Amazing place. The food is amazing and feels like it was made from scratch. Like it was homemade, which is always a good feeling. The overall vibe of the place feels casual, the lights are dimmed, which is a nice touch. The staff are super friendly and will often interact with guests. The wait to receive your food isn't long and you get free chips and salsa. Kids get free ice cream, refills are free. read more

Don't let the appearance of the inside fool you. They are clean and the food is incredible. Olivia is always there when we eat here. We were pleasantly surprised about the chicken tamales. We're used to places that serve dried out chicken tamales. Not here. The staff is mostly family, very kind and efficient. We've been at least 20 times. They are known to the locals for winning every year for the Chili cookoff, with their Chile Verde. They sell their own recipe of salsa, which is fantastic. You won't be disappointed. read more

Owners have the worst customer service!! Especially the lady, was planning to take our family and she was extremely rude and unprofessional. Come to find out she's the owner. We didn't even bother to stay and eat! After that I would not recommend this establishment! If she acts like this I can only imagine the food quality. Based off the reviews she behaves like this alot! read more

We came on Cinco de Mayo on a recommendation. I read up on the reviews before our visit and I tempered my expectations. However, I found none of the critiques to be true. Service was excellent. The chips and salsa was yummy and the food was authentic and delicious. We all really enjoyed our visit. It was a quintessential mom and pop, simple but comfortable. I can tell many of the customers were regulars which is always a great sign. Overall I highly recommend Olivia's. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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I have often enjoyed the food here over the years. Service and food quality have been inconsistent. It is unfortunate that a restaurant with such a potential seems to struggle the way that it does. But, on a recent previous visit and on my last visit my meal was SALTY, especially the albondigas soup. Well actually all of it including the salsa. Every dish! SALTY. In my opinion, chef really needs to taste the food and use more herbs and less salt. read more

We waited about 20 minutes but it's worth it! The place makes you feel like you're in a village in Mexico! The food is amazing and portions are large! TVs in the front and back if you get bored! The decor is from the 70s! The pozole is great I just have to let it cool down a little! read more

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They have the worst customer service ever. I don't know how they're still in business. The old woman is constantly grumpy and probably thinks she's funny. I'm not the type to leave a review that is three or four paragraphs long, so just believe all the other reviewers when they talk about the lousy service here. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. The food is adequate, but not worth the price. I won't be returning. read more

I've been living in Riverside for 7 years from Corona. My favorite place in Corona is Eduardo's and couldn't find a good Mexican restaurant locally. I've tried almost every place in Riverside and was disappointed. I was hesitant to try Olivia's due to the low reviews but I thought I'd try it out for myself. The chips were fresh and salsa was perfect for me. I ordered the Chile Relleno and although it was a little salty it tasted really fresh with good flavor. My husband ordered the Chilaquiles. He enjoyed it so much, he wants to come back for more. I see negative reviews for the service but we felt very welcomed and met the famous Olivia. We found a new favorite in Riverside. read more

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Been a customer of Olivia's for years. I'm not sure what the change is with the food, buy any food item with shredded chicken is extremely salty and very overwhelming, Is salt being added to prepare the chicken? It literally tastes like a bag of salt is poured onto the chicken. It's very disappointing because the food was not like this before. read more

First time here.. the chili salsa is good. Nice and hot. Had the taquitos with rice and beans? There were no beans just kinda like bean dip/sauce/ paste whatever you want to call it. Maybe I should have tried the chile verde. Dimly lit inside at 3 pm. Needs a restaurant makeover by chef Robert Irvine ( my opinion). I can somewhat understand the waitress's attitude/ approach. She must be the owner's daughter. Just brief when ordering from her... still waiting for her to return and ask how everything is. She is too busy talking with a couple that must be regulars. Oh well. It is a first time experience! read more

I have been to over a hundred different Mexican restaurants. This place checks off all the boxes, the best chips and salsa that I have ever had "salsa available on Amazon" their chili verdi is #1 in my opinion, It's no wonder they take first place at every chili Cook-off they enter. Riverside is lucky to have this restaurant. PS, the owner, Olivia is a very sweet lady. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Salsa and chili verde - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

The food was excellent. We had breakfast there today on Father's Day first time trying everything was made. Fresh Service was even more excellent. In the ambience of the place was very nice. Would definitely eat there again next time for dinner. read more

