Asada Cantina + Kitchen — Restaurant in San Clemente

My first time visiting this restaurant was on Saturday 10/24.

When I first arrived there were several groups waiting outside to get seated. There was a waiting waiting area outside with several chairs (about 10-15 chairs). Without a reservation my group and I waited 90 minutes. The estimated wait time was very accurate; which I appreciated. As I waited we were offered a menu to place orders for cocktails. It helped kill some time, but I recommend you making reservations ahead of time.

After 90 minutes my group and I were seated. We were immediately welcomed by staff and offered chips and salsa. There were a couple of TVs around. The lighting inside was slightly dim; very nice ambiance. The TVs were not overwhelmingly in your face, but not too far where you can keep up with whatever game may be playing that night.

After reviewing the menu, we placed our order for food. My group made several drink orders through out the night. With that being said, everything came in a timely matter. The menu was very descriptive and was not overloaded with a million options. There were a variety of options to choose from. I ordered the crispy chicken tacos (one chicken, one carnitas) and they were delicious. My plate was a 4/5. Beans could use some more flavor, they were nothing special. I didn’t touch them at all, wished I could’ve swapped it for a house salad. My friends’ food came out looking delicious as well.

On my first visit I give Asada Cantina + Kitchen 4/5 stars because our server kept forgetting our food/drink orders. He would ask our orders to then have them repeated again... really strange, just a little annoying to having to repeat yourself multiple times; especially when he is listening and writing them down. To later come back and ask again. Not a huge deal but inconvenient to stop mid conversation with your friend(s).

I will definitely be back to try other items on the menu. I recommend this restaurant for your next night out; can’t go wrong with good food and good cocktails. I look forward to my next visit and hope my next...

This marks the second visit to this location for my GF & I. We first stopped in for lunch a year ago, after doing some shopping at the nearby Outlets. We were so very impressed that we have been trying to find excuses to come back: heck, we even moved to Dana Point to be THAT MUCH CLOSER, LOL.

But for realz, we DO love it here. The atmosphere ambience is easy breezy, super and chill and comfortable. The music is always light and in the background, and when enjoying the fresh air Patio, the backdrop of the not too distant ocean and abundance of sunlight just makes One Feel So Good.

Our server Emily began us well, with introductions, menus, and a couple of brief menu/starter/drink suggestions before fetching us some waters.

We were never rushed, and after selecting the Seafood Ceviché, we're left to peruse the menu and enjoy out appetizer in peace.

Within several minutes, she came back (presumably at the end of her 4:00 pm shift) to introduce young Aidan, who would take care of the rest of our meal.

We ordered our entrées and enjoyed the company of one another, as more and more tables were filling. Not long afterwards our meals arrived and let me say; WOW.

I work in a 5 Star Mexican restaurant in Laguna Beach, and am used to seeing beautifully plated and presented meals, so when I say that our meals were beautiful, well, they were.

The flavors in my Crispy Carnitas were outstanding, and the texture of the pork shoulder was excellent.

We enjoyed BOTH the Reunion Warm Buttercake as well as the Chocolate Diablo Cake...

We've some labour day shopping to do soon, and look forward to our next meal adventure at Asada Cantina + Kitchen.

It is ALWAYS worth the Price for worldclass cuisine...

With four kids and zero patience for hit-or-miss dinners, Asada Cantina has become one of our family’s favorites. It checks all the boxes: family-friendly, consistent, delicious, and not one of those places where you’re sweating bullets hoping your toddler doesn’t knock over the water glass.

The atmosphere is relaxed but stylish—perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a fun family night out. The staff is always welcoming and never flinch when we walk in with our whole crew, which is always a plus in my book.

Now the food? It’s solid every single time. My husband loves the carne asada plate and the crispy carnitas tacos, I can’t get enough of the vegetable enchiladas— the flavor is amazing and the kids are obsessed with the chips and guac—and usually end up sharing a quesadilla or tacos. Portions are generous, everything comes out fresh, and I love that the flavors feel elevated without being too fussy. It’s approachable, craveable food we know everyone will eat (hallelujah).

Bottom line: Asada is the kind of spot you can count on—whether it’s a last-minute dinner or an easy “we’re not cooking tonight” solution. The food is always good, the service is friendly, and it feels like a little local gem that actually works for...