A taste of Mexico in Christchurch: The city's best Mexican restaurants

Bold in more ways than one, Chiwahwah is an experience not to be missed. Enter through the jungle of botanicals, and it’s like you’ve stepped through a Travelport directly to modern México. The walls are adorned in day-of-the-dead art, taxidermy animals don sombreros, and a tequila list of some 40 odd varieties await choosers, as does a menu filled with the traditional and the not-so-traditional suspects of Méxican fare. A crispy nori shell taco anyone? This is a spot that is open for lunch, dinner and late-night partying. 

Mexicanos is a display of all good things Mexican – fresh and flavourful food, bountiful beverages and a buzz like no other. The atmosphere here is festive and fun, like a streetside tavern somewhere in the El Tri. Food is heavily influenced by the street-food culture as well, with most dishes designed to share or to fit perfectly in your palm. Tacos, guacamole and chips, fried chicken and tostadas are just some of what's on offer. The opening roof is a nice touch for the summer nights, which creates yet more ambience and lets the sound of the revelry spill out onto Victoria Street.

Tucked inside The Welder, Muy Muy is in the business of delivering true authentic Mexican food to the good people of Ōtautahi. Drawing inspiration from the food scene of Oaxaca, the culinary capital of Mexico, you can expect to find a number of items on the menu you may not have previously come across. It’s not every joint that can pull off dishes such as Smoked Octopus or Duck Empanadas. Not shying on the beverage offerings either, you can find yourself sitting at a garden table at Muy Muy, sipping a Mandarin Margarita or an Ahumado Jungle Piña Colada.

Casa Publica is a true slice of Latin America on the corner of Armagh and New Regent Streets. Imitating the era of prohibition, expect an atmosphere of novelty, mystery and intimacy. The dimly lit restaurant offers plenty of glamour and a menu to match: truffled mushroom tacos, a whole lamb shoulder for two and Peruvian fish ceviche, are just a few of the options on offer. Don’t bypass the selection of rum on the drinks menu either, which is, in fact, the true star of the show at this establishment. Whether you’re after a bite and a drink, or a full blown feast of a Latin American dinner, point your nose this way.