My friend raved about this amazing Mexican food restaurant up here in Anza for the longest time. I couldn't believe him until I tried it. We came up on a saturday during prime lunch time. The outside looks like a vintage little house. Inside is not updated with old looking chairs and tables. But this really didn't matter because the food was amazing and spot on! The carne asada fries were crunchy and smothered in beans, guacamole, sour cream, asada, and nacho cheese. The tacquitos were crunchy, but not over fried. The guacamole on top added extra flavor. The asada torta was heavy. The torta bread was really crunchy, but sadly there was no queso fresco :( read more

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Delicious food! When we eat out in Anza, it is usually here. The food is so good. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. The prices are very good as well! It is small but cozy inside. You can always find a nice local to talk to. read more

Stopped here for lunch on our way from Temecula to Palm Desert. Place was busy with many people (workers) getting food to go. Service was quick and people were friendly. Food tasted great! We had a carnitas burrito ( ala carte) and the rolled taco special. Both items were more than enough for the two of us. Will definitely plan to stop here again. read more

Amazing food, friendly staff, clean dining room. I would eat here all the time if I lived closer. the lunch special was filling and affordable! read more

First class Mexican food, very courteous & polite staff and a real hometown feel. If you're from Anza or just passing through this is a good place to get something to eat. read more

Stopped in while driving through the area. Food was really good. The people working here are so friendly! We'll definitely be back. Thanks ladies! read more

La Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Anza, California

I won't even talk to you if you don't think this is the best Mexican food this side of the border. Everything on the menu is fantastic, the people working there are always nice and happy to help you in anyway they can. Some of my favorites include The number 15, which consists of a crunchy beef taco and a flauta , plus rice and beans, and this plate is the Friday special. Also the California Burrito is great, and the fish tacos are surprisingly wonderful. Try everything you can! read more

Okay, have stopped here twice in the past four months. The first time some buddies and I visited a hermit friend of ours who lives in this fine community. I've always tended to jet out of town when my mission was accomplished and eating in Temecula, especially after eating once at the nasty Dairy Queen and some other Mexican food joint (I can't recall its name) once. I am so glad we stopped here! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food was really, really, good! We all enjoyed our meals, mine being a Carnitas plate w/ sides. This second time (it's not like I get to, or drive through, Anza very often) we were passing through from the desert valley to home and I convinced my wife that the first encounter here was very good. She reluctantly agreed to stop. This time SHE was glad we did! We both ordered burritos (carne asada for me and carnitas for her), with a quesadilla to split. Both burritos were delicious, with no gristle or oozing grease. The amount of meats in both were good to go. The wife commented how this was the best carnitas burrito she has had and how they made it the way it is supposed to be - the pork was charred on the outside, but tender on the inside. So, for the community of Anza (not that there is a plethora of restaurants haha) I give this the 5-Star "As good as it gets!" for Mexican fare. If I was comparing it Mexican restaurants outside of this metropolis I would give it a 4-Star "I'm a fan!" blessing. Sooooooo, in other words - the food has been very GOOD! P.S. you order at the counter and they deliver your food to your table if dining in. If you want to leave a tip at the counter it's cash only, because the receipt from a debit/credit card does not allow for it. The staff are friendly, more so towards their local regulars, but friendly enough by my standards. Lastly, the bathrooms were clean and well stocked both times I have been here. read more

The food is good, the prices are affordable and the place is clean. Just make sure to check your food before you leave, every time I have ordered for carnitas I get carne asada. read more

La Cocina - I just wanted some carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Anza, California

Best Mexican food in town period! Family run, make it to order, no complaint at all, nice waitresses! read more

While checking out our new vacation home community this gem shined in the cold wet darkness of December. My Carne Asada burrito was a perfection only found in tradition and authenticity. Carrie's Camarones Platter was on point. All in all it will be our regular burrito place while we work our land and build up hearty appetites that needs excellence to replenish our souls. read more

La Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Anza, California

Good place to stop when traveling to Palm Desert via the Pines to Palms highway. The one mistake I made was to stop by on Sunday at noon. Seems like the entire town eats here. 45 minute wait! Looks pretty tame every other time I've driven by. - Tourist friendly - The burritos were satisfying. - Chips cost .50 cents per bag and are worth it. - Salsa bar was clean and fresh. - If you do dine in, the nachos looked great. read more

great food. great carnitas, carne asada, quesadillas. cold bottled beers. food is ready in 10 minutes. great staff. read more

Two words: Awesome. food. This is the BEST Mexican food I have ever eaten except for maybe Jorge's Mexican in Encinitas, CA. :) but it's too far. They make great Albondigas soup and their tacos are #1. The people behind the counter are always friendly and the woman that owns it now is very nice. read more

Love this little place. It's a little place in Anza that has the best tortas and tacos and burritos. And yes, they have a taco Tuesday!

