It was a nice place. The ambiance was very friendly. Flavor of the food was very good. The only knock, the carnitas needed to be a bit more chunky. read more

I found this place on Yelp during a short trip to Temecula and asked myself the same thing you are probably asking yourself. Can a family-owned and local Mexican restaurant with 5 stars on Yelp and a 4.8 overall rating, really be that good? Yes. The answer is yes. When it comes to the El Canario Plate, this is as good as authentic Mexican comfort food gets. Carnitas is their specialty so do yourself a favor and order this. You will be treated to a generous plate of crispy, fatty and uber-tender bits of pork along with all the fixings. Pile some of this on top of a warm tortilla along with some pickled onions and a dash of their homemade salsa, and you will have yourself one amazingly satisfying bite. I would go out of my way for this dish alone. But this isn't all that they have to offer. You'll also find some delicious potato tacos that are one of the best value propositions on the planet and some rotating specials that are made fresh daily. I'm convinced that everything they dish out here will be delicious. I can't wait to come back and try some more. read more

See all

Great hidden gem! The chips had just come out of the fryer, so so good and the salsa was amazing!! I ordered 2 carnitas tacos and the meat was very tender. Absolutely delicious!! The girl taking orders was very welcoming and friendly. Cute place with plenty of tables and good parking. I'll be back for sure!! read more

El Canario Carnitas - 2 carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

If you've ever been to Michoacán or your family is from the state, this is your spot for carnitas. Everything here is delicious! The chips, salsa, aguas frescas, it's all homemade. I've wanted to come in and try their breakfast since I always get the family pack of carnitas to go. The service was amazing. Attentive and so knowledgeable. I had the chicharrón with guacamole. We also ordered chilaquiles with eggs and added carnitas which came with beans. The carnitas plate came with tortillas and rice and beans. Anytime I crave carnitas, this is my go to for sure. read more

BEST mexican food!! This is truly a hidden gem. The chips and salsa are perfect. I had sopes and I have to say, best I've had. You won't regret this choice and the service is wonderful. Don't judge by the industrial neighborhood. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Most authentic Mexican restaurant in the area. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food when I dined here a couple of weeks ago. Carnitas were flavorful and brought me back to the carnitas my family would make back in Mexico. I can honestly say we (my husband ,father-in-law & myself) really enjoyed our food and are planning in returning soon with more family members. Service was phenomenal! Daniel was our server and despite his young age he was extremely attentive, professional and gave us some history on his family and how his dad (owner) learned to make carnitas from his grandfather - a family tradition that's been passed down from one generation to another. Decor is simple and traditional and restaurant is very clean. Parking is also a breeze. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is your spot take it from a Mexican Foodie. read more

Hidden in small shopping strip but such wonderful food it's worth finding. This is a family owned where Mom makes all the food fresh to the order. Atmosphere is exactly like you walked into a neighborhood restaurant in Mexico. Not fancy but very clean. We were greeted as we entered, told to take any table. There was Mexican music playing in background but not overpowering so we were able to talk comfortably. I got the chili rellano plate and Hubs got the carnitas burrito wet with red sauce. He was in love! It was served in a long bowl so there was lots of sauce. He didn't talk for some time as he was digging in, smiling as he chewed. My plate was not as large as his but more than I could eat. My chili rellano had the best cheese and flavor. The refried beans were tasty and they gave 3 hot flour tortillas with meal so I could sop up the beans and sauce. The rice was nice. I loved the salsa that was served with the warm fresh chips. Best I've had in long time. We totally enjoyed our meals and the hospitality. If you are looking for real Mexican food, this is the place. read more

Nice spot for Mexican, very friendly service and they were very accommodating to our large group. They took some time to bring water, but it was a large group, and the food basically came out as they made it so that also took some time. The huevos rancheros were very tasty, the salsa was mild (I'm a spice wimp so maybe not ideal for people who like spicier food), the fried quesadilla appetizer was crispy and delicious, and we also got the chile relleno burrito which was ok, nothing mindblowing. Overall a good spot. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Chile relleno burrito - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

Sheeeeeeesh! This spot is a hidden gem! The menudo is BUSSIN! The ASADA is BUSSIN! If you haven't been here you are missing out! Family owned and operated. Daniel was an amazing host and very hospitable. Check this spot out! 10/10 chefs kiss! read more

This restaurant delivered! The food satisfied my carvings for homemade Mexican food. The hurache was fresh, and the tacos also had the perfect seasonings. I had to top it off with a Michelada that added the right amount of spice. The location is off an industrial street but worth the drive. As an added bonus, our server was attentive, and kind. Highly recommend. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Hurache de pollo - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

