First off, I wanna say that these are the most moist and tender tamales I've ever had. EVER. I ordered the pork tamales. The meat was tender in that pork belly kind of way. They were full of wonderful and delicate flavor! Seriously, these tamales are dreamy! That's saying a lot considering I grew up eating tamales and even making tamales with family. These tamales are super authentic, like tasting Mexico. I also ordered the champurrado. It was wonderfully made: delicate chocolate flavor, with hints of cinnamon. Unlike some other champurrados I've had, this wasn't grainy but velvety smooth. It's made in house just like their tamales--not from a mix. And, like others mentioned in other reviews, the folks here are very sweet and they go the extra mile! Definitely my go-to for tamales and champurrado in Ventura! read more

Viviana's - Comfy inside interior - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

The restaurant is big but it is mostly a kitchen. Ir seems most people order takeout. The service was prompt and friendly. I ordered my takeout from the counter and it was ready for me in less than 10 monutes. Unfortunately, my tamales were dry. I must have caught them on an off day because their reviews are outstanding. The rice and beans were tasty but was not memorable. I thought the price was reasonable. I'll try again sometime in the future. They have a great breakfast menu and would like to try their menudo on weekends. read more

See all

For real authentic mexican food made by an abuela this is the place!!!!! So delicious! No substitute for homemade tortillas!!! read more

Yummy tamales! We stopped in while on vacation because of the terrific Yelp reviews and were not disappointed! Small dining area with a large open kitchen. We'd definitely visit again if in the area. read more

Absolutely great service! This is a little gem for sure. They have delicious champurrado and tamales but wow the pozole here is so tasty and delicious and they also had some homemade cookies that were just the best treat to end the meal. I don't understand why this place is not packed with people because the food is so good and friendly workers and nice ambiance here. Definitely come and give it a try and support small businesses. read more

Viviana's - Very delicious champurrado and tamales! - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

Excellent tamales, best in town! They were very tasty, and the pricing was very fair.

Viviana Mexican Restaurant - Ventura's Hidden Gem of Bold Mexican Flavor Nestled in Ventura, CA, where the foothills rise behind you and the Pacific Ocean is just a mile away, Viviana Mexican Restaurant delivers a culinary experience as unforgettable as the view. Inside, two beautiful aunties work a long prep table with timeless grace--chopping fresh vegetables, slicing tender meats, and hand-grating cheeses the traditional way. Their knives flash with skill as vibrant Latin t-shirts hang in the background, adding local color and character to the space. The aroma of sizzling tamales, nachos asada, and birriaqueso tacos drifts out the front door, stopping pedestrians in their tracks. A kind, patient staff member walks you through the options (don't skip the rice and beans--seriously). Every bite bursts with authentic, soulful flavor. The seating is plain but perfectly suited for what matters: enjoying high-quality food at fair prices. Parking can be a challenge--but with food this good, it's worth circling the block a time or two. Viviana is more than a meal. It's a taste of Mexico served with heart, nestled in one of California's most scenic coastal towns. Don't miss it. read more

See all

Food is terrific! The tamales were so soft, well filled, and tasty! Service was so kind and friendly! Place has minimal seating so great to sit for a few or even take to go! Highly recommend! read more

Viviana's - Delicious Chicken Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

Another hidden gem. This time tucked next to an auto repair and auto upholstery shop. The best Mexican food is always found in the least glamorous corners of a city. Viviana's is no exception. We tried the quesabirria tacos, asada quesadillas, and pork tamales. Everything was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The food is authentic Mexican food. You feel like you're in someone's house while their Abuela makes you some food. And the taste is as good as home cooked in Mexico. We were served within about 5 minutes of ordering. Decor is nothing to write home about but we were warmly greeted and served. A wonderful experience. read more

