Ole! 30+ Local Latin American Restaurants to Try!
Join us on an eating odyssey as we head south of the border—while staying right here in town. We’re not just talking tacos and tequila (although, it’s not NOT that). There’s so much more. Pupusas, arepas, asado, elotes, picanha, platanos fritos, sopapillas, pan dulce, and, of course, flan. (Oh, sweet flan.) There’s so much delicious food to be found in your neighborhood if you know where to look; whether it’s Mexican, Central American, South American—it’s all here. So, put on your fanciest eating pants and ven con nosotras!
Colina Del Oro in Diamond Springs proves that you can’t let appearances fool you. Exteriors might look unassuming but inside you’ll find a cozy, welcoming restaurant for the whole family—the kind of place where you hear just as much about the service as the food. Speaking of food, check out the Camarones Don Felipe: Shrimp wrapped in bacon with butter, garlic, and spicy southwest seasonings, sprinkled with parmesan cheese, and served with red potatoes and rice. Dios mio! 694 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 1, Diamond Springs, 530-295-8356
Auburn’s Burritos Jalisco is the go-to for, well, burritos! With a twist, that is. Take a walk on the wild side with a Thai Chicken Burrito featuring chicken sauteed with sweet hot chilis and wrapped in a tomato tortilla. Or bring your biggest appetite and go big with the chef burrito featuring your choice of meat, cheese, salsa, beans, and French fries. Pro tip: Have the driver pull the car up to the front door; walking will not be on the evening’s list of activities. 13432 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-823-2065
Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse uses a Brazilian technique known as Churrasco, dating back over three centuries. Meats are slow roasted over a flame on what’s called a skewer but looks like an actual sword. Sounds impressive, right? Spoiler alert: It’s delicious, too. Try the Rodizio Dinner—a parade of flame-grilled swords of meat, carved tableside, served along with salads and Brazilian specialties. I mean, if you’re into that kind of grandiosity. We sure are. 380 Palladio Parkway, Suite 305, Folsom, 916-839-3535, flameandfire.com
Zócalo; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Zócalo is serving up modern Mexican cuisine with true Mexican hospitality. Join the party at their locations in Folsom or Roseville. Cochinita Pibil is a fan favorite—and the fans are always right. A traditional dish originating from the Yucatan peninsula, the achiote-rubbed smoked pork shoulder is served with habanero salsa, pickled red onions, and an arugula salad. Why are you still here? You could be eating this right now! 2739 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-618-0303; 1182 Roseville Parkway, Roseville, 916-788-0303, experiencezocalo.com
Chando’s Cantina; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
A local empire unto itself, Chando’s Cantina now brings authentic Mexican street food from the streets of Tijuana straight to El Dorado Hills. Try the Esquites (street corn off the cob with mayonnaise, cotija, chile powder, and lime) or the Mulitas (your choice of meat—pork al pastor is our favorite—layered with jack cheese between two corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, onions, guacamole, and salsa) for a special treat. 2023 Vine Street, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3898, chandoscantina.com
Santa Maria Taqueria; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Placerville is apparently the place to be for authentic Mexican cuisine and Santa Maria Taqueria is no exception. Here you’ll find real-deal street tacos with all your favorites like asada, carnitas, al pastor, and chicken; overly indulgent dishes like the Wet Burrito that's bathed in red or green salsa (or both!); and even tastier delicacies for the more adventurous, like moronga (blood sausage), lengua (beef tongue), cachete (beef cheek), and tripe. You can also find Salvadoran pupusas with chicharrons and cheese! 175 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 530-295-8121
Dos Coyotes Border Café; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Dos Coyotes Border Café has been doing Mexican food the Cali way for 30 years. Our go-to is the Yolo Mango Burrito with its charbroiled chicken, mango salsa, avocado, habanero salsa, and delicious tangy ‘dawg’ sauce. And, sure, everyone has their favorite Dos salsa, but you can pry their pasilla salsa verde out of our cold dead hands and that’s a fact. 13385 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-351-9750, doscoyotes.com
