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!**

" I had a wonderful dinner at Carmelita's! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly. The chips and salsa were fresh and addictive! I ordered the short rib enchiladas, and they were packed with flavor. You could tell the chef really knows what they’re doing, and the portion sizes were more than enough. The atmosphere was perfect for a casual night out, and the view of the lake at sunset was stunning. I’ll definitely be back and bringing friends to share this experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" Carmelita's Kitchen is now one of my favorite spots! I went for a casual dinner and the ambiance was delightful; I loved the charming lake view from the patio. I ordered the chicken quesadilla, and it was matched perfectly with their salsa. The portion sizes were very generous, and I left feeling very satisfied. The service could be improved slightly—at times, we felt a little neglected, but overall it was a very pleasant experience. I'm looking forward to going back and trying different entrees. " (*Curated Review*)

" What a delightful experience! I recently dined here with my family and it was fantastic from start to finish. The portions were generous, and the flavors were so authentic. The spicy pineapple margarita was a hit! Our server was friendly, though sometimes a bit hard to catch when we needed something. But overall, the ambiance made up for it. The view of the lake complements the vibrancy of the dishes served well. An excellent choice for large groups; we will certainly return! " (*Curated Review*)

" So glad I discovered Carmelita's Kitchen! The food here is incredibly delicious and you can tell that they use high-quality ingredients. The shrimp tacos were cooked to perfection, and I couldn't get enough of the spicy bean dip that came with the chips. I also appreciated the fact that they have both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area overlooking the lake is fantastic, and perfect for a date night. I will definitely come back to try more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Carmelita's Kitchen based on the great reviews I saw, and it definitely lived up to the hype! The decor inside is charming, and they have a lovely patio overlooking the lake which makes for a perfect dining experience. The steak fajitas were top-notch, well-seasoned and served sizzling hot. The chips and salsa were addictively good. Our server was attentive and made great drink recommendations! The only downside was that we waited a bit longer for our food, but it was worth the wait. I can't wait to bring my family here next time. " (*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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