Los Banditos — Restaurant in North Island

There's not many times I rate places highly, but this is one of those – A fabulous evening for our, sort of, party of five (one was takeout due to illness)

Our recent visit was an absolute delight, with each dish thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. We were a party of five, and the quality of both food and service exceeded expectations.

Mains

Birria Tacos (2 orders): The beef was exceptionally tender and juicy, cooked to perfection and full of flavor.

Roasted Pepper Quesadilla: A standout dish with a perfectly crisp exterior, balanced by rich, melted cheese and tender roasted vegetables and fruits.

Roasted Cauliflower: Simple yet delicious, this dish was well-seasoned and delicious.

Chicken Quesadilla (Takeaway): Our youngest, who was unfortunately unable to join us due to a migraine, thoroughly enjoyed this dish at home. He said it was “really nice”.

Sharing Plate

Salsas and Dips with Corn Chips: A great starter for the table. The trio of dips was well-received, with the group informally ranking them 1-3 from left to right as presented in the picture. While the green dip was the least favoured, all were enjoyed and complemented the chips well.

Desserts

Churros (2 orders, 1 takeaway): These were a highlight. Both in-house and takeaway servings were praised for their crisp texture and were perfectly paired with chocolate and caramel sauces.

In-House Special Sponge with Ice Cream (2 orders): A refined dessert with soft sponge and delicate flavours that matched beautifully with the ice cream.

Overall, the experience was outstanding. The menu offered a limited, but wonderful variety, and each dish was crafted with care. We look forward to returning and highly recommend this...

Our monthly meet up dining group came to Los banditos on Blair Street for dinner last night. We got a nice big tile covered table near the entrance with beautiful lighting, with a big drink list to choose from. I tried the guava juice with chili and soda which was quite spicy but a bit different, and we shared a jug of Virgin red sangria which was our favourite drink of the night. The service was nice and the wait staff was patient, our other tablemates seemed happy with their tacos, some of us decided to share a few sharing plates. I was very keen on the ceviche, however, what came out was a poke and not ceviche, which was kind of disappointing, it was on the sour side and not fragrant from the citrus. We were recommended by another friend that we needed to try the burning cheese dish, however, to start, they put the dish in the other corner of the table and we could not reach it (we tried to tell them it was us who ordered it but maybe she didn't hear us) hence my photo seemed very far away. By the time it reached us, the fire had already gone out. The alcohol in the cheese sauce did not really evaporate either, so the whole sauce tasted more like alcohol than cheese sauce. It was also too thick to be dipped. The fried chicken tasted like Doritos sprinkle covered, and the guacamole was the best part of this platter. We also got the revolver which has all 6 flavored tacos, unfortunately all the meats were either dry or overcooked, so we were quite disappointed with this. Good...

Los Banditos: A Culinary Fiesta That Feels Like Home!

Wow, what an unforgettable experience at Los Banditos! From the moment I stepped inside, I was swept up by the vibrant, warm atmosphere that reminded me of how much I love gathering with friends and family over great food and laughter.

Atmosphere & Service

The energy in the restaurant was contagious, bright, welcoming, and brimming with personality. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and went out of their way to make every detail feel special. It was clear they weren’t just serving food, they were creating an experience.

Food That Sets the Soul on Fire

Every dish we tried was bursting with bold, authentic flavours, perfectly balanced spices, fresh ingredients, and that unmistakable sense of care in each bite. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a celebration of vibrant flavours that left us wanting more.

Why I Keep Going Back

Los Banditos isn’t just another night out, it’s my go-to spot when I want to feel alive, connected, and inspired. Whether you’re looking for uplifting flavours, exceptional service, or simply a place that treats you like family, this is it.

Highly, highly recommend: if you haven’t been yet, make a plan to go. You’ll walk away fuller, happier, and already plotting...