Mexicali Rose

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  9      Service  6      Value  6     

Tex-mex style restaurant, but there are a few meals that aren't so "everyday". I'm a particular fan of the Chimichanga. Heavy meals, but generous servings and value for money. I've been a few times and the service has been slow each visit, but for a good feed and fun food you can't go wrong.

Aug 27, 2010 

3.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  1      Value  4     

High expectations were dampened by a lack of (almost non-existent) service. Food was ok, but not better than others. Don't think we will be going back.

Aug 09, 2010 

6 Average

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  5     

Its Tex-Mex Mexican, high calories and lots of cheese but its hearty and good food without doubt. Without any question, its an infinitely better choice than the Taco Bill type of alternatives, there is no comparison there.

The servings are certainly American 'super size-me' big, so be warned not to over-order (although some dishes appear to have shrunk since I first went a couple of years ago). The nachos alone are big enough to stuff most people on their own.

Its got a big menu of all the usual suspects (tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, empinadas, etc.) but some other nice alternatives like baked chicken breast with with salsa and avocado.

One warning: book ahead because its popular and request a table away from the door if you end up downstairs. It has a nasty draft in winter, and it seems to keep getting left open by customers coming and going all night. Don't get a table near the downstairs bar, in short.

Stuff-me-belly and user-friendly tasty TexMex comfort food for diners not on a diet! Nothing challenging or really exciting, but nothing remotely nasty or shocking either.

Jul 06, 2010 

5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  5     

Food: Mexicali Rose is no worse or no better than the average independent restaurant. Not bad, just not very creative. (6)

Ambience: Not as gawdy as the average Taco Bill. But still plenty of "viva la revolution" paraphernalia around you. (7)

Service: Biggest disappointment. I have been twice and both times have waited way too long for my meal. On the second time it was over an hour after our entree until we saw our meal, which we didn't get until I approached the counter and asked what was going on. It wasn't even a busy night either and after I complained our meal just "appeared" only moments later. (2)

Value: I'll be honest, it's not bad but there are much better places in Melbourne for the prices they charge. (5)

Feb 23, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

This place was fantastic, waiters were attentive and always there to serve you. Food was more than enough for two of us, and the food was served exceptional quickly so no waiting around which is a great indicator of how organised the kitchen is, quite a few people were there when we were arrived but were we seated and asked what we would like to order straight away, eve gave them a $20 tip.

Feb 22, 2010 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Really great atmosphere. Beautifully presented and tasty dishes! These's guys know how to do it. The best in Melbourne that we have had. Highly recommended!

Dec 13, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Nice place, friendly staff, the food was not bad compared to what passes for mexican in Melbourne. Big enough portions and good flavors.

Jun 17, 2009 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

It's pretty reasonably priced, depending on how hungry you are. They are generous with their guacamole, and it's pretty amazing guacamole at that. I found service to be just the right level of attentiveness and we were asked if we enjoyed our meal in the end. Also, the margaritas are delicious, especially passionfruit.

Apr 09, 2009 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

Easily the best Mexican restaurant in this city. Been there probably 10 times over the past 4 years and have not been disappointed yet.

Jan 16, 2009 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  2     

I organised a birthday for 12 people and it was just horrid. The only good points was that the first two courses were decent, however, you can't really do nachos and tacos wrong.

The Bad Points: a 5 simple course meal taking 3 hours and me having to tell them constantly to hurry up, it's fast Mexican not a fine dining degustation. My chicken burrito tasting the way horses smell, it was utterly foul I almost threw it up. The sangria and margaritas having virtually no alcohol in them. Having to ask for a knife to cut a birthday cake. Not clearing the table when it was clearly overflowing with food.

This was easily one of the worst dining experience I have ever had. Do not bother with this restaurant.

Jan 13, 2009