Carmelita's Kitchen

G A U

4/7/2022 What an enjoyable evening at Carmelitas. We were greeted by Ashley and Eric two of the Carmelita All Stars and our favorites. We were seated at a wonderful high top by an amazing host Nick who also informed us that they now take reservations. Darya was our server extraordinare and a true professional. You must ask for Darya as he is attentive, professional and very personable. We also visited with Goldie and the newest edition Mathew, great people and both competitive athletes and wow do they move to please. Don Russ made some amazing margaritas and oh so tasty and exactly how the doctor ordered. We had shrimp taquitos for an appetizer and my wife had the chicken enchilada combo which was delightful. I had the Pollo Serrano which is my favorite made with Mary's organic chicken. We also met Chris a fine young man and Juan's son. Juan was the GM at Carmelitas and now is GM at Callo here in the OC on Crown Valley Parkway. A great evening with fantastic food, drinks, service, people and ambiance. Highly recommended. On the lake at RSM. Another wonderful Linner! Eric took care of us and we sat at table 7, my favorite number. I had a mezcal no. 5 and my wife a vodka soda with a lemon lime twist. Great place and they were on fire busy. Ashley was tending bar and we saw Goldie and a few others running to serve patrons. A busy Sunday. Eric is the best and he is not only detail oriented but quite attentive and professional. I had the Pollo Serrano which is Mary's organic chicken with a stuffed poblano and rice/beans. My wife had chicken enchiladas, rice and beans and it was all served hot and tasty. We have not met Clemente yet hear all about him as we are regulars and he runs two wonderful restaurants, Carmelitas and Callo fine Mexican Cuisine and Tequilla Bar. We will visit that one soon as we miss seeing Juan the manager who was previously at Carmelitas. Great staff, great food and they treat you like familia. Highly recommended. Ask for Ashley and tell her George sent ya...cheers

John Michaels

Our server was attentive and sociable. They use real candles, something not often seen anymore. There is a literal wall of candles and they're all real. The food was excellent. My steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The chicken enchiladas were cheesy and the chicken had the perfect amount of char adding some crisp. I hate black beans, but the black bean dip was amazing. I'll definitely be coming back!

Mary Ann “M.A.” Braunstein

Great food...The staff were all very friendly and our server was excellent. My friend & I were celebrating our birthdays and they all signed a Happy Birthday card. So sweet!

Britney Pereyra

Was excited to try this place for a early valentines Dinner, made a reservation for Feb 13th at 6pm. Received a confirmation the night before. My husband and I got here and we walked up to the door and there is a typed sign taped to the door saying they are closed for super bowl. Really? DO NOT let people make reservations and then CONFIRM the reservation the night before just to be closed..... we revolved our day around this. Closed for Super Bowl?! What a joke. The neighboring businesses had big screens on their patios, this place needs guidance and leadership. You could have made money on Super Bowl Sunday. We sat at a nearby restaurant and watched 10 other people walk up, read the note and shake their heads in disbelief. The manager here really didn't think it would be a good idea to notify all of your reservations you were going to close so you could watch the football game instead of making money? Unacceptable.