Carmelita's Kitchen

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.6 (873)


Carmelita's Kitchen has garnered high praise for its authentic Mexican cuisine, with many customers noting the restaurant's focus on genuine flavors and traditional dishes. The service received consistent commendations, emphasizing the friendly and attentive staff. Patrons have enjoyed the lovely atmosphere, enhanced by picturesque lake views. Overall, this restaurant is recommended for those seeking authentic Mexican food in a pleasant setting.

Overall:

4.8

(709 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.7


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (949) 709-7600

Address: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Carmelita's Kitchen exceeded my expectations! The atmosphere was lively, and sitting on the patio with a lake view made our meal even more enjoyable. The food was flavorful; I had the burrito, which was huge and incredibly tasty. I appreciate how they pay attention to detail when it comes to ingredient quality. Our server was attentive, although she had a busy section. My only suggestion would be to manage the wait times better, as it took a while to get our dessert. However, I'll easily overlook this minor hiccup thanks to the wonderful meal and ambiance. " (*Curated Review*)

" Carmelita's is a hidden gem! My friends and I celebrated a birthday here and the food was absolutely divine. The enchiladas were bursting with flavor, and the margaritas were the best I've ever had. We especially loved the outdoor seating with a view of the lake—so serene! Our server was phenomenal, always ensuring our drinks were full. I highly recommend the guacamole as well; it’s made fresh and totally worth it. Will definitely return soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a delightful place for dinner! Carmelita's Kitchen has a lovely atmosphere with stunning lake views. I opted for the shrimp taquitos, and they were superb. They serve generous portions, and the food is always fresh. The drink menu is impressive too, which really enhances the meal experience. I found the service excellent, attentive without being intrusive. I was surprised by the extensive offerings and plan to bring my friends next time! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Carmelita's with high expectations based on previous reviews, and while it was good, it didn’t entirely meet all of my expectations. The chicken fajitas were tasty, but the service was a bit slow, and we had to ask multiple times to get additional chips. The drink selection is very good though. Even with the service issues, I think the quality of the food makes this place still worth a visit. I’ll come back when I have more time! " (*Curated Review*)

" This is a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Mexican food! Every dish is prepared with great care, and the vibrant flavors stand out. During my last visit, I tried the carnitas, and they were seasoned just right. The outdoor seating area by the lake is beautiful and adds to the dining experience. I would recommend making reservations because it tends to get busy. The only downside was that my seat was a bit far from the main action, but overall, I left happy and full. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (699)

" Carmelita's Kitchen has quickly become a favorite of mine! The food is authentic and the flavors are exactly as they should be—no fake or generic stuff here! I tried their flan for dessert, and it’s possibly the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is very lively, and the service was also top-notch. I really enjoy the option of dining outdoors with a view of the lake. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

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