Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review© FijiPocketGuide.com
Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review

Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

What is it Like to Dine at the Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar?

As you dine among the soothing water features and lush tropical gardens of the luxury Wyndham Resort, a hidden culinary gem awaits your discovery. As seasoned travel writers who’ve sampled culinary delights across the South Pacific, we were thrilled to stumble upon this delightful surprise nestled at the resort’s entrance in Denarau. Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar is open to both resort guests and visitors alike, offering a unique dining experience beyond the typical jaunts found at the popular Port Denarau Marina.

This independent eatery specialises in Mexican cuisine, but with a unique Fijian twist that sets it apart from your typical taco joint. Intrigued? We popped in during our recent two-month research trip to Fiji, and let’s just say, we’re still dreaming about those margaritas!

So, what can you expect when you dine at Mamacita? Let’s dive into the food, drinks, and ambience that make this restaurant a must-visit spot on your Fijian holiday.

Table of Contents

The Short Read: Fiesta of Flavours – Mamacita’s Mexican Marvels

Indulge in a culinary journey at Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar, where vibrant Mexican flavours meet Fijian hospitality. From zesty antojitos to sizzling fajitas, every dish is a fiesta for your taste buds. Don’t miss their decadent desserts – the churros are a must-try! Fancy a tipple? Their creative cocktails and happy hour (25% off all alcoholic beverages from 3 pm to 6 pm daily) are perfect for balmy Fijian evenings.

Beyond delectable dining, Mamacita offers a slice of Fijian culture with their Tuesday Lovo Buffet and Friday International Buffet, complete with mesmerising Polynesian entertainment. On Sundays, the restaurant comes alive with live music, setting the perfect mood for your Mexican feast. Nestled in the lush surroundings of Club Wyndham Resort, Mamacita offers a tranquil garden-side dining experience. With its Aztec-inspired décor and tropical ambience, it’s a little piece of paradise in Denarau.

  • Open from 7:30 am to 10 pm daily
  • Location: Club Wyndham Resort, Resort Drive, Denarau
  • Reservations: www.mamacitafiji.com

Now, let’s jump into the details with our full Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar review

Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review© FijiPocketGuide.com

Savouring the Flavours: The Food at Mamacita

We were thrilled to dive into the vibrant menu at Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar, especially after days of indulging in the generous buffets typical of Denarau’s day cruises. With that, Mamacita’s small bites (antojitos) offered a welcome change of pace.

Appetizing Antojitos

We kicked off our feast with the Macho Nacho – a hearty pile of chilli con carne, melted cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream. The menu boasts an array of tempting starters, from lightly polenta-tossed El Calamari to spicy Alitas Piquantes (chicken wings). For those seeking a lighter start, the Guacamole, prepared tableside, is a fresh and flavourful choice.

Another light-bite option, Mamacita’s taco selection, is a journey through Mexican flavours. Whether you’re in the mood for Tacos de Res (pulled beef) or the vegetarian-friendly option loaded with black beans and avocado, there’s a taco to satisfy every palate.

Main Course Marvels

For our main course, we couldn’t resist the Ensalada – a crisp salad served in an edible taco bowl (perfect for those Instagram-worthy food shots!). The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Fajitas. Served on a sizzling cast iron dish, this DIY dish adds a fun, interactive element to your dining experience.

Other enticing options include quesadillas with various fillings, from classic cheese to marinated chicken. For those craving international favourites, Mamacita doesn’t disappoint. The menu features everything from a classic BLT (Big Jack’s Classic) to a medley of seafood in their Linguini Seafood Al Funchi.

Decadent Desserts

Save room for dessert – trust us, you won’t regret it! The portions are generous (some cakes are as big as your head), and the presentation is stunning. We highly recommend the Churros – Mexican doughnuts served with dipping sauces. For a unique twist, try the Banana Chimichangas or the rich Aztec Treasure chocolate mousse.

Breakfast Bonanza

Mamacita isn’t just for dinner – their breakfast menu is equally impressive. From classic Pancakes and Full American to Mexican-inspired dishes like Chilaquiles con Huevos and Huevos Rancheros, there’s something to kickstart everyone’s day.

Sip and Savour: Mamacita’s Drink Selection

Mamacita boasts a well-stocked bar with a wide range of beverages to complement your meal. From ice-cold beers to fine wines, there’s something to quench every thirst. But it’s their creative cocktails that truly steal the show – we adored the flavourful margaritas and dessert cocktails. And for those needing a caffeine fix, you’ll be pleased to know they serve up a mean cup of coffee too. FYI, Mamacita’s boasts one of the best happy hours we’ve seen in Denarau, with 25% off all alcoholic beverages from 3 pm to 6 pm daily!

Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican flavours or international favourites with a twist, Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar serves up a feast for all the senses. (And yes, there’s a kids’ menu available for the little amigos!)

Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review© FijiPocketGuide.com

Spice Up Your Night: Special Events at Mamacita

While we’ve already raved about Mamacita’s mouthwatering Mexican fare and tantalising tipples, this vibrant venue has even more up its sleeve. Although we didn’t get the chance to attend these events during our visit, we couldn’t resist sharing these exciting experiences that are definitely worth pencilling into your calendar.

Tuesday Lovo Buffet

Fancy a culinary journey from Mexico to the South Pacific? Mamacita’s Tuesday Lovo Buffet is your ticket to an authentic Fijian feast. Succulent meats, fresh seafood, and local vegetables slow-cooked to perfection in a traditional underground oven are what this Fijian lovo night is all about. The result? A smoky, flavour-packed meal that’ll have you saying “vinaka” (that’s “thank you” in Fijian) with every bite.

As you savour your lovo delights, you’ll be treated to a mesmerising meke performance. This traditional Fijian dance and music show adds a cultural flourish to your dining experience, immersing you in the vibrant heart of Fiji. The event takes place from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm every Tuesday.

Friday International Buffet

If your taste buds are feeling particularly adventurous, mark your calendars for Mamacita’s Friday International Buffet. From 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, this culinary extravaganza takes you on a whirlwind tour of global flavours. It’s like a passport for your palate, no actual travel required!

As if the international feast wasn’t enough to tempt you, Mamacita throws in some spectacular Polynesian entertainment to spice things up. Prepare to be dazzled by captivating dance performances and a jaw-dropping fire dance that’s sure to be the highlight of your evening. (Just remember to keep your distance – we don’t want any singed eyebrows!)

Sunday Live Band

End your weekend on a high note with Mamacita’s Sunday Live Band night. From 7:00 pm, the restaurant comes alive with the sound of music, providing the perfect backdrop for your Mexican meal or post-dinner drinks.

Whether you’re in the mood for Fijian feasts, international indulgences, or live tunes, Mamacita has you covered. Just remember to book ahead for these popular events!

Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review© FijiPocketGuide.com

Vibrant Ambiance and Tropical Delights

Having savoured the delectable cuisine and refreshing drinks at Mamacita, it’s time to immerse ourselves in the restaurant’s captivating ambience. While we’ve already raved about the mouthwatering dishes and special events like the lovo and Polynesian nights, the atmosphere at Mamacita deserves its own spotlight.

Throughout the week, Mamacita offers a tranquil setting amidst the lush surroundings of Club Wyndham Resort. Dine garden-side, surrounded by pleasant water features and tropical plants that transport you to a Fijian paradise. The mixologists at the bar put on a show with their cocktail-crafting skills, while cosy booths provide intimate spaces for those seeking a quiet corner. Families will appreciate the ample room, and the Aztec-inspired décor adds a touch of exotic flair to your dining experience.

Needless to say, the true magic happens on Tuesdays and Fridays when Mamacita transforms into a vibrant cultural hub (see above or the Mamacita’s Events Page), but the excitement doesn’t stop there! Every Sunday from 7 pm, Mamacita comes alive with the sounds of a live band, perfect for those looking to end their week on a high note.

Mamacita in Denarau: A FULL Fiji Restaurant Review© FijiPocketGuide.com

Conclusion

As we wrap up our culinary journey at Mamacita Mexican Restaurant & Bar, we can’t help but marvel at the vibrant fusion of Mexican flavours and Fijian hospitality. We’ve indulged in flavourful taco bowls, sizzled over fajitas, and savoured every moment of this fiesta for our taste buds. The decadent desserts, especially those must-try churros, left us craving more.

Beyond the delectable dining, it’s good to know that Mamacita offers a slice of Fijian culture with their lovo and Polynesian nights, which we’re keen to discover on our next visit. Otherwise, nestled in the lush surroundings of Club Wyndham Resort, the restaurant’s garden-side setting and Aztec-inspired décor created a tranquil tropical ambience that transported us to a little piece of paradise in Denarau.

Whether you’re after a peaceful dinner or a lively cultural experience, Mamacita caters to all moods. We recommend trying both the tranquil weekday atmosphere and the vibrant weekend festivities for the full Mamacita experience.

The Details

  • Open from 7:30 am to 10 pm daily
  • Location: Club Wyndham Resort, Resort Drive, Denarau
  • Reservations: www.mamacitafiji.com

Alternative Dining Options in Denarau

If Mamacita is fully booked, or you want to compare your options for dining in Fiji, we list alternative restaurants in the following guides:

Finally, dining options across Fiji are compared in The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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