Love the food, service and smiles I receive when I walk in no matter the time. Always good food and friendly customer service. Love this establishment! Keep up the excellent service! Will refer everyone I know. read more

The Bravo burrito was excellent. Also the torta. They have beer. I'll definitely be back on the way to Hemet lake or Idylwild.

There is no better tasting food in the Anza area than this little Mexican "hole in the wall" restaurant! Beats any Alberto's hands down! Large portions and excellent food. I've turned many of my friends onto this restaurant and whenever they pass thru Anza, they stop for a bite. I highly recommend you make a stop for this delicious, authentic Mexican food! read more

So good My favorite is the California Burrito and Chicken Rolled Tacos Delicious read more

Very good! We stopped here on our way to Idyllwild and had some nachos and it was very good. They were very clean and cute little restaurant! Definitely go support them and enjoy their yummy food! read more

I'm new to the area...but I gotta say this place is this best! Good service, amazing food, and great consistency! Good prices too!

Amazing authentic Mexican food. My favorite is the shredded chicken burrito. The prices are amazing and so are the staff!

Used to like this place but something changed for the bad. I have come a while off and on but this is the 2nd & last disappointment. Today my beans were room temp, same for my hubby's burrito. The relleno was tiny, cheese not visible so it must have dripped out before it got to my plate. BUT, BUT BUT WAIT! But - the nail on this coffin was the long black hair wrapped up and around my albondigas soup meatball. GROSS!! DISGUSTING. Barf. So wish I had my $34 instead of this dirty experience. There was 1 customer eating when we arrived so it wasn't a big push on the cook. If you go you might get lucky. But maybe not. read more

Ordered the rolled tacos w/guacamole, and a bean tostada. The rolled tacos were mostly tortilla. Meat seemed non existent. The guacamole wasn't anything to special. The Tostada was really bland, so I added some guacamole from the rolled tacos, and my own hot sauce. I love supporting local businesses, but it would really be nice if I could have some good food while I'm doing it. There's not much in Anza and it really seems like what there is, isn't very great. Very sad. read more

I Have you eaten there quite a few times since moving to Anza, a year ago. At least once a week. This is a hidden Gem. Food is great, friendly wonderful people. Food is freshly made, and reasonably priced. Have never been disappointed. If you don't stop in on your way through, your cheating yourself. read more

Very small place but incredibly friendly people! I have a good bit of loyalty to La Cocina because of how funny and kind the folks who work there are. Their guacamole is some of the best around. I usually get a 12 oz to go. Their burritos are also delicious, my favorite being the carne Assad burrito. The carne could use a little more flavoring but they always put guacamole and pico de Gallo so that makes a big difference in my book. There is indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms are always kept clean and the hours are wide. Expect a the woman at the counter to joke around with you, she's pretty great! Oh and the burritos are still good the day after for leftovers! read more

Poor food and even worse service. Wouldn't here again if you paid me! Had a terrible dry taco with flavorless meat and the salsa taste like tomato sauce. read more

Great food! Good Service! Everything is cooked well. Chimichanga, burritos, salsa, rice, and beans all delicious.

