Review Mama Mexicana - Johannesburg

Oh my God. For my first time I'd go to this place over and over again. Mama Mexicana highly recommended

Great experience with tons of flavour. Our group got almost everything on the menu and we were all very happy. Loved the jalapeno poppers and the "spicy mama bowl"(?). Only negatives is service was a bit hands off, slow, and they charged me for extra sour cream and guac without letting me know it comes at a charge. (R15&R22 extra!) But now I know. The margaritas are good and strong, wow. And they had the Cinco de Mayo drink special running even through seis de Mayo. Not sure if it's me or the tequila talking - you'll have to go find out for yourself. ⭐

Loved the ambience, that wasn't too aggressive with the Mexican theme; and the indoor seating was surprisingly cool for as hot a day as it was. The burritos are definitely "authentic and delicious", as advertised. Service was great and the quesadillas had some of the tenderest chicken I've had in a while. Hope to visit again.

What a lovely find! Great atmosphere and fantastic cocktails. This is a must see and experience. Real mexican feel smack bang in Jozi!

Wow wow wow - A small restaurant with great food lovely waiters and an amazing owner. Was a drive to get there but was so worth it. Every dish was delish and well priced. The corn bread is a must try. Highly recommended if you enjoy Mexican. We had Sunday Lunch here which is a good time to go as the street is quite vibey with a market going on

The chips for my nachos were a little stale but I didn't care because I really wanted a taste of home. The salsa is piquant! Love that.

We enjoyed a burrito, nachos with guacamole and pulled pork tacos. The corn tortillas are the best I have had in Joburg, and the flavours are delicious. It was a quiet lunch, and the owner, Jillian, was very kind and accomodating. The chocolate cake and ice cream was a nice touch for pudding. We will go back!

The bacon Nachos were awesome. Really tasty. Also had some Tacos and those were amazing. A must try. Get the Beer with Tequila in, you'll be hooked. Even non-beer drinkers will appreciate it. Nice Restaurant.

Totally delicious. Variety on the menu and worth the price. The tastes meld together for something really amazing. Would definitely recommend this place for mexican dishes and to those who just want to try something different. Only down side I found is that their operating times don't always match up as I've been there at least twice and it was closed.

The place and food was great but the highlight for us was a security by the name of Clifford Van Niekerk who works for Mezuzah Security. He really made us feel safe and protected but overall his kindness was unmatched. A real gem.

The food is very delicious, chilled vibes. The decor and music makes the whole dining experience awesome. The host is very welcoming and attentive. It would've been 5 stars if not for the premixed cocktails but if you don't mind those, this is definitely the place to go.

The pork burrito was fabulous. I was late in picking up an order and they went looking for me down the street and then stayed open til I got there. Lovely women, fair price and excellent dinner.

Place is always quiet and suitable for working maybe but not my goto for the fun stuff. I love the food. It's my favorite in the world.

I was pleasantly surprised from the burritos I bought from mama mexicana. I bought chicken and beef burrito and they were both awesome in different ways with significant distinct tastes. The flavours were authentic just like proper Mexican burritos and the fresh guacamole and sour cream were a cherry on top. I will definitely be buying more from this place, I'm thinking of buying a chimichanga next time.

The food was good. The service was impeccable and I just love the vibe of the place. Whoever was playing music from the kitchen area has a great taste in music and loved every moment of my time there.

We had such an amazing time at MM – Kevin and he's staff were friendly, helpful and the service was fantastic! The food was beyond reproach and everyone enjoyed their food. I can highly recommend Mama Mexicana if you find yourself in Maboneng and lusting after great, yet simple, mexican food and yummy Margaritas :)

We were at Mama Mexicana a few weeks ago. The service was excellent. We inquired upfront about gluten free options and they immediately offered to order gluten free wraps for us the same day, which was very impressive. We ended up going for the nachos option and it was excellent. The restaurant itself has a very cool vibe and we will definitely be back!

Mama Mexicana is a hidden gem... Probably the best Mexican food I have ever eaten! Food is fresh and delicious.... Owner and chef was great and very friendly... Service was excellent! the white sauce chicken enchiladas delicious... Will definitely come back!

My absolute favourite restaurant. The food is completely scrumptious and we always receive the best service from the friendly staff and owners. This place is a true gem. ��

One of the few Mexican Restaurants in Johannesburg, but fortunately also one of the best! Food is ample and well priced. Presentation and palatability are top notch! Situated in the Maboneng Precinct. Definitely worth a repeat visit!

A great mexican selrvtion in a relaxed casual environment. Service was mostly goid and the food variety, quality and taste was excellent. I would go back.... a few times... sampled some of tbe margaritas which were excellent. Thanks for the Bday treat family.

Best Mexican food I've tasted by far. Proper traditional tasty food! The owners put their heart and soul into the food.

Not just the best Mexican food but the best restaurant food I have ever eaten. Great service and very affordable too. Fresh tasty food ...... not oily or greasy..... one can taste that only exceptional quality ingredients were used. Great vibe as well. And this is an unbiased review from a very picky eater!

