Rancho Cantina — Restaurant in Lafayette

A Local Treasure – Rancho Cantina Delivers Every Time

Rancho Cantina is a true gem in Lafayette. Every time I visit, I am reminded why this place has such a loyal following—it’s not just the incredible food and drinks (though those are top-notch), it’s the people who make Rancho so special.

Nico, the owner, is the heartbeat of this place. He has the biggest heart and it shows in everything—from the warmth of the atmosphere to the care in every dish. You can feel his passion for great food and incredible service the moment you walk in the door.

The team—Ali, Avery, and Westley—are simply awesome. They’re attentive, genuine, and bring so much positive energy to the table. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, they make you feel like part of the Rancho family.

And let’s talk about the food: the chicken and steak fajitas are absolutely incredible—sizzling, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Pair them with one of Rancho’s fresh margaritas and you’ve got a meal you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.

If you’re looking for a spot that combines heart, flavor, and community—Rancho Cantina is it. Five stars...

Nice spot for Mexican food in downtown Lafayette. I have been twice and both times the food and service have been good. The menu is a bit different from some other Mexican restaurants, as instead of lengthy lists of every kind of "traditional" Mexican dishes and all the various combinations of those dishes, they talk about "Californio Spirited Cuisine" and while they have some traditional Mexican dishes, they also have things like Brussel Sprouts and Adobe Brick Chicken which I don't think of as "traditional" Mexican fare, but I am not an expert so I could be wrong. It is not cheap, but portions are good sized. So if you want to be able to mix and match old school Mexican dishes from a large menu, this may not be what you are looking for, but if you are interested in tasty and somewhat unusual offerings with good service, I would recommend it for a nice...

I had the most amazing experience here tonight and it was all thanks to Avry. I've never felt so accommodated and so genuinely cared for in any restaurant experience I've ever had. I really mean that. We came in after my mother's doctoral graduation and were treated with the utmost delicacy and care. Avry congratulated and hugged my mother before he even knew what was going on. The food was fantastic. The chips and salsa were a highlight as well as the grilled shrimp. Avry handled every single need we had- even the ones we didn't voice. I will 1000% be back and only on the days Avry works. Don't get me wrong the rest of the staff were perfectly wonderful, but Avry truly went above and beyond. I hope they know what a treasure they have and treat him...