Los Cilantros was a random last minute decision. My wife and I were looking for good Mexican food in Walnut Creek after some shopping and quickly determined, we'd be better off finding more authentic flavors closer to home. Pod Cilantros is an unassuming neighborhood restaurant. I must have driven by a hundred times and never really paid much attention. Wish I'd have discovered it earlier. We sat down and right away they came to ask if we wanted anything to drink, they were very polite and helped us find a good seat for our baby's car seat to rest on. The food!!! Wow. It was really fantastic. We had chips and guacamole, Chile Rellenos, Sopes with chorizo and potato and Tortilla soup. Very homemade and authentic flavors, the sauces were so good. Really excellent portions, we left full and took some food home. We will be back soon. It's a sleeper, but so good. read more

Came here with pretty high expectations but the meal fell short. Tried the tacos (chicken tinga, chicken mole, and carne) and the chicken tortilla soup. Chicken seemed to be the same boiled and then shredded chicken in all dishes just switched up the sauce. Soup was flavorful but had maybe three tiny chunks of chicken. Highlights were the corn tortillas and the salsa on the tacos. Meal was $35 with a beer. ‍ meh. read more

Phenomenal, authentic Mexican food with more than the usual choices. The whole place is gluten free, so it's Celiac -safe. It's SO hard to find GF mole, and this was fabulous. read more

First time eating at this restaurant. Great tasting tacos. The mole and tinga tacos were flavorful and the homemade tortillas were delicious. The carne asada taco was a bit under-seasoned but the meat was tender. The menu is small but I'm willing to give it another try based on the friendly service and food quality. read more

Still hungry... The food was tasty but don't order the sopa de tortilla if you are actually hungry: $9 for about six ounces of soup, barely any chicken and no accompanying tortillas. Service is non-existent...wish i could at least have had a refill on the coffee, which was good. Similarly authentic options elsewhere in the east bay...or plan on going home and eating leftover pizza afterwards, which is what i did. read more

Wow, the handmade corn tortillas are literally the best I've ever had. I came for lunch today (thanks Yelp!) and got a carne asada taco and a carnitas taco @ $3 each, which were both excellent; so good that I had to get another carnitas taco. They have table service in a casual atmosphere which was very pleasant. When the server saw I had a laptop she offered me the wifi password instead of my having to ask. Nice touch. Currently open for breakfast and lunch. This place is worth the drive from downtown Berkeley and beyond or maybe you're lucky enough to live or work in the area. Check them out! read more

Was in the mood for some Pozole . Ordered to go and got chicken broth in a cup ... 14$ ... No joke. read more

Los Cilantros - Why did I pay 14$ for chicken broth. - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Very yummy Tacos! Nice and quiet. The doors slide open. Lol don't pull. Great service!

Definitely won't be going back. I took my cousin and his young daughters there for dinner, it was my first time as well. Their menu is a little more sophisticated than the average Mexican place but their attitudes were just plain snobby. My cousin asked if his girls could just get a simple bean and cheese burrito...the waiter had to ask if that was possible. He came back with a "no" because they try to "focus on the entrees", whatever the hell that means. Btw I work for a high end catering company, and if the client wants simple Mac and cheese, that's what the client gets. If they want chicken and waffles, you'd better believe we are going to make them the best damn chicken and waffles they've ever had. You cater to the client, plain and simple. We then asked if they could do chips and cheese nachos...nope. (It looked like we had offended him with that request) We settled on a quesadilla for the girls. It was a small corn tortilla folded in half. The chips and salsa we had to pay for were small portions of salsa and guacamole with about 15 chips. (The chips were actually pretty good and I would have appreciated more) Bottom line - I won't be back and I was embarrassed that that is where I took my out-of-town family. read more

Best Mexican food in the Bay Area no questions asked worth every penny. they have ruined tacos and all traditional Mexican food for me because I cannot have it anywhere else. Highly recommended to anybody looking for Quality traditional Mexican food read more

First taste at Los Cilantros was really good. I came for the tortillas I had at Copita in Sausalito where the chef used to work. The carne asada taco ($3) had the same great hand made tortilla I remember, filled with real deal carne asada and grilled onions. The beef was crispy on the outside, pink in the middle and roughly diced. The salsa was a medium spicy, brick red paste, probably made in house, served on the side. The menu was brief, with just a few items at present, but they are just getting started. I'll be back to try more! read more

