Carmelitas Peruvian @ Taquería Juanito's - Van Nuys, CA 16851 Victory Blvd, Ste. 2 Tucked inside a decades-old taquería, Carmelitas Peruvian is more than a pop-up -- it's a culinary love letter from Lima to Los Angeles. Chef Omar Zavala and his wife Carmen have transformed this corner of Van Nuys into a vibrant hub of Peruvian street food, served with heart, hustle, and a side of rocoto heat. Must-Try Dishes Pollo Broaster A golden slab of fried chicken that crackles with cumin and black pepper, laid over thick-cut fries and a crisp salad. Pair it with their house-made rocoto sauce if you dare -- it's fiery, bold, and unforgettable. Ceviche de Pescado Carmen's pride and joy. Silky swai or cod swims in a citrusy leche de tigre, crowned with choclo, sweet potato, and a single slice of red rocoto. It's balanced, cooling, and deeply satisfying. Ají de Gallina & Lomo Saltado Comfort food done right. Creamy, tender, and packed with flavor, these dishes show off the kitchen's dedication to scratch-made sauces and soulful execution. Ambiance & Vibe Expect a soundtrack of Latin rock and ska, taco-themed blacklight posters, and a cozy, L-shaped diner that feels like a time capsule of Valley culture. It's intimate, unpretentious, and buzzing with locals who know good food when they taste it. Carmelitas isn't just serving food -- it's building community. Whether you're a ceviche connoisseur or just craving something new, this spot delivers authenticity with every bite. And if you're lucky, Carmen might be behind the register, ready to share the story behind your plate. read more

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Great service, and everything is solid but some things are more solid than others. They offer both Mexican and Peruvian food. I have tried the burritos: surf and turf and breakfast burrito are both fantastic. The tacos are decent and all the flavors are very reliable. I tried the lomo saltado recently and I would probably want to try it in person instead of to go bc the fries were a little soggy by the time we enjoyed it. Maybe they could pack it separately so the fries will be fresh. But the meat was tender and flavorful and the onions were surprisingly delicious. Overall a very solid neighborhood favorite you can depend on. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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Carmelita's popped up on my IG, and you know when I saw Peruvian, I had to try it. They're located inside Taqueria Juanita's on the corner of Victory and Balboa. The restaurant is really small--only a few tables. The lomo saltado was juicy, and the meat was incredibly tender. The jalea is one of the best I've ever had. The papa a la huancaína was very close to my mom's--and that's saying a lot. The chicha morada was delicious. And the picarones? Just out of this world. Hands down the best I've ever had. Definitely will be coming back. read more

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A little expensive but I understand Peruvian food is.. I ask them if they can make a lomo saltado burrito they agree but they charged me $20. That's the price of a lomo saltado plate, when I was about to eat the burrito it was just a tortilla wrap in the lomo saltado, no rice no beans nothing. The food tastes good but never order a burrito lomo saltado. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

They have a hidden Peruvian menu that is only advertised inside the restaurant. It is top notch if you are craving Peruvian with the Lomo Salgado, Bistec a Lo Pobre, Chaufa, and many more I have yet to try. This is a must try place to go to but don't expect it to be cheap with their Peruvian cuisine. It is made to order and takes time but it is definitely worth it if you are not cheap but patient enough to wait for deliciousness. I am going to try their Jalea today but will also indulge on the others that are too delicious to not order. Another day, I will try their carne asada steak, steak burrito, carne asada tacos, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and the other go to Mexican dishes that look delicious too if I have the will to not keep ordering their Peruvian dishes. No cap, this place is a hit! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Bistec, Lomo Saltado, and shrimp Chaufa! What a lunch with the fam! - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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One of the best breakfast burritos we ever ate. Freshly made and served quickly for to go order. There's seating available inside with a cool vibe. They also have some Peruvian dishes that makes the menu unique. read more

This is a great place for some good Mexican food. It's a small family owned business. The husband and wife are super nice and friendly. I ordered the Cali Burrito with asada and it didn't disappoint. Just look at how massive the burrito is on the plate. I placed the fork next to it for size comparison. I'll have to come back and try some of their other menu items. Please stop by this place and show them some love. They're on the corner of Balboa and Victory. Across from Birmingham High School. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Cali Burrito (with Asada) - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I absolutely loved it! The tacos had the best flavor. I ate the carnitas and asada. I will definitely go back again when I am in the area.