One of the best family restaurants in the IE! We are from SD and expectations are very high when it comes to authentic Mexican food. We had the menudo and honestly it's the closest to homemade, directly from Abuelita's kitchen we have had! We had the Canario's plate , carnitas are delicious too! The waiters are always very friendly and attentive. Definitely a hidden gem! read more

I love this place! Great chips, great salsa, great guacamole, and great everything else! Come on the weekend for the Birria specials and grab a Pacifico as a perfect pairing. The staff is wonderful, too. Give it a try if you haven't already. read more

Excellent service and fantastic carnitas!! I can't recommend this enough It's tucked away in a business complex but not too hard to find. You're welcome read more

Our first time here and we'll definitely be back! Everything was delicious, but the chips and salsa were AH-MAZING!!!!!

Hands down the best carnitas I've had. The verde carnitas were incredibly flavorful. I couldn't stop eating them. The fresh corn tortillas and rice complement the dish. Wonderful complimentary chips and salsa. We also grabbed the regular carnitas plate. Again the flavor was so intense. Staff was super friendly and the restaurant is cozy read more

El Canario Carnitas - Verde carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

It was my mom's birthday and we needed a restaurant for a family dinner. It can be hard finding a place that makes everyone happy, but el canario satisfied all our picky eaters! It's truly a hidden gem in Temecula, and we can't wait to go back. They don't take reservations and the restaurant is small, but the food is delicious and the prices are good! read more

See all

Great food my family is from michoacan and food is purfect the atmosphere is nice employees are nice

Definitely a hidden gem! Delicious, authentic, home made food. Staff was so friendly (even though every table was full). I don't know what else I can say....its family owned, has a great atmosphere, a friendly staff, and amazing food. You won't be disappointed. read more

Authentic Mexican food, It tastes like the flavor from the state of Michoacán. I'm so glad we found this restaurant near Murrieta. We don't have to go far for Carnitas and great menudo. I will be trying most of their menu in the near future. Thank you for your craft in the kitchen @El Canario Carnitas read more

My wife had tried this place out. I was in attendance, but wasn't hungry at the time. Early morning eating isn't my vibe. For the most part of what I saw, everything looked decent. Tried out the chips and salsa, and it wasn't bad, obviously. I've tried this location before from ordering through door dash. So what my wife had gotten this time around was almost equivalent to that. Living in Temecula hasn't been that great on food spots, so I would consider this location to be the first place that actually hits. There was only one flaw while visiting this location personally speaking. Is that they had offered root beer on their menu, but when asked they didn't serve. Sorry but that's a buzz kill for me. So I proceeded to ask for club soda, and for odd reasons there was already lemon added. One star deducted for offering root beer on the menu and not delivering. I am a big root beer fan(Not A&W) read more

El Canario Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

Once again. Absolutely phenomenal. I really love this place. I wish they had more business I need them to stay here forever. The food is great, the staff is great and the dining room is so nice. Not too loud. Great place to have a conversation. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Fried Quesadillas soooooo gooood - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Once again this hidden gem did not disappoint, Food was amazing service was friendly and attentive ambiance perfect Carnitas rice and beans only two pictures I took because I was too busy stuffing my face The homemade tortillas (flour and corn) delicious the freshly made tortilla chips and salsas, outstanding. But the "Carnitas" are definitely the stars of the show. I can't wait to comeback for another round read more

El Canario Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

Good food and service - just needs a liquor license and a new location to help drive in more foot traffic.

Best carnitas by far. Generous portions. Carbs asada melts in your mouth. All homemade! Love this place!!

AMAZING CARNITAS! Wow. Best carnitas I've ever had. Melts in your mouth. Small little place. If you live carnitas you have to give it a try.

Food is great. I've been here a couple times but haven't had a bad meal. Friendly staff and cool kick back spot to enjoy food.

