Shopping center Mexican hub has tacos, Macho Burritos, margaritas, Sunday brunch & hacienda decor. Based on 747 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery
Address:
31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Phone: (949) 709-7600
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–10 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Peter
Pretty location in Rancho Santa Margarita with lake views. Enjoyed the strawberry Margarita. The chicken fajitas were pretty good.
… more
Helene K
Restaurant by the water. Service was great. Food was good. Recommend the seafood trio, but I liked the shrimp taco the best out of the three options. Chips and salsa and bean dip was delicious and fresh. Tres Leche was ok, but the berries were fresh. Shrimp taquitos were ok, and would try something else next time. My friend liked her fried ice cream.
… more
Valerie Bodo
Incredible food, amazing aerobics, great atmosphere. They took my gluten allergy serious – the waiter asked if we had any food allergies before we ordered. They were conscious of cross-contaminating and made the house chips gluten-free for me. 10/10 would come back here and eat again.
… more
Jesse Waite
We had a great experience with our waiter and great customer service!!! When it comes to the burrito the chief was able to do prime rib instead of chicken!!! love it!!! thank you so much !
… more
Matthew Tsou
Friendly staff and food is slightly above average, but I prefer some other Mexican restaurants. Good selection of cocktails and margaritas.
… more
John Michaels
Our server was attentive and sociable. They use real candles, something not often seen anymore. There is a literal wall of candles and they’re all real. The food was excellent. My steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The chicken enchiladas were cheesy and the chicken had the perfect amount of char adding some crisp. I hate black beans, but the black bean dip was amazing. I’ll definitely be coming back!
… more
Steve
My friends and I stopped here for dinner. We did no it make reservations and we’re surprised that it was only about a 5 minute wait for a table. They sat us at a very nice table, outside with a great view of the lake. The food and the service was excellent. The cocktails were very good and we all enjoyed the dinner very much! I would highly recommend Carmelita’s Kitchen on the Lake!
… more
Amir Mohsen Jourabchi
This is our 3rd time here and we love it! The food, service, and ambience are excellent! Highly recommended! Kylie was our server. She was very nice, attentive, and professional!
… more
Soro Wellness
In the land of fake American Mexican restaurants – the authentic taste of Carmelita’s came through.
… more
Amber
My favorite restaurant in RSM. The food here is amazing and you really can’t go wrong with any dish (although my favorite is probably the short rib enchiladas)
… more
… View more