Great food and options! Any of the staff I have talked to are all very nice and professional. There is some seating inside and the atmosphere is good, neat, and has fun decorating styles. read more

One of the best damn burritos I ever had and that's saying something because my mom could cook read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Very bad food I get brake fast plate I ask for steak she say and extra charge I say yes brake fast plate cost $ 12 she charge me $21 I get 2 scrambled eggs very dry beans cold and rice looks he make 3 days before the salad was very bad also read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Salad - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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Muy rico su Aeropuerto de carne con sus verduras chinas súper contenta con la comida read more

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Solid place. Ordered the 2 taco combo and tried the asada and the al pastor. Really bomb. I devoured it. I regret not getting 3 tacos. Thanks to the friendly staff running the place and for the sticker! read more

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Love this place. The food is good & the staff is friendly. Make sure you keep in mind that it's right by the high school and a very busy intersection. So if you come when school gets out, it'll be tough. Plan accordingly. They move fast and they get the orders out quickly. My burrito was exactly what I was hoping for. Will def be a regular here. read more

Excellent food. Excellent service and excellent execution. This is what an ideal local hidden gem is. Highly recommend this spot. They also offer Peruvian cuisine too so check it out. read more

OMG! Someone bought me these carne asada nachos and they were delicious!!! Perfect amount of salsa, meat cheese etc! So good! Would definitely come back! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Carne asada nachos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Great fish tacos with sizable fillets of tilapia or whitefish. Tantalizing salsas rojo and verde. Kind of meh frijoles and arroz but they're vegan friendly. Really a small 5 booth take out... But do check out their Peruvian menu selections which are dramatically incomparable to any of the ubiquitous taco/burrito/platas places in town. That's the secret spice of this particular location slice of the Juanitos multi-location taquerias. read more

Absolutely delicious. Came here as a last minute spot and they knocked it out of the park. Real good service in a good location with good quality food. read more

I stopped here because it was on my way to my destination. I was surprised the food was expensive For this price, I can eat at a restaurant. Then the burrito had more rice than protein. No thanks! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

This is a review for their new Peruvian menu. Just had their Lomo Saltado and it's absolutely delicious! Some of the best I've had! Meal was a little pricey compared to other Peruvian spots in the valley but worth every penny. Their rocoto sauce will knock your socks off. read more

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This was the most flavorful carne asada I have ever had. The staff was extremely friendly and gave us some spicy, yet, refreshing salsa to try. read more

Fast efficent service. Very kind. Phenomenal food. As well as amazing artwork they've selected for their posters they have in their windows. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

The food here is delicious! I've been coming here for over 18 years. The staff is so nice and welcoming. Every time I'm in the area I get lots of food to go! read more

Located in a small strip mall it's easy to get here. My first time here I ordered the asada nachos. It comes with melted cheese, beans, green salsa, onions, avocado slices and I added sour cream. As far as flavor goes it wasn't lacking at all. Only thing I would say is that it ate more like a chilaquiles. The cheese gets lost in all the salsa so it's not really cheesy at all. Also they gave me two tiny slivers of avocado but the price is great and you get a good size plate of nachos for $10. I'll probably try this place one more time and get their burrito. The service was great read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Asada nachos add sour cream - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I wish I ordered more. I grabbed two out of curiosity. I usually go to the Thai place next door. The flavor and the texture of the asada was great IMO. I will be trying more read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Tacos de carne asada - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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This was the dumbest decision I made today. 2 pieces of shrimp in a taco that was dismantled (not even in my hand before it fell apart) for $5 plus tax. NEVER AGAIN! What a waste of money read more

Their food is good but I just was curious were they teasing me when they gave me a bag with only 3 pieces of tortilla chips in it? Why....