Authentic and original... best place for a quick bite to eat. Good prices and their chilli poppers are the bestest

Lovely friendly people, awesome food and they are sympathetic to how much heat they pack in, so as a chilli coward I was well taken care of with very mild, while my friends sweated with big smiles on their faces! Love the vibe and the variety of Mexican beers.

What a gem of a place. Great atmosphere excellent service and amazing well priced food. Open up in Cape Town and I'll be a regular�

A very chilled place, with good and affordable food.

Such a relaxed vibe. Amazing food...even if you're not one for hot food - they have GREAT variety. This is a perfect place to go and have a fun day out!

Bangin' breakfast burrito. I've been craving decent Mexican food since moving here two years ago from the US, and am now sated. Looking forward to trying everything else on the menu!

Great Mexican food in an artsy area. Great vibe as well.

Yesterday was my friend's birthday and we came to celebrate and experience the Mexican food. My God it was so delicious. We had nachos for starters and had anchiladas. My drink was perfect... Mango margarita. I'm coming back soon. 💞 your staff is awesome... Very friendly and helpful. Keep up the good service.

This was the most delicious Mexican food and most delicious vegetarian Mexican food I’ve ever eaten! <br/><br/>I ordered the nachos in hot and the vegetarian chimichanga in medium, both were spicy but delicious and goes down well with a savannah or beer :) <br/><br/>I actually found this place as I was walking around Maboneng and it’s totally worth the drive, I will be back very soon!

The food is Delicious, value for money <br/>The waitress was very friendly and professional. The service was great, will definitely be coming back soon

I absolutely love Mama Mexicana!!! Cute unassuming place in the middle of Maboneng. The Mexican food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable. The pulled pork enchilada was packed with a generous portion of meat, which was absolutely delicious. The service was very good and the owner was extremely friendly and attentive. I must say I preferred the food here to other franchised Mexican food restaurants in Johannesburg.

What an outstanding little restaurant. Food was outstanding. Value for money. Friendly service. In the city centre. The best Mexican food I have eaten in South Africa. Will definitely be going back.

great food amazing service and the best tasting margaritas in jhb. The vibe in Maboneng on a Sunday is electric and its a great way to spend a Sunny Sunday in Mzanzi.

Love this little restaurant in town. Very cozy, great atmosphere, delicious cocktails! The food was great but not as spicy as I’d hoped for a Mexican restaurant.

A very authentic Mexican restaurant ...<br/>I had Mamas scrambled eggs with bacon with onion , peppers , mushrooms, salsa , guacamole, sour cream served with cornbread ..<br/>Eggs were good enough ... <br/>I also enjoyed the Fish Tacos my friend had .. I wasn't sold on the pulled pork Tacos the flavors were not that amazing ..<br/>Service was good not much to complain about ...

The manager was really welcoming. The stuff was friendly. The food was out of this world (nice), the nachos are to die for. The space is a bit small but workable.

Had the fish tacos, it was good. The hard shell tacos doesn't get soggy too quickly which is great if you love a crunch with every bite :-) :-)

Great mexican food in Maboneng particularly the Hot Mama bowl is the bomb, comfort food! Lots of fresh ingredients in the veg in the taco. Great cosy atmosphere. Owner is a good host. Thumbs up!

A bit too much Mama and too little Mexicana.<br/>Homely and hospitable and tasted just like mamas kitchen but lacking the "Holy Guacamole Factor". <br/><br/>For me Mexican restaurants are all about washing back fiery salsa with frozen margaritas. Sadly, Mama doesn't even serve the "Adult Slush" and her shaken version is simply made out of boxed fruit juice. <br/><br/>There is a large variety on the menu - Vegan, vegetarian or Banting you will find something warm and satisfying. Great for a Maboneng day out fill, but probably not a stand alone destination visit. <br/>

Love this place! It has quickly become one of my new favourite places to eat in or grab a takeaway! Delicious mexican food and drinks with naturally gluten free options! Good service from friendly staff and speedy service!

What a nice place to have a meal in the Maboneng Precinct. Delicious food and well priced. Lots of options for vegetarians and vegans.<br/><br/>First Mexican restaurant I've been to where the food tastes authentic and looks like they put a lot of effort in. <br/><br/>The restaurant looks cool and hip as well. Fits right in the Maboneng area.<br/><br/>Definitely a place to visit again.

Lovely quaint place with a great vibe of Maboneng. The food is hearty and tastes great and the staff are warm and friendly. We had the chicken enchilada with peanut sauce which was a win. The pulled porked quesadilla was tasty too. The flavored margaritas are yummy as well, the lime is my favourite.

Nothing was jumping out at us at the food market in Maboneng, a quick dash through a small door behind the food stalls and we found ourselves in this cute little restaurant. <br/><br/>The setting is cosy and charming, perfect spot to watch the street life of Maboneng. <br/><br/>We ordered the Chilli poppers as a starter, which we enjoyed very much. <br/><br/>As a main course we settled for chicken tacos and the pulled pork tacos, soft shell, medium. We were a little disappointed by the meal as we found it a little bland. We expected more flavour, although we ordered medium, the meals tasted mild. The meal was edible and it didn't offend, but just a tad underwhelming. <br/><br/>The spot is worth a second visit though, just to try out different options before one comes to a final conclusion.

