Ragtag — Restaurant in Waitematā

Ragtag is a popular neighborhood bistro in Westmere, Auckland, known for its delicious, unauthentic Asian/Mexican fusion food and casual atmosphere. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: Food: Unique, "unauthentic" tacos: Ragtag offers a creative take on tacos, with fillings like duck carnitas. They are praised for their flavor combinations and fresh ingredients. Other tasty dishes: Beyond tacos, the menu features seasonal small plates and larger dishes, showcasing local produce and innovative cooking techniques. Desserts worth saving room for: Ragtag also boasts tempting desserts, often with a playful twist. Atmosphere: Casual and cozy: The restaurant has a relaxed and inviting vibe, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. Outdoor seating: Enjoy your meal in the fresh air with their outdoor seating area, complete with heaters for cooler evenings. Neighborhood feel: As the only restaurant in the immediate neighborhood, it has a strong local following and a friendly atmosphere. Service: Generally friendly and efficient: Most reviews highlight the good service, although some experiences may vary. Price: Mid-range: Expect to pay a moderate price for your meal, reflecting the quality of the food and the overall dining experience. Overall: Ragtag is a great option for those seeking a relaxed dining experience with creative and delicious food. Its unique take on tacos and commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients make it stand out. While it may not be the most authentic taqueria, it offers a memorable culinary experience in a welcoming setting. Tips: Booking recommended: Ragtag can get busy, especially on weekends, so it's a good idea to book a table in advance. Check their social media: Follow Ragtag on social media for updates on their menu, specials, and events. If you're looking for a tasty and casual dining experience in Auckland, Ragtag is definitely worth...

Edit Owners reached out the day after this review and apologised. I’ve committed to coming back again to give it another try. I appreciate that there are bad days and it seems Easter was a tough weekend all around. Will update once I’ve been.

The food was genuinely delicious. Unfortunately, the service and overall experience were deeply disappointing.

When we arrived, the restaurant was empty apart from one table inside. The bartender was kind and busy making drinks, but ended up handling hosting duties while another staff member behind the counter didn’t even acknowledge us or offer to seat us. We were told the place was fully booked and had to sit outside in the cold. We didn’t have a booking, so we accepted it, but it was strange considering the place remained completely empty during our entire visit. A quiet day, and still no flexibility or warmth. They could’ve easily said we could sit inside for thirty minutes before any bookings arrived, but they didn’t.

We grabbed a blanket and sat outside. When we asked the waiter about how many tacos came with each item on the menu, he gave vague answers. The menu had no clear information, and getting clarity was frustrating. Two for that one. Break that one up yourself. Three for that. It wasn’t rude, but it was clear he wasn’t interested in engaging or helping.

The food was excellent, but that was completely overshadowed by the cold service and total lack of atmosphere. It honestly felt like we were a hassle for being there.

I wouldn’t return, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless someone’s looking to pay a premium for great food paired with uninterested staff and a poor customer experience. Credit to the cocktail maker—he was the only one who seemed to at...

Came here for dinner with a friend on Monday - how fab that it's open when everything else is closed! Also, plenty of parking around given it's a residential area.

The waitress suggested 2 large dishes and 3-4 small dishes and I'm glad we went off piste, ordering just 2 small plates and one main for the two of us.

The charcoal eggplant taco filling was unbelievably good. Really smokey flavours with a fresh herby salsa topping. The skin was chatted and crunchy which contrasted well with the soft insides. We stuffed the 6 taco shells that came with it but required 4 more to get through the full dish. Love that you can add extras! The tacos are cooked in duck fat but you can get a vegetarian/vegan option alternative.

We also got the prawn tostada and the tomatoes. The prawn tostada was a great morsel to start with and the tomatoes were the perfect acidic accompaniment to the smooth, rich eggplant. I look forward to returning to try some of the other sides.

We were feeling well stuffed after all of this but decided to get a dessert too. Opted for the chocolate mousse with olive oil and sea salt. It was the perfect way to close out the meal. Great texture and balance of flavours.

Worth noting the great wine offering too. They're supplied by Everyday Wine so have a range of natural drops to pair with your meal.

Overall, cannot wait to return. This place serves up the perfect...