This is a really lovely little spot to grab a breakfast burrito on an early morning. We dropped by after playing golf at the course across the street. The burritos are reasonably priced, clean, and fresh. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. It's a family run business and I'm happy to support these guys. They make great food! I'll be back next time for the tacos and huevos rancheros. Thank you Juanitos!! Update: after the first time we played nearby, we liked it so much we had to come back after golf a second time. Same result... good stuff! Their salsa is hottttt!! Better get a drink haha read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Breakfast Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

My husband I came to Juanito's because we were craving a carne asada torta and it did not disappoint it was delicious ( I forgot to take a picture before I devoured it) . We also had a carne asada burrito and it was so flavor and I'm a salsa girl and there green and red salsa were very good not watered down at all! The service was great as well will be coming here again for the tortas and to try the carnitas next time! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Absolutely, the best asada fries in the valley. The service & staff are always great. I never have to wait a long time to receive my food. Definitely recommend 10/10. I haven't tried their other food options yet, but I'm assuming off of the amazing smells everything is great! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Asada Fries - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Found my knee spot!! Can't believe I slept on this place so long!! Cheap and delicious!! Would recommend read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Wet burrito half red half green sauce!!! - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

So good, can't wait to go back. The California burrito is ridiculous. Can't wait to try everything else.

The Best Mexican place in the SFV !! Plus it's a short drive / walk. Friendly staff, easy to order menu, walk in and look up at the menu. I love the fact that it's a Family / Local Business !! They only downside, is Parking, but with the great service and the best Tacos in town, who cares !! read more

I stopped here on the way to work and grabbed a chorizo and egg burrito. The place was clean and the staff was very nice. I didnt have a chance to eat the burrito until later when I was at work. But even luke warm, it was very good. I was surprised there was sliced avocado inside the burrito which is usually extra. I'll be back for sure. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Chorizo and egg Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Just discovered this Taco place in my neighborhood. Their tacos are delicious and the owners are very sweet and friendly. My favorites are fish and shrimp tacos. Plus they support our local school. Will be coming back for more. read more

My husband and I are locals and we've been coming here since we were in high school (class of 2014). We recently came back to get some tacos and found out that there is a new owner. Her husband is Peruvian and she is Mexican. They have combined their cultures while maintaining the authenticity of their dishes by selling both Peruvian and Mexican dishes. This is so unique and special, especially because my husband and I are Mexican (him) and Peruvian (me). Highly suggest checking them out and trying out the bomb food! Great customer service too! read more

I had tacos lengua and asada with a side order of flautas. I'm picky with tacos and tend to stick to my go-tos. I'm sooo happy to find my go-to for this part of town! The tortillas were soft, not thick, and nicely grilled, and the lengua and asada was tender and flavorful. Not greasy at all. Service was great and attentive. My coworkers had mulitas and nachos that looked bomb too! Will definitely be back next week! Thank you! read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Flautas and Tacos (lengua + asada) - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

The most disappointing nachos, it was just chips, springled carne asada, and green salsa, with no beans or additional toppings. I understand, that everything is expensive now, but it wasn't worth the $22 on them. Honestly was craving nachos with the works. If you want nachos, go somewhere else read more

Got the breakfast burrito and it was definitely a hit. Love that they include rice and beans in the burrito. Too many places don't put that in a burrito and I think that really makes a difference. Great little taco shop that looks to be family owned. Would recommend to check this spot out! read more

How is it possible to improve on Juanito's food? Add vegetarian Quesotacos. Or is it Quesatacos? Either way, they were sooo good. Tried the asada fries with shrimp instead of beef. Delicious. Our family is so happy to have Omar and Carmen in the neighborhood. Nicely done guys. read more

Taqueria Juanito's - Vegetarian Quesotacos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California