Cute little Mexican place, great service. Margaritas are my favorite cocktail so I liked that they had fruity combinations - try the orange and cinnamon one! The food menu has all the usual Mexican stuff- burritos, nachos, tacos and quesadillas. We had a chilli poppers and a BBQ pork nachos to share and really enjoyed it

Rainy day in Joburg because of Cyclone Dineo so I decided to wait for my boyfriend to get back from work at Mama Mexicana. Sat and ordered a glass of dry red, obviously really keen to try their food as I got a referral from a friend. I ordered a Chicken Chimichanga, and WOW!!! it was so amazing, a home made meal, I've never had home made Mexican. But eating this, it felt like home. I'm ordering take aways for my boyfriend ❤. Thank you

The vibe is awesome although the place is really small it's not cramped. <br/>The food is out of this world tasty! We had the chicken enchilada, chicken chimichanga and hard shell tacos all in spicy and it was spicy. I had a leaky nose half way through but you still taste your food.<br/>It was my first time trying Mexican and I'm really glad it was here

My collegues and I popped in for a lunch today! Excellent fresh food with lovely flavours! I had the bacon nachos!!! Yum!!! The others had buritos and everything was delicious! Good service too!

Rose's, Liverdos' and Lane's have loved amazing Mex food!!! So full, gotta go sleep! Thank you Kev and staff you el'champino's!!! We'll be back

I ordered a burrito from their stand in the market and then discovered that the restaurant is actually there so we went to sit down in the restaurant. My burrito was from the market and my friends ordered theirs directly from the restaurant as we wanted to sit down anyway. <br/><br/>My veg burrito was pretty good. They could have been a little more generous with the sauces but the flavours were there. My friends enjoyed their burritos much more than I enjoyed mine.<br/><br/>The staff were very attentive. I'll definitely be coming back to try their tacos.

Good service and well priced. Their burritos rock and you can order almost anything vegetarian and ask for it without cheese to make it vegan friendly.

Despite LOVING Mexican food, I have 2 issues with it in Johannesburg. Firstly, there's not enough Mexican restaurants (compared to Cape Town, for example) and secondly, when you do find them, they're fricking expensive (a tortilla is flour and water, how expensive should it be?).<br/><br/>Mama Mexicana - where have you been all my life? We had the best Mexican food in South Africa, period, on Saturday afternoon. We started with Tostadas (haven't found these in SA before) which were fresh, crispy and delicious. Davina had a chicken enchilada with salsa verde, I had soft tacos with BBQ pork. Both were delicious - meat was tender, lettuce was crispy, salsa was fresh. <br/><br/>All in all, outstanding. Great place for a chilled lunch on the weekend. Will be going back again - and again, and again, and again....you get the idea.

We went for an early dinner, so there wasn't much vibe, we were the only patrons for the first hour, but that doesn't distract from the fact that Mama Mexicana definitely made the best Mexican food I've had in ages!!! And those margaritas were amazing! Can't go without trying at least one! I can't wait to go back!!!

Oh wow in the city of Johannesburg, if there ever was an hidden gem this is it. The nachos were undoubtedly the best I have ever had. Very friendly staff and great vibe. 😊 what will I try next time 😆

If you are in JHB and want some Mexican give Mamas a go. I loved the restaurant, nice vibe and the burritos were to die for. The poppers weren't really up my alley to many crumbs but the rest was great.

Undoubtedly the best Mexican joint in Jozi! Mouth watering food with every bite! Very attentive staff and overall such a pleasurable experience.

Mama Mexicana is still the best Mexican restaurant in Joburg in my opinion. The restaurant is intimate and welcoming and the staff is always friendly, especially the owner who you can see really puts his heart and soul into the place.<br/><br/>The prices have gone up a little since I last came here but they're still very decently priced for the quality and quantity. <br/><br/>We had chilli poppers for starters and they are some of the best I've had. The batter was nice and crisp and it was just the right amount of cheesy and spicy.<br/><br/>The enchiladas have always been my favourite here so this time I decided to try the Stacked Enchilada with chicken and peanut sauce. The sauce was delicious and worked so well, the chicken was cooked perfectly and was full of flavour, and it was just the right amount of cheesyness. Still my favourite and I would definitely recommend the enchiladas.<br/><br/>My boyfriend had the beef burrito which was also really tasty from the bite I had of his. Everyone else had equally good things to say about the food, especially the quesadillas.<br/><br/>The drinks are also really good, I think the mango and guava Margherita were definitely my favourite. I just wish they came in jugs! <br/><br/>

I'd heard a lot of good things about this joint and finally made my way through. I ordered the chicken burrito while the other three all ordered the beef one. The food was good. But I don't think it was anything that I couldn't make at home? And, don't be a princess, the food tastes better when you smash it with your hands, leave the knife 'n fork for when you're eating with the Queen! Don't get me wrong, I will return. PS. The cappuccino was good! Not sure what brand it was but I left regretting not ordering one for the road...

