Overview
Found inside upmarket food hall Elliot Stables, Besos Latinos has served as the destination for authentic Latin American cuisine for ten years. The lively restaurant, which translates as 'Latin kisses', aims to prove that there's more to the cuisine than nachos and burritos. The menu explores the enormous food tapestry of Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela, which for diners means ordering everything from corn truffle to lamb shoulder cooked inside blue agave leaves or hibiscus flower tacos.
Owners Cecilia Mijangos and Luis Cabrera have now opened a sibling eatery under the same name right on the waterfront. The pair has been working on Besos Latinos Halsey Street for the past two years. The striking restaurant was designed by Taller LUUM, a Mexican design house which works with and supports artisans in poor areas by creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Every inch of the Halsey Street space features interior pieces produced in Mexico from different rural communities — from woven lampshades to intricate hanging animal artwork and glassware.
Mijangos and Luis Cabrera are calling the new opening "the first Latin American Gourmet Seafood & Ceviche Bar in New Zealand." Suitably, the menu is heavy in the seafood department and features a selection of fresh ceviches made to order. Also on the list diners are treated to tuna fillet tostadas, braised venison cheek tacos, pork belly and scallops tacos, and the traditional Gulf of Mexico seafood soup caldo del mariscos. Behind the bar sits a solid selection of Patron tequila, as well as South American wines, Mexican beers and Latin American cocktails.
Find Besos Latinos Halsey Street at 132 Halsey Street. It is open from 12–2pm and 5.30pm until late, Tuesday to Sunday.
Images: Nicolas Araujo.