Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in Carmel Valley

This Is Jim (Jaimito) I am a regular here. I visit once a month. This place rocks. The staff, Fernando, Maite, Beto, Juan Carlos are all the most awesome people and friendly, exceptional customer service. The food is amazing and the tequila is great! Thank you!!

I've been to Cocina Fresca several times for lunch and dinner. Obviously if I keep going it must be good. I've gone with my husband and also with gal friends. The food is always amazing and the staff super nice and attentive, but not in your face. All the people I've gone with have ordered different items on the menu and they are all excellently prepared. I highly recommend this restaurant. Plus you will be in the heart of Carlsbad; a great place to walk on the beach or window shop all the fun stores.

When we got there, they brought the 3 of us to what we thought was the back room... no one in it but us... it WAS 5:45. We were mistaken... by the time we had finished our food, the place was packed... We started with Margaritas, GF had a cucumber one, the Cadillac with a mini Gran Marnier bottle stuck upside down in it... Novel and you DID get enough... The bartender made a GREAT Cadillac and I asked for extra salt... and he was the ONLY one out of the many that actually gave me extra salt... 3/4 " around the lip of the glass... The Online Menu had a Short Rib Burrito, but the Chef changes the menu and it wasn't there. On the waiter's suggestion, I had him ask the Chef if he would make it for me... and the Chef said Yes,... Well, to sum it up... Great food, Great drinks, Great Service, and a Great Chef made for (you guessed it) A GREAT EVENING !!!

Enjoyed our lunch - with inflation (wage, CoGs, etc.) paying $25 each for lunch w no alcohol is seemingly the new norm.

We increased our party size from 4 to 6 people. The staff accommodated our request. The selection of food and beverages was fantastic but the taste was even better. The servers were engaging and polite and professional. Everything was served in a timely manner. Even after we left, it was down pouring and two of the employees opened the door and beckoned for us to come inside and wait out of the rain. We 6 were very pleased and highly recommend this fine establishment.