La Covina, that's Spanish for "The Kitchen,@ is a wonderful little spot in the heart of downtown Anza, California. They offer delicious Mexican food including burritos, tacos, and my favorite, tortss. Now, I am far from being one of those East Coast gourmands that you read about in the papers, but if you want fresh, delicious, Mexican food served by friendly folks; the kind you can only find in the high desert. read more

I'm new to the area and have eaten here a few times. I've tried their California burrito, chile relleno, shredded beef tacos and their carnita burrito.l and everything I've tried I enjoyed. The staff is also super friendly so that's a plus read more

If youre going to Anza or not its worth the trip The food is excellent I drive 20 miles to get there and its worth the trip every time Love everything i have tried and my wife and neighbors feel the same Try it and you will want to go back Also you wont leave hungry. Hole in the wall atmosphere but the food more than makes up for it. Enjoy the trip read more

This is one of those hidden little gems that I love finding. The highway up thru Anza is well traveled by people coming from and going to Palm Springs...There are, unfortunately only a few places to stop along the way, and the fact that the trip from Temecula to Palm Springs is a tad under 2 hours means many people don't take the time to stop..in this case, the tortilla chips! The family and I were heading thru Anza on the way to Palm Springs this past Friday night about 7:30pm and had a hankering for some dinner. We saw the sign in the night beckoning us to "Great Food"...so we actually turned around and headed back here, and I am glad we did! This is a small-ish family run joint with great service and honest to goodness good Mexican food. It appeared to be mom behind the register, daughter waiting tables and son in the kitchen.... My wife ordered a combo, the munchkin got a kids meal with a bean burrito...and I got the nachos and a beer. The combo was great, as my wife nearly cleaned her plate, and my nachos were VERY abundant as the pic I posted can attest...but the highlight of the meal was the great kids meal. The bean burrito was a smaller size to accommodate a child and my daughter thought it was the coolest thing! All in all the food was good quality and portions were large...the dining area and general area were clean and well kept...So right there you have a few points over your average "back country" grub stop . Stop in here and take a moment to enjoy something on the road other than McDonalds and Dairy Queen People! read more

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We eat here every other week. The food is fresh and authentic. The restaurant is small and plain but always clean. My boys always get burritos and crazy fries. I like the crispy tacos. I have never had a bad meal. You can even call in an order and pick it up. read more

Little spot on your way to the desert cities didn't disappoint one bit. We ordered all over the menu -- machaca, combination plate, rolled tacos and a torta -- and each plate was great. Definitely stopping here every time we make our way out there! read more

Hands down the best Mexican food you can get anywhere. I used to live up in Anza and this was THE PLACE to go! I live in Riverside now and will honestly make the drive up to Anza now and then just to go here. Their California fries (carne asada fries) are fully loaded with beans, cheese, nacho cheese, carne asada, sour cream, and guacamole and probably more and they're amazing - my go to meal. But honestly everything is good. Oh, the California burrito is one of the few that I've seen comes with sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and of course the meat and fries - they're fully loaded! Seriously try this place, you'll not regret it! read more

We are truly blessed to have wonderful businesses like La Cocina in our little town! Good food at reasonable prices. I always get the daily special (whatever it may be), it's nice to be able to save a little money. Thank you La Cocina for making Anza a lil mas caliente read more

Love this place! Good, clean, consistently delicious food. Great guacamole, great people!

Some people like grease soaked tortillas. I don't. Once was enough for me on this one. The atmosphere wasn't that friendly when I was there. read more

Ordered dinner tonight. Got home 20 mins later and found out one of our entrees was missing. Our order was confirmed upon pick up by the man who handed it to us as to what was in the bag. I called back and spoke with a girl who said her name was Michael. I told her what happened. She offered to remake the enchiladas if we can back. As it's a 20 min drive there and back for us I asked her to remake the whole order, we would be bringing it all back. She refused. So the rest of our family dinner would be over an hour old by the time I got back home. That is unacceptable. I asked to talk to the manager. Was told the manager was not there. I asked for the managers name. Was told she couldn't give me the managers name. Which is ridiculous. A manager is supposed to handle issues like this so his/her name should be available to the public. I was just told she will be in Thursday. I told Michael that I would like a full refund then as our dinner is now ruined. She said no. Didn't offer any solution except remaking the one entree we didn't get. Again which ruins our family dinner. If I wanted to reheat the food we did get I wouldn't spend almost $40 on fresh made food for dinner. So I will now be wasting my time on Thursday so talk to the manager. They just lost a loyal household of 6 who eat there regularly since we moved up here 6 months ago. read more

One of the best little hole in the wall restaurants when traveling through Anza to Palm Springs or vice versa. I've had some amazing Carne Asada burritos, tacos, tortas, just recently chile relleno. Def worth a swing by to grab a bite, catch a great view on the many lookouts and have a social distancing lunch or dinner. read more