Mamita Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Novato

THE FOOD. That is why we come back to this place again and again. It is not just "Mexican food", but instead specifically Oaxacan cuisine, which is 'more closely tied to the culinary traditions of the indigenous Mixtec and Zapotec people'. What this means is FLAVOR FOR DAYS AND DAYS. We are creatures of habit, and so once something works for us we keep ordering those same dishes every time and they are always very consistent at Mamita. I love the Enchiladas with green sauce (amazing zing! but not hot at all) and my wife loves the Chile Relleno (which has a spiced filling that stands-apart from any other restaurant in the SF Bay Area). We always order a side of Elote (chargrilled corn taken off the cob and mixed with Cotija cheese, spicey cream chili and a hint of garlic).

Dessert, for us, is always Churros with the tasty caramel and dark chocolate dipping sauce (see my photo, yummy), arriving hot and crisp.

The service is excellent (and nothing to do with the staff that previously worked at Crave, so no idea what that reviewer is talking about). They are attentive, diligent, accurate and gracious. These hard-working folks make the experience match the great cuisine.

Whatever happens, this place cannot go away! Mamita, for us, is one of the best restaurants in Marin County and a staple for that "special meal". Try the above dishes and you will see...

I never write reviews but I cannot believe all the good reviews that are here. Everything we got was terrible. Queso app was like cheese from frozen grocery store mozzarella sticks. But with a layer of oil on top. Just awful. The ceviche was fishy and tiny portion. I thought there was no way they could screw up chicken enchiladas but somehow they did. So bland and soggy. My son got a carnitas dish that was just ok. I forget what my husband got but he didn't like it, either. And it was not cheap. They told us the wait to be seated would be 5-10 minutes but it was at least half an hour (which would have been fine, if they told us up front). We will not be going back.

**Adding to my review after the owner replied "Sorry you didn't like our food. Perhaps you should continue visiting Chevys!" WOW. The nerve. Usually after a bad review an establishment (if they reply) will say I'm sorry, please give us another try, etc. But "perhaps you should continue visiting Chevys"?! Come to think of it, I won't go to Boca Pizza anymore either (same owner as Mamita.) I spend quite a bit of money on incredible restaurants. How rude and insulting. Maybe YOU should improve on your food which if I'm being honest is not even as good as Chevy's. You do not deserve my business. Will screen shot your response and share it with my many friends...

We expected this to be yet another overpriced trendy Mexican joint replacing the overpriced place that had been there before (but was beaten out by the new restaurant up the street with excellent food at a good value). Mamita knocked our socks off from the addictive salsa and delicious chips through the most succulent and well portioned short rib chili mole Res de Coloradito we ever had to the rich thick tortilla soup with masa and plenty of vegetables. The fresh accoutrements and black beans were simple and delicious. Good coffee and freshly fried cinnamon and sugar covered churros were fine by themselves but came with both caramel and chocolate sauces for dipping. Value-wise, it's on par with most of the other places nowadays for the liquor. The entrees were all reasonably priced, and a good value because of the excellent quality and large portions. The 2 tacos for $14 and no sides is something I will skip. The ambience is clean light and comfortable - California desert theme. The service was competent and friendly. It seems the Crave team (The former restaurant and they're all here now) learned from that failed experience and got everything right with Mamita. We were completely satisfied, much to our surprise, and...