Libre

On Palmerston North's George Street you’ll find Libre, one of the best spots we’ve found for authentic and delicious regional Mexican food and drink throughout New Zealand.

As soon as you enter this restaurant, the colourful fitout, Frida Kahlo mural, twinkly tequila bottles behind the bar and energetic atmosphere will give you the sense that you’re not in Palmerston North anymore. The open format offers plush nooks and booths for you to enjoy, as well as bar leaners and long low top tables for larger parties. 

Libre’s menu celebrates the depth of regional Mexican cuisine, balancing beloved classics with inventive twists. Highlights include the Prawn Ceviche Tostada, a refreshing mix of prawn aguachile verde, charred pineapple, avocado crema, and coriander pico on a blue corn tostada, the Drunken Jimadors, where braised beef brisket fills crispy corn masa cigars served with salsa birria for dipping, and the Chicken Mole – Enmoladas de Pollo, featuring BBQ chicken with Puebla-style mole poblano, tortillas, feta, crema, and sesame. Each dish reflects a respect for tradition while showcasing the kitchen’s creativity and flair.

The taco selection covers all the bases when it comes to fresh ingredients, slow-cooked meats, and punchy house made salsas, all balanced with traditional flavours and modern accompaniments. And for a truly special experience, the Flame Grilled Bird-Fiesta for Two is a must try, it comes with all the trimmings you need for a delicious meal.

Libre rounds out the food offerings with thoughtfully crafted desserts like Chocolate Churros with milk chocolate sauce and chocolate hazelnut crunch ice cream, and Flan Napolitano with burnt honey, mandarin, and sesame.

Pair whatever you order with a tipple from the beer, sangria, margarita, cocktail or rum lists and you’ll be on your way to what feels like a mini Mexican vacation in no time flat. Libre’s got the classics like Corona and Mexican lager as well as three different types of sangria - the blanco, for one, is made with white wine, hibiscus rose tea, citrus honey syrup, orange and cranberry. The margita menu is full of both shaken and stirred options and offers carefully curated tequila and mezcal lists.

There’s a lot to discover at this vibrant local spot when it comes to food, drink and events. Check their social media for what’s on. Past events have included tequila and mezcal education nights.