La Santa Modern Mexican Food — Restaurant in Raleigh

I visited for the first time in late September with my girlfriend. First impression of the interior was very cool and aesthetic but just a bit too dark if visiting later in the evening. Our waiter was very nice and answered all of our questions very well. The menu options looked great so we ordered El Santo Comal, Flautas de Pollo (chicken taquitos), Chicken Quesadilla, Las Verdes (chicken enchiladas) and a specialty margarita that I can’t remember the name. Chips and salsa are offered free of charge and have free refills as well but the salsa had no volume and was very bland but free is free I guess. After placing our order, I kid you not it all came out in less than 10 minutes. Might sound impressive but all I thought of was that the order was microwaved. Our most expensive dish (El Santo Comal $19) was actually the most disappointing. It was super dry and the presentation was lackluster. Unfortunately we didn’t bring this to the attention of the waiter in time since we had so much other food. The chicken enchiladas were okay, the chicken quesadilla was just a normal tasting quesadilla and the chicken taquitos were surprisingly the best thing we tried and I’m pretty sure the cheapest option lol. The rice and beans offered with the dishes are very ehhh as well. The margarita was actually very delicious and it came with a lollipop covered in chamoy. I don’t think I would come back in terms of eating but for drinks? Yes. If you enjoy a vibe, aesthetic and a good mixed cocktail before quality of food, then this...

Found this place on google search, was excited to try. Ambience was great, chips & salsa was good, bartender Nancy was cool…however, when it came to my order, that’s when it went south. First off, I asked for black beans on the side, got refried beans. I first chose asada tacos, then elected to go with the ribeye steak tacos after being assured it was worth the extra money. After waiting what seemed like 25+ minutes, out comes my food. The tacos come with their own individual grilled cheese “hats” that I could simply just remove and set to the side. The manager told me that’s the style in Mexico. Who am I to argue, I’m not Mexican, I don’t know. Ok never mind the cheese tops, what about the OVERCOOKED LEATHER that was my steak? As soon as I tasted it, I knew it wasn’t ribeye. Bartender tasted it and confirmed that. I do not send food back, so therefore, I paid for my beer and left. Had a few words with the manager, he was nice, so that’s cool. I’m back in my car, still hungry, looking for quality Mexican food. My first and probably last experience was very underwhelming. PLEASE have a word with your cooks and let them know you CANNOT serve overcooked steak, regardless of the type of steak. Whether it was intentional or not, PAY ATTENTION to the type of steak you’re serving. I paid $19 instead of $15 for ribeye, I expect ribeye. Double check your food when...

My husband and I recently dined at La Santa, and it was an experience to remember. He ordered the La Santa Piña ($26 GF), which included shrimp, scallops, chicken, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pineapple, all topped with melted cheese and served with a fresco salad, beans, and rice. His dish was beautifully presented, with everything served in a half pineapple, which added a unique and tropical flair. I had the Fajitas Veggie ($18), which featured spinach, bell peppers, onions, beans, rice, fresh guacamole, and flour tortillas.

The food was absolutely amazing—everything was cooked to perfection. The shrimp from my husband’s dish was grilled perfectly, bursting with flavor and juiciness. My veggie fajitas were equally delightful, with fresh, crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned beans and rice. The portions were generous, leaving us fully satisfied.

The ambiance of La Santa was cozy and inviting, with a vibrant atmosphere that was both lively and comfortable. The service was top-notch as well; our server was incredibly kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

La Santa is definitely a gem in the area, offering incredible food at an affordable price. If you're nearby, I highly recommend giving it a try—it's a fantastic spot for a delicious meal with a...