Taqueria El Carnaval; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Taqueria El Carnaval gives the people what they want, which is well-made Mexican favorites like the absolutely delectable Tacos Al Pastor that makes perfectly marinated pork sing in your mouth. Check out their breakfast menu—a solid favorite is the huevos rancheros with two fried eggs on corn tortillas, tomato-chili sauce, plus all your favorite sides. And we will always come back for their freshly made agua frescas (pineapple is the front-runner!).4340 Golden Center Drive, Suite C, Placerville, 530-344-7246
Tijuana Taqueria; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Some locals will tell you that Tijuana Taqueria serves the best Mexican food in Placerville. We’ll let you decide, but be prepared for scintillating salsas, carnitas by the pound, and burritos the size of an adult’s head. There’s much to be appreciated here, including the Chile Relleno, comprising a battered and fried poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, and covered in a lip-smacking tomato sauce (we suggest getting the plate with rice and beans). So, yay or nay? You tell us. We bet it’s a resounding “yay!” 1762 Broadway, Placerville, 530-622-9517, ordertijuanataqueria.com
Lola's Tequila Bar & Cocina; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Lola's Tequila Bar & Cocina is the place to go for a festive atmosphere and upbeat, friendly service. Obviously, tequila is the order of the day and you cannot go wrong with a margarita (or three). Menu wise, there’s lots to choose from but a particular standout is the Mango Ceviche (sweet chili, lime juice, red onion, mango, red and yellow bell peppers, and avocado served with jicama tostadas) that’s perfect for summer! 1563 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-474-4951, lolasteqbarcocina.com
Nixtaco; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Octopus Tacos? Mushroom Tacos? Short-Rib Barbacoa Tacos? Pork Belly Tacos? Where else but at Roseville’s Nixtaco can you order these kinds of twisted gourmet taco delights? Start with the Rajas Con Queso (poblano pepper, crema, Oaxacan cheese, corn) and Pork Belly Tacos (slow-roasted, honey-glazed pork belly, refried beans, grilled cheese, peanut-chipotle sauce) or indulge in the twenty-dollar burrito that’s packed with an obscene number of fillings. Pro tip: Keep that Uber/Lyft on speed dial because moving about freely is not on the menu when you dine here! 1805 Cirby Way, Suite 12, Roseville, 916-771-4165, nixta.co
Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine specializes in Oaxacan delicacies and if you need to know one thing about Oaxaca, it’s affectionately known as the “land of the seven moles.” So, it’s only right that you try the Oaxaca’s Favorite: Free-range chicken marinated with Oaxacan fresh herbs, served with your choice of mole rojo, estofado or mole verde. (They’re all one better than the other!) And when (not if) you order the tlayuda (corn tortilla toasted and smothered in black bean paste with cabbage, quesillo, avocado, queso fresco, tomato, radish, and spinach) make sure you level up with Oaxaca’s traditional meal, tasajo (thinly sliced tri-tip with sautéed mushrooms, and onion). 5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772, mezcalitocuisine.com
Colina Del Oro; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Rudy’s Mexican Gourmet; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Rudy’s Mexican Gourmet keeps it simple with traditional family recipes. Grandma’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is top of the must-eats (when it’s coming straight from grandma, you don’t ask questions and you definitely come back for more!). Fajitas? Shmajitas. Ditch the zero and get down with the hero. Try the alambres, a cast iron skillet of succulent meat (steak, shrimp or chicken), prepared with bell peppers, pasilla peppers, roasted potatoes, bacon, onions, melted Oaxaca cheese, and tortillas. Between the tortilla soup and the alambres, Rudy’s is fast becoming local legend. 6011 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 107, Rocklin, 916-435-4050, rudysgourmet.com
Jalisco Fairway Grill; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Roseville’s Jalisco Fairway Grill hits all the highs for great Mexican food, but the menudo on weekends is the local favorite. Honeycomb tripe, corn hominy, and beef feet in a deep red chili broth will warm you to your bones. It’s the definition of comfort food. In other comfort food news, the mojarra frita (fried tilapia) plate is a meal worth having. So is the Molcajete Bowl with chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, and green salsa, topped with green onions, fresh cheese, and grilled jalapeño. You won’t regret it! 9050 Fairway Drive, Suite 155, Roseville, 916-787-1682, jaliscofairway.com
