Carmelita's Kitchen
$$ • Mexican, Vegan, Vegetarian Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout Carmelita's Kitchen
Customers' Favorites
Shrimp and Lobster Chimichanga
Enchiladas Chicken and Beef
Crab and Shrimp Enchilada
Carmelita's Ribeye Tacos
Pork & Pineapple Tacos
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Blackberry Margarital
Short Rib Enchiladas
Shrimp Taquitos
Chicken Fajitas
Carmelita's Kitchen Reviews
382 ratings
Share your opinion about Carmelita's Kitchen
Wonderful experience at Carmelita’s Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita, I feel like we spent the day in Mexico having an authentic meal with a fantastic lake view. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the service really made our visit special.
A huge shout-out to our terrific waitress, Hannah. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Jose, our server, was also fantastic—hardworking, courteous,...read full review
A huge shout-out to our terrific waitress, Hannah. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Jose, our server, was also fantastic—hardworking, courteous,...read full review
Always a great meal! And service.
Such fun cozy outing. The food is delicious and service is very good too
Hours
| Monday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Tuesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Sunday | 11AM - 9PM |
Carmelita's Kitchen is a Mexican restaurant known for its friendly service and delicious food. The strawberry jalapeno margarita is a must-try, and the chips and salsa are always refilled promptly. The menu offers tasty dishes like short rib enchiladas, carnitas, and pollo serrano, accompanied by flavorful Mexican rice, Mexican corn, and white rice. The interior and exterior are both well-designed, with a terrace seat offering a view of Lake Rancho Santa Margarita. Many tables have a view of the lake, and the restaurant often feels spacious and inviting. The food is consistently praised, with dishes like the chili Verde and steak fajitas being favorites. The staff, including helpful servers like Kelly, provide welcoming and attentive service. Although prices are a bit high, the quality, view, and ambiance make it worth the cost. Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.