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Restaurant

Paloma Taqueria

28 Helwick Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Paloma Taqueria

28 Helwick Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

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+64 3 443 1288
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Paloma Taqueria

High-energy modern Mexican in Wānaka, serving scratch-pressed tortillas, wood-fired cuts, and agave flights in a room that welcomes ski families and walk-ins alike. Word around town points straight to Carlos the taquero, turning out beef cheek and crisp carnitas on freshly grilled corn rounds. Groups gravitate toward the Pick and Mix board to build dinners around grilled whole fish, tender lamb neck, and crisp patatas bravas. Behind the bar, shakers keep time with fresh lime margaritas, mezcal pours, and house-infused espresso tequila before tables finish off warm churros and basque cheesecake.

  • Scratch-Pressed Tortillas: Tacos arrive on house-made corn tortillas pressed fresh and grilled to order for slow-cooked beef cheek, chicken, and carnitas.
  • Pick & Mix Feasts: A multi-course shared banquet letting tables tailor choices across starters, tacos, substantial mains like lamb neck or ribeye, sides, and sweets.
  • Curated Agave Program: Vibrant agave tasting flights pair with classic fresh-lime margaritas and a house-made coffee-infused tequila liqueur.
RestaurantMexicanRestaurant

What's On at Paloma Taqueria

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Paloma Taqueria

Why diners choose Paloma Taqueria for vibrant Mexican dining in Wanaka

  • Fresh In-House Tortillas

    Tacos are served on freshly pressed and grilled tortillas made in-house daily, delivering exceptional texture and rich flavor.

    All of the tortillas are made in house - best we've ever tried.

    Ed Humphreys

  • Flexible Pick-and-Mix Feasts

    The customizable pick-and-mix banquet format allows parties to select multi-course combinations spanning starters, signature tacos, grilled mains, and desserts.

    We did the pic n mix such a lovely idea to share a few courses.

    Nicola George Walker

  • Wood-Grilled Mains & Punchy Flavors

    Hearty wood-fired mains like tender lamb neck and ribeye steak pair seamlessly with freshly crafted tacos and house-made hot sauces.

    The Rib Eye with Chimichurri and Patatas Bravas were absolutely divine. Perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and beautifully balanced.

    Jan B.

  • Curated Agave & Cocktail Flights

    The bar program showcases authentic agave spirits through curated Tequila and Mezcal tasting flights, specialty house-infused liqueurs, and fresh margaritas.

    And don’t forget the Tequila and Mezcal flights… YUMMMM!!!

    Nick Culpitt

  • Warm Hospitality for Every Gathering

    Staff comfortably accommodate walk-ins, large dinner parties, and families with young children, ensuring every guest feels welcome.

    We were overwhelmed by the warmth of the staff and the relaxed, fun atmosphere and we felt completely welcome even when we were walking a toddler around to keep her engaged.

    Gus McLachlan

  • Effortless Walk-In Accommodation

    Front-of-house teams deftly handle walk-ins and seating adjustments on busy resort evenings so diners can relax without dining stress.

    The staff are so friendly and helpful, we didn’t have a reservation and didn’t know how much to order and they took it all in their stride and made us feel at home.

    Fiona Stanton

Signature tacos and wood-grilled mains served on house-pressed tortillas

  • Chicken Taco

    chicken tacos were fresh and tasty

    Joshua Nebauer

  • Beef Cheek Taco

    beef tacos were absolute flavour bombs

    Joshua Nebauer

  • Ribeye Steak

    The Rib Eye with Chimichurri and Patatas Bravas were absolutely divine.

    Jan B.

  • Lamb Neck

    I would definitely recommend the Lamb Neck!

    Jeroen De Koninck

Other favorites

Sides, starters, and sweets complementing the shared dining experience

  • Patatas Bravas

    The Rib Eye with Chimichurri and Patatas Bravas were absolutely divine.

    Jan B.

  • Basque Cheesecake

    ill be dreaming about the baked cheesecake for weeks.

    Nicola George Walker

  • Churros

    churros lovely.

    Scott Doherty

  • Guacamole and Chips

    Had the guac and chips; both were very fresh and good.

    Mark Grady

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and culinary extras that elevate your dining experience

  • Late-Table Taco Hospitality

    Kitchen staff have stayed late after closing the line to press and prepare extra tacos for diners squeezed in on short notice.

  • Family-First Toddler Welcoming

    Floor staff warmly embrace toddlers walking around dining tables and proactively stage group seating so families feel completely at ease.

  • Custom Agave Flights & In-House Liqueurs

    Beyond cocktails, the bar features specialized Tequila and Mezcal tasting flights paired with house-crafted coffee-infused tequila liqueur.

  • House-Crafted Specialty Hot Sauces

    Rather than standard commercial condiments, Paloma serves proprietary house-crafted hot sauces, including an acclaimed dark smoky blend.

Before you head over

Practical planning advice for reservations, walk-ins, and ordering at Paloma Taqueria

  • Book Ahead for Peak Dinner Hours

    Paloma often fills quickly during peak evening hours, particularly from 7pm onwards. Reserving ahead secures your spot, though staff routinely accommodate walk-ins or hold space with a short wait.

  • Opt for the Shared Pick & Mix Banquet

    The multi-course Pick and Mix menu delivers generous portions across starters, tacos, wood-grilled mains, and sides. Come with an appetite to share family-style across the table.

  • Pair Housemade Tortillas with Curated Agave

    Tacos are served on fresh in-house pressed tortillas, making them a standout alongside agave flights and house-infused specialty liqueurs.

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