• El Mexicano Zapata

  • (16)
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  • White Veg-options
Lacto
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Mexican
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Mexican restaurant offering 2 main vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan by asking for no sour cream and no cheese. Open Tue 11:00am-9:00pm, Wed-Thu 11:00am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun 11:00am-9:00pm.


16 Reviews

First Review by Hennyb

JamieF

Points +60

Vegan
09 Jan 2026

food is okay, misleading menu

wanted to like this place but lemons instead of lime, beans were inside taco instead of side, guac wasn't fresh even though they claim it is.

menu isn't clear with vegan items like some stuff like guac and chips isnt labeled vegan but other things would be it didn't make a ton of sense.

Updated from previous review on 2026-01-09

Pros: jackfruit and nopalitas were tastey

Cons: menu was misleading, lemons instead of lime, not fresh guac

Sabrina H

Points +220

Vegan
01 Dec 2025

Delicious and healthy

When we first asked about vegan options at the counter, the staff weren't sure. But once they checked with the kitchen, we were assured they could make virtually anything vegan and also not spicy (which we needed). We absolutely loved the food, starting with the house made chips that we were able to get unsalted. We'll try to go back!

Vegandario

Points +2033

Vegan
19 Nov 2025

Vegan churros!

We had the burrito and soft tacos filled with jackfruit. Ask without cheese and sour cream to make them vegan. For dessert we ordered churros. Make sure to ask them to make them vegan so they don't add the milk chocolate.

Pros: Affordable

KristinaEatsPlants

Points +6506

Vegan
15 Oct 2025

Yummy Option in Rotorua 🌮

Really tasty spot! We had the chips and salsa plus the chickpea falafel fajitas, which really stood out — they were flavorful and satisfying. Great option for a vegan meal in Rotorua, especially since choices in the area are a bit limited. Would definitely recommend stopping by if you’re nearby!

KatinkaFrizel

Points +19

Vegetarian
09 Oct 2025

Best Mexican food in all Bay of Plenty!

Just loved it there. So many vegan options, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, … almost everything can be made vegan!

Pros: Nachos , Guacamole, Quesadillas

rajordan1997

Points +21

Vegetarian
14 Oct 2024

Lovely Mexican!

Great menu with many vegetarian and vegan options. My partner and I shared the nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas. They were all delicious!

The frozen margarita was as big as my partners head!!!

Updated from previous review on 2024-10-14

KirstySuzie

Points +26

Vegan
10 Jul 2024

Huge, delicious portions!

Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Really lovely place with a wonderful atmosphere and super friendly staff. Very tasty food and massive portions.

4everVegan

Points +151

Vegan
25 Jan 2024

Wonderful food and staff

We had an awesome time here. The staff were amazing and the food was super tasty. Food is clearly labeled with what options are vegan. We will definitely be back to this wonderful place.

Pros: Lots of vegan options , Good serving sizes , Great staff

Vlabo

Points +32

Vegan
04 Jun 2023

Great spot!

I visited this place after a recommendation from a vegan friend of mine. And El Zapata didn’t disappoint. Though they are serving meat and dairy, there are plenty of vegan options. The food is delicious and well priced. The service is great and I was well looked after. I will definitely will be visiting again.

chooks1

Points +22

Vegan
16 Nov 2022

Always a treat

El mexicano Zapata never disappoints and is a must try if you are passing through Rotorua. A lot of the vegetarian options can be made vegan and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I recommend the vegan fajitas to share.

Pros: Tasty food , Friendly staff, Great value

kellanpan

Points +92

Vegan
26 Oct 2022

So good!

The para vegetarianos was amazing

wasabipea

Points +966

Vegan
11 Oct 2022

Zapata

Came in here to get some shoes repaired and left with a vegan chimichanga instead. Still need my shoes fixed if anyone can help

BarbaraAlbertson

Points +112

Vegan
13 Aug 2022

Delicious Mexican food

Several vegan options on the menu. Some labelled and others can be made vegan. Servers are very friendly. The menu is split into lunch- or dinner-sized portions. The lunch is particularly good value.

jopeliz

Points +126

Vegan
21 Jan 2022

Tasty food and nice atmosphere

I eat rarely Mexican food so I am no expert but I ate vegetariano taco and it was really tasty. I asked for vegan and gluten-free. It seems there are plenty of options which could be made vegan, but I am not sure. #Veganuary

m@earthville

Points +10434

Vegan
24 Jan 2020

Several good veganizable options

There are a few dishes here that can be made vegan upon request, such as the nopalitos tacos, the chimichanga (in this case more of a slightly crunchy burrito), and “el
Vegetariano.” Flavors are good. Service is friendly.

Cons: Serves meat

Hennyb

Points +69

Vegan
07 Jan 2020

The best mexican I’ve ever had

I loved the pickled cactus - thats new. Very generous portions and extremely tasty authentic Mexican food

Pros: Lots of vegetarian options, Very very tasty food, Well priced




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