Ricardo's Place — Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano

Having ordered a variety of dishes, including chicken fajitas, carnitas tacos, and shredded beef tacos, it's regrettable to report that all three were marred by issues of preparation and flavor. The meats across the board suffered from overcooking and a notable absence of seasoning, leaving them devoid of the expected depth and richness. In particular, the chicken fajitas lacked the characteristic sear on the vegetables, with the onions notably lacking caramelization. Additionally, the bell peppers and onions deviated from the customary variety, appearing white instead of the expected purple/red onion and a mix of bell peppers. The presentation also faltered, as the dishes lacked the traditional hot cast iron flat pan presentation.

The imbalance in portion sizes was another disappointing aspect, with inconsistencies apparent across identical dishes. The accompanying salsas failed to salvage the experience, displaying a lack of flavor and a diluted quality, rendering them mild at best. The initial offering of two salsas, one akin to Pico de Gallo and the other a chili paste devoid of seasoning, failed to meet expectations. The subsequent addition of tomatillo salsa provided no significant improvement in taste or quality.

Service-related issues compounded the dining experience, with repeated errors in order fulfillment and a disconcerting lack of attentiveness from staff. The mishandling of dishes, including serving incorrect orders to patrons and hastily correcting mistakes, detracted from the overall professionalism of the establishment. Moreover, the state of the restroom facilities reflected a lack of attention to cleanliness and hygiene standards.

In conclusion, the restaurant's deficiencies extend beyond mere culinary missteps, pointing to systemic issues that warrant urgent attention. A comprehensive overhaul, encompassing both physical renovations and enhanced staff training, is imperative to rectify the current shortcomings. While the establishment may attract patrons unfamiliar with authentic Mexican cuisine through its visually appealing social media presence, the reality falls short of expectations in terms of flavor...

I placed order for pick up and it took a very long time for somebody to help me at the back bar which is where I was told to pick up my order. I waited a over 30 minutes for my order that was supposed to be ready. I was told about 8 times in a row when they were bagging up the order that it was mine and it was not. After waiting a very long time there was a mexican lady that was probably about 5'3" with shoulder length hair and wore glasses at the register at the bar. I was trying to ask her about my order and she was ignoring me. She finally looked at me and said extremely rude and aggressive we are working on it you have to wait and I told her that I keep being told it is the next order she said it is what it is you have to wait. My commit to her was I have been waiting and that my order was supposed to have been ready over 30 minutes I was told by her that I could just leave. Unbelievable! So I left and on my out the door by the bar was a girl who was also picking up an order and the same lady was very rude to her as well. She had been waiting for 45 minutes.... The girl had a some choice words for her... It is not about the food not being ready...it was about being ignored and how unbelievably RUDE that woman who worked there was. I was unable to see her name tag because she had a black apron. I have NEVER been treated and spoken to like this by anyone who works in a restaurant. This woman clearly needs to be fired.. I will never return to this place and do...

Ricardo’s Place is a must-visit every time we’re in San Juan Capistrano. This family-run, local spot never disappoints with its generous portions, flavors, and service that hit the mark.

One of my favorites is the Surfer Burrito with chicken—hold the rice. Personally, I’m not a fan of rice in a burrito; it’s just a filler with no flavor. But rice or no rice, this burrito checks all the boxes: size, flavor, and satisfaction.

The California Burrito with carne asada is equally delicious and worth trying. And don’t leave without trying the horchata—it's a must! If you like a bit of ETOH, a shot of rum is a good addition ordered al-a-carte.

The staff here is friendly, and the service is both attentive and quick. I've been coming to this location since it was Harry’s, a great diner in its time, but Ricardo’s has taken it to the next level.

As you can see from the photos, Moses (as always) had a flair for mischief during one visit. In a moment of hunger-fueled inspiration, he wrapped himself up in a burrito, channeling his inner ‘Tortilla Prophet.’ We caught him just before he declared the ‘Ten Commandments of Salsa’—thankfully, he avoided becoming the main course.

Moses highly recommends delicious adventures...