There are few things more delicious than a perfectly made taco. A warmed tortilla, loaded with succulent meats, crisp salad and a salsa that boasts just the right balance of sweet and spice, they’re a thing of great beauty. Embracing that allure and furthering Auckland’s education on the ins and outs of the tasty taco, is new opening Ain’t No Taco.

From the same people that brought us Burger Geek (which happens to be just a few doors down), the casual spot is a welcome addition to the Symonds Street dining scene. Specialising, the team says, in “tacos without borders”, the tasty handheld delights leap all over the globe for inspiration, bringing about some beguiling creations. How does a bulgogi pork taco with daikon pickle, slaw and aioli sound? Or a tequila and lime chicken number? There’s an orange braised beef taco and a jerk Jamaican tofu one with coconut yoghurt crema too, as well as a bountiful build-your-own salad bar for those after a quick and healthy meal on the go. With an intriguing cocktail list and sumptuous dessert selection to finish it off — you’d be seriously remiss to pass up the vegan chocolate mousse — there’s a lot to like.

A quaint and colourful space with plenty of room to dine in, the upstairs area makes for an interesting experience, where towering indoor plants and a low ceiling create a cubby-like atmosphere. Honouring the taco’s Mexican heritage with a 60-strong hot sauce selection, the truly culinary courageous (or foolish) should ask the team to try the hottest one (kept behind the counter for safe keeping), an unbelievably potent concoction that measures one million on the Scoville scale. Certainly not your classic taco experience — it was never intended to be — Ain’t No Taco is where you go when you’re after something a little different.

Opening hours:
11am-late, Monday-Friday
5pm-late, Saturday & Sunday