Viviana's - Quesa birria - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

We got two pork tamales, a pork taco, two servings of rice and beans, a large order of posole, and they gave us two small containers of home made guacamole and ingredients for the posole. Oh, they gave us a big bag of delicious tortilla chips too. Everything was delicious, generous portion of meat inside the tamale. The posole was filled with chicken and hominy. It's one of the best I've ever had. Everything had wonderful flavor and was home made. Their prices are reasonable. The place is cutely decorated and it's really clean. The ladies working there were really nice. We were so excited to try their food and boy- they didn't disappoint. We were smiling with every bite. We definitely will go back. read more

See all

Tasty and unassuming takeout spot on Thompson blvd, sandwiched between a car shop and veterinary office. I ordered two tacos - pastor and carne asada, and both were served on corn tortillas (which I later learned were hand made!). Simple, delicious, and flavorful. Also enjoyed the rice and beans. It was a great value for this combo and I will be back to try the other menu items (tamales, nachos, tortas!!). read more

See all

Wow! Homemade tortillas and food cooked by three skilled women made our lunch so enjoyable. Tamales are full of meat and the masa is so perfect. Then they served us handmade scratch guacamole. Their chicken mole plate was so tasty. You can tell this food is cooked with love. Easy parking, middle of town. read more

See all

Viviana's is the best! Homestyle incredible authentic Mexican food. Free guacamole! Chile con carne was best I've had. What a gem!

Its like eating at your tia's house. Yummmm!!! Tamales fresh of the pot and the chicken tacos have the best charbroiled taste. read more

Viviana's - Carne con chile - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

I'm still working my way through the menu, but they have THE best asada burrito I've ever had and it's not even that close. I wish I had more hands so I could give em 4 thumbs up read more

Viviana fue un placer conocerte! Thank you Dolores for letting me know about this amazing little spot in Ventura! This chilly weather called for a champurrado and tamales. These tamales are seriously the best in Ventura County! Some tamales can be a little on the drier side, but not these! These are so moist and full of flavor. She has many other Mexican dishes to choose from. After trying her tamales I'm excited to try the rest of her menu! The Champurado was also so delicious! It had an extra hint of cinnamon, which I loved! Viviana grew up selling tamales with her mom in Jalisco and brought with her all of that delicious Mexican cuisine with her to Ventura! I'm so glad she did! She is working on decorating her new restaurant, but it already looks so homey and cute! The tamales are currently $3 dollars each and the chamupdurrado is also $3. The dozen of tamales $30. read more

See all

Hole in the wall type spot with amazingly authentic and great Mexican food. Nothing exotic just very well executed. We just wanted a light lunch and grabbed a few tacos and the chicken was especially exceptional, all made from scratch. Next time we will try something more substantial. No frills interior but some tables to sit in or you can take out. Nice people running the place. read more

Just a perfect lunch spot. The menu is simple: a few tamales, tacos, burritos and quesadillas, some specials on Fri-Sun (like the birria quesotaco). Excellent chips and salsa or guac (or both). All freshly made, including the tortillas. All very casual. You really feel like you stopped in at a neighbor's home. Wonderful food, reat prices. We sampled the birria quesotacos, pollo and pastor tacos (both soft and hard shell), rice and beans are an option will all. Everything was excellent. The tacos were substantial. All very authentic. Grab a seat, relax and enjoy (although it did seem that most folks took to-go). We'll b e back soon! read more

The food at Viviana's is authentic and delicious! The tamales are outstanding. The service is excellent. Not least of all, Viviana and her staff are some of the nicest people in Ventura! I highly recommend Viviana's! read more

A walk in. Great choice to stop by if you love tamales. They are huge and meaty. Was Not Disappointed. I also enjoyed the red salsa. Mild. I ordered the chile Colorado and costillas with nopales rice and beans plate. The champurrado was delicious and hot thin texture and very satisfied. Tamale dz $45. Or $4 each read more

See all

It was good, but being charged $4.50 for a tamale they advertise as $3.00 each was a little disconcerting in terms of integrity business practices? Won't be back... read more

Service was not existent we didn't even get a simple "hello" or "welcome". There was no menu to go off of. The food lacked flavor and seemed like it was just thrown together. read more

Best tamales around, period. A hidden gem with friendly folks and real culture. Will definitely be back.