My aunt and I were looking to go get some good Mexican food the other day, and while there's plenty of good 'hole in the wall' taco/burrito joints around, I was looking for something more authentic. I happened across Los Cilantros here on Yelp and in looking over the reviews, I happened to see a 1 star review left a couple weeks back, decrying Los Cilantros for being "snobs" who wouldn't prepare Taco Bell type simple (crappy) food. Seeing this complaint, I figured, "This sounds like a great place!" And boy was I right! Everything was very fresh, extremely well prepared, and authentic. Wonderful place and food, and I look forward to returning. read more

Located right next to La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley, this little spot offers a limited variety but delicious Mexican food items. I recommend the barbacoa and any of the aguas frescas. Also tried the yogurt and fruit plate, which was very satisfying. Carne asada taco was ok. I'll be back to try their chilaquiles! read more

Love the food, LOVE the server, especially th one with the curly hair (she's very sweet!) It is a bit pricier, but the taste is so good. I've had the tostadas de tinga, and the sopes. Neither disappointed. I would kill for their chips and guacamole. Go here for really great Mexican food! read more

Small place connected to the La Pena performing arts spot. Literally connected - if there is a big show, it will overflow into the dining room. Really great homemade tasting mexican. I tried the Chille Relleno, the empanada (beef), the blue corn tlacoyitos and the sopas with chicken. All were fantastic, and I will definitely be back. But probably not during a busy show. read more

I wanted to really like this place. But my experience ended up just being OK. The place itself and decor is really cute and hip, and it's great that it's next to the cultural center (could hear music being played next door). The food however, just didn't deliver like I wanted it to for the price. I chose to get the tinga (chicken) tostados, which I was afraid wouldn't be filling enough but turned out to be just right portion size (but probably not enough for someone who is really hungry). While the ingredients tasted ok together, it was a bit bland and underwhelming. The chicken itself was just OK. Not too dry. My friends got the tortilla soup, tacos, and chiliquiles, and there were mixed reactions to it being just ok, and good. I wish I tried to carnitas instead as those looked really good. Overall, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but am willing to try it again. read more

Overpriced guacamole. $10 for a small scoop. When I inquired about the price they said it was cause they use fresh ingredients. I can buy an expensive avocado for $2.50. read more

Take someone special to lunch here someday. You will love it. I have been here three times in the past month, and it's been consistently great. Atmosphere: Clean, airy, casual and non-pretentious. Being adjacent to Starry Plough and La Peña Cultural Center adds to a community kind of vibe. Service is warm and friendly. On one occasion we were a little late for lunch, and we were served anyway, which was a very warm gesture, and it warrants noting (although don't take their kindness for granted, please). Food. Oh the food is so delicious. So far I've had the Barbacoa, the Tostaditas, the Tlacoyitos (Blue masa filled with requeson and epazote and topped with papas con chorizo, queso fresco, sourcream and salsa de guajillo), Chiles Rellenos (prepared differently each time!) and the Carne Asada Tacos. ALL VERY DELICIOUS. Everything is made in-house. Dilsa clearly knows her flavors, and I want to be the lucky person to experience all of it. Really getting behind this restaurant so it succeeds. read more

One of my all time top favorite Mexican restaurants in the Bay. Small menu. Good quality. They make their tortillas from scratch... I think you can tell a lot about a mexican restaurant by it's chips, salsa & guac- They are excellent here. read more

This is incredible food and awesome service. I cannot decide if the fish tacos or the enchilada Verde is better (see photo). Also, try the guacamole and chips--- they are both made here. All fresh ingredients and really delicious. Great atmosphere as well. A hidden treasure.. look it up and try it out! read more

Los Cilantros - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

Really wonderful food. It doesn't hurt that the service is awesome, as they make you feel like family. As to those complaining about the price, this is quality food and top-notch service, so stop being cheap. Also, their dining tables are exquisite. I would love one for my home! read more

The place was noisy, which is usually a good sign. The restaurant shares its space to a performing-arts center, and when we were there, there was some good music on. The food was very good. We were a large party of 7, and we ordered almost all their veg entrees. The tlacayitos were delectable, the chips and guacomole were filling, the flandecoco was uniquely sweet, and we also had some tamales which were delicious as well. Friendly staff couldn't sweeten the rather long waiting time. Would definitely go there again. P.s: parking is kinda a problem. read more

