Olivia's Cafe — Restaurant in Watsonville

I have heard a number of people rave about this place. I won't be one of them. Arrived at the beginning of dinner (5 ish) so maybe that had something to do with the spotty service. My friends and I were the only guests in the place. The chips and salsa were served in small portions (like for 1-1/2 people) and once they were gone no offer to refill either was ever made... a first for me in a Mexican place. My friends wanted more salsa to have with their meals and had to ask the server 3 times before she got a second serving (halfway through their meals) to our table. No check back on how everything was, nothing. From the service perspective might as well have gone to fast food. I ordered a fish taco, and a chile verde burrito. I'm picky about fish, and asked what kind of fish they used. "White fish" was the response. I should have known better. "White fish" is clearly code for "I don't want to have to admit we use tilapia". Taco was bland, fish was rubbery on the outside and a bit mealy on the inside, tilapia. Chile Verde burrito was good, pork is lean, verde has enough spice to be interesting and the flavor was good. I'd order it again. My friends seemed to enjoy their meals, though I noticed neither of them took their leftovers home. Price was certainly reasonable. I got out of there for less the $15 before tip (didn't have any alcohol obviously). Overall a fairly 'meh' experience, and with the service I experienced I'd never consider it for date night. There are other, better choices for Mexican in...

Came here over the weekend. From the moment we walked in, we felt like we were visiting family. The ambience is quaint, cozy, and we were greeted with smiles. We got to choose our table.

The food was amazing. I ordered the lengua plate, the spices and sauce was stewed in a red sauce, lengua was tender, very flavorful. The plate came with beans and rice. The beans were refried, very creamy texture, delicious flavor, the rice was complimentary as well, mixed in to the sauce, it meshed well with the lengua.

The main compliment was the homemade corn tortillas, I was able to eat my meal using the tortillas, no utensils needed!

I truly felt like I was at my relatives home. The music was great as well, overall, the place is worth checking out. The menu is simple and to the point. I plan on trying their menudo next time. Or, about 5 other things on the menu that caught my eye!!!

Their horchata was very authentic! Just like my tias! To top off our visit, the staff gave us a sweet tamale to go, on the house. Great the next day with our breakfast!!!

If your looking for a comfortable, family type Mexican meal, this is the...

Cute Victorian home serving warm, delicious, happiness. Easy to miss if looking for commercial restaurant. This place is special - feels like "Mi Casa es Su Casa."

Salsa and chips - made my mouth water, my nose and eyes sweat from the just right spicy heat.

Pupusas are delicious. Thick handmade corn tortillas filled with gooey melted cheese, refried beans, and choice of protein. We opted for the juicy stringy chicken. Yum.

Fish tacos - amazing. The fish was grilled to perfection. Bass was prepared with love. White flaky soft fish with slight crunch on outside. Spiced to perfection wrapped in a homemade corn torilla smothered in tomatoes and onions. Daaaaaang good.

Carne asada - standard asada taco on fresh homemade corn tortilla.

Ice tea - fresh brewed.

Overall, cute place, delicious...