Today my family and I decided to try this hidden Mexican restaurant after hearing great reviews about it and we were not disappointed. The margaritas (especially the strawberry) are out of this world tasty ! We had the nachos and a chicken burrito and my mother in particular raved about the tastiness of the burrito. The service was fast too. This spot is excellent for a Sunday day out as one can also visit the Arts on Main market when done with lunch. 😊

Value for money and excellent food. Service was great but place was empty for lunch hour. Been on my list for a long time and had the best Mexican food in Gauteng. Try the nachos or enchiladas or hot bowl or chilli poppers. Everything is good and no complaints. A must try.

Great urban setting and best Mexican food in Joburg; we return time and time again ! Just like Mama would make it ..........................:)<br/>

I am in search of the perfect mexican meal in Jozi- and with this in mind went to Mama Mexicana for lunch today. The staff were friendly, decor is bright and simple. The menu is fairly extensive... the food? Good fresh ingredients, not over complicated but, lacked a bit of flavour: there was spice, but no spices... I'll go back and try their nachos and a margherita- but for now my best Mexican is still at home.

The restaurant has warm and simplistic decor which gives it a homely atmosphere. We had an intimate vegetarian dinner of hard shell bean tacos which were the best I've tasted, a bowl of mamas hot chilli with cornbread and the chimichanga. No frills and fuss but delicious food and cozy vibe. Definitely will be back for seconds soon

I love Mexican! And this place hit the spot! A wonderful variety on the menu, filled with exciting flavours. I loved my burrito and the chilli poppers were definitely amazing if you enjoy spicy food. A must on my list if you in the area.

Ok. Let's start.<br/>Vibe: Amazing, tiny little restaurant which feels warm and smells great.<br/>Price: Very reasonable<br/>Starters: Chilli poppers were not our vibe at all just to much pastry that spoiled the popper its self.<br/>Main: Was freaking amazing, we had the Jumbo burritos and it rocked. Tasty, filling and every dish has the option of very spicey which we love.<br/>If you are in Maboneng please give this place a try, they also have BBQ nachos... OMG!

Great food, gracious host and friendly service. Kid friendly too! Warholseque decor with no kitsch sombrero's in site. And the corn bread is worth coming back to.

Urban little mexican spot in the heart of Maboneng. The food is great and margaritas are delicious, the portions just right! It is quite a small restaurant so rather be safe and book a table. After your meal don't forget to stroll through the Maboneng precinct.

Tasty, hearty Mexican food at a very reasonable price. I went to Mama Mexicana over the weekend on a night out, and I was impressed. The service was friendly, the atmosphere was very laid back and reminiscent of the Mabong neighbourhood in which it is. Definitely the best Mexican food I've had in Joburg!

One of the finest Mexican restaurants in Jhb!Great service ,outstanding food and really relaxing atmosphere. A real hidden gem! Parking can be a challenge, but the food makes up for that in a heartbeat👍🏻

I absolutely loved the food here!As I'm writing the review I'm craving the food. Great service, great ambience and prices are really competitive. <br/><br/>I think the one thing we noticed was inconsistent "spicyness" but I think it's up to your palate. Lots of veg options easily made vegan without the dairy. There were one or two minor comments from friends but overall we were stoked. <br/><br/>I can't wait to go back!

Mama Mexicana is a hidden gem... Probably the best Mexican food I have ever eaten! Food is fresh and delicious.... Owner and chef was great and very friendly... Service was excellent! the white sauce chicken enchiladas delicious... Will definitely come back!

Loved our night out in Maboneng at this little spot! The food was fantastic and I loved the simplicity of the decor. It's pretty impressive that they manage to get the food out from such a tiny kitchen. The food is really reasonably priced and the cocktails are very tasty!<br/><br/>The only thing that I would recommend to them is slightly better training for their staff. Just small details like removing all the plates when people are finished eating and making sure drinks stay topped up. They were however really friendly and it wasn't a major problem at all.

Very relaxed atmosphere and generally quite a casual crowd.<br/><br/>The staff are friendly and efficient, but our service dropped off towards the end of the evening unfortunately.<br/><br/>The food is wonderful and has a good, spicy, 'Mexican' bite to it.<br/><br/>Prices are affordable but the sizes of the portions could be bigger. If you have a healthy appetite, you will easily finish a starter and a main course without feeling uncomfortable.<br/><br/>The experience is worth the drive to get there, and a good excuse to eat somewhere out of the ordinary.

Oh my goodness, what a gem! This spot is a hidden gem. We were in Maboneng on a Friday evening and thought we would have no trouble getting a table, well we were wrong! The restaurant was fully reserved, we just got lucky that one couple left early. The service was phenomenal and the food was equally fantastic. We had street corn poppers and chips with guacamole and salsa to start. The poppers were incredible cheesy bites of heaven and the guacamole and salsa was the best we have tried. Our mains followed, the tasty vegetarian chili and a chimichanga stuffed with chicken. Both were amazing! Topped of with some beers, it was the perfect Friday night meal and definitely one to be repeated.

