Encanto Restaurante — Restaurant in undefined

SUMMARY: Food was delicious, but in our group of eleven people, 8 orders arrived cold, and the other 3 overcooked. Ambience could have been incredible, with hard-crashing waves into a rocky hillside, and a beautiful venue, but we were seated right next to a band and the music was way, way too loud. Service was almost amazing, with friendly and professional waiters, but they were mostly working in another part of the restaurant and consistently seemed to forget that we were there.

-- Full Review --

As an American living in Rosarito, my family is always exploring new restaurants, and Encanto had been on our list to try for several months since we heard about it. So when we had friends come visit us from Riverside, it was the perfect excuse to go.

I need to start with a major qualifier: we went 2 days before New Years' Eve, on a weekend, so it's to be expected that they would be extremely busy. We tried calling 4 or 5 times during the day to make reservations, but the phone was never answered, so we just decided to go.

We had 11 people, so we went in two vehicles. The main parking lot had an hour-long wait, so we parked in an auxiliary parking lot where we were asked to pay 200MXN. For Mexico, that's an extremely high price for parking, but was understandable considering how popular the location is.

The wait to get into Encanto was about 45 minutes, and we used the time walking around, enjoying the beautiful display of lights, having some (very delicious!) coffee and so forth. It wasn't a bad wait.

When our table was ready, we were seated on the second floor. The table had not been cleaned, and was wet with the prior diners' food, which one of our party found out when they put some of their belongings on the table. It took us a couple of minutes to find a waiter to clean the table.

We were seated in a smaller area away from the main dining spaces, and although the windows faced the sea, it was too dark for us to see or enjoy the view. We were also 2 tables away from the live band. The band was good, and the music would have been nice - except it was SOOOO loud that we were literally shouting to each other, and still unable to talk to each other. I've (no joke) found it easier to have conversation in nightclubs.

The waiters brought some chips and salsa, and took our orders. They were extremely friendly and professional. My initial impression of the service was that it was A+ service. Unfortunately, after placing our orders and receiving our drinks, we did not see the waiters again for a very long time - perhaps 20 or 30 minutes until the food arrived - and were not able to get drink refills or more chips.

Again, much of this was understandable, considering how busy Encanto was, and considering the day that we went. But the biggest issue was the food.

The flavor was exceptional, but in our group of eleven people, 6 of us received room temperature food, 2 received food colder than room temperature, and the other 3 all had lobsters that were overcooked. Not one of us received a warm, properly cooked meal. We sent 1 dish back initially to be heated up, but once we realized it was all of them, we just ate the food rather then sending back 11 dishes.

When we were done eating, we had another long delay - this time nearly 15 minutes - before we saw the waiters again. By then, any thoughts of desert were gone, and we simply asked for the check.

That was when we received the final surprise: our bill (~$6000 or $7000MXN) had to be paid in cash. Not a problem if you've been warned in advance, and fortunately we had enough with us between us, but it would have been nice to be warned of that up front.

Bottom line: Encanto is a beautiful restaurant, in a beautiful location, and the floor had great flavor. I didn't mind most of the minor things that I described in this review and, considering the day we went, I may even have still given it 5* despite many of the smaller issues.

But 11 eleven meals arriving cold/overcooked, and the too-loud music were the dealbreakers for me, which is why I had...

Restaurant Review: Encanto in Baja California, Mexico

If you're seeking a dining experience that combines breathtaking views, delicious food, cold beer, and a friendly atmosphere, look no further than Encanto in Baja California, Mexico. Nestled in a stunning location, this restaurant offers an incredible ocean view, making it an ideal destination to enjoy with family and friends.

Let's start with the star attraction—the amazing views. From the moment you step foot into Encanto, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds the restaurant. Situated in a prime location, the establishment offers panoramic vistas of the ocean that will leave you in awe. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the spacious outdoor terrace, the mesmerizing ocean view serves as the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

Speaking of meals, Encanto doesn't disappoint when it comes to their culinary offerings. The menu showcases a delightful range of dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From fresh seafood caught locally to expertly grilled meats and vibrant vegetarian options, there's something for everyone. The food is prepared with care and precision, utilizing high-quality ingredients to create flavorful and visually appealing dishes. The chefs at Encanto pay attention to detail, ensuring that each plate is a work of art.

To complement your meal, Encanto offers a selection of cold beers that perfectly pair with the coastal ambiance. Whether you're a fan of craft brews or prefer classic favorites, you'll find a refreshing option to quench your thirst. The attentive and knowledgeable staff can help you navigate through the beer selection, offering recommendations that will enhance your dining experience.

One cannot overlook the architectural design of Encanto, which adds to its allure. The restaurant has been thoughtfully designed to seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. The modern yet elegant interior creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for diners. The attention to detail in the décor and furnishings showcases a commitment to providing a memorable experience for patrons.

The staff at Encanto deserve a special mention for their friendly and attentive service. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with warm smiles and a genuine desire to make your visit enjoyable. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu, always willing to answer questions and provide recommendations. Their professionalism and hospitality contribute to the overall welcoming environment of the restaurant.

In terms of value, Encanto offers a dining experience that is well worth the investment. While it may be considered a special occasion restaurant, the quality of the food, the stunning views, and the attentive service justify the price. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply looking for a memorable evening with loved ones, Encanto provides a setting that will create lasting memories.

In conclusion, Encanto in Baja California, Mexico, is a true gem that combines amazing views, good food, cold beer, and friendly service. The breathtaking ocean vista, delectable cuisine, and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect place to enjoy with family and friends. The architectural design and attention to detail further enhance the overall experience. If you find yourself in Baja California, be sure to visit Encanto and immerse yourself in a dining experience that will leave...

First time in Encanto and it was not a so great. Waitlist was average (30min) considering the place was packed. Once we were taken to our table we asked for a high-chair; which took several requests from multiple servers to get one. Adding injury to the insult, the high-chair was old, dirty and half-broken.

Once we were seated, the server took about 15min to greet us, and another 10min to bring utensils, napkins and some chips and salsa and then another 10 min to take our order. I would estimate it took about 1 to 1.5 hours to get our food after placing an order. At a minimum, the server told us it was going to be a long wait before food was served.

After the food was served, one ribeye was cold, hard and not edible. Since the server rarely showed up at our table it took like 15min to get a new ribeye. The two lobster with ribeye combos we ordered were at a reasonable temperature, but the size of the lobster was about the size of a jumbo shrimp. The arrachera plate we ordered was a large portion and also at a reasonable temperature.

As other reviewers point out, there are flies just about anywhere, it is particularly worse if you are seating outside. Servers are running around like headless chickens and any request that you make is acknowledged but not delivered. Our server also was kind of rude when we asked for extra flour tortillas. Restrooms also were kind of gross as well.

Encanto is set in a location that allows one to take some beautiful pictures and that also comes at a cost, because people are trying to get the best possible picture and don't care if they encroach the area around your table (for those seating near a window with a view or outside near the stairs or ledges).

I normally don't write bad reviews but this place is something else. We were ready to pay our bill and leave, but this was another adventure. I requested the check from 3 or 4 different servers, but no one ever brought it. It got so bad that I was about to walkout of that place without paying, as no one seemed to care, but I am not that type of person. After spotting the server chatting with his colleagues, I approached him and asked for my check. To finalize this experience the server gave me the check with a post-it which was the total plus 15% gratuity.

Gratuity is proportional to the service given. Poor service equals little to no gratiuity. Their focus seems to be to get as many customers in to make the mkst money with no regard to customer service or food quality.

PROS: Ocean view

CONS: Inexistent and inefficient service Unsafe high-chairs for children Hit/miss food...