Salvadoreño Restaurant; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Salvadoreño Restaurant in Rancho Cordova is where you go for a taste of the real El Salvador. Come for the Salvadoran Pupusas (cornmeal flatbread stuffed with cheese, beans, shrimp, or chicharron) and tamales, and stay for the tasty delicacies like curtido (cabbage slaw), pastelitos (hand pies), and platanos fritos (fried plantains). Food this delicious should not be a secret. 3021 Sunrise Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-851-0733, kimsonbuffet.com
Mexquite; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Come for the tequila, stay for the view! Local Folsom favorite Mexquite specializes in regional Mexican cuisine and a celebratory atmosphere. For breakfast we’re a fan of their Molletes, the Mexican version of eggs benedict. And with over one hundred tequilas on offer, you’re bound to find the hair of the dog here! 25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com
La Rosa Blanca; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Not so much a restaurant as a Folsom institution, La Rosa Blanca has been in the region for over 29 years. Their Albondigas (Mexican meatball soup) is made fresh daily and you simply must not pass that up. For dessert, try the sopapillas with honey, from our favorite food group known as “magical fried dough goodness.” 402 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-673-9085, larosablanca-folsom.com
Brissa & Co.; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
The burning question when you visit Brissa & Co. is: “Can I order everything?” They’ve got delicious burritos, great tacos, even chicken mole pizza! Then there’s the homemade desserts and pastries. Two words: God tier. There’s Flan, tres leches cake, milhojas pastries, ice cream conchas, cheesecake tacos, and pan dulce as far as the eye can see. Psst. The Horchata Latte is a must. Our only complaint is that it’s hard to read the menu when you’re weeping tears of joy. 409 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-597-2972, brissaandcobakery.com
Quick Dish; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Brazillian favorites are the order of the day at Quick Dish, a relative newcomer to the Folsom food scene. Try Brazil’s favorite pizza, the catupiry (Brazilian soft cheese); wrap your mouth around a juicy Picanha BBQ Steak Sandwich; try their homemade ‘Mr. Pork’ or Calabrese sausage; or enjoy authentic Brazilian açaí bowls and fresh juices. We love their homemade Brazilian flan, too! 322 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-293-9374, quickdishfood.com
El Portal Taqueria ; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Sometimes the unassuming places are the best. Tucked away in a strip mall (aren’t all the good ones?) Auburn’s El Portal Taqueria gives you an authentic experience with fresh ingredients and friendly service. Local favorites are the chile relleno burrito (chile relleno, rice, pinto beans, Monterey jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo), and the Carne Asasa Fries (fries, carne asada, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo). Giddy up! 13354 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-745-9585
Panaderia La Michoacana ; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
There’s gold in Lincoln—the delicious kind in the form of Mexican baked goods and market staples. Not one but two Panaderias reside in Lincoln’s midst! The nerve. Panaderia La Michoacana serves up delicious Pan Dulce and other baked goods, freshly made chicharrón, and pre-marinaded Carnitas that are a local favorite. 616 5th Street, Lincoln, 916-645-3477
Mi Tienda Panaderia Y Carniceria; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
While Mi Tienda Panaderia Y Carniceria comes in hot with their homemade Flan, ready-to-grill carne asada, and their own rendition of chicharrón—because you can never have enough. 155 Joiner Parkway, Suite 100, Lincoln, 916-645-1319, mi-tienda-panaderia-e-carniceria.business.site
El Rey Mexican Cuisine; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Granite Bay’s El Rey Mexican Cuisine will never disappoint. Just the sheer variety of Moles is enough reason to visit. There’s Mole Negro, Pipian Verde and Mole Almenadro from Oaxaca, Mole Poblano from Puebla, and Mole de Cuitlacoche from Mexico City. Could this be heaven on earth? And whether or not you’re vegetarian, the chayote con quelites is a must. Chayote (Mexican squash) is cooked with herbs, stuffed with quelites (epazote, mushroom, purslane, and spinach) and served with tomatoes, Mexican cheese, and sour cream on top, resulting in perfection. 5550 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 200, Granite Bay, 916-772-5858, elreygranitebay.com
