The food is delicious--great flavor--and the portions are perfect. The waitresses are friendly. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Great guacamole,chunky not run through a blender. Portions generous, service great, food yummy. Nothing else needed. read more

On a recent visit to Ojai, we were looking for some cheap and tasty eats and this place hit the spot. Hole in the wall dining at its best, and authentic mexican flavors without a big bill. In fact, this was one of the cheapest meals I've had in a while in SoCal, under $20 a person for generous portions, free tortilla chips, and a tasty salsa bar. It's an order at the counter place, there were no prices on the menu board overhead, and the staff was super friendly and caring. We had a carnitas burrito, i had shrimp enchiladas with green sauce, and we had an order of 2 sopes. All hugely generous servings, served hot. They seemed to have a lot of takeout orders going on while we were there. Not a lot of people around but a lot coming and going, and it took about 20 minutes before our food came out. All around delicious, nice patio seating if you have a dog, and a few tables inside as well. Ample parking lot. If you're in the Ojai area, this is worth a stop. read more

See all

The food isn't that great but it's not terrible either and they are convenient, however they are FREQUENTLY out of basic things like torta bread or red sauce and they also have a history of not being open when their posted hours said they were supposed to be open so I'm done. I refuse to support unreliable businesses. I'm spending my money at the places that make a better effort. read more

Great Mexican food that is authentic in my opinion and quality. I have gotten few of their dishes and all of them have been wonderful. My favorite is the fish tacos. We always get the chips with it and it is very fresh along with the salsa. Mostly when I have gotten the food, it was to go, but I also dined in previously and It was wonderful. I would recommend it and definitely return. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Best fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

See all

We came to visit my sister/her husband and newborn nephew and we decided to grab some lunch here. I ordered their "Three Amigos" plate which included 3 Tacos, Rice&Beans, my child ordered the same, and my sister ordered their Torta. For protein we got Asada, Chorizo, and Pastor, it was actually quite tasty, I feel like the sauces could have more flavor but that's just me. I would recommend this place for the most part. read more

See all

Food was tasty. However, I wish they used iceberg and not romaine. Once the beans and chicken is placed on top the lettuce just wilted and soggy. Service ok. Staff very busy interacting with each other when they could be cleaning restaurant, salt/pepper etc. refilling salsa bar empty had to ask for salsa. My biggest issue was how sticky and dirty the menu cards were. I must say the men's restroom was very clean almost new like. We will be back. We have see worse. read more

Breakfast burritos are fire! AND they serve them all day woo hoooooo. And they have asada as an option which is pretty rare and delicious. ALSO salsa bar you can grab all the options you'd like! My favorites were the red vinegar looking one (I couldn't read the labels) and surprisingly the chili oil that is pre packaged for you matched PERFECTLY with my burrito. read more

Absolutely love this place! The food was great and flavorful and the staff is super friendly!! Shout out to Ximena and Liz for explaining all the types of salsas!! All so yummy! Also, the place is clean and so are the restrooms!! Highly recommend this place if you are visiting in the Ojai area!! read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Food is still decent even after new ownership took over last December. 3 star is because order is hit or miss depending on who is cooking and the ability to read the ticket. Requested add ons ($.50-.75 charge) only to find out when home they aren't in the food.) 5 stars for service! read more

I came here with my husband due to all the good reviews. Ample parking, small dining area and not too crowded. I like that they have a large selection of Jarritos flavors available here. I got a chicken burrito and my husband ordered some tacos. We liked everything. My burrito was a very generous size and I should have taken half of it home but I ate it all right there. Some regrets, lol! Staff was polite and friendly. Atmosphere is very casual. read more

Best Mexican food in the Ojai area! They have great customer service too!!! We will always be back...

Carmelita's was a go-to restaurant for my wife and I for years. Great food and friendly service, all at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, with the recent change in ownership, all of that is now gone. We both recently ordered taco salads with margaritas. The food was unrecognizable, looking like the ingredients were smashed into a taco-shell, and stirred up. Margarita's were watered down with way too much ice. After the change in ownership, we noticed a difference, but decided to give it a few more chances. Needless to say, we are now done, and will not return. read more

The food was good, the beans were a little dry, maybe old-ish but the burrito was good, the ceviche was good and the staff was really nice and helpful. You could tell they enjoyed their job. I missed the pico de gallo salsa they didn't have. The other salsas were good. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Ceviche and burrito - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

A year later and I'm still loving this place. Great service, cool location with the cutest patio. I'm really watching my intake so I wanted to sub my chips for cucumbers with the ceviche. They created such a beautiful plate for me (see photo)! They use the freshest ingredients and I just love stopping here when I visit family in Ojai. My little sis loves their chicken tacos dorados and my stepdad said the carnitas were great. The one thing we were sad about is they no longer make the chocolate cake. For the love of god, please bring that back! It's soooo good! PRETTY PLEASE! Definitely check out this gem in Oak View! It's fantastic! read more

See all

We dropped by Carmelita's Mexican restaurant after visiting Ojai for the weekend. Parking was plentiful on a usual dirt road and at 100 degrees, too. The waitress was extremely nice and helpful. We ordered the Asada which was thinly sliced steak; it was basically fried and very oily. It wasn't too bad but could have had a better preparation, than just cooking it as it was. Rice was just enough with the usual tomatoes and onions, guacamole was a little weird, perhaps caused by the 100 degree heat? Not too bad but could be better? read more

This place has amazing food really like it inexpensive compared to other restaurants and the foods way better

Carmelita's has new owners. It's good but; not great like it used to be . The rellano's are not nearly as good. Chopped chilies inside, cheese grated on top. Heavier egg coating . They understand zero English but; give the impression they do. Simple orders get a smile and nod and never arrive kind of errors... read more

If you are tired of the fusion hipster food in Ojai, I recommend this place. No fusion here with the Mexican food. Also, don't have to pay outrages prices for food that directly comes from local farms. You get your money's worth here. Service with a smile is what you get here and the employees were personable, chatty, and helpful. Can't say the same for other places in the Ojai area. I will always make an effort to come here when I'm in the Ojai area. I guaranteed a satisfying meal here. read more

Great food and service, highly recommend. Good parking and fast service. We go there all the time and never get tired of it.