I stopped here for lunch recently to satisfy my Mexican craving, and I'm glad I did. While I enjoy the tasty (and cheap) taco truck and taquerias in the Mission, I hate having to bart out there for good Mexican. Los Cilantros is oh so close - and more comparable to a nice seat-down restaurant - with some mean flavor. They have a lovely patio adjoining the La Pena venue. It is a bit on the pricier side for an entree, but they have a range of delicious menu options. I had two carne asada tacos and a Mexican coke for under $10, and it was delicious. The salsa verde has a great kick and the tacos were filling (though the meat was a bit chewy). Los Cilantros is currently open for breakfast and lunch. Also, they are redoing their fryers, so I wasn't able to order the enticing churros but I'll be back to try those and their other entrees soon! Edit: typo read more

First time here and I must say, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Waited a bit for a table, but let me tell you it was worth the wait. I ordered the enchiladas verdes on recommendation from my server. DELICIOUS!!! Tasted so Fresh and flavorful. The burst of flavors was refreshing as there are not too many good Mexican restaurants in Berkeley. Congrats to the staff and owners. Suggestion: offer more options with nopales. :) read more

Small restaurant away from the main hustle bustle on Shattuck! went for a mother's day dinner (yes we did!) Food was OK. Salads and salsa were good. Service was spotty (our server was the only one in the restaurant and obviously overworked). Overall average experience ... read more

Order the green chilaquiles add on an egg for a fantastic mouth watering dish! Will definitely be back!

I visited this place on the day of Frida Kahlo's Birthday Market at the El Pena center, which is right next to this place. I ordered their cabbage salad that lists cabbage, freshly cut avocado, and cilantro as the ingredients. When I got my salad, it had no avocado. I pointed it to the server and she checked the menu to confirm and then took it back to the kitchen. Came back and said they are out of avocados. I still get charged the same amount for cabbage & cilantro?? I went to the front desk and asked for a partial refund and the lady at the counter smirked like I was asking for a free meal. I was shocked at the look she had when she offered guacamole instead, like she was doing it to shut up a disgruntled customer. WTH! That is not what a good customer service is and I was calmly expressing my dissatisfaction at an incomplete order. read more

This place was empty and I was thinking this place was not going to be as good and I waited a while considering this place was not full but it was soooo WORTH it . It's soo good 10/10 recommend all the way !!!!! Ps the tostadas of chicken tinga are bomb.com read more

Just about as authentically Mexican as you're going to get. Ordered the huevos divorciados --scrambled eggs soft, one side with red sauce, one with green tomatillo sauce, served with extremely delicious serving of black beans, and two little cylinders of queso fresco and a plate of homemade corn tortillas. Just delicious, though I went through the tortillas (so good and all made to order) quickly. Also ordered the rajas tamal to try out ---also basically freshly steamed and delicious and fluffy. Came with a ramekin full of fresh tomatillo salsa and sprig of cilantro (hence the name!). Magnificent. A nice thing since it's hard to really find a good tamal that is made anywhere. A tall glass of icy cold watermelon agua fresca made it all that more satisfying. Shame that this place only opens for brunch and lunch --it's a neighborhood gem and total cut above a mere "Mexican" place read more

Los Cilantros is delicious. We hired them to do our wedding. Dilsa was professional and flexible, and her food was as exceptional catered as it was in the restaurant. It ended up raining a lot on our wedding, and we decided to do the cocktail hour early to wait out the rain before the ceremony. Dilsa didn't miss a beat, and offered to put out some appetizers early-- very early! -- we said yes please and she instantaneously had chips and guacamole ready for our guests, and the other appetizers were quick to follow. All of our guests told us that "best wedding food ever" wasn't a good enough compliment. Also, there was PLENTY of food (don't you hate it when you go to a wedding and there's not enough food??) and everyone got seconds and thirds!!! We were so happy that we were able to serve such incredibly delicious food to our loved ones at our wedding. At the very least, go to Los Cilantros. If you have an occasion coming up, hire them! read more

Stumbled upon Los Cilantros while waiting for a gig next door at the Starry Plough. It's tucked between the Plough and the La Pena Cultural Arts Center. I swear I've driven past it 87 times and never noticed. Food was excellent. Two of us split a wonderful pork carnitas and a tasty tostaditas de tinga - plus chips, salsa, guacamole and beer. The whole bill was $50. It has a bit of a cafeteria vibe, but includes table service from very competent and helpful staff. Will definitely go again. read more

