If you've been on the lookout for a fusion-packed fiesta in Simi Valley, enter Kalaveras. With the swank and swagger of a modern hip joint, its eye-catching design, and a menu that marries Mexican staples with curveballs like sushi, it piqued my interest. But let's unpack this culinary carnival. The food? In a word: captivating. They aren't stingy on portions, and dishes like their sushi roll could give dedicated sushi spots a run for their money. Shocking, right? And their nachos? It's a tower of tantalizing toppings harmoniously balanced with chips - every bite's a delight. However, for all its culinary flair, Kalaveras deals a heavy blow to the wallet. Two patrons, some drinks, a meal, and voilà - you're parting with a Benjamin or more. And while we're on drinks, they're a mixed bag. The margarita flight - while bursting with flavors, garnished creatively with the likes of Tajin, sugar, and salt - feels a tad underpowered. Result? You'll be tempted to bolster your drink with shots, and, surprise surprise, the tab keeps ticking. The ambiance is a party in itself. Pulsating music, a symphony of lights, and a room bursting with chatter. It's a spectacle, to say the least. If your ideal dining scene involves a little dance and dazzle at your table, this might just be your scene. Yet, when it boils down to it, while Kalaveras shines with certain dishes, its entrees tend to hover in the realm of the ordinary. And with the prices they command, it's a bit of a letdown. Would I drop by for those stellar nachos and that otherworldly sushi roll? Hell yes. But a full-course affair? Maybe not. read more

I took my wife to Kalaveras to celebrate her 50th birthday with family/friends, and the experience truly set a new standard for customer service. From the very beginning, Francisco went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. During the planning process, he was incredibly responsive, patient, and thoughtful--taking the time to answer every question and walk us through our options. His suggestions were spot-on and helped us create exactly the kind of celebration we were hoping for. When we arrived, everything was flawlessly arranged. We opted for a buffet-style dinner, and every detail--including special food requests--was handled seamlessly. Francisco then introduced us to our server, Emma, who was outstanding. She was attentive without being intrusive, quick to respond to any need, and ensured the entire evening ran smoothly. What really made the night unforgettable was the surprise at the end. Without us asking, the staff came together to celebrate my wife with a lively rendition of "Happy Birthday"--complete with sparklers, whistles, and festive signs in that signature Kalaveras style. It was energetic, joyful, and completely unexpected, which made it even more special. This wasn't just great service--it was genuine hospitality. Every member of the team contributed to making the evening feel personal and memorable. We left feeling incredibly grateful and impressed. Thank you for an unforgettable celebration--we wouldn't change a single thing. read more

5 stars for food and service, 1 star for noise. I've been very excited to try this place since I saw the sign go up at the old Islands location. Prices are on par with some of the other sit down Mexican places in Simi. Very interesting, modern drinks, great chips and salsa, best quesabirria I've had and the apple Chimichanga?! WHOA! What kills this place is the noise. Yes, it was packed, yes half the place is a bar, but they stripped out the seating and bamboo from Islands and now there is nothing to dampen or direct the sound. Next they had the sound system playing an annoying loop of reggaeton. I have no problem with the genre, but it was a single beat with not chorus or changes for a full hour. I used a decibel meter app on my phone and clocked an average of 96db. Hearing damage starts at 85db in a prolonged environment. At one point, servers brought out a sparkler birthday drink and wwre blowing a soccer referee's whistle. The meter spiked to 110db, which is just unacceptable. I will definitely go back, but if the noise is the same I will politely let them know I'll pass and come back when the sound level is better. While guests may be less affected by the sound (they will be affected though) I am more concerned for the staff. The sound is definitely a CalOSHA issue. Shockingly great service for a soft open as well. read more

