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Carmelita's Kitchen Giftly
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CategoriesMexican, Breakfast & Brunch
Location31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Gift Tips
- Try the carnitas, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes and a strong choice for a first visit.
- Order the halibut tacos or the Pollo Serrano if you want something a little different from standard Mexican favorites.
- Start with the chips, salsa, and bean dip, since they are a popular part of the meal and a good way to sample the kitchen’s style.
- Save room for a margarita, especially the strawberry jalapeño or Cadillac version, for a nice pairing with the food.
- If you are dining with a group, the Carmelita combination is a smart option because it lets everyone try several items.
Click here to send a gift up to $1,000 with the suggestion to use it at Carmelita's Kitchen.
Price$$
AmbienceCasual
Year Established1962
Carmelita's Kitchen is a Mexican and breakfast spot in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, located by the lake and known for its relaxed, easygoing setting. It is a family-owned restaurant that leans on warm hospitality and a menu built with local ingredients.
- Ambiance: Carmelita's Kitchen offers a casual, welcoming setting in Rancho Santa Margarita, with patio seating that overlooks the lake and adds to the dining experience.
- Cuisine: The menu focuses on Mexican and brunch dishes made with local ingredients, including favorites like carnitas, halibut tacos, Pollo Serrano, fajitas, and breakfast burritos.
- Highlights: Guests can enjoy attentive service, generous portions, fresh chips and dips, and a drink list that includes margaritas and other cocktails.
The kitchen offers a mix of familiar dishes and a few more distinctive options, giving diners plenty to choose from whether they are stopping in for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Popular plates include seafood tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and grilled entrées that work well for both casual meals and celebrations.
Carmelita's Kitchen also stands out for its outdoor dining area, which makes it a good choice on sunny days or for an evening meal with a view. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, and the restaurant is a solid pick for anyone looking for a comfortable place to enjoy Mexican food in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Customer Reviews
This is our favorite Orange County Mexican restaurant. Very creative menu with exceptional preparation. Servers are all likeable and very efficient. It's a... read review
This place is a hidden gem in south Orange County and it's the kind of spot you'll want to come back to. It has that cozy family run feel that makes it... read review
The lakeside setting is just beautiful--whether you're sitting on the patio soaking in the water views or inside with those big windows, the ambiance makes... read review
Richard C.
04/12/2026
04/12/2026Elizabeth N.04/25/2026
04/25/2026Julie M.04/16/2026
04/16/2026Great Alternatives
Gift $100 for Todos Santos: Todos Santos in Rancho Santa Margarita is a captivating Mexican restaurant that enchants taste buds with its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
Buy a Gift & Greeting Card for La Fiesta Mexican Grill: La Fiesta Mexican Grill in Rancho Santa Margarita brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to life with their authentic dishes and warm hospitality.
The Giftly Advantage
With Giftly you strike a perfect balance, the thoughtfulness of a Carmelita's Kitchen gift card with the flexibility of money.
- Easy to buy online. Have it delivered now or later
- Send it with a personalized greeting card
- 3 easy ways for your recipient to redeem the gift
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How it works
- You customize a giftGift up to $1,000 with the suggestion to use it at Carmelita's Kitchen. Delivered in a personalized greeting card.
- They receive the giftGifts can be sent by email, SMS*, mail or you can print it yourself.
- They enjoy it!They redeem the gift on our website and choose to deposit the funds in their bank account, Paypal account or to have a Visa / Mastercard Gift Card mailed to them.
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