Cocina Del Carmen — Restaurant in Vista

I was at the restaurant Cocina Del Carmen on March 10, 2024. My clients from Oaxaca recommended it to me, so I decided to try it and see what this place is all about. I sat down at the bar and ordered a Michelada, which was good but not the best I've had. While waiting, I was brought some chips topped with good black beans. The beans were cold. I ordered Molotes, which sounded exquisite since I had never tried them, and to top it off, I ordered a torta Oaxaqueña. The server didn't acknowledge me; I had finished my Michelada before my food arrived and wasn't offered another or any water. Sitting at the bar waiting for some service, I see a MICROWAVE! I never knew authentic food from Oaxaca was made in the microwave, which was a big red flag. The guy beside me got his food way before me: Enchiladas de Mole. They came out before my food. MICROWAVED FOOD. My food arrived shortly after his; remember, I waited longer, so I figured making the "FRESH" molotes took longer. I was wrong. I bit into the first one; it was super hot on the outside and cold on the inside! For those who don't know, those are usually signs of microwaved heated food! Not fresh at all. My torta was nothing to ride home about, and it was also cold. I would have been better off getting a torta at Valerie Taco Shop. At least their torta isn't microwaved. I was very disappointed at the restaurant and their server with the arms covered in tattoos; you know who you are. When I told you my molotes were cold, you said you would take them away and didn't do so; you didn't even offer me another drink or an apology. You only brought me the check; yes, I didn't tip you. Your service was subpar, and the lack of attention for the client was disturbing as an older man sat down and waited 5 minutes without being acknowledged. I will tell everyone to avoid this sorry disgrace of "Authentic Mexican Food" that is "Authentically Microwaved." WORD OF ADVICE: GET RID OF THE MICROWAVE! MAKE IT FRESH! YOU MIGHT BE FOOLING OTHER BUT NOT ME. RETRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEE WITH THE TATTED-UP ARMS, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER, AS I WASN'T EVEN WELCOMED AT THE DOOR. I WAS IGNORED FROM THE BEGINNING What a disgrace to Mexican food. You all should be ashamed of using a microwave at a restaurant. Would our ancestors make their food or approve of using...

Absolutely delicious vegan rolled tacos and burritos! As a vegan in North County, there are not many Mexican food restaurants that I will eat at. Cocina Del Carmen assured me that their rice is not cooked with chicken broth and they do not use lard in their beans. My 3.5 year old LOVES the potato rolled tacos (and I love finishing what he doesn't eat!) The veggie burrito comes with large chunks of seasoned potato, rice, beans, fresh guacamole, and a mix of thinly sliced, cooked bell peppers (I order with no cheese). The peppers were a fresh, unexpected treat! The burrito comes wet with a choice of red or green sauce. The flavors of both sauces are distinct and very well developed. You can tell a lot of love goes into this food. The red sauce is to die for. If you like your burrito dry, I recommend ordering the sauce on the side. I wind up dipping everything in it!! The meals came with two different salsas. The thinner, darker red salsa was a little too spicy for my weak taste buds, but it was extremely flavorful. Smoky, hot, and delicious. The lighter orange salsa still has a nice kick and is more of a traditional, chunkier texture. I really enjoyed everything I ate here. I live right around the corner and I will continue to come back for more! They put in a really nice bar inside with great local craft beers on tap. House-made Sangria comes in a big round glass, and I saw someone order a mixed drink of some kind that I am definitely going to try next time. The place is brand new, so the bathroom is absolutely spotless and smelled nice. You can tell the owners really care about cleanliness and the safety of their customers. You can see into the kitchen through the hand-off window and it is super clean. I have always been met with a smile and taken care of while I was there. Excited to welcome Cocina Del Carmen into one of my regular spots to enjoy real, fresh, delicious, just-like-home...

Hey Carmen!! You hit a grand slam Mama!! Gracias!!!

Let’s just first say that you know your meal will be exceptional when Carmen her self comes and talked to me. She is kind and professional. Her excitement and passion rolls off her tongue, as every word she speaks reflects the love in every morsel she cooks. The flavor of her green salsa is perfect in flavor and heat. My cousin is a n love with it. I preferred the red salsa. It’s smoke and heat drew me. My mouth exploded with flavor.

So my cousin and I had tacos carne asada tacos that were perfectly cooked and full of flavor! Mouth watering and perfect is all she said with every bit. I had 1 adobada, 1 carnitas, and 1 potato. If you are looking for the best carnitas on the planet, Carmen serves them. The pork literally melted in my mouth. Juicy, tender and cooked to perfection. Adobada was fantastic, and as expected the potato was perfect, fluffy and tender. WOW!! The best meal of 2020 in my book.

Her patio is spacious and great to have a meal at. Her kids are her staff and equally as kind and professional.

Carmen you have won my business for life!! I am planning my next meal very very soon.

Thank you for sharing you passion and love for food. You are a true chef and master of...