Artisan Meats & Latin American BBQ
In our Deli you can find South American meat cuts, artisan sausages, and a full menu to dine in or take away.
Three Ways to Eat Like El Jefe
One butchery, three experiences. Grab lunch from the smoker, book us for your next event, or take the good stuff home raw.
Food — Dine In & Take Away
Smoked cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pork belly rolls and more, plus a new special every week! Eat with us or take it away.
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Catering Services
We Bring the Flavour to You. Generous buffets, canapés, our food trailer and self-serve taco stations for events across the Bay of Plenty.
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Artisan Butchery
Latin American cuts like picanha and vacío, house-made chorizos, smoked patties and fresh chimichurri.
Shop MeatsSpecial of the Week: CUBAN SANDWICH
Freshly baked baguette, pulled pork, swiss cheese, shaved ham and special sauce
The Old Fashioned Way, Since 2020
El Jefe started from a pure love for good food. What began as a hobby of making home-made sausages for family and friends slowly grew into something much bigger: El Jefe Meats Deli.
We still do things the way we always have. We cure our own bacon, smoke our own patties, and make every chorizo by hand — Uruguayan, Argentinian, Chilean styles and more, all 100% natural and gluten free. No fillers, just good ingredients, traditional techniques and plenty of passion.
What started in a small kitchen, with food made to share at local markets, has grown into a cosy deli in Mount Maunganui, run by its friendly owners. From lunchtime burgers and house-made sausages to weekend BBQs, catering for celebrations and full-service events, El Jefe is all about one thing: making great food, from scratch, to bring people together.
Fresh From the Smokehouse
Weekly specials, what’s coming off the smoker, and the asados we’ve been cooking around the Bay — follow along and never miss a special of the week.
Visit El Jefe
Dine in, take away and pick-up available
- Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmKitchen until 2:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Sunday - Monday: Closed
Open in Google MapsFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting El Jefe Meats in Mount Maunganui.
Where is El Jefe Meats located?
You'll find us at 3/60 Aviation Ave, Mount Maunganui 3116, in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. We offer dine in, take away and pick-up.
What are El Jefe Meats' opening hours?
We're open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and closed Sunday and Monday. The kitchen closes half an hour before the counter on weekdays, so hot food finishes at 2:30 pm Tuesday to Friday — on Saturday both close together at 2:00 pm. Catering is available seven days by arrangement.
How late can I order hot food from El Jefe?
Last orders from the kitchen are 2:30 pm Tuesday to Friday and 2:00 pm on Saturday. The butchery counter stays open until 3:00 pm on weekdays, so you can still pick up cuts, chorizos and deli after the grill has gone quiet.
Does El Jefe Meats have gluten free options?
Yes — most of our menu is gluten free or has a gluten free option, including our smoked cheeseburgers on GF buns, the Carnivore Platter and tallow fries. Just ask when ordering.
What is picanha?
Picanha is the king of Brazilian BBQ — the top sirloin cap with its signature fat layer. We cut it in house and it's perfect for the skewer, parrilla or oven.
Are El Jefe's sausages and meats really made in house?
Yes. Every chorizo is hand-made in small batches with 100% natural ingredients — no fillers or preservatives — using pork from New Zealand farms with high welfare standards (PigCare certified).
Can I order El Jefe Meats online?
Yes, you can order food and butchery products through our website for pick-up from Aviation Ave, Mount Maunganui.
Does El Jefe Meats do catering?
Yes — from generous buffets and canapés to our food trailer and self-serve taco stations, we cater events across Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.
What does 'El Jefe' mean?
El Jefe means 'The Boss' in Spanish. The name comes from our founder Nico, a Uruguayan chef who brought the flavours of the South American parrilla to New Zealand.
