Xacalli Kitchen

So so disappointed. $180

Really bad food, trying to be fancy and it ended badly. Went on a taco Tuesday so there wasn’t even a full menu. Ordered the pork belly, pescado, and pollo tacos. The pork belly was a cube that was too big and undercooked so it was squishy with zero flavor. The poolo tacos were lukewarm at best with a mole flavor topped with pickled onions, and the fish taco had little to no cabbage so I was eating fried fish with an over powering corn tortilla. We thought the Cesar salad would be good but it had way too much dressing and was so sour I could not eat it.

We had two margaritas each,
One we ordered with our waiter Noah and the other (I believe owner) person serving food. One margarita was correct, and the second one was not correct (wrong salt, and I think we may have gotten the bottom of the mix because it was chunky and too sour - like pure limes).

After reading the reviews - I have no idea how this place gets such high ratings and I have zero idea how this place is still in business.

A MISSED ELEVATED MEXICAN EXPERIENCE.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Outstanding food - the combination of flavors is truly unique. The service was friendly but quite slow.

My husband and I had a truly wonderful evening at this restaurant. The food was amazing. The service was amazing. I highly recommend going.

Unusually good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Agua Chile Negro, Al Pastor Chicken

Highly recommended! This was our first time at Xacalli Kitchen and it was fantastic! Each item— the pork chop, the sweet potatoes, the enchiladas, even the Caesar—was unique and delicious. We were there on a quiet weeknight but even at busier times I suspect the atmosphere would be relaxing. I now look forward to coming back to this beautiful area in the daylight!

The food is absolutely amazing.It is so delicious the ceviche is amazing and the carne Asada is amazing

Must try if you’re in OC, definitely underrated !!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Went there for brunch this past weekend and was extremely happy with our dining experience. At the time of our reservation, there was no crowd so the atmosphere was calm and quiet. Service was prompt and friendly.

Our server was knowledgeable of the menu and was able to recommend several items for our party to try. We ordered several items and it was difficult to decide which item we liked the most. Everything we ordered was delicious. I would definitely recommend the chilaquiles and the tacos, in particular order, the pork belly, the fish, and then carne asada. The ceviche and queso fundido was excelent as well.

It is safe to say I will definetly be going back. I look forward to ordering from the dinner menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We will need to go back for dinner. Brunch was lovely. The food, service and ambience were all excellent. Cocktails were also great! Will try dinner and bring more people so we can order more.

What an incredible find! The food here is truly original and absolutely delicious — every dish bursts with creativity and flavor. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and beautifully designed, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual dinner to a special night out. Vegetarians will be thrilled with the number of thoughtful options on the menu, and many dishes can easily be modified for vegans — a refreshing change in the OC dining scene. It's rare to find a place that cares this much about quality, originality, and atmosphere all at once. Please support this local treasure! It's the kind of restaurant we want to see thrive!

I love the menu, I celebrate my family birthdays there; for me this menu deserves Michelin stars!

Some of the best things in life are meant to remain hidden—waiting to be discovered by those unafraid to venture out and try something new. Tucked away in the historic mining town of Silverado, Xacalli Kitchen is truly a culinary hidden gem, embraced by canyons, creeks, and scenic beauty.

I was fortunate enough to be invited by close friends and teachers to experience this farm-to-table Mexican restaurant, and from start to finish it was an unforgettable evening. Leaving Huntington Beach on a late Friday afternoon, I made the drive through the scenic Silverado canyons, where golden light and pleasant weather set the perfect tone for the evening ahead. The road reminded me of a past trip through the Santa Monica Mountains—leaving the chaos of the city behind as the quiet beauty of the canyon unfolded. To my left, the newly built Saint Michael’s Abbey emerged on the horizon, striking and picturesque. My GPS assured me I was only three minutes away, and with a sense of nostalgia, I pulled into the restaurant.

There’s something grounding about this place. It reminded me of simpler times—when food was honest and fresh. That is exactly what Xacalli Kitchen delivers: simplicity rooted in farm-fresh ingredients.

The dishes were a delight for the senses. My favorite was the 24 oz Bone-In Porterhouse Carne Asada, perfectly tender with just the right smoky char that deepened its rich flavor. The Branzino grilled fish, served boneless, was succulent, delicate, and surprisingly approachable—as it carried none of the “fishy” taste one might expect. To finish, the Mousse de Chocolate was nothing short of divine: semi-sweet chocolate paired with cojeta, hazelnut, Dukkah, hibiscus, gastrique, and oblea. Each bite felt like a carefully composed symphony.

Xacalli Kitchen is more than just dinner—it’s a culinary journey. Every dish radiates care and passion, surprising and captivating you in the best ways. Here, surrounded by delicious food and great company, the world feels lighter and more peaceful. And the gems you uncover here remind you to relax, be present, and truly enjoy the moment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Al Pastor Chicken, New York Steak, Pato Con Mole

We had the best family get together and was treated like royalty! The whole team at the restaurant contributed to making our night very very special! I would go again and again and again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

$17 cocktails was a bit high for just a standard drink. $200 for three a bit pricy. Cheesecake we thought was lwhat the heck is this. Soo small.... And one bite per person. Quality and taste of the food overall was good. Just would be better around $40 cheaper.

Been there a bunch. Love it. Really excellent elevated Mexican food. Out of the way but worth the drive. Good mixed drinks. Have had most of the menu and it's all great!