Dive Into Mexico Christchurch’s New Summer Menu

If you have dined at Mexico previously, then you’ll know the way, but for those of you who are yet to visit, fear not; it’s easy to spot the bustling restaurant. Follow the glowing red lights, which act as a beacon on Manchester Street, proudly announcing the restaurant’s location. Step inside the warm and welcoming interior, and you’ll find a beautiful restaurant bathed in a golden hue of candlelight. Take a seat beneath the watchful eyes of Frida Kahlo and enjoy the graffiti artwork on the walls.

Mexico’s cuisine takes after its namesake with a strong focus on authentic Mexican street food. The menu contains tapa-style dishes that portray a remarkable range of complex flavours. Each season brings about a new and exciting menu with dishes that display fresh, free-range ingredients that will delight your taste buds. The easy-to-read menu has multiple sections; sides, snacks, tacos, Mexican specialities, quesadillas and desserts.

We like to start the night off with a few snacks to share with the table; the guac and chips are a classic which whets the appetite for chimichangas, esquites and bolillos. The latter pairs warm Mexican artisan bread with whipped garlic, chimichurri and a splash of chilli oil.

For larger dishes, we move on to our favourite tortilla-based dish, tacos. Our love for Mexico’s tacos is undefeated, and the summer menu has a few surprises in store; each option is more colourful and flavourful than the one before. The taco Doroda is punchy and unforgettable; with prawns, Piri Piri mayo, mozzarella, sweet and sour vinegar and red slaw. Other memorable options are the taco al pastor, taco al arabe and the chicken picadillo. Or, try the taco de Pescado with battered fish with aguacate, green Baja sauce and en Salada de col.

Every single dish on the menu is vibrant, packed with flavour and mouth-wateringly delicious. The ceviche of fish is absolutely divine; this speciality dish combines lime, chilli, coconut salad, papaya, cherry tomatoes and mint. Other speciality dishes include the Tijuana Caesar, Mexico fried chicken, crispy cauliflower florets and barbacoa beef skewers.

End your visit on a sweet note with a cream Catalan; the green Anjou confit with raspberry and hibiscus flower granita is delectable. For the chocoholics, try the decadent xocolate fudge brownie; with ice cream, coconut migas and a coconut and strawberry granita. Or stick with a traditional Mexican dessert with cinnamon-spiced churros.

While we can’t wait to try the new dishes on Mexico’s menu, we couldn’t visit without dabbling in one of Frida’s famous margaritas. Our favourite summer blends are the strawberry and guava, mango and passionfruit and the raspberry cucumber – these flavours are sweet, refreshing and heavy on the tequila.

Mexico’s summer menu will be available all season (through into 2022), and they’re open 7 days a week from midday to late in the evening. Mexico caters to lunch, dinner and happy hour! You’ll have plenty of time to visit, pop in for a quick bite to eat on your lunch break, plan your next date night or get a group of friends together for weekend shenanigans. This restaurant is perfect for intimate dining as well as over-indulgent cocktail nights.