Food, service, and ambience make Villa Azteca one of my favorite restaurants! The menu is so interesting and I love every dish I order but my favorite is always Molcajete de Camarones. Even my picky daughter LOVED their chicken enchillidas (everything on the side of course...sorry chef) I only wish they took reservations because there is always a wait...but well worth it. read more

The food was very good! Came here with a group of friends who had chosen this restaurant. I would have probably never eaten here otherwise but I will definitely be returning. The service was good with quick responses to requests. The only downside was that they do not take reservations and the inside does not hold a lot of seating, so you need to arrive early to get a table (especially if you have a group). We arrived 15 minutes before they opened and there was already a line forming outside. We enjoyed this restaurant. read more

I love this place! I've been coming for years. Everything is amazing. But I'm posting specifically because their Christmas Cosmo is one of the best drinks I've ever had. Their drinks are worth every penny. Always a substantial amount and they never make them weak! Plus it's so pretty! I had the pleasure of meeting the woman who created it tonight. It makes my heart happy to see a local business thrive. read more

Villa Azteca - Christmas Cosmo - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Everything we ordered was delicious from the Mango Paloma to the Lobster Enchiladas and the guacamole and chips! I look forward to the next time I get to go here! read more

Villa Azteca - Lobster Enchiladas: the sauce was amazing and portion was big enough for 2 meals! - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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I've gone for lunch and dinner and both have been delicious, with innovative cuisine. Good service too!

We were visiting Salinas for a softball tournament and needed to grab lunch. The parking garage was very close to the restaurant. The staff was very polite and sat us right away. I was pleased with the keto and low carb options on the menu. We ordered the guacamole with ribeye chicharrones and regular chicharrones. So delicious and fresh! My entree was the salmon bowl with cauliflower rice and a mix of cabbage, cucumber and carrot. This normally comes with black beans but I opted out of those. The habanero cream sauce on the blackened salmon was mind blowing. I could eat this bowl every day! We will definitely be back to dine for future tournament weekends. read more

Best mexican food anywhere on earth. Happened upon this place while driving to SLO . The food has modern twist and amazing taste. Pretty much everything is spot on. Stopped again while driving back. This is one place I would drive 90 minutes to eat. read more

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The food its perfect and so are the drinks. But the service was bad. The host had to take our order because the waitress forgot to go to our table or she was too busy. It took them more than 20 minutes. We had to go twice to tell them to take our order and drinks. I understand it was a saturday night but at least they should have taken q minute to said well be there shortly or something read more

Mexican food the way it was meant to be- elevated! The food here is creative, delicious, aesthetically plated, authentic and clearly made with love! Some of my go-to dishes are the Enchiladas Enchipotladas (with shrimp), Solomillo Azteca, the Chile Relleno (with chile verde), Chilaquiles, and the Huarache dishes! Also, very important- no store bought tortillas here (yey)!!!The drinks are also super tasty. This restaurant has created a great vibe with tasteful music and it is exactly what Salinas needed! I look forward to finding reservations available through Yelp or Open Table in the future as this would be more convenient than calling in. Keep up the great work! read more

Great service. The staff are extremely helpful and nice. Especially Aaliyah, she went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and attended to. She even offered to take a picture of our group. The food was good and the drinks were delish! The vibe is good there too. Overall great experience! read more

I really enjoy eating here! The enchiladas verdes are my go to order. I highly suggest ordering them if you don't know what to get. The burrito bowls are amazing too! The salsa that accompanies the chips and the guacamole are tasty as well. I have tried the chile verde plate but I wasn't a huge fan. I'd say the only downsides are the lighting (it's super dark), the wait time to be seated (but hey that means it's a popular restaurant) and the fact that the menu items vary day by day. Customer service is great and the food arrives promptly. I always recommend this restaurant to others. read more

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Charges 24.80$ for tip automatically under services and refuses to take off the tab. I have cash to tip but they refused, and still ask for additional tips, Over all the some of the dishes are delicious. read more

Villa Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

The food was good and was a simple take on Mexican food. The ambiance looked like if we were in central Mexico City and the service was very on point. The horchata was the best part and had a lot of flavor. But the portion sizes could use a little work. The restaurant was a good take on Mexican cuisine. read more

