Mexico Sylvia Park — Restaurant in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

The service was good, and we were seated very quickly the day after this location opened. It probably helped that we got there just before 5pm on Friday night. The food was fairly decent, but I didn't like that they were trying to pass it off as Mexican food. Going by the words used on their menu, "Inspired by the streets of Mexico", I'd say it was a mild inspiration at best. If you've ever been to Mexico, you'll probably be disappointed with the foods you find here. If you've ever eaten Mexican food anywhere in the USA, you'll probably equally disappointed. Although many of the words on the menu are used in Mexican cuisine (NOT falafal though. Never falafal.), the recipes used were nothing like I've ever eaten before. The achiote chicken was very tender and came closest to authentic, but I've never had any Mexican food with hummus, beetroot, or pomegranate seeds as ingredients, nor have I ever been served any bone dry shrimp cocktail until now. Instead of tomato juice and avocado, they chose a bed of shredded coconut and pomegranate? It was good, just not what I'd consider Mexican food at all. Where are the beans, rice, tortillas, AVOCADOS? We left with the sad realization that people will actually believe that this is what Mexican food is...

Disappointing. We are regulars at Mexico but have only been to this one a few times. We dined as a family of 4 taking advantage of the free kids meals on Sundays. It's our first visit since the menu change and unfortunately, I am no convinced the new menu is a total win. The real problem here last night was the service which was inattentive and distracted. Once you got someones attention, matters were dealt with quickly, but things like water being brought to your table shouldn't be something you need to request. Also we had more knives than forks and a number of other small issues. Nothing major to warrant a formal complaint, but just not really good enough. They have taken a few of the better dishes away like the ceviche which is a shame. Our pork belly main was tasty enough, but stringy. My daughters fish taco was nice enough but had a fishy smell and taste that indicates it wasn't super fresh. The special of the day asado, was tough and overly spicy. Fried chicken was it's usual awesomeness and the esquites was also fantastic as always though I think they should raise the price by a dollar and provide extra tortillas. It's going to be a while till I return to this...

The cleanliness of the restaurant is questionable. Table was sticky, glass has visible brown stain. Bowl was rusty or a brown drop of something.

When this was brought to the staffs attention, I was accused of harrassment to the staff, as I was informed by the manager Roshan.

I queried him why is providing feedback and asking for clean cutlery are considered as harrassment, Roshan was unable to elaborate and provide details and took the staffs word without validating.

Roshan even offered me the option to leave. What da???

It was when I said this is now defamation and I am extremely offended and upset that he offered his apology and the house will pick up the bill.

I worked in hospitality as waiter and I know how tough life can be, but asking for the minimum standards in food hygiene should not be met with such hostile attitude.

Food was meh. Fried chicken was dry and overcooked. Prawn taco had a tiny drop of prawn. Churro was nice, though.

Overall, I felt very unwelcomed and made to feel like a burden to their half filled restaurant. Totally ruined our Friday night out. Not coming back again.

P/S: Taco Bell is just opposite and we had a great experience...