Honestly the best Mexican food I've tasted in JHB. The chilli poppers are by far the best vibe tasted to date. Excellent service and reasonably priced food, this place is a winner!

Had such a wonderful meal here! From nachos, to enchiladas, chili poppers to quesadillas the food was well priced, delicious and refreshingly authentic. Fruity margaritas were an added bonus! We had exceptional service from our waitress Stephanie. Mama Mexicana is a welcome addition in a city where it is difficult to find good quality, authentic Mexican food. Thrilled to discover this gem in the CBD - we will definitely be back.

Best Mexican food in Joburg, without a doubt. The Chilli poppers here are the real winners, quite different to anywhere else. Service and atmosphere is not bad, considering you in the city center. Arts on Main is right next door.

Just came back from this place now, and what a nice venue - it feel's like home...literally. The kitchen in the front and basic decor gives me a nostalgic feeling - that and the fact that the food tastes home cooked. There were 19 of us here and had different dishes served to us during the evening. A very good selection, though I found some of them a bit bland. All in all a great place to hang out and have some Mexican.

A small cosy restaurant with friendly staff that make you feel instantly welcomed and comfortable. The menu will leave you spoilt for choice! Every dish we ordered was excellent; fresh, tasty and authentically Mexican. Our waitress, Shila, was especially friendly and helpful. Best Mexican restaurant in jhb area!

Let's just say, there was a time I knew the entire menu by heart...I went to Mama Mexican that many times, still do :-) lovely food, you won't regret it!

They cannot put a foot wrong. The best Nachos in town hands down. The Giant Burrito is what legends are made. Freshly made good food in a matter of minutes. Nothing is pre-made.

Very cool place. Portions are small but perfect to order more and share or to order a starter and main. Fresh, spiced just right. Different options. Not loaded with cheese like most Mexican places

Stopped in for a quick lunch at Mamma Mexicana earlier this week.  We were a bigger group (7 people) so the food did take a bit of time but it was well worth the wait when it arrived.  I had the Chilli poppers which were delicious and spicy (even at "Mild" spice level) and the BBQ pork tacos which were very tasty!

Authentic flavourful Mexican, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. The service is good and the food is prepared fast, so if you looking to grab a quick bite this is the perfect spot.<br/><br/>Their hard shell mince tacos are my favourite, but the enchiladas and quesadillas are also delicious.<br/><br/>Such a hipster hangout

The restaurant is very appealing to the eye, simple but still very trendy. Very chilled vibe and the food is fresh and honestly delicious. No crazy waiting especially for a fairly small place, enjoyed it :) . I've got a new favourite at the Maboneng precinct

I've been going to Mama Mexicana for over a year now.. with work colleagues, friends or family, the food and service has always been excellent. No matter which dish you order, each item is freshly prepared and yummy! Compliments Kevin and his team!!

We had a pleasant experience and the food was good. Atmosphere lacking, but I'm sure with enough tequila and naked mexicans you'll be fine 😄 . Worth a visit!

Loved the food here.. Everything tasted amazing and all the flavors blended seamlessly! It is really a pleasant experience! The place is a bit small but its worth giving it a try

The food is good but they never open on time, unless the times on Zamato are wrong. Most times we've ended up at the canteen next door, or Perron for tacos.

Mama Mexicana is a very trendy and Vibey Mexicana restaurant found in the Maboneng Precinct. The decor is very relaxed with colorful cushions, walls and an open kitchen, which can fills the room with Mexican zest. they are known for their chili poppers with a twist, as they are inspired by their Asian chef. Their tacos are just as delicious. Meals are served with salsa, guacamole and sour cream.

The food here is delicious and simple. While not traditional Mexican what can u expect from a Thai man running a Mexican restaurant. The food is great, service friendly and the decor fun... Oh and not to forget the margaritas are tasty! You should definitely try Mama Mexicana!

Fantastic quaint restaurant in Maboneng. Food was simple yet scrumptious. Super friendly staff ensured we were well looked after. Will definitely be back!

Really gorgeous food, fresh and not overwhelming. The staff are really friendly and it's in a great neighborhood. Plus... loads of vegetarian options!! Bonus!

Favorite place in the inner city. Whenever I feel like some good wholesome Mexican food I know who to trust. Amazing food matched with a calming view of Jozi. Recommend all the time. Service doesn't even matter to me because the food is so good.

Been meaning to try this Resturant for ages. Finally got there yesterday. Wow a great eating experience. The Resturant is small, so we did have too book. The margaritas delectable. We had the jalapeño poppers to start, they were great, but not the old school actual stuffed jalapeño I prefer. For the main I had an enchilada with chicken and a peanut sauce, spicy. What a delicious meal. Everything we had was fresh and straight off the grill. Def worth a try.

Very decent food, really friendly and sweet staff, low on pretension, high on value.<br/><br/>Only missing element would be a serious chilli con carne like thing...