I have nothing but good things to say, the food was delicious and the service was great. All the food is homemade and comes out fresh. Small place but they are quick we didn't wait long for a table. The only thing missing is a bar for cocktails. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - #3. Bean Tostada, Ground Beef Taco and Cheese Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Foodie Moment We parked in the back lot and walked in from the back to the front to let them know our party size. Waited a little, and they sat us shortly after. I was torn between the menudo and the stacked chile verde enchiladas with 2 eggs--but I went with the enchiladas... and BOMB.COM is an understatement. So delicious. The rice? On point. The beans? Flavorful. But that chile verde? WHEW. Next level. I surprised even myself--I left nothing behind. Not a grain of rice, not a drip of sauce. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Stacked enchiladas with eggs and chile verde - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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So I went to the infamous Olivia's Mexican restaurant in Riverside and I was very disappointed. The food is very mid underwhelming just all in all not good. I am definitely a foodie who enjoys eating just to give you an understanding of me. Me and my partner both didn't finish our meals so I've had a couple bites and then I just asked for a Togo box. Let's start off. I ordered the dinner combo chili relleno, bean tostada and hardshell taco. It was a chicken. I didn't try the chicken or tostada just thought it looked un-appetizing and then when I tasted the beans and rice both were not good. The chips were stale cold I tried to ask the server for new chips. He said that they're fresh and that it's the AC that's making them taste like that he was very kind. the service is not terrible. They're just not the most attentive. I feel like I understand now why this Mexican spot in Riverside is hyped up if you know, you know, I'm a lot of shade of brown and I like my food more traditional more flavorful my partner ordered the supreme meat burrito. You will see how small that supreme meat burrito is literally it was just meat and cheese, which he likes, but I feel like they definitely cheated out on how much meat they put in there look like a quesadilla but like I say, give it a try and then you decide but make sure you bring your the gold card because we paid $63. read more

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I have only been here twice but both times were great! Food is amazing and the service wonderful! They really make you feel at home. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada Fries with a modelo - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

I love coming here as a Mexican... The food is truly authentic, it almost tastes like my grandma's cooking! It's family run, they're great staff there. They're also huge Dodger fans so if you wear anything Dodger's they love it haha. Amazing service every time, perfectly mixed margs. If I want Mex I come here! read more

Good food, bad Service. Every time I go, I forget how good the food is and then I remember I never go because the staff feels like they hate you, and don't ask for more chips because I guess they are on rations. read more

This place is a hidden gem in Riverside for authentic Mexican food! We celebrated Mother's Day here with a big group of 13, and the restaurant went above and beyond to accommodate us. The service was fantastic, attentive, friendly, and patient with our lively family. The food? Absolutely *delicious*. Every dish tasted fresh and full of flavor, just like homemade Mexican cooking should. And the leftovers might've been even better the next day (which says a lot!). The ambiance was cozy and inviting, clean, and exactly the kind of spot where you can relax, laugh, and enjoy a great meal with loved ones. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food served with warmth and great hospitality, this is the place. We'll definitely be back! read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - 3 Carne asada tacos with rice and refried beans - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Olivia's food is always great. I haven't had anything that was bad. Service can be a little slow, especially during times they are super busy. This is a local mom and pop shop. They definitely have a mom and pop feel when you dine here. read more

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This qas my first time at Olivia's. And Olivia was at the front desk checking in people!. The quesadilla burrito is quite epic. They sat a group of 11 people in less than 10 minutes on a weekend. That was impressive. I cannot handle spicy food, but the chef made the nopale salad not spicy for my and I loved every bite of it. Their guacamole was just perfect. I always enjoy to go to a place where everyone can get their dose of spicy and delicious food and the chef is kind enogh to accommodate a sensitive stomach like mine. Thank you for an incredible meal. read more

Recommended by a friend & I have to say "thank you"! It's hard to find really good Mexican food & we found it! Highly recommend! Staff were friendly & attentive! read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Ground beef tacos, cheese enchilada, beans & rice - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Olivia's Olivia's, the best chimichangas...EVER!! My family has been going to Olivia's forever and we keep coming back for a reason. The food, the atmosphere and the wonderful service. We love all their dishes and each of my family members has their favorite. The family who runs this restaurant are the nicest and most gracious people ever. You are greeted like you are family and treated very well. I will even give up a personal secret. My family, my friends, my neighbors love my enchiladas, and I am told I make great enchiladas. I make fabulous enchiladas because I buy Olivia's enchilada sauce, thank you Olivia's. I will see you soon, been craving a chimichanga! read more