We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, expecting a fun and enjoyable time, but unfortunately, the experience was anything but. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was flat and the service left a lot to be desired. We came specifically for bottomless mimosas, but getting a refill felt like pulling teeth. One friend ordered a bottomless michelada, received only one drink, and was still charged full price -- not once did the server follow up or offer another. The service overall was inattentive and disengaged. Our server barely checked in, showed no interest in our experience, and didn't acknowledge the birthday at all!!! NOTHING!! Not even a "Happy Birthday" When we asked to speak with the manager to share our concerns, he was equally indifferent -- dismissive and unhelpful, which only added to our frustration. As a group of people who work in the service industry ourselves, we understand off days happen. But with only a few other tables in the restaurant, there was no excuse for the lack of attention and care we received. This was a disappointing and disheartening experience, and sadly, we won't be returning or recommending this place to others. read more

I was asked to make an honest review about this place and I will deliver with the honesty. And honestly I can't say anything that wasn't good about this place. I went with my friends recently and we shared our platters which allowed me to taste a little of everything. The food was really good, we had the molcajete, shrimp, and sushis and everything was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning - everything was so flavorful and authentic. But what really made the night special was the outstanding service. Our server, Yovana, was a gem. She was incredibly attentive, making sure our drinks were always refreshed and that we had everything we needed. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she was so friendly and engaging. We all felt like we were being taken care of by a friend, which made the evening even more enjoyable. If you're planning a night out with friends and want delicious food and exceptional service, this is the place to go. We had such a fantastic time and can't wait to return! read more

My recent visit to Kalaveras Mexican restaurant left much to be desired. While I was initially excited to try out their menu, my experience quickly turned sour. Firstly, the food took an unreasonably long time to arrive, leaving me and my party hungry and frustrated. To add insult to injury, my drink was never refilled throughout the meal, despite attempts to catch the attention of the staff. My appetizer, which I was eagerly anticipating, never made its way to my table, leaving me wondering if it had been forgotten altogether. Additionally, I requested hot sauce multiple times, but it never appeared despite assurances from the server that it would be brought out promptly. Overall, the service was severely lacking, and it greatly impacted my dining experience. While the food itself was decent, the overall lack of attention to detail and poor service left a sour taste in my mouth. It's unfortunate, as I had high hopes for Kalaveras, but I left feeling disappointed and unlikely to return. read more

I had to share my awesome experience at this Mexican restaurant I took my girlfriend this past week. We're both big fans of Mexican food, and this place really impressed us. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was super cool and fun - perfect for a date night. I ordered the birria tacos and the sauce was so good I honestly wanted to take some home lol, and my girlfriend got then chicken fajitas. Both dishes were amazing! The flavors were on point, and the portions were just right. We even shared split a churro sandwich for dessert, which hit the spot. What really made our night special was our server, Yovana. She was so friendly and a good worker, making sure we had everything we needed without us having to ask. She made us feel comfortable and gave us great recommendations. Her cheerful attitude and genuine kindness made our date even better. Honestly would return just for the birria tacos and service we received. 10/10 would recommend. read more

I recently visited Kalaveras restaurant and had the pleasure of being served by Brenda, one of their fantastic waitresses. She went above and beyond to make sure my experience was enjoyable and memorable. I ordered the Birria Tacos and they were absolutely delicious. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the tortillas were fresh and warm. Brenda made sure to check on me throughout my meal and refilled my water glass without me even having to ask. Not only was Brenda attentive and accommodating, but she was also very personable and friendly. She took the time to chat with me and make me feel welcome in the restaurant. Overall, my experience at Kalaveras was fantastic thanks to Brenda's excellent service. I highly recommend both the restaurant and Brenda as a waitress. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and try the Birria Tacos - you won't be disappointed! read more

Kalaveras is always such a fun time! The lively atmosphere with a live DJ and vibrant drinks makes it the perfect spot for celebrations. The energy here is unmatched, and it's great for a night out with friends or any festive occasion. They handle my shellfish allergy with great care, which I really appreciate. However, it's worth noting that the chips are deep-fried in the same oil as shellfish, so if you have a similar allergy, I recommend bringing your own chips. That's what I do, and they're very accommodating about it. The drinks are creative and tasty, the food is delicious, and they even offer a great brunch! If you're planning a family meal or want a quieter experience to chat, I suggest sitting outside since it can get loud inside with all the excitement. We absolutely love coming here to celebrate--it's always a blast! Highly recommend! read more