Mama Mexicana is one of my favourite treats. The food is consistently fresh and delicious. To drink, I recommend the guava margarita. And the jalapeño poppers are a bit different than what you might expect, but really quite ingenious! Prices are VERY reasonable. Pound for pound, it is a better mexican restaurant than Perron.

To me, the one niche in Johannesburg that has not been fully utilised is in Mexican food. <br/><br/>As such, I was over the moon to discover Mama Mexicana in hip Maboneng on Saturday with its stacked enchiladas and healthy wheat and gluten free corn tortillas! I am looking forward to the summer time again and lazy summer afternoons at this spot with its newly improved facelift!

Didn't have drinks, but the guacamole and chips were great, and so was the beef burrito. Colorful, comfy space and very attentive service. Wasn't sure you could get good Mexican food in Joburg, but this passed the test.

Mama Mexicana's has such a great vibe with the open kitchen! I love the fact that you can smell your food being cooked, it is mouth watering! The outright winners here are the chilli poppers (I have dreams about these chilli poppers!!) And their chocolate chimichangas!

<br/>As one of Johannesburg’s most prominent Mexicans (Mexican by quality moustache, not relation), you can imagine my excitement when I found out a ‘South of the Border’ spot opened up in Maboneng just a couple blocks away from my cribs. Over the past couple years, I’ve had to go to Cape Town to satisfy my Mexican cravings with El Burro and San Julian providing South Africa’s best take on “El Tri Colores” cuisine. Could Mama Mexicana be the chosen one for Johannesburg? I needed to find out.<br/><br/>Having lived in Maboneng for over 2 years, I’ve come to learn that when it comes to businesses in that precinct, standard operating procedure tends to be to grossly overprice for average goods/services so I was pleasantly surprised to see the menu prices reasonable. The sunny day provided a nice vibe for the restaurant which is built in that urban Arts on Main style. The background soundtrack was provided by Louis Armstrong so ordinarily I’d be two thumbs up on this selection. This may sound a bit fickle, but it would have been a lot cooler to have some Mexican music playing in the background. I realise this is a personal preference so no harm no foul, I’m just saying…<br/><br/>The menu consists of all the staples of Mexican food: nachos, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostados, etc… We decided to go for the Beef Chimichanga and the Chicken Enchilada. The Beef Chimichanga is a deep fried tortilla filled with beef mice, onion, green pepper, carrots, coriander, celery, and cheese. I can say with certainty that the filling was solid. All the ingredients combined for a nice mix of flavours. On the other hand, whenever you deep fry something, you have to be prepared for the dryness that comes with it. This is why they offer sauces for egg rolls and samosas. The chimichanga came with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. This is where the dish came up short. The guacamole needed more coriander and lime (or at least lemon), the salsa amount was so small that it wasn’t a factor in the game, and the sour cream was sweet and tasted like fresh cream which messed up the whole balance of the dish.<br/><br/>The Chicken enchilada suffered a similar fate with some basic fundamental flaws. The filling of chicken, onion, green pepper, and cheese was pretty good, but the execution of the rest of the dish wasn’t quite there. The sauce game comments pertain to this dish as well, but what was the most disappointing was the tortilla. It was essentially the same tortilla you can buy at Pick N Pay which made the dish come off in a “White Mom Mexican Night For Her Family of 4″ feel. The other problem was the sauce. We could choose between a cream sauce or a tomato sauce. I opted for the tomato sauce and when the enchilada came out, there was so little sauce that most of it had crusted to the top of the enchilada negating its purpose. A proper enchilada should have a slightly crispy tortilla with a healthy portion of sauce on top.<br/><br/>Overall, I think this establishment has a bit to work on in terms of tweaking their recipes. As a person that hosts Mexican dinners, I can fully understand the challenges in trying to procure the ingredients necessary to make an authentic Mexican meal. That being said, some of the fundamentals like the sour cream, guacamole and salsa should not suffer from this problem. Making homemade tortillas would go a long way in differentiating their dishes from what you can make at home. I would rank them in the same category as Mexican Fresh in Blairgowerie which means I’ll hit them up for the occasional fix, but are light years behind their Cape Town counterparts. Johannesburg still has a major void in terms of Mexican, that someone can fill and prosper.<br/><br/>The owner of the restaurant was incredibly nice and took my feedback well so I look forward to giving them another try in the future.<br/><br/>

This is a mexican restaurant in the maboneng precinct. It has the casual vibe the the precinct garners but offers better food than most on the strip. The kitchen is open, as so all is visible to the enquiring eye. The menu is small but tasty. Its not the kind of place for a great dinner. But if you're lazy to cook in the week and wanna pop out for something tasty and cheap, this is a good place to go.

The menu is very Tex Mex and limited. The burritos are okay if you live in Maboneng and have no other dinner options. But if you don't live nearby I don't recommend trekking to Maboneng for this joint - it's a waste of time.

Super cute little restaurant in the Maboneng Precinct. Absolutely loved the food. Ambience is light and relaxed. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Ideal for a mid week stop in. Definite thumbs up.