Finally made it here after hearing about it for a long time. Honestly, just meh. Not bad, but just nothing to write home about. Neither my husband nor I can even remember what we got because it was just such a ho hum experience. read more

They have really good food and the service is outstanding . Good selections of beers

Carmelitas has been my go to authentic Mexican food spot for a while now. Every dish I've had has not disappointed so far. I recommend the asada Torta to everyone! This time I ventured out and tried the asada fries, the portion was huge and it was probably the best asada fries I've had so far! Also, their salsas are spicy so beware of the habanero. read more

See all

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Ojai. We went in tonight and found that they had whited out all the prices on all the menus. I asked for a menu with prices, and the woman at the register said the owner would not allow us to see the prices of the food before we ordered. It took me off guard. My two sons like to over order, so I give them a budget when we go out to eat. And I like to know what I am spending. We all stood there, looking at each other perplexed, thinking about why they would conceal their prices. Are they charging different customers different prices? Are food prices fluctuating so much that the prices in the restaurant are different each day? Are they in transition and raising all the prices?" It was too much to contemplate on an empty stomach, and the woman refused to explain. So we left. As we made our way across the empty parking lot, I commented, "Well, that was awkward," and my youngest said, "I feel like they wanted to scam us. I don't want to go back there again." I am heartbroken that this weirdness has happened to a restaurant we love so much. read more

Food and service was outstanding. Definitely recommend!! A ton of phone orders, so might take a moment..... Really great read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

First time here was on a taco Tuesday and let me tell ya. If you like your carne asada with big chunks of meat PACKED with FLAVOR, this is your spot. Free chips and salsa too! I will be back for sure read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Samantha was awesome. Great service and food was very good. Stopped her on our way back from a hike and it really hit the spot

Every Sunday, after I drop my girlfriend off at church, I go to Carmelitas for breakfast. I've tried all the close by breakfast places nearby but Carmelitas is the best. Everyone working there seems happy to be serving great food in a great little atmosphere. They serve typical American breakfast which is great but today I had huevos rancheros. Seriously good! I am now going to be a regular there. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Huevos rancheros. Deliciosa - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Street tacos are generous, delicious and inexpensive. Asada fries are amazing and a LOT of food! And now they have in expensive and delicious Margaritas????? Heaven! A hidden gem in the OJai Valley. read more

Delicious burritos! Many choices on their menu. We enjoy Carmelitas all the time, & usually order a Santa Fe chicken burrito. Great size portions - chunks of chicken breast with pinto beans, rice, sour cream & guacamole. Taco salad is really tasty, too! About 5 tables inside, & a few in their outdoor patio. Margaritas, beer, & soft drinks. Wonderful staff - Hi Samantha! Double check their hours of operation- They're open early for breakfast on Weekends, but in 2024, they seem to close by 3p on Sunday & closed on Monday. When in Oak view & Ojai - let's choose to try local restaurants like these! read more

My husband picked up a couple things today. I ordered a taco salad. It is the most flavorless taco salad I have ever had. There wasn't any cheese, a small tiny scoop of guac and a tiny drop of sour cream. Had to use salt and my own sour cream at home. I know we are all hurting during this crazy time, but if you have to put a pinky size spot of ingredients, you prob should just sell those as extra sides instead of giving the customer an unrealistic impression of what they will recieve. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Food is so good! I love this little neighborhood restaurant for my michis and breakfast!! Service is fast and has a classic ambiance. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Huevos Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Camping in Lake Casitas, I needed to get a bite before setting camp up. Came here and had their fish taco Friday special. Nice large piece of fish grilled not fried in batter with cabbage and cream sauce. Tacos were delish and 2 will fill you up. Other food looked good but the tacos did me in. Service is good and you order at the counter. read more

One of our absolute favorites locally! Food is outstanding, cocktails are amazing & the micheladas get an A+. Prices right, you can order online and the portions are huge. Great happy hour too! read more

This is the worse resturant for Mexican Food and customer service. I have been with my son and have been very disappointed with the quality of food and customer service. No attention to detail food served Ice cold. No attention to detail. Will not be eating here again. Very disappointing experience. read more

It was just ok. They had fresh tortillas. My menudo was missing something I couldn't put my finger on it. The pata was a little tough too. read more

Always good It's a go to for local dinner or takeout for a decent burrito Home made

The BEST fish tacos on a legendary level. I was blown away. We catered them to our party and it was like a fish taco riot! Try them asap!

Every time I go there it's really good. Service. Food. Drinks. All Excellent. They make their own margaritas with lemon juice - no mixer, great guac & homemade chips. Friday grilled fish taco deals, friendly caring people. Yum and yay. Two read more

It's delicious! I've heard a few of bad things about the owner, After management changed but the food is still amazing!