Carmelita's

217 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
+1 949-715-7829
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(1222 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Carmelita's, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, California! Located at 217 Broadway St, this charming spot is just a stone's throw away from the beach, making it the perfect dining destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by the warm smiles of the staff, an ambiance that blends the colorful spirit of Mexico with the relaxed vibes of coastal living. With friendly servers like Rodi, known for creating memorable dining experiences, you'll feel right at home here.

The menu boasts a delightful array of options that cater to every palate. Start your meal with the Made-to-Order Guacamole, perfectly seasoned and accompanied by fresh tortilla chips for a flavorful beginning. For seafood lovers, the Crispy Chicken Chimichanga offers a heavenly combination of golden-crisp shredded chicken wrapped in a warm tortilla, while the Famous Carnitas, slow-braised pork that is caramelized to crispy perfection, is a must-try. Vegan and vegetarian options, like the Spinach Enchiladas, are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

For those looking for a refreshing salad, the Champagne Salad with grilled salmon and creamy avocado is a splendid choice. And don't forget to treat yourself to the famous margaritas, crafted to perfection, but be prepared as they might be on the pricier side at $17. As several patrons noted, it's worth indulging during a special occasion!

This inviting eatery not only excels in flavor but also in atmosphere. Many guests have commented on the lovely view of the beach, which enhances the dining experience, along with the generous portions that leave you happily satisfied yet not stuffed. Customers rave about the delicious food and excellent service, often highlighting specific staff members who went above and beyond to ensure their dining experience was delightful.

So whether you're in town for a special celebration, a casual meal with friends, or a romantic dinner, Carmelita's captures the essence of Mexican cuisine in a welcoming setting that will have you returning time and again. Don't miss out on this culinary gem during your next trip to Laguna Beach!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 9:30 PM

1222 Reviews
Emma Schwartz

23 Aug 2025

I always love my experience here! The wait staff is amazing, thank you Rodi for wonderful service! We will definitely be coming back, for the delicious food and kind wait staff. Also, get the guacamole, sooo good.

Native Chick

05 Aug 2025

Excellent service, food, and right across from the beach. The margaritas were delicious but expensive. This is probably not a weekly dine but a special occasion or tourist destination. Margaritas are $17

Joy McIlvaine

28 Jul 2025

Greeted by smiling, friendly staff. It's a great location, just across the street from Laguna Beach. We made reservations, and we were promptly seated on time. We were then given warm chips, salsa and a side of refried black beans, so yummy. I got the fish tacos; Hawaiian Mahi Mahi blackened, avo, lemon aioli, cabbage, rice and beans, they were so good. My husband got the Crispy Chicken Chimichanga; flour tortilla, golden crisp, veracruzano rice, salsa, guac, sour cream and queso fresco . My son/dil shared the Seafood Trio; crab enchilada, grilled shrimp taco, shrimp and crab chile relleno, veracruzano rice, refried beans, queso. It was refreshing to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of Laguna Beach.

Rich Freedman

01 Jul 2025

Wouldn’t change a thing, especially the friendly staff like the bartender- he made the experience memorable from the second we walked in the door. You feel like you are in someone’s home and eating the freshest handmade food in town. Even when you are full yiu can’t stop eating! Amazing kitchen crew too!

Jeff Nichols

29 Jun 2025

Food was amazing. Service was great. Could see the beach from my table. A must visit. Best salsa I’ve had in a long time. Quesadillas were the best I’ve ever had

Shelby Kehr

28 Jun 2025

The food is excellent, the vibe by the beach is perfect but the SERVICE is SO GOOD. I wish I knew our waitress’ name - she was serving the patio at 630pm on 8/29 - because she was so kind. I told her it was my wife’s birthday, and while they don’t do anything huge for that, she made sure we got a dessert and she stayed back to sing happy birthday with me so I didn’t have to solo it. Very thankful!

Nima Amirizade

14 Jun 2025

Carmelita’s is a vibe! The food was super tasty (the short rib enchilada was ) and the atmosphere is perfect for Laguna Beach. Huge shoutout to Rodi – best server ever, made the night so much fun. Definitely coming back!

Nia R

08 Jun 2025

My friend and I had a delicious flan, the steak wet burrito, and chicken enchiladas. It was so so good. I loved the burrito and my friend loved the chicken enchiladas. Rodi was so sweet and attentive to our needs, making sure we had what we needed too. Loved it thank you! Glory to God!!

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