Centro Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Sacramento

A Hidden Gem with Unforgettable Flavors

After two weeks exploring the culinary scenes of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Cambria, we never expected to find the most spectacular meal of our trip in Sacramento. But here we were, on our final night in California, completely blown away by the clean, authentic flavors of every dish that arrived at our table.

From the first bite, it was clear that this restaurant isn’t about flashy gimmicks or overcomplicated presentations—it’s about deeply satisfying, beautifully balanced flavors that let the ingredients shine. The Camarones a la Parrilla, grilled Mexican Gulf shrimp bathed in smoky salsa macha and a vibrant cilantro pesto made with almonds, was a revelation. Each bite carried the perfect balance of heat, richness, and herbaceous brightness.

Then came the Asada de Puerco—wood-grilled pork carnitas so tender they practically melted, paired with a velvety salsa verde, charred Brussels sprouts, scallions, and creamy black beans. Every component played its part, creating a dish that was both rustic and elevated.

And just when we thought we couldn’t be more impressed, the Cochinita Pibil arrived. This Yucatan-style slow-roasted pork, infused with achiote and citrus, was the very definition of soulful cooking. The steamed rice soaked up every drop of its juices, the pickled red onions added a pop of acidity, and the habanero salsa brought just the right amount of heat to round out the dish.

But beyond the food, what made this evening truly unforgettable was the unpretentious warmth of the restaurant. There was no rush, no pretension—just great food served in a space where people genuinely seemed happy to be. At the table next to us, a gentleman quietly paid for the dinner of a young couple sitting nearby, completely unbeknownst to them. Touched by his kindness, we decided to cap off their meal with dessert—flan and shortbread, along with a rich, comforting bread pudding.

This was more than just an incredible meal—it was an experience that reminded us why great restaurants are about more than just food. They’re about community, about generosity, about flavors that linger long after the plates have been cleared. And while we may have traveled across California for two weeks in search of standout cuisine, Sacramento, of all places, ended up delivering the best meal of the...

Centro has been my favorite spot for Mexican food in Sacramento for over 20 years, it's a shame I hadn't written this sooner as it's well deserved. They’ve done an amazing job updating the menu over time while preserving the heart of their flavors, making every visit feel like a reliable and authentic experience. Stepping into Centro means entering a warm, lively atmosphere where you can smell the delicious food being prepared—a detail that makes you feel like you’re part of the cooking process.

I’ve tried nearly everything on their menu, and the standout favorites are the Enchiladas Oaxaqueñas, Cochinita Pibil, and the Manchamanteles - which never disappoint. The burrito and taco combo plate is also a fantastic value, offering a great mix of flavors and portions. I personally think their carnitas is a little dry but I'm not much of a carnitas person anyways.

The drink menu is very wide and their margaritas are exceptional, with a selection of flavored tequilas and a Cadillac margarita that’s especially satisfying. Even their house margarita is fantastic value, with quality ingredients and no reliance on subpar well options, which is a huge plus. Some may even find themselves there just for the tequila tasting alone.

Inside, the ambiance is lively but not too loud, perfect for everything from a celebratory night out to a relaxed dinner. Centro has mastered the blend of atmosphere, quality, and innovation, making it a Sacramento gem and my go-to spot for outstanding Mexican food, year after year! The only thing that I do miss is the skeleton riding the motorcycle in the window which was a really cool decoration...

Came back into town to get away from the emergency work our crew does. We came as a group.

We're all on personal expensed Per Diem that requires separate checks. They refused to split checks - we started walking away and they relented. I guess CAPITALISM beats not getting the proceeds from 12 meals and alcohol sales.

We checked out the menu and didn't see a few normal Mexican food items; nachos, fajitas and ground beef were three of many NO4MAL MEXICAN ITEMS they don't have. We were told that the chef refuses to make those items. Odd!

So among the dishes was a Carne Guisada. That person said it was very tasty. There was an "INFUSED" margarita that was VERY TINY but the drink did DEFUSE THE WALLET to the tune of 10+. It was no more than 6 oz.

Another person ordered a "large pork burrito". The burrito was max 5" long and was no bigger than 2x the size of a taquito. The pork described as "braised and soft" was hard, a chewy/cruncy consistency and it was VERY BLAND! That dish required a boatload of red sauce to soften the meat for chewing.

I did notice the empty seating everywhere. That pretty much tells the story.

To each their own, but, this place is VERY FAR AWAY from a great Mexican restaurant. Anyone who thinks so obviously hasn't had great Mexican food.

Our group voted and 1 out of 12 liked their food. The margaritas are small and in order to do their job, they need 1800 Gold added at a minimum.

Very disappointed. We...