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Our Latest Reviews
GRILLED FISH TACOS
The grilled fish tacos are so wildly good you'll forget they're healthy. Both spicy and satisfying along with a handcrafted skinny margarita, you'll keep that beach body ready for the waves!
BBQ SMOKED RIBS
These are the best ribs I've ever had. Ever! I would put them up against any rib in the world. Spicy, tender, and cooked to perfection every time. There is no other food I've missed more than these during the pandemic. When you combine the great food with the entire service crew who make you feel like family, Carmelita's is our favorite place in OC to eat.
BREAKFAST BURRITO
The food here is authentic and delicious. They are always friendly and helpful in the service. The margaritas are deliciously delightful. We drive from Azusa to Laguna to enjoy a great meal.. We have had breakfast, lunch and dinner here...
CHILE VERDE
There are many exceptional dishes at Carmelitas. Starting with the bean dip, the burned pineapple jalapeño margarita that two rounds to quench the thirst. The jalapeño stuffed with crab and rolled in bacon. The dish that was is my favorite is the Chile verde, tender succulent pork butt simmered in green Chile sauce. The perfect acidity with pork umami in a bed of rice and beans. Corn tortillas and the pineapple margarita to drink along. Carmelitas elevates itself to be one of the top Mexican restaurant in Southern California.
CRISPY CHIMICHANGA
Absolutely one of the best dishes on the menu!
EL CLASSICO
Just what we needed on a Friday night, easy to order and when I pulled up in front of the restaurant my food was placed in my car. Absolutely delicious, crispy chicken tacos and enchiladas along with chips/salsa/guacamole. My favorite item, THE BEANS, best ever, THANK YOU for making tonight delicious and normal in these troubling times 🙏
SHRIMP TAQUITOS
The shrimp Taquitos make my mouth water. Also I can't come here without ordering a mango margarita and ceviche. No matter how crowded this place gets the food is always amazing and quality is never missed. Love love love everything about this food and the vibe at this restaurant.
FAMOUS CARNITAS
My favorite dish!!
BLACKBERRY MARGARITA
Great Food, Drinks
BLACKENED BURRITO
My favorite burrito of all time. I seriously always think about it. Everything is perfection and you can tell it is fresh and made from scratch.
EL CLASSICO
I can always count on Carmelita's! Amazing service and food. Thank you for being one of my neighborhood favorites.
TOSTADA SALAD
Carmelita's is the best Mexican food around and one of our favorites in Laguna Beach. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. In addition to great food the staff are fantastic!
BBQ SMOKED RIBS
The ribs and corn were outstanding as usual. Our server Kenia, was excellent as was our bus boy, Francisco. The bartender, Ivone was also excellent and fast. It was extremely crowded (Saturday night) and the maitre di, Daniel, was very accommodating in getting us seated as quickly as possible. The Laguna Beach Carmelita's is our favorite place to eat in Orange County. I would highly recommend it to anyone!
EL CLASSICO
Absolutely wonderful. Perfectly prepared. Here's the key -- you can change it up. I had a fish taco, chicken enchilada with salsa verde and steak poblano. An excellent combination. When combined with the extensive selection of tequilas and Negra Modelo on tap, what more could you ask for?
BBQ SMOKED RIBS
Drinks at the bar. OMG. The best jalapeño cucumber cilantro margarita I've ever had. Great service. So amazing!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
GUACAMOLE
The guacamole is the best I have ever had. This is hands down my favorite Mexican restaurant in Southern California
CHILE VERDE
The most amazing Chile Verde that I have tasted. It was so tender and flavorful, I cannot wait to be back at Carmelita's to have it again!!
FAMOUS CARNITAS
Best Carnitas around! Great ambiance and great drinks.
QUESO FUNDIDO
The go to party pleasing appetizer everyone will love. So good. You don't need a long winded review you just need to try it. Also be sure to sing your order que-so queso fun DI DO the staff will love you for it
GRILLED FISH TACOS
My first time here and immediately as i walked in, I knew this place was authentic! The margaritas are freshly made with tequila you can taste! I chose these tacos because I never pass up a fish taco! These surely did not disappoint. Yummy grilled halibut thick pieces blended beautifully with fresh salsa and greens but not overtaking the taco. The halibut was the main star. Fresh avocado finishes it off! Great upbeat atmosphere. I hear the RHOC was filmed here! Im hoping to come back soon some day and try a new item on the menu, as everything looks delicious! Great service and friendly staff in little pretentious Laguna Beach! Lol!
CAMARONES AL LA DIABLA
The camarones ala diabla were amazing. This dish is rich in flavors. Also the people there are friendly and the drinks are to die for. I recommend this place.
EL CLASSICO
My wife and I have been coming to Carmelita's for a couple of years now, since we were just dating! It's been our local go-to for date night out, and perfect for entertaining friends and family from out of town (can't go wrong with margaritas and ceviche at lunch). The food is always delicious and generous. My dinner favorites are El Classico and the Tampiqueno,. We also always get guac and I always get a Oaxacan margarita or two. It's really top notch. We can't wait until dine-in is open again!
FAMOUS CARNITAS
The food was great as usual but we ordered our dinner at 5:25 pm and it didn't arrive til 9 pm - my 2 kids were starving. The manager called to say he was refunding us for the meal.
CHILE VERDE
Melts in your mouth with an explosion of flavor. I always get the griilled veggies instead of rice and beans . My favorite meal in LGuna Beach and fof ne ..its so huge i have dniugh for a second yummy dinner!
FAMOUS CARNITAS
Crispy yet melts in your mouth! A local favorite!
BLACKBERRY MARGARITA
💕💕💕💕💕
CRISPY CHIMICHANGA
We also had other food from the takeout menu. Food was great as it always is. Our favorite Mexican restaurant.
FAMOUS CARNITAS
Delicious & nice amount in large size take out. Really miss the Chile verde!!
CRISPY CHIMICHANGA
I loved chimichanga . Always ordered this from Carmelita's. 😍
OAXACAN STEAK TACOS
My favorite dish ! So tasty I love the blend of tender steak , cheese and portobello mushrooms! The tortillas are the best!
EL CLASSICO
We live in Laguna and we go to Carmelita's about once a week! We LOVE it! The staff is so kind and everything is soooo good! The margs are great and the bean dip is a must.
LOBSTER CHILE RELLENOS
DELICIOUS!! Great Service Zack was our server. He was the best. What an asset to the restaurant Can't wait to return!!!
FAMOUS CARNITAS
Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! The food at Carmelita's is always great. I have never had anything here that isn't good.
CRISPY CHIMICHANGA
The best chimichanga I've ever had! The sauce is incredible and the cheese is layered perfectly. Topped with excellent guac
OAXACAN STEAK TACOS
Wonderful food and atmosphere. Will be returning!!!!
POLLO A LA CHIPOTLE
Best Mexican food around! Very fresh and flavorful. Great service.
QUESO FUNDIDO
Carmelita's is AMAZING! The queso fundido is the best I've had. Everything from their drinks to dinner keeps you wanting more.
BLACKENED BURRITO
Best burrito ever!!!
SEAFOOD ENCHILADAS
When Javier's closed for vacation, my wife and I were disappointed. Did some research, found Carmelita's and we fell in love. This is our new spot!
BEEF FLAUTAS
We had a party of 10 visiting from San Diego, the service was friendly and helpful! The margaritas were exceptional! Everyone was happy with their meal! Shrimp Diablas, beef flautas, carnitas, chimichanga, el pastor...I could go on! Every dish was delish! Now when I crave Mexican food, we are going to need to make the 1 hour drive north! It is really that good!
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