We got the carnitas plate for 2, one of the most authentic carnitas I've had in a long time. They do not make them this delicious anymore. Truly recommend if you are in the area to look it up and go.. friendly staff. We will be back my whole lil fam enjoyed every bite. read more

El Canario Carnitas - The carnitas plate for 2 - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Really good food at this place. I highly recommend the menudo on Saturday morning! My wife always gets the adobada tacos and raves about them. The chile relleno is a little different, in a good way, than other places I have had them. read more

I found this small place from Yelp on my way back from San Diego & it was a gem! The staff were very friendly & extra nice. By the time our food came out, we were pretty full with all the fresh chips & freshly made salsa!! But we devoured our food! They even packed us extra chips & salsa stating they were happy we enjoyed them so much! I will definitely come back to this place!! read more

El Canario Carnitas - Carnitas plate, corn tortillas, 2beef tacos, & chicken quesadillas, yum yum!! - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

I was excited to try this place based on the good reviews and close to work. Was not greeted at the door and eventually told to sit anywhere. After 20 mins of no contact with anyone, no being checked on, no asking if we would like water, not bringing chips and salsa, and not even stopping by our table to let us know they would be with us eventually but passing us multiple times to service a larger party, we as well as another party left. I know people call in and being shirt staffed happens, but some sort of acknowledgement and a quick bowl of chips would have gone a long way in making us feel like our patronage matters read more

Small simple restaurant. One sentence description. BEST CARNITAS IN TOWN. The fat from the mixed carnitas adds so much flavor. The family meal is a great option to go. Great taco Tuesday deal also. Great Place for some carnitas and beer. Also highly recommend the queso fundido. Place is hard to find but with it!!! read more

El Canario Carnitas - Awesome carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Just discovered this restaurant that opened five months ago in an industrial area on the west side of Temecula. Since their name suggested they make good Carnitas, I bought a pound and took it home. Service was courteous and prompt. There were only a couple people in the restaurant, but it looked well appointed and comfortable. Their Carnitas is very good and now Temecula has a new location to purchase it in dishes as well as bulk. There's plenty of parking in the area, and they serve wine and beer. read more

El Canario Carnitas - 1 pound of Carnitas to go - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

It was my first time here I came while on my lunch break and let me just say their customer service is amazing. He was so attentive and also notified me that they had ran out of carnitas for the day and suggested other menu items instead. I got the potato tacos and they were delicious. There's salsa is so flavorful and has a kick of spiciness. For potato tacos they were pretty delicious and flavorful. It had just the right amount of lettuce, sour cream, queso fresco and guacamole. I would definitely have to come back to try their carnitas. So far my experience was great and I enjoyed the food. The interior of the restaurant gives very homey vibes great place to come for lunch, dinner or to gather with family. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Potato Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

I know we are in the minority here but we thought the food here was just okay. My hubby had shredded beef tacos and he did not like the spicing of the beef. I had the carnitas bowl and there were a bunch of pieces of what looked like cooked skin. I did not like the texture of that and had to pick out all of the pieces. We did like the fresh salsa. It was quite mild. I asked if they had a spicy salsa and they brought me a very small container of it. Like maybe a tablespoon. I would have liked an actual bowl of this. I may return to try some of the breakfast offerings but as far as the other food, be both agreed we liked other places better. read more

This place is really good! So surprised as I haven't been too impressed with restaurants in this area. The ambiance is super quaint but very colorful. Love the decor and plates that were used. Service was excellent. Water was offered immediately as was chips and salsa (which was delicious!) We were checked on just the right amount of times. Everyone was super friendly. We ordered the carnitas and 2 taco combo. I'm not a big fan of carnitas but wow this was so tasty! Very fresh and extremely flavorful. I can't wait to return. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

See all

A definite hidden gem! Chips, salsas, rice, beans, carnitas, service, ambience, all excellent! I will definitely return.

I came here for an early lunch. I didn't know what to expect because I hadn't looked the place up. When I walked in I thought it was so cute! I loved all their decorations! The Michoacán banner in the front. Everything from the tables and chairs to the atmosphere made it feel like I was at home eating. Luisa was our server. She was a very sweet girl. I ordered my carnitas mixed and when she handed me my plate she immediately realized it was wrong and took it back to get fixed. The food was good! I will definitely be coming back. read more

See all

This little place is a hidden gem. Good place to eat out with the family. Decoration, service and food it's on point! read more

See all

WOW. We stumbled upon this restaurant as we were driving home from a trip to Palm Springs and are now planning to make it a must-stop whenever we are nearby. The food is incredible (highly recommend the carnitas, the tacos -- handmade tortillas that are outstanding, the enchiladas are outrageous...and even the fresh chips are an absolute delight), the family who runs it are so lovely, and the charm of the restaurant -- which feels like you're having a homemade meal -- makes the entire experience unforgettable. Thank you so much to the family who made such a wonderful meal for us! read more

Great service. Carnitas are delicious! Definitely recommended. The chile relleno was also very good.