Maria Bonita — Restaurant in Ventura

Ignore the one bad review because it sounds like that person hasn't even eaten there. I have lived in Ventura my entire life and had worked in the downtown area for 3 years, this place has been around since 1996 and it took me forever to try this place and I am kicking myself for not going in sooner. Their most popular dishes are the mole dishes and the pollo borracho (I believe this is also available with fish). I've never been a fan of mole so I can't say anything about it, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pollo borracho! It's to die for! (😜) I usually go there with my dad. After I introduced him to this place he ate there, every day for a week! (He'll do that when he finds a place he really likes.) And every time we eat there he becomes giddy when our food arrives -- he does a little dance in his seat and can't stop nodding and saying "yup", "mmhmm", and other positive confirmations and he does this the entire time we are eating. As for myself, I just can't stop stuffing my face. The salsa is fresh and chunky, but it is on the spicier side, just an FYI for those who can't handle the heat. They only serve beer so don't expect any other alcoholic beverages. We will usually get a Modelo and it comes in a can with a frosted glass. But definitely...

I am always amazed when I go to Maria Bonita (Oaxacan) restaurant, and there isn't very many people there. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Ventura. The ambiance is warm, the servers are friendly, and the food is simply delicious. It is a very colorful place filled with vibrant paintings from local artists. They serve homemade salsa and the tortillas are always served hot and fresh. The best dishes are the mole dishes, which are fantastic. Ask the waiter for a recommendation based on whether you like sweet, spicy, or both. If you order spicy, like the yellow mole....watch out!! I personally think the pork is the best. This is the kind of place that would be extremely popular in the City, but in Ventura people are hesitant to give it a try. If you are looking for something different and exciting,...

We came in to check this place out while on vacation. We didn’t like the menu or the prices which we a bit high. We got up to leave after sitting for less than 1 minute. The waiter yelled at us loudly and said we have to “fix the table” which I assume means he wanted us to refold the 1 napkin that was unfolded.

We walked out without saying a word and he followed me to the sidewalk out front where he proceeded to cuss and call us names. This person is so rude that I would hope others read this review and NEVER EAT HERE.

Someone like this does not deserve...