Avila's El Ranchito - Laguna Niguel

10/10 service

Awful food and overpriced!!
I ordered the carne asada with shrimp, rice and beans to go… I was fooled by the delicious butter and garlic smell on the way home, but opened it to discover 3 shrimps and a thin piece of tasteless meat that looked like a shoe sole.
$28 for this!! Total rip off! Never eating there again!

Avila’s Ranchito knocked it out of the park! Their Camarones a la Diabla were perfectly cooked—plump shrimp that hits all the right notes without overpowering. Even better, the service was great: our server was attentive, friendly, and happy to offer recommendations. If you’re looking for top‑notch Mexican cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in Laguna Niguel, Avila’s Ranchito is a must‑try!

Decent neighborhood joint

Superior service by all staff included restaurant manager Edwin . We’ve been to all locations yet this one definitely stands out !

10/31/2024-- UPDATE -DO NOT EAT HERE... I hope the owner/manager reads this. I gave another shot at this restaurant. It was even worse than before. HORRIBLE - Stay away!! You can get better food at Taco Bell. The food comes out within 5 minutes. Tastes like it's been sitting there all day, and they just heated it up. The lettuce in my salad was brown and tasted gross! There was a guy who knows if he was a waiter or what, but he was walking around, touching the cash register, touching his phone, COUNTING HIS MONEY, then came over to the help the other guy to heat up OUR TORTILLAS. The tortilla bag was just sitting there with the bag open, Threw them on the warmer right in front of us, and then served them to us, and still just left the bag opened.I actually regret
that I didn't say something. Then expected me to eat them!!! HECK NO- STAY AWAY- Who knows what goes on in the back!! To pay $70.00 for that! Never again.

What can you say, it's week El Ranchito. Great food, great service and the salsa rocks. Never been to this location before, so it was a little surprising to see one without their traditional decor, but i understand being the city this is in.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: El Ranchito House Soup, Chips and Salsa, Carne Asada, Mama Avila's Soup

We got turned away because we wanted to eat inside instead of outside. The tall skinny lady said it will take 35 mins. Not really encouraging for us to wait. It was not even busy.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 2

I won’t be spending my money here again. The service was below average. Everybody was nice enough, but they were not able to deliver a positive customer service experience. The food is average. Not bad, but not incredible either. I would drive 5 min from this location and eat at Calo if you’re looking for better service and better food. It is Slightly pricier tho.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

Great place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Decent food good size portion. Service was OK. Atmosphere was OK but a little crowded. A little spendy but tasty food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Enchilada

The Fiesta Botana or the Shrimp Botana is excellent. These are Mazatlan Shrimps in garlic butter. You have the option to add rice and beans for a minimal charge. It comes with corn or flour tortilla. The serving is huge and can be shared.

Service is fast and friendly. My family enjoy eating here. If you’re visiting the area, try this place and you won’t be disappointed. They also have outdoor seating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Carne Asada Con Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo, Quesadilla, Enchilada

My daughter and I eat here often. We love the family atmosphere, the food, and the servers are like family. I highly recommend.

Parking: It's in a center that has other businesses so the lot gets pretty full close to the restaurant. But there is a conjoined parking lot that's only a short walk. Parking is free. There are handicap spots.

Kid-friendliness: Very up beat kid friendly place to eat.

Wheelchair accessibility: My daughter is in a wheelchair and we were able to eat indoors or out and she was able to go to the restroom.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno - House Specialty, Chips and Salsa, Carne Asada Con Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo, Autumn Burrito, Side Black Beans, Sizzling Fajitas, Crispy Taco, Carnitas Tacos, Quesadilla, Chicken Burrito, Enchilada

Food is always very good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa

Albondigas soup: mediocre, at best.