Second time we are going there and it's still as good as the first time. Tacos are realy teasty with their slow cooked meat! read more

Amazing food!!! I had the chicken verde enchiladas and the hubs had his favorite Mexican dish, cheesy quesadillas :) Good beers on draft and bottle too! Great atmosphere, we brought the baby and she had a great time too! read more

Los Cilantros - Baby Lily is a fan of all the great bright artwork :) - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

Overpriced, unimaginative and lackluster Mexican food. Twice the price of a taqueria and not as good either. The carnitas on the $16 Carnitas plate was soggy in a bowl of pork juice... Had no sear or texture that you'd expect from carnitas; just seemed like it was pulled out of a microwave. The guacamole from the $9 guacamole and chips (yes $9... And don't expect chips and salsa for your table unless you have them $5) was browning on the edges when it arrived and not fresh not good tasting. Chips themselves were hard and not fresh either. The food is not offensively bad but I wouldn't come back here if it was half the price, so 1/5 stars for bad food at crazy prices. read more

Oh. my goodness. So glad I finally made it to Los Cilantros! Came for lunch on a weekday and sat outside on the cute patio with bright red umbrellas.. The food and service were amazing: handmade tortilla chips with delicious, fresh guacamole. Tender stuffed "tlacoyitos" made with moist blue corn and served with a little saucer of (housemade?) pickles. Truly succulent barbacoa (and I don't eat/enjoy meat that often...) with an almond sauce that is almost like mole. Refreshing, not-too-sweet guayaba agua fresca. I don't know why it took me so long to try this place out--wonderful addition to the neighborhood and I can't wait to bring friends/family. Definitely the best Mexican food I've had in the East Bay. They're open for dinner on Fri/Sat now... read more

Los Cilantros - Tlacoyitos (blue corn stuffed with fresh cheese, served with fresh pickles): amazing. - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

Nice spot with above average ambiance and very good home made cooking - everything from scratch including the tortillas. Everything looks and tastes very fresh, and definitely on the lighter side compared to some Mexican places. Had the eggs con chorizo for breakfast which included a side of black beans and corn tortillas, wedge of Queso Fresco on the side and upon request some delicious salsa verde. The salsa verde had a great balance of tomatillo, cilantro, and heat and the flavors were bright and fresh. The guava agua fresca was also delicious. The service was prompt, friendly, and I will definitely be back! read more

We were looking for something fast and delicious with a decent glass of wine before a concert at Berkeley, and we were thrilled! Everything was hand made and scrumptious...my teenage daughter, my husband and I were all impressed and surprised at how yummy all our food was! read more

A little pricey but OUTSTANDING. not a sprig of vegetable was wilted or brown. The salsa was super interesting- creamy tomato and lively avocado. The carnitas was so tasty I brought some home for my brother. The salsa Verde was spicy and brought out the fat of the pork. Friendly service and nice patio area. Great for a date or for a sunny day beer and taco. read more

Los Cilantros - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

My wife and I came here to meet up with some friends that are local to the area. Despite a group of six we were seated immediately I am continually amazed at the quality of Mexican cuisine in California. Long lost are the days where i thought the height of this cuisine was the laudable Chalupa Chicken Supreme at Taco Bell. I sampled a few of the dishes my friends and I got and it left no doubt in my mind as to which was the best, Carnitas. It was juicy, delicious and unforgettable in it's goodness. THe concept was receiving a metal plate with all the ingredients needed for a taco, separate cilantor, onion, salsa and meat containers were served on a big hot platter. THe food came out quickly. Place was solid. read more

Incredible dinner tonight! Had the mole enchiladas, chile relleno, chips and guac, and tamal. The mole was robust and complex. The guac had the perfect amount of lemon, salt, cilantro and onion. The chips were fresh and tasted like they were made in house. The chile relleno was flavorful in a subtle, delicious way. For dessert, we had the flan. Oh. My. God. The caramel sauce was taken to the edge in terms of not being too sweet but also not being burnt. It was just in that perfect place. The additional fruit complimented the flavors of the flan wonderfully. This meal was a joy to eat. read more

Los Cilantros - Yuuuuuuuum. - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California