Villa Azteca - The food I order we're enchiladas de carnitas with a delicious horchata and a side of beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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The decor the restaurant is beautiful don't get me wrong but the place is simply overrated. The host sat us right away but our waiter which was the owners son or something looked like he didn't want to be there. He didn't look at us nor acknowledge us until we got his attention we were ready to order after waiting 30 mins. He bought us the food and just seemed annoyed. I understand there's a business to run and keep things smoothly but make it professional. They charge 20% gratitude for being in Salinas and the type of guest you're getting is outrageous. The food was cold when I got it & they give you like an hour to eat and drink. read more

This place was amazing. The family and I were returning home from a trip when we looked for some authentic food on the way home. We found a gem, in Villa Azteca. The bone marrow was delicious and so were the tortillas. All the salsa they served were very good and authentic . They also make very tasty drinks, and large micheladas. We will definitely stop there more often when heading south. Before I forget the service was very professional and on point . read more

The service was awesome, the food amazing! We loved their chicken enchiladas, did a trio of margaritas to share-fun and different flavors to try! The guacamole, chips and salsa-delicious! The shrimp dish in a spicy sauce-wonderful! The cheesecake and passion fruit tiramisu-divine!!! We are definitely going back again! We are sorry we hadn't discovered this local favorite earlier!! The ambience was fun and festive-the perfect place to celebrate my mom's 78th birthday! read more

We found this place on a whim. It has been a while since a restaurant's food, and ambiance left a mark. The service was great, the food was so good I nearly stuffed myself trying to finish my plate. If you're trying to make a choice right now, choose this place!!!! read more

Ribeye tacos were great. I have quite a few dietary restrictions and I was far from home. I was glad they were able to accommodate. read more

Villa Azteca - Ribeye tacos - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

First visit, party of 2 and they underestimated our wait in the cold. The rude waitress/runner charged us for a refill of the small bowl of chips, even though we paid for guacamole. She waited til we agreed to the charge then never brought the chips. Second visit we had a party of 5. Called in advance this time but no reservations, meaning that if you arrive after 5pm you're out in the cold for an hour+ wait. The service was kinda snooty and not super-attentive-- perhaps because they know they are going to add the 20% tip in advance. Interesting catholic decor, even though the name is Villa Azteca. It's nice, but not compared to truly nice restaurants outside of Salinas. Drinks are good, but not consistent, had 2 watermelon margaritas on the table and one was strong and one was sweet. We would go back but they lost stars due to the service and the automatic 20% tip added on. Dump the automatic gratuity so your service staff learns to work for it. read more

I've been looking for carne en su jugo for two months and I finally found it! & it was really delicious. Also the guac and steak was good. The iced horchata coffee was sooooo good. read more

Villa Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Best food ever!!!! OMG to die for deliciousness . My husband Ken & I just had to share with everyone we know how incredible this family owned restaurant Villa Azteca is. The service is outstanding & the atmosphere is beyond wonderful. We are thrilled to learn that they are opening one up in Carmel~by~the~sea !!!! We ate outside & had our sweet small dogs Lexi & Kona hangin out in their cozy dog bags from Diggidy Dog in Carmel & The Carmel Dog Shop ~ such great memories! read more

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Ultimately unique Jalisco Mexican cuisine. The ambiance and their presentation of Their dishes gives it their own style. I met the whole family including the parents. They are all hard working and down to earth family. They make you feel welcome like we are at their home kitchen. I love the wall decorations inside. During SIP, everything for now is outdoor dining. I totally recommend to visit them. Make sure your tell them that Mercel recommended for you to come and taste their inspiring dishes. Thanks Leo and susana, Ebi and Andres. More blessing during SIP and I know you will be very successful in your unique culinary. read more

Villa Azteca - The best authentic Jalisco Mexican cuisine. Met the whole family/owners. - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

This was my second time being here. My daughter brought me for a late Mother's Day dinner. I re-ordered what I did the first time which was lobster enchiladas the first time they were delicious this second time I was very disappointed because the sauce tasted old and it was very very salty (mind u I don't mind extra salt on my food) a busiest dropped off the food and the Sever didn't come back until my daughter was done with her plate so I didn't even bother sending the food back, since I was still hungry lol I decided to try some dessert we got the flan which was just plain not much taste and even though in the picture looks moist it was pretty dry texture ... the tiramisu was very different taste then what I am used to , it was sour but the fruit made up for it the drinks were good though, also it's a bummer to get charged for a second serving of chips and salsa when the prices of the menu are a good amount to spend over 100$ drinks and food for 2 people read more

