Elvira's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Simi Valley

After all the hoopla in my Simi Valley Foodie’s group I had to try this place. I heard it is super good, super busy, and has excellent service. We went on a Saturday evening at around 8:00 PM and it was about 75% full so we got a booth table that was so ridiculously tight we barely fit in. I thought the decor and vibe were top-rated.

The service was excellent. I could not have asked for better service. It was the food that I think is both mediocre for my taste and relatively expensive. All three of us rated our dishes at about a 7 out of 10. Sighting that the salsas and chile sauces were very mild and lacked heat. Very odd to have no heat at all on three dishes and a salsa bowl. My Chile Verde dish, which is my staple dish, was slightly above average but lacked deep chile flavor and heat. One of my guests ordered the Spinach Enchiladas and thought they had potential but did not really have a great and distinct chile flavor. The third dish was generous portion of a child’s bean and rice burrito combo dish, that came rice-less inside the burrito, but scored well on flavor.

We all felt the beans were ok, but are only half mashed. We would have preferred refried to go with our dishes. The Spanish Rice was, in all our opinions, excellent as were the flour tortillas.

The salsa was okay but again lacked chile flavor and heat. I actually took some home, added some of my New Mexico dried chili peppers, and it came to life. At least in our opinion.

Lastly, the presentation of the dishes were gorgeous. Just like the decor. I am certain that over time the types of issues I have noted can be easily fixed. I do look forward to trying it...

This was one of my favorite places to eat before moving away. Today after a long day of working in the blazing sun, I wanted to take my friends out to eat. I suggested another place but one of them insisted we eat here and that getting a table would be easy due to the expansion. Correct, getting a table was easy, getting our meals, not so much. We were seated immediately, drinks came and food orders were placed quickly. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. Chips kept coming, but no food. Eventually we were asked if we could move so that more people could be seated (putting 2 tables together). First time I've ever been asked this, but we accommodated the request. We were then told they would get our orders out shortly. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. More chips, but no food. When my plate arrived it was the usual quality (relleno and cheese enchilada) but the hard shell taco was cold with little meat. We were laughing at how long this took. Apparently, the expansion "seats more customers" but the kitchen can't keep up the pace. The environment is cramped and noisy. Once we were done, we waited, and waited, and waited and finally got someone's attention so we could ask for the check. My request for a discount for the numerous inconveniences was met with hostility and I paid full price without question. I really liked this place before, but this was my last time...

Elvira's Mexican Grill in Simi Valley is my culinary haven, consistently delivering exceptional experiences and top-notch food quality!

The menu is a masterpiece, offering a diverse array of delights that cater to all tastes. From fresh salads and flavorful wraps to tantalizing tacos and hearty burritos, Elvira's provides a symphony of options. The enchiladas – verde, roja, and mole – showcase the culinary artistry at play. Dishes like Chile rellenos, fajitas, carne con mole, and a mixed variety of beans and rice further contribute to a satisfying selection.

Elvira's attention to dietary preferences is commendable, with options for fish, chicken, steak, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The drinks, including well-balanced diverse and infused savory tequila margaritas, never fail to impress. The flexibility to replace tequila with vodka adds an extra layer of customization.

Beyond the delightful menu, what truly sets Elvira's apart is the genuine warmth and familial treatment from owner Christina and her dedicated staff. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, the welcoming atmosphere and personalized recommendations create a dining experience like no other. Christina's pride in ensuring everyone feels like family is not just a claim – it's a delightful reality.

Cheers to Elvira's for consistently being a true gem in Simi Valley's dining...