Carmelita's

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.4 (161)


Carmelita's is known for its delicious and largely authentic Mexican cuisine, which many patrons enjoy. While the overall service is praised and the atmosphere is cozy, there are some mixed reviews regarding the portion sizes and price. Most visitors express a willingness to return.

Overall:

4.5

(140 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.3


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (949) 503-4107

Address: 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy Unit 109, Dana Point, CA 92629, 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: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 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

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Watching Sports

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 recently hosted a family dinner at Carmelita’s and it was a hit! Everyone raved about the taste of the food and the comfortable environment made for a great gathering. The kids especially loved the tacos, and my sister couldn’t stop complimenting the fresh salsa. Although it was a busy night, our server was efficient and friendly. Highly recommend this spot for family outings! " (*Curated Review*)

" Carmelita's is a delightful gem! From the moment we walked in, the charming atmosphere made us feel welcomed. The chiles en nogada were exceptional—very authentic and perfectly presented. The staff was attentive and genuinely cared about our experience. I will certainly return! " (*Curated Review*)

" I must say, I was a bit disappointed this time around. Although I love the food here and the service is usually great, my last visit had a few hiccups. The seating was uncomfortable, and it took too long to receive the food. When it came, it was tasty as always, but the experience was not as enjoyable due to the delay. I hope they can improve on this next time I visit. " (*Curated Review*)

" I have to say, I was excited to try Carmelita's after hearing so many good things, though it was not what I expected. The food was decent but nothing really stood out flavor-wise. The ambience was lively, yet the wait staff seemed overworked, which affected the level of service we received. I might try again one day as it's still received a lot of praise. " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Carmelita’s for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the fast service and quality of the food. The salsa was homemade and packed with flavor. My chicken enchiladas were delightful! Prices were reasonable, considering the freshness of the ingredients. Looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (130)

" This place is phenomenal! Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor. The fish tacos were definitely the highlight—so fresh! I felt like I was transported to Mexico with every bite. The service was also top-notch; our server was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. If you're looking to satisfy your Mexican food craving, you must try Carmelita's! " (*Curated Review*)

" Carmelita’s has a fun and vibrant atmosphere! I came here for dinner with friends, and we had a blast. The nachos are a must-try, and I was particularly blown away by the queso. Though the wait for our food was slightly longer than expected, the servers were very charming and accommodating. Overall, it made for a lovely evening out! " (*Curated Review*)

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