Sutter Street Taqueria; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Sutter Street Taqueria is an institution and the local go-to, no matter which end of the day your hunger hits. When you’re up with the birds, don’t sleep on a chorizo, carnitas or veggie Breakfast Burrito (pro-tip: Get there early); and night-owls can’t go wrong with their fan-favorite super tacos that are loaded with meat (carne asada, naturally!), cheese, beans, pico de gallo, guac, and sour cream. Delicioso! 727 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-293-8952, sutterstreettaqueria.com
Hacienda Del Rio; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
A Sutter Street mainstay for 35 years, Hacienda Del Rio has the ultimate balcony on which Folsomites enjoy their chilled margaritas on warm summer evenings. Word on the street is that the Breaded Chipotle Chicken Fajitas are muy bueno. Their famous secret-marinaded chicken is breaded and deep fried, and served with a side of chipotle sauce, bell peppers, onions, refried beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. You don’t have to tell us twice! 702 Sutter Street, Suite M, Folsom, 916-351-1800, hacdelrio.com
Ferndando’s Costa Del Sol; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Ferndando’s Costa Del Sol in Cameron Park is bringing the best of Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine to your palate. Try the pupusas with pork and cheese, Salvadoran chicken, fried plantains, or the Steak Encebollado (Salvadoran-style New York Steak topped with grilled onions). Bottom line: Plan on many return trips since it’s impossible to choose just one thing to eat off the menu! 2650 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 170, Cameron Park, 530-676-4460, fernandoscostadelsolrest.com
Crazy Gringo Taco Wagon Salsa Company; Photo by Ray Burgess © and wholly owned by Style Media
Crazy Gringo Taco Wagon Salsa Company’s Homemade Chips and Salsa can be found at farmers’ markets and breweries—and now even at their Carmeron Park storefront. Locals can’t get enough of the habanero or the tomatillo salsa. Make sure you are equipped with the necessary salsa-delivery tools i.e., stock up on the homemade chips while you’re there! 3300 Coach Lane, Suite A14-A15, Cameron Park, 530-672-1190, thecrazygringotacowagonsalsaco.com
Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
We stan a legend, as the cool kids say. That legend is Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant, a Roseville tradition since 1962. Begun by migrant workers Corazon Alberto and Carmen Heredia, their son Clemente Heredia now carries on the family tradition. This is the real deal folks, and family recipes like the scratch-made mole poblano are as legendary as the restaurant itself. There are even other classic specialties like their signature Chicken Mole Enchiladas, carnitas, and of course, the tamales (we can attest that the masa to meat ratio is perfect). 204 Riverside Avenue, Roseville, 916-783-0411, carmelitasgroup.com
Cantina Laredo; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Cantina Laredo is a great place to bring the family. It’s right by the playground so the kids can play while the parents indulge in a Tajín Watermelon Margarita (Hornitos Silver Tequila, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, triple sec, Monin Cucumber, Jalapeño & Agave Nectar, muddled watermelon, fresh lime juice, and Tajín seasoning). As an accompaniment, be sure to try the popular Carne Asada Plate with fire-charred skirt steak decorated with chimichurri sauce and served with lime, marinated onions, avocado, black beans, and cilantro lime rice. 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 1175, Roseville, 916-771-2249, cantinalaredo.com
Burritos Jalisco; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Cascada; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Cascada’s menu is self-described as “Mexican favorites and California cuisine with a Latin flare” and the food delivers. Try the Costillas De Borrego, a rosemary rack of lamb, charbroiled and served with roasted red potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. For a flavor buzz, try puerco con frambuesa (pork tenderloin medallions sauteed in a chipotle raspberry sauce, served with roasted red potatoes and fresh vegetables). Remember, there’s no rule against trying both. We won’t tell your doctor. 384 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7757, cascadainplacerville.com
Paco’s Mexican Cuisine; Photo by Taylor Gillespie © and wholly owned by Style Media
Paco’s Mexican Cuisine is a local favorite with the Placerville set. Why? We found two reasons. Tacos Campechanos: A taco combo of steak and chorizo topped with fries and grilled onions. To which we say, 1) You can do that?! and 2) We must eat that immediately. And reason two might be their chile verde, which would make perfect sense because stewed pork is our love language. 1224 Broadway, Suite D, Placerville, 530-303-3008, pacosmexicancuisine.com
by Sharon Penny
Photos by Taylor Gillespie and Ray Burgess
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