Have had their food at Neighborgoods a few times. Love the nachos, spicy and full of flavor, portions big too, love that they cater for vegetarians, food always served with a smile.

Was pleasantly surprised with the ambiance of this quaint yet stylish restaurant. I've never been to arts on main during the week and I have this moulded perception of being anywhere near town at night is a no go in terms of safety, but my evening there was pleasant lovely and I felt very safe which is important for me when trying new places. <br/><br/>Now onto the important stuff... The food was very tasty and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We ordered a bunch of starters of jalapeño poppers corn poppers and nachos. All was very tasty. For main I had the BBQ pork tacos 1 hard shell and 2 soft shells. I liked both shells to be honest so I recommend either one. My mother order the enchilada and was also very appetising. Over all a lovely ambiance and the music was fantastic. Food was good and felt authentic even though I have nothing to compare it to. I'm looking forward to going back to try the rest of their menu.

Superb place, nice and cosy<br/>The food was delicious and verrry filling<br/>I love the music they play its very relaxing Great cool place. Love it

As a group we ventured out and really enjoyed out experience at Mama Mexicana... We shared starters which we all enjoyed which were all vegetarian. <br/><br/>One in our group had a mixture of soft and hard shell tacos and expressed that she should have had them all hard shell.<br/><br/>I had a chimichanga which was not oily and was very yummy indeed. <br/><br/>The tequila selection could have been more authentic however corona and a tequila ale were available and delicious. The flavoured margaritas were very tasty indeed. <br/><br/>With the exception of the imported alcohol everything else is very reasonably priced and surprised the group when it came time to pay. <br/><br/>Good service, good food and at a reasonable price. Will go back again!

If you craving your mommas best kind of food please add this to your wish list...My mother has been making Enchiladas for years and it's the only place that matches up....better then Mexico in CT and El Hombre in Durbs....best Mexican for me in Joburg. All of their food is quality. So whether you craving Nachos or Chimmichangas, it's the place to go.

If you're a fan of authentic mexican food this is a must try! The food is always freshly made and incredibly tasty. The small intimate setting adds to the ambience and cosy feel. The staff are amazing, so attentive and make a genuine effort to ensure everyone enjoys their experience! I would advise you book in advance. My recommendations, jalapeño poppers, enchiladas with white sauce, of course the margaritas and my all time favourite the chilli cheese fries!

If you enjoy Mexican food then you should try this quaint little hideout in the Maboneng precinct. We were pleasantly surprised at good food at reasonable prices. It does not have an extensive menu but they have most of the popular Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, chili poppers and vegetarian options available. A must try if u're in the area. You don't be disappointed. Decor is simple and the service was good.

A really great place!<br/>Ordered 8 different dishes from the menu. All of them were amazing<br/>Service was very good and polite<br/>Highly recommended

Chilled vibes, especially on a Sunday morning before Arts On Main and the Market area gets packed. I ordered two Burgerritos as I was hungry and it seemed at the dish that's gonna fill me and my fiancée up. The menu is rather pocket friendly. Unfortunately this was a take away. But I will definitely be back for a sit in the next Sunday. ????????

I love Mexican food, it incorporates all the best elements you need in a dish (spicy, meaty, cheesy and fresh to name but a few) and Mama Mexicana truly epitomizes Mexican cuisine. All the dishes I tasted were packed with all the right flavours and the prices and service were exceptional. We went on a Sunday while the market was going on, so it was very loud but it did add to the vibe of the place. It is minimally decorated and the kitchen is out in the open, which is great, I love watching them hard at work producing delicious food. <br/><br/>They have every Mexican dish you can think of all for under R60,00. For starters we ordered 2 portions of chilli poppers-they were AMAZING! The chilli poppers I’m used to are the stuffed kind, but their take on poppers is definitely the way to go, they are packed with chopped jalapeños, cheese, cheese and more cheese. <br/><br/>For mains we all ordered something different which was great for pictures ;). The highlight dishes were definitely the chicken hard shell tacos and the chicken chimichanga- the pastry was crispy, the chicken was tender and excellently spiced; and the salsa, guacamole and sour cream were so good (we just needed more of it). The burritos were a bit of a let-down, they were badly constructed and they were a bit stingy with the mince. <br/><br/>They also serve delicious margaritas, I ordered the mango one :)<br/><br/>If you love Mexican food, a great vibe and Maboneng then you have to visit Mama Mexicana, booking is essential.

Small menu, but oh, so good. Amongst Johannesburg's limited Mexican offerings, this place is a gem. The food is fresh, the venue cosy and the service very friendly: like being part of the Maboneng community after the first visit. Prices are reasonable enough that Mama Mexicana has become a regular venue for those nights when I don't want to cook.

Great Mexican food ( best nachos in town) at really great prices. The place itself is very small and a reservation on a Sunday is a good idea. Friendly staff, good service and cheerful decor. Worth a visit!