Love this place. Great food, great staff and they gave us so many little extras to try like a strawberry tamales and some guacamole. Generous amount of food that we had enough for another meal. read more

Amazing find! As soon as I walked in I knew I was going to enjoy my food. Simple decor and owners are very nice people. Food was excellent, will definitely come back. Their menu is small but was told that basically they can make whatever one asks for as long as they have the ingredients available. Tamales were delicious! read more

these were moist, tasteful, delicious, & a great size. The food is definitely "homemade" & so good! We will definitely return for more! read more

Viviana's - Pork Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

The food and service was amazing. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food this place is a must. The owners are very kind and took the time to have a conversation with us. read more

Viviana's - Quesabirria tacos and tamales rojo y de queso. - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

I highly recommend this little restaurant! Like home style authentic Mexican food! Sweet gals that helped us! So good

The food is fresh and delicious! Nice and friendly. Like visiting your tia. Small and quaint if you choose to eat there. Only 3 tables. Heads up only accept cash or Zelle read more

Wow! I was so happy to see a sign that said the most beautiful thing. " Tamalas and Champurrado." It literally made me feel like Christmas! I tried a chicken, pork, and rajas tamale. All delicious! And this was right before they closed. And they were still juicy deliciousness. I also got a champurrado. With the chilly weather, this warmed me up and was so smooth and creamy. Viviana was so nice, and you can tell excited to start this new endeavor of owning her own restaurant and sharing her yummy food with Ventura. I'm going back! You'll probably see me here. read more

See all

Amazing food. Family business. It was such a pleasure to watch someone making the corn tortillas for our tacos. I also had a cheese and jalapeño tamale. It was delicious. Park on the street (don't take directions from maps as to where to park) and enjoy a home cooked meal. I wish I had taken pictures but I will next time. read more

Viviana's has polite friendly ladies preparing delicious food. It is fresh as if home cooked. I ordered three tacos. They were great, guacamole was fresh and salsa was authentic. A superb local place with kind ladies cooking, preparing and smiling. I will definitely be back. read more

Cerdo tamal and the jalapeño and cheese are hands down the best. The homemade tortilla is delicious if you get the tacos... you cannot go wrong with anything here, it's like coming home to your grandma's for a home cooked meal. read more

Just like going to La casa de abuelita. This gringa thought she was back in Mexico until I pinched myself. The tamale wax insane with queso y jalapeño. $4. And the salsa was a chef's kiss. What a treat. Provecho! read more

We received a recommendation from a different restaurant owner that swore food was tastiest and employees were friendly. We like to be supportive of small businesses and decided to give Viviana's restaurant a try. I was disappointed that there is no transparency of what the pricing is. When we placed the order, I thought it was over priced for what we order. Rice, beans, nopales and chorizo two orders with two tamales should have from my experience been $61. I could have walked out but wanted to give it a try. Nothing out of the ordinary, I think it's not your moneys worth. I'd recommend to be transparent with the pricing. I feel bad giving it a low rating but customers should be aware. read more

The tamales are amazing. They are soft with plenty of meat. Do your self a favor and make a trip to Viviana's.

Awesome food and very nice people. They gave me a free taco while I waited for my order.

I've driven by before and always wanted to try this place... so glad I stopped in this morning. Grabbed a couple tamales to-go and am so happy I did. Homemade and delicious. Will definitely be trying more of it. read more

Viviana's - Cheese and chile and chicken tamale - Mexican Near Me - Ventura, California

Great Food and service! The Tamales are a must have... I will definitely be going back. read more

This place is amazing! Certainly a hidden gem. The pork tamales were are favorite item, so much flavor! The al pastor tacos were fantastic as well plus the rice was great. read more