Ive been here a few times and the last time was for a birthday party. To me the food is very average. Nothing really stands out as having the wow factor. The service is usually pretty quick which is nice if your in a hurry. The women's restroom was broken on this day which was a huge inconvenience for our large party. We had to get a employee to take us next door through the parking lot to their storage building to use the employees bathrooms. The men's restroom only had a urinal and the toilet was broken in there also. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Carne asada needs a little more seasoning. Tortillas shouldn't be heated in microwave From our order, the best part were the fries. Carnitas and carne asada should be seasoned with a little lemon Lemonade wasn't good either, I guess I was just expecting more of a homemade touch read more

Was pretty empty on a Sunday afternoon but the reviews are on point. Our server was extremely nice and the food was delicious it's an older spot but try it anyway! I'm glad we did! Sorry my pictures don't show the food when they brought it out but we were excited to dig in! read more

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Grrreeaatt Wet Burrito. It was my first time eating here. I have been passing this restaurant many times and finally decided to check this place out. No regrets! Parking in the back. The restaurant is on corner of Magnolia and Van Buren. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada Wet Burrito (very delicious and soft) Salsa- very good (obviously homemade) but chips are not. Still good chips, though. - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Tried something new - the taco salad. The shell was good. Was very good and just enough. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Ground Beef Super Tostada Salad - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

We came for the first time and met Olivia. She was so friendly as was the staff. The food was delicious! She even gave us a chicharrones taco on the house which was delicious ! We will definitely come back. The salsa was great and she said they sell it on Amazon! The service was great and waiters were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely come back! read more

Food is so good. It is a treat to go there. The server, Anna, is majorly rude. Every time I go. If I get another waitress, the visit is much better. She must be the daughter of the owner, otherwise I would think she would have been let go already. Im not going to be treated like that just for good food. Such a shame. read more

Great authentic Mexican restaurant. We stop every time we are in the area. Great family owned business. You won't be disappointed!

We wanted to try this place for the first time, but we were denied service simply because we brought our own iced coffee. These weren't regular drinks--they were specialty beverages based on our dietary needs. I politely asked if they could make an exception, and they refused, saying they serve drinks there. When I asked if they had iced coffee, they said no. So what exactly was the issue? What made the situation worse was the attitude. One of the staff members was especially rude, sucking her teeth and sharply saying "Sorry," which felt dismissive and unprofessional. We were more than willing to leave the drinks in our car, but the approach and lack of basic courtesy ruined the experience before it even began. First impressions matter, and if this is how customers are treated at the door, I can only imagine what the service would be like once seated. Based on this experience, it's not surprising this place has a history of negative reviews. read more

The staff, owners... all so sweet and attentive . We ordered the pozole and the chimichanga. Loveeeed! The music was also great. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Hubby got the chimichanga. He actually finished it. Ask for it HOT. - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

super bad service I didn't like it at all had very bad experience in serving my food and was rude to my family

Me and my husband went to Olivia's last night for the first time. It was packed for dinner.. First we were greeted by Mrs. Olivia and she was a gem.. Our server was so sweet and gave us helpful suggestions because all the food look soo good! We were soo impressed!! The salsa alone was soo good! I got full of that. I had the chile relleno and taco and my husband had enchiladas. We will definitely are going to be coming back as regulars. Mrs. Olivia even gave us some history on how she came to make some of the recipes and gave us a free taco to try. It was delish.!! Great food with a family vibe.. Love it ! read more

We were recommended to eat here by our friends. Today we came here. And we love it! Servers are wonderful!!! I had quesadilla burrito (Olivia's favorite). I chose shredded beef. Wow they cook it beautifully!! My husband had Gary's special. He love his food. I was so impressed with their rice and beans. They cooked perfectly. We decided to come back again! The place is simple and Mexican-style. I would recommend you to go there! read more

My husband has ordered take out from here a few times already and Olivia's has become a family favorite. The chips and salsa are sooo good! The salsa is fresh and spicy and oh so yummy! Their dishes are filling and delicious, and you can't go wrong with whatever you order. So far, we've tried the burritos, enchiladas, taquitos, chile relleno, tamale and rice & beans. Food is a little pricey, but portions are huge and definitely shareable. read more

We love Olivia's , have been going for 29 some years Salsa is Amazing , thank you so much read more

The food and service is always excellent. When I eat there its like being with family. They take care of all customers whether its dinning in or take out. When you say a meal its more than that its excellence at its best. The food is cooked to perfection and always hot upon being served at your table. Its like it came off Mommas stove and talk about delicious its a 100 percent delish. Atmosphere is freindly conversationable warm and comfortable...! If you havent been there its time to visit, eat and enjoy as I always have. Thank you Olivia..just awesome. read more

Great service and authentic tasting Mexican food. I love that it's family owned and you see the same faces when dining. Olivia's salsa recipe is really good. It's also available for purchase to take home. read more