on the recommendation of locals; not busy at all, but like I said, it was way past lunchtime.
Warmly welcomed into this lively, interesting, bright, fresh looking resto.
Asked a few questions about the menu which our friendly waitress was happy to answer and so ordered prawn and chicken, respectively, quesadillas.
Delicious. Fresh, tasty, looked great, large size, not bad @ $19 each.
$16 for a margarita I thought a bit steep but it tasted ok.
Would like to try this place for dinner, the reviews say it gets packed, and would hope the food and service wouldn’t suffer as a result.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne D
Nelson704 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I took my adult children out for a celebration dinner. I made a reservation as I had heard they are usually busy. We sat outside at the front of the restaurant by the street. It was a bit cramped with us and another full table next to us but still room to move. The staff were friendly and took the orders quickly. They had run out of ceviche which was a shame so early in the evening. The food was served very fast and was hot and tasty. The portions were a good size to fill you up but not be overstuffed. The decor in the restaurant is quaint and quite eclectic, interesting to look at, and the price of the food very reasonable.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justinenphild
Greymouth28 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Had a lovely dinner here last night. The friendly team managed to fit us in even though we’d rocked up without a booking on a Saturday night and it was very busy. Started off with a fabulous raspberry margarita full of fresh raspberries and yummy guacamole to share. Our mains were all super tasty, I can highly recommend the steak taco - tender tasty strips of juicy steak and flavour hits of chilli jam, coriander and feta - so good!! Messy but good! The chicken taco was also yummy and hubby really enjoyed his steak fajitas. Thanks guys!!
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globalcurator
Wellington73 contributions
Mar 2022 • friends
Never welcoming. I’ve been a number of times, always because the a group I’m dining with wants to try it. Every time I hope I’ll have a better experience but I don’t because despite such atmospheric decor, the staff just don’t seem bothered that you are there. I will say however that this visit we were served by a really young guy who was inexperienced but enthusiastic. The meals are ok, margaritas ok. Just wish they could put some enthusiasm into hosting their diners.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • friends
Went here with high hopes but was somewhat disappointing. The food wasn't bland, not recognisable as being Mexican and I needed to ask for salt to give my food a boost. Churros for dessert, doughy inside and choc sauce in a wine glass was problematic when getting near the end of my churro stick. Waitress was cheerful but the chewing gum was a bit of a put off.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteffieGee
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Great atmosphere and good service. Wine seemed watered down. Yummy quesadillas for lunch but presentation lacking..a bit of garnish on the dishes would have made them look as appetising as they tasted.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Stratford
Kuaotunu13 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
We tried to book on the day but being Valentines Day were told it was fully booked. Nicola answered the phone and very kindly opened an early spot for us. We had nachos, an enchilada and some sushimi. They were big servings and we probably should have only ordered two of the dishes. The classic margaritas were beautifully prepared and delicious. The cantina had a fun open feel about it and made for a very enjoyable dinner. We’d thoroughly recommend this place but recommend you book in advance to get a spot. Nicola is delightful
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luna
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • business
I personally enjoyed my meal but others in our group said it was average. A few of the waitresses had poor communication skills and were quite rude, the restaurant was really stuffy we were literally melting so it was hard to enjoy the atmosphere. We opened a door close to our table to allow some air flow which I'm sure other diners appreciated until we were told off. I would hate to think what it's like to dine in on a hot summers day/night as we are in spring and it was near unbearable to sit and enjoy the atmosphere..
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cami
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
I asked what was in a specific taco and was given the same ingredients by two staff members (in this case it supposedly had pulled jackfruit). I ordered and when it came out it was something completely random, with pumpkin and courgette and (and pretty gross if I’m being honest). I brought this to the attention of the manager assuming it was just a mistake, instead he tells me it isn’t a mistake and that is what the taco comes with. When I said I was frustrated his staff don’t know the menu he acted like it was my fault and said he needed to go because “he had steak burning”. WTF SIR. An apology would have gone a long way and maybe take the time to retrain or remind your staff of menu changes and if THEY mess up don’t act like it is the patrons fault. Garbage food. Garbage human. Just so much audacity.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David E
Bewdley41 contributions
Mar 2024 • friends
Our previous visit was a disaster due to poor service - the second visit last weekend was even worse. Food delivered all together Starter and Mains even tho we requested they didn't do that again (like they did last time). They took the food away however then returned it reheated later on. The wine I selected from the menu was substituted to a cheaper version without telling us. When i complained the duty manager told me "Do your worst". I shall tell everyone I know not to go there!
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MirandaFarr
Nelson3 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We recently dined at Nicola’s and we were wowed by not only the delicious food but the whole experience. My daughter had the nachos which went down a treat, I had a plant based taco, which I was really impressed to see Nicolas moving with the times and having some vegan options available. We’ll definitely be returning to get our Mexican fix soon!
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth B
Kansas City3 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We were drawn in by the vibe but margaritas were almost straight lime juice. Chips were stale, guacamole was not fresh and my burrito was bland. Plus service was extremely slow. Sorry to say can not recommend this place.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon The Fireman
Wellington41 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
Average food and even worse owner. I locked my bike to the tree outside Nicole’s Cantina and the owner completely lost the plot.
I ordered a takeaway and an over priced craft beer. A woman came out and wrapped green masking tape around my bike and left several abusive notes.
I queried her as to what the problem was. She then proceeded to abuse me about locking my e-bike to the council tree and how rude I was given there was a bike stand across the rode ( which is accurate BTW). She then abused me about the fact I had child seat on the bike and how I shouldn’t be breeding given my attitude towards the environment.
She then proceeded to push me mid pint.
To her credit she did come back an apologise and offer a refund. I politely declined out of principle, hence the review.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomatoSwitzerland
Arrowtown33 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
We ate here with a group of 8 friends on Saturday night. We had to change our booking time later twice that day. The staff were so friendly and so accomodating. The atmosphere in the restaurant is excellent. The food is delicious and the service is fantastic. We love to go back again.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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