If you're looking for bold flavors, vibrant vibes, and a twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, Kalaveras definitely delivers. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is electric--modern décor fused with Latin flair, colorful murals, and upbeat music that makes it feel like a party even on a weekday. The food is the real star, though. The birria tacos are packed with juicy, slow-cooked meat and served with a rich consommé for dipping--definitely a must-try. The elote (Mexican street corn) is fire, coated with just the right amount of spice, cheese, and crema. Their molcajetes are not only flavorful but also come out sizzling, perfect for sharing. read more

So march 22 at 8:00 pm we came to the restaurant we ordered and got our drinks we've Been here like at least 7-8 times and I have never saw anything like this before, but then they never came by and said "all good?" Or "you guys ok?" No none of that happened. The manager and a worker were just giggling and laughing. They weren't even doing Their job, then my parents asked for the check and when I put my hand up they didn't even saw my hand up for the check they were just giggling and laughing. And my parents were pretty mad. They started talking to them to do their job and stuff like that, then we left. This is the worst service I've ever had. read more

My dining experience at Kalaveras exceeded expectations. The menu boasted a variety of mouthwatering dishes, and each one was a culinary masterpiece. The service was attentive without being intrusive, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The ambiance was perfect for a special celebration. I particularly appreciated the commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Kalaveras is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for a memorable gastronomic journey. Ed, the GM took great care of our group and ensured we were satisfied. Rigo was our amazing server and kept our mimosas flowing with a smile on his face! Five stars without a doubt! read more

Unfortunately, my visit to this restaurant left much to be desired. The service was shockingly poor, and the waitstaff displayed an unprofessional and unfriendly attitude throughout the meal. Despite the promising menu, the overall dining experience was marred by the constant frustration of dealing with inattentive and rude waitresses. It's disheartening to encounter such a lack of respect and courtesy from the staff, which significantly impacted the enjoyment of the meal. I hope the management takes immediate action to improve the service quality and staff behavior to create a more welcoming atmosphere for their guests. read more

Simi valley needed a new and exciting restaurant with good food and atmosphere. After lock down and heartbreak people need to live life and have some enjoyment with drinks and a restaurant with a theme can refresh or minds and souls. Just be cool and don't over do it. Make sure you sober up before getting behind the wheel. A word to the wise. Nobody wants to attend a funeral service. Best of Simi Valley can be found at Simi Valley Town Center Area for all the newcomers. Don't forget to check out Pollo Corona on L.A. Ave. read more

Came here when it first opened out of curiosity. The food was flavorful, but I think it's overpriced. I was actually surprised when I saw the bill & was charged for the guacamole. We thought it was part of the complimentary starter (chips & salsa). The server did not mention that it was extra. As for the ambiance, it was fairly loud because of happy hour. All in all, it was a good experience. However, I'm not sure if it'll be my go-to place. read more

I had such an amazing experience here! The service was top-notch from the moment we walked in. The staff was so friendly and attentive--they really went above and beyond to make my friend's birthday feel extra special. From the personalized touches to the warm atmosphere, everything was perfect. The food was also absolutely delicious! Highly recommend this place for any celebration or just a great night out.Thanks to Oscar read more

What a wonderful experience! Amber was such a sweetheart--friendly, attentive, and always had a smile on her face. She took great care of us from start to finish. The buffet was absolutely delicious with so many tasty options, and everything was fresh and well stocked. The atmosphere was warm, relaxing, and just perfect. Thank you, Amber, for making our meal even more special. We'll definitely be back! read more

I went in to kalaveras yesterday with my family. We waited for about 30 minutes but it was so worth it. I absolutely loved the atmosphere, everyone was so friendly. The food was amazing and we even got to meet one of the managers Martha as she took our food out. She came by to check on us and was super friendly asking how we were doing. Will definitely be back I loved the vibe so much ! read more

We came to try out Kalaveras for the first time. It was a bit to loud but service was great. Our server recommended the molcajete and it was a great recommendation. It was very tasty. Our sever was very attentive and helpful. She was always smiling and making sure we were having a great time. Her name was Brenda if you ever come to Kalaveras ask for her. She's the sweetest girl. read more