Corazon Cocina

With roots in a Sunday pop-up that started in 2014 Corazón Cocina has since become one of Santa Barbara’s most well-regarded eateries, a location inside the Public Market assuring foot traffic fortified by quick service and the sort of upscale Mexican Cuisine able to please a diverse clientele.

Owned by Chef Ramon Velazquez, a native of Guadalajara who began cooking with his grandmother and mother at a very young age, Corazón Cocina takes an approach by which technique fuels innovation while fully embracing California’s seasonal bounty.

Trained in fine dining as well as Sushi, Corazón Cocina’s Ceviche praised as some of the city’s best, first timers are advised to order broadly with the expectation that everything from Tortillas and Salsa to creamy Guac with a bit of heat is made on-site daily.

A counter-order setup with each guest given a pager, perhaps fifteen minutes wait allowing time to check out Desserts from sister-eatery Little Heart Cafecito, Tacos come loaded with slowly-braised Meat including spicy Al Pastor tamed by Pineapple or fall-apart Birria given added emphasis by Peanut Salsa Macha.

Almost entirely local and organic, Ling Cod for Fish Tacos far better than the So.Cal standard, Mexican White Shrimp offer a sweet burst inside the Contramar Burrito with Rice while Velazquez shows off his sourcing further via a “Mercado Quesadilla” loaded with seasonal Produce and grilled Panela Cheese.

Seated along the kitchen, Black Almond Mole earthy atop Chicken, don’t forget to say “yes” when asked about adding Chorizo to the Queso Fundido that pairs well to local or domestic Beer, Margaritas or housemade Horchata.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

With roots in a Sunday pop-up that started in 2014 Corazón Cocina has since become one of Santa Barbara’s most well-regarded eateries, a location inside the Public Market assuring foot traffic fortified by quick service and the sort of upscale Mexican Cuisine able to please a diverse clientele. Owned by Chef Ramon Velazquez, a native of Guadalajara who began cooking with his grandmother and mother at a very young age, Corazón Cocina takes an approach by which technique fuels innovation while fully embracing California’s seasonal bounty. Trained in fine dining as well as Sushi, Corazón Cocina’s Ceviche praised as some of the city’s best, first timers are advised to order broadly with the expectation that everything from Tortillas and Salsa to creamy Guac with a bit of heat is made on-site daily. A counter-order setup with each guest given a pager, perhaps fifteen minutes wait allowing time to check out Desserts from sister-eatery Little Heart Cafecito, Tacos come loaded with slowly-braised Meat including spicy Al Pastor tamed by Pineapple or fall-apart Birria given added emphasis by Peanut Salsa Macha. Almost entirely local and organic, Ling Cod for Fish Tacos far better than the So.Cal standard, Mexican White Shrimp offer a sweet burst inside the Contramar Burrito with Rice while Velazquez shows off his sourcing further via a “Mercado Quesadilla” loaded with seasonal Produce and grilled Panela Cheese. Seated along the kitchen, Black Almond Mole earthy atop Chicken, don’t forget to say “yes” when asked about adding Chorizo to the Queso Fundido that pairs well to local or domestic Beer, Margaritas or housemade Horchata.

Inside of a large building, are numerous food court restaurants. Great vibe. Fantastic food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing homestyle tacos just like mom makes them. The shrimp taco was one of the best I’ve had. Seasoning was on point for all the tacos. Great vibe too with latin music playing and beautiful authentic decor. Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I keep making mistake and order from them. The food is great, one of the best. But you cannot serve food in public market and take 30 min to deliver food to people dinning inside! People go there as a group and expect to eat together. All my friend are done eating their food and you are still waiting 30 min for 2 small tacos! They should put priority to people dinning in rather than pick up orders that are often big orders!

Food: 5

Service: 1

The food was really good portion sizes were average size I had the birria quesadilla

Absolutely delicious but very pricey!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

First timers here since on vacation and we loved the decor of this place! Food and drinks were yummy as well! The queso fundido with chorizo was phenomenal! Service wasn’t the best especially since it wasn’t super busy but the vibes were there!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

35 Minutes in the line and 45 minutes to get your food.

Service: 1

Don't limit burrito well hours. Shame

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 2

Very tasty tacos. 🌮 I got a little bit of tortilla chips and some salsa in addition to the 3 tacos that I ordered. Everything was great. The food court itself is spacious, clean and other food options look quite good. Pretty much a safe bet to come out satisfied and with a fully stomach from here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried it. While it's a good menu, the Ventura location is not recommended. They made our order to go and when they realized it was in house, the manager and bus boy moved the food from boxes to plates with bare hands and sneezed on the food. We paid in full but left without eating anything, worried about how they handled the food and the complete lack of adherence to Public health requirements. Hate to say it, we can't go back. It was so gross. Try the Carpenteria location. It's better.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The Norteño (skirt steak taco) may, quite seriously, be my favorite food item on this planet.

Ordered 4 tacos and 3 drinks—came out to $67. I expected the tacos to be bigger, but they were more like $2.50 street taco size. Took 30 minutes to get our food, and honestly, the taste wasn’t anything special. Definitely not worth the price.

20 minute wait for 3 small items, no crowd. Told after the fact they rented out their kitchen, hence the wait.