My favorite new find! Mama Mexicana has such a warm, friendly, laid back atmosphere, and absolutely delicious, simple Mexican food. We tried the chilli poppers (amazing, and surprisingly filling), and a number of dishes, all of which were delicious. The cocktails are really worth a try too! I'll definitely be back again!

I've lived in Texas for several years and finally, finally, there is a restaurant that serves the real deal, or as close as you'll get outside the US.  A relaxed atmosphere,  attentive staff and reasonable prices seal the deal for this "hombre"!

Authentic Mexican food in the heart of Johannesburg. Worth spending a Saturday or Sunday in the precinct and topping it off with late lunch here followed by drinks at Art on Main.

Affordable delicious Mexican food in a cozy setting. Great spot for lunch or an early dinner in the hipster Maboneng district. I really enjoyed their spicy chilli poppers - they do them different - and the tacos. Great guac and salsa too. When I asked for extra chilli they weren't shy either. I'd definitely go back to try more! It's small and cozy enough to book out for a birthday dinner with friends. The restaurant is owner run and it feels that way too. There is an open plan kitchen so you can see your food being prepped and the decor is simple yet quirky. Definitely one of the better Mexican dining experiences in Jozi.

So I came here this morning. Had a job interview at Arts on Main and I was quite early so I thought I'd grab a cup of coffee and woosah myself a bit before I get grilled. From the moment I stepped inside it was friendliness all the way. Was told to come in and relax . I chose a nice sunny spot and ordered some orange juice.<br/>The place is cosily decorated and has a nice warm feel to it. I love places with wooden furniture. It's small yet big enough. I ORDERED A MEXICAN BURRITO, it's a breakfast option. It has scrambled egg, peppers and bacon and was spiced brilliantly. I asked for it to be spicy with a bit of heat and the guy got it just right. It was bursting with all kinds of flavour. Was well complimented with quacamole and cream cheese. This is the kind of food that when you eat it you can feel the love and passion with which it was made.<br/>It was prepared by the owner as well, so I felt very special.<br/>There was some great, bluisy, vibey, get-you-in-a-good-mood music in the background. It got me in a really nice space and amped for my interview<br/>I definately would come here again. Want to exerience the vibe when it's full on a weekend and have a main meal. But this place is totally awesome. Service, food and venue. Oh yes, forgot to mention that this place is situated in the Maboneng district of Johannesburg. A lovely, artsy, hippyish set-up great for the social being.<br/>I'm definately coming back here again.

Authentic Mexican food in downtown Joburg which, if you're from the North, is an experience in itself! Portions are reasonably priced so you can order a few and share between you. The spicy is not that spicy, so ask for extra. Service was attentive and helpful. We didn't try the Naked Mexican craft beer but most other patrons were drinking it so we're keen to try it on our next visit.

3.5 stars. Delicious Mexican food! Pricing is a bit expensive, but worth it in my opinion. The bowls are delicious. I look forward to going back to try more on the menu!

I always love Mexican food ! So when I heard about Mama Mexicana I thought let's give it a try ! Situated in the quieter side of town , tucked in the corner of the vibey Manoneng precinct you will find Mama Mexicana. I've tried most things on the menu from the zingy Chillie Poppers & tostadas on starters menu to the Quesadilla, enchiladas ,Burritos , tacos & nachos chicken options from the mains ! All in all good tasty Mexican food regardless of how spicy you want it ! Portions I must say feel on the light side but with good quality food & friendly service makes up for it! Limited space to depending when you go ensure that you make reservations. Definitely worth a visit again into books.

I've been itching to go to Mama Mexicana, and this lovely and warm Saturday turned out to be the best day to visit. It's tucked away right around the corner from the entrance to Arts on Main and you almost miss it if you don't pay close attention. Despite the weekend and the popularity of Maboneng Precinct, Mama Mexicana was relatively empty. <br/><br/>We ordered the steak nachos (pictured) as a starter, and burger burrito and chicken quesadilla for mains. The steak nachos were surprisingly yummy and a very salty (which is something that I'm not exactly opposed to). They were a good portion for a starter as well. I was surprised that the burger burrito wasn't very mince-y especially because I expected a home made patty. Instead I received a very round and perfectly flat patty tucked into my burrito. It seemed very store-bought that was well-seasoned. The chicken quesadilla lacked a little in portion but was actually very delicious.<br/><br/>The food is very light at Mama Mexicana, not heavy in seasoning or oil or even starch like that other place in Melville. So the food tastes much better and, surprisingly, it feels like it's actually good for you! The place is also very airy and comfortable, and is in a great and clean location. Decor is simplistic with an interesting Andy Warhol-inspired portrait of the restaurant's patron on one wall.<br/><br/>If I'm in the area again, this will probably be my first choice for a lovely quick lunch. It's also one of the only new eateries situated in a. hipster/trendy place that doesn't make your eyes pop out your head when you look at the price list.

Very very disappointing experience. The website and Facebook page both say they open at 9:00am. We drove for 45 minutes in the morning traffic to get there just before 10am and they still were not open and no sign of them opening anytime soon.

Love the food! Amazing place! Got to try it! Even ordered another main meal because the good was just that good!