Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen — Restaurant in Irvine

So bummed to write this review. In the past, I have brought clients here and had a great experience. This time, not so much.

I invited clients for a mixer here and had an approximate headcount. When we do this type of mixer (I've been doing this for 6 years at different venues), it can range from 8-12 that show up. I partnered with another vendor so her and I got there an hour early to work out the details with the restaurant. We wanted something in the front so that our clients could identify us quickly. They kept saying the bar area was full and that happy hour was ending soon. We didn't care about happy hour, we just wanted to be visible. The hostesses seemed confused as to what we were trying to do and eventually a manager wandered up. We just needed a table for 10 that could possibly fit 12 at a specific time (5:30pm). The 1st manager we talked to seemed to grasp that eventually and entered us as a reservation.

Another manager approached us 5 minutes before our reservation and started asking questions about our reservation and telling us they could only hold the table for so long. I looked at my watch, realized and informed her that 1st of all, it wasn't even time for our reservation. She said she knew, but just wanted us to know that they were on a tight reservation schedule. So I asked how long they would hold our table from the actual reservation time and she said 10 or 15 minutes. At exactly the time we had reserved, our clients started to show up. They did not seat us in the front area as requested an hour earlier, they actually put us in the far back. Because we hadn't met everyone before, I stood at the front to watch for some coming in and was told by the hostess that she would direct anyone to us so I didn't need to stand there. Basically, "go sit down".

Our actual server was AMAZING! The food was good, but the management was HORRIBLE. I won't be bringing clients to this place again. There are plenty of restaurants in the area. It's just a bummer because we've had great accommodations in the past and it is a fun atmosphere. Clearly our business was not appreciated. And thank goodness none of our clients arrived early to witness the unnecessary confusion of basic seating. I was in the restaurant industry for years in the past and it seemed so ridiculous and almost targeted. No one else seemed to have an issue getting seated. Not sure what the hang up was, but will not deal...

After a particularly rough day at work, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Initially, I tried visiting Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea, but the lack of parking led me to their Irvine location instead. What a fortunate turn of events! The Irvine location offered ample parking, making my arrival stress-free.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was warmly greeted by the host, who seated me immediately. I was thrilled to learn about Chef Joe's Weekend Special—a three-course meal for an incredible $29, a steal in California! I opted for the seafood campechana cocktail, grilled steak enchilada, and arroz con leche, and added Manila clams as an extra dish.

The service was exceptional. My server, Carlos, was professional, patient, and incredibly attentive, elevating my solo dining experience. Manager Isabel also checked in, ensuring everything was to my satisfaction. Their genuine care stood out, especially compared to some Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited worldwide, where service often fell short.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was impressed by the generous portion sizes. The seafood campechana cocktail and grilled steak enchilada were highlights, bursting with flavor. The Manila clams, while slightly smaller than ideal, were still quite tasty. The arroz con leche was a perfect, comforting end to the meal.

Throughout the evening, Carlos remained attentive, checking in and clearing plates promptly. Even the general manager (whose name I didn’t catch) stopped by to ensure I was enjoying my meal. Their attentiveness was so remarkable that I jokingly asked if I seemed disgruntled, clarifying that their care had truly brightened my day.

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Irvine exceeded my expectations with its warm hospitality, fantastic value, and delicious food. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be...

I can’t believe I haven’t written a review until now! Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen is easily one of my favorite spots for Mexican/Latin American food—higher-end but still super welcoming, with amazing service. They seem to prefer reservations, but my boyfriend and I always walk in, and the longest we’ve ever waited was maybe ~2 minutes.

The staff is always friendly and helpful. Service speed depends on how busy they are, but they’re consistently great. Right when you’re seated, they ask for your drink order, and their drinks are fantastic—huge portions and a great deal. I love their watermelon margarita, and my boyfriend their skinny margarita. Last night, we both got a jalapeño kick added, and wow—it was amazing!

Food-wise, I’m mostly vegan/vegetarian and they’re super accommodating. Their wild mushroom tacos (sans cheese for me) are incredible. My boyfriend loves their steak tacos and fajitas. Their rice and beans feel like a solid, balanced meal, and their chips come with two salsas. Everything is fresh and high quality.

What really prompted this review was that I left my credit card there last night and didn’t realize until this morning. I was freaking out, but I called right at 10:30a when they opened, and the manager answered immediately. They had kept my card secure in a safe, and retrieving it was seamless—no unauthorized transactions. Just so professional and reassuring. I felt so relieved!!

I’ll definitely be back whenever I visit my boyfriend, and I’ll miss this place when we move. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it! Everything is customizable, fresh, and delicious. Huge thanks to the staff for always making each visit so pleasant—I write a lot of reviews, and this one was...