Location: Capitola
Top Restaurants in Capitola
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Best Mexican food near Capitola, California, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Mexican food in Capitola, California, United States. Capitola, just minutes south of Santa Cruz, is California’s oldest seaside resort town, and boasts a Mediterranean flavor. An esplanade winds around village shops and bistros, while picture-ready views from the Capitola Wharf create a relaxing atmosphere. Experience signature events like the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Capitola Begonia Festival, wine tasting rooms, and shopping. Take a hillside “cable car” to dinner overlooking Soquel Creek, next to scenic gardens and waterfalls.
Things to do in Capitola
10. Taqueria Tepeque
Reviewed By quicktrvlr
Taqueria Tepeque is a hidden gem in Capitola. Just like home made food .. delicious meats and sauces cooked all day plus everything is fresh for authentic Michoacan food. Everyone is super friendly and will go out of their way to make what you want. Their typical dishes are cooked perfectly .. best taqueria in town! They just doubled their seating .. plus, you can still sit outside in the sun. Super great prices.
9. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Reviewed By JeriLG
The location has a large dining area and tables outside. The set up is the same as the standard Chipotles. This makes ordering understandable if you have been before. I don't understand if I get something without meat or cheese, why I am paying the same price as those with. Taqueria's will let you substitute. Here is is an assembly line production. Not my favorite.
8. Chill Out Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By TahoeBlue66
If you like options, variety and quality food and a chill atmosphere this is your place. We came in here based on a recommendation and wow what a winner They have 21 different options for your burrito with names like "naughty Natasha" and "going to paradise" - winner!!!
7. San Marcos Charquito Tacos y Tortas
Reviewed By bdc10763
Stopped by this place on a tip from a friend...and now I come here as often as possible. Probably the best Tacos Iâve ever had. Freshly made tortillas are served with a variety of meats...recommend the Carnitas. Quesadillas are awesome as well. Do yourself a favor and give it a try...youâll be glad you did.
6. El Chipotle Taqueria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
phone number (831) 477-1048
Reviewed By Richard V
We found out about El Chipotle because we went to a "mole tasting" held in Santa Cruz at the Mission. There were 12 different moles from various participants and it was fun to try all the different variations of mole sauce. There was two "judging" - a panel and peoples choice. El Chipotle was in the top two - not just for us but they won a well-deserved "People's Choice" reward. The other top winner was someone sharing a family recipe - and only thinking about maybe opening a restaurant or starting a catering service. So I did a search to find out where El Chipotle Taqueria was located. To my surprise, it was in Soquel right off the "T" where we come down from the mountains on Soquel San Jose Road and turn onto Soquel road (we live up in the mountains and take that route rather than 17). It was such a small place that we never even noticed it. But when we tried it one Saturday for lunch - it was busy and I now know why. This is a family run restaurant with really great food. There is a parking lot in the back because there are several businesses in the area so it isn't a hassle to park - but you may have to wait for a seat (they seem to do a good "to go" business as well).I had their Chicken Mole - of course - because I wanted to taste their sauce again. It was excellent. I don't remember what my wife had but she also enjoyed her lunch. We will definitely come back. If I don't give five stars it's only because I reserve those for places that are truly over the top. This is an excellent place with great food where I'd normally think a three star rating would be very good. But - even based on only one meal - that mole deserves gives them that extra star. And the prices and quantity - as well as the overall quality - all back that four star rating as well.
5. Taqueria Vallarta II
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By wwanderX
I went to my auto dealer and asked the clerk what the best Mexican restaurant to grab a bite for lunch, and he said well it's all up to peoples opinion.., I said what's your opinion? So I went to this about three blocks from the ocean at Pleasant point Capitola, and if you get here for lunch or whatever you got to go to the beach because it's too amazing to believe. The place was packed I got shrimp taco plate and a beer. Nothing could've been more enjoyable to sit there watch the people and eat guacamole and shrimp, I put a picture on the trip and visor website, good parking outdoor seating lots of air and people so what is average or what his usual this is better than average just based on the Seabreeze the sun California it's all here if you're a European get here ASAP. Three places in Santa Cruz this is the best.
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4. Tortilla Flats Restaurant Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Maria S
We ordered takeout from this restaurant. I tasted two of the dishes: shrimp enchilada and chile relleno / enchilada with beef. They were okay but kind of tasteless to me. I guess we are used to Tex/Mex cuisine. The quantities are about right. Combos include rice and beans. Probably would not order again, since there are other options available.
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3. El Toro Bravo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0
I love the quaint town of Capitola. I also love coming to this small Mexican restaurant for dinner. The portions are good size if you get a 2 to 3 item plate dinner. Normally, we have to bring an item home because their food is very filling. In particular, the tamales, enchiladas tacos and tostadas are all my favorite choices.
2. Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By soifdawg
This place is always crowded & popular with their tourists and locals. It has a varied assortment of the standard Mex dishes. It is good, but not great. Margaritas are strong and tasty. Wish they had homemade tortillas- that is the standard by which all mex restaurants gauged
1. Margaritaville
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Margaritaville has reopened under new ownership with a new 25 seat bar, service staff and menu. We offer fresh sustainable contemporary Mexican seafood in a first class casual environment with panoramic oceanviews.
Reviewed By gary c
I stopped in here today because the locals told me to experience this place. Tremendous food and drinks and service. My server, Lauren 622, was PERFECT!!!! She was super attentive, very quick at delivering either food or drinks, helped me make some culinary and alcohol decisions and had a super personality!!!! Lauren made my experience the best!!!! Thanks Lauren!!!!!!!!!! I had some guacamole and calamari to start my evening...both super choices...look at my pictures!!!! I then had the crab cocktail and it was super-superb!!!!!! I ended up with a house salad and it was great too. My wines were all endemic in the Santa Cruz area and were great and the two margaritas I had were so cool and easy to drink.... this place has plenty of ambiance and a great view of the water and birds. The manager, Alexid, stopped by to make sure my experience was great!!! That was very cool!!!! I love it when a manager sticks her head into the inner workings of her restaurant instead of just standing by passively!!!! Alexid was super too!!!.....everyone was just great to me!!!!......and I appreciate that!!! I would highly recommend this place to anyone traveling in the area!!!!! Thanks to all for a great time!!!!!!!