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We have been coming here since they opened. The changes in the last year have made us not want to continue to patronize Villa Azteca. Charging 3% credit card fee automatically on your bill. Automatically adding 20% gratuity to every bill regardless of your party size. Charging $3 chips after giving you one tiny cereal bowl size serving. Having a hostess that ALWAYS tells us she cannot accommodate us when we ask to be seated in an area and makes up some ridiculous excuse. The food is excellent, but these issues are greedy business practices and unwelcoming. People often don't pay attention to their bill and when it comes out with reccomeneded tip still listed even after they have added 20% to the bill, it makes you wonder about integrity. The credit card fee is just ridiculous to pass on to the customer, credit card fees are the cost of doing business for the owner. And the chips...in a Mexican restaurant, at least give a large basket of chips if you are going to charge for a refill. The prices of the food are already very high and these issues are just a turn off. Not coming back. read more

Traditional Mexican food that stirs the palates of all that eat there. Whether first time or often patrons. Great job.

I've now been here for dinner and lunch. Both experiences were ok, but not great. In both cases I liked my food, but didn't love it. Most recently, I got the trio of tacos - beef, chicken, and shrimp. The homemade tortillas were delicious, but putting the meat on a bed of cooked bell pepper wasn't what I expected and made the taco soggy. How about a fresh cabbage/bell pepper slaw on top? And some tangy/spicy crema. That would have been good. My chicken was overcooked and all the tacos tasted the same since they weren't dressed differently. Just a few tweaks and these could be really good. They don't have a liquor license so their cocktails use wines and soju....not really my thing but I understand why they do it. They tasted ok but were expensive for what they were. And it's annoying that the prices are not listed on the menu. Service was ok, but could have used a water refresh more often. They didn't check back with us after our food had arrived, and it took a bit for our check. Again, a few tweaks and it could be much better. The restaurant looks pretty with nice colors and a modern vibe, but they need to get some sound dampening. With the hard floors the sound bounces around and it's really loud, plus they play their music a bit loud for my taste. read more

Chicken was dry AF. Service was horrible. Want anything? Too bad. 4% service charge???. The only reason this place has five stars is because people who have never eaten fancy food think this place is Fancy. The food was boring, plain and lacking basic seasoning. Literally every table I have that was near me asked for salt. I see no reason to ever come here. I will certainly not be back. There are much better choices nearby. read more

Came here for Cinco de Mayo after recently moving to Carmel. This food was some of the most thoughtful and beautifully curated Spanish dishes I have had in a very long time. This was not classic Mexican, but very creative, flavorful and tasteful dishes. The Paloma's were delicious and everyone at our table was thrilled with their entrees. Chef Andreas and his family have done an exceptional job. Our family we will be back for more. Thank you again. read more

Cam her for Brunch had the guacamole with chips awesome guacamole. The Cheif ran out fish for fish tacos and made me shrimp tacos as a replacement they were perfect glad it worked out the way it did. Definitely will be back read more

We came here as part of a group. First of all this place does NOT take reservations. We had to wait for 3 parties to leave so we could get a table. They allow people even if they have settled up and paid to tie up a table for 1 hr 45 minutes. I saw this group when I went in to use the restroom When we first arrived to wait. Literally done, plates cleared, just hanging out. Meanwhile our party stood outside in the cold and rain for over an hour waiting to get in. If one of the gals in our party had not been persistent we would probably still be standing there. WHY wouldn't you say something to these people? Knowing it was raining and 45 degrees outside? When we finally got in we were seated. We had to wait 10 minutes for water. My husband (understandably cold from being outside) asked for a cup of coffee. He was told 'the server would be right there.' 10 minutes later he got coffee. The whole process took hours. The food was good. I had the Chile relleno, my hubby had the lobster enchiladas- we traded because he liked mine better I liked his better. 2 people in our party had their meals switched. Both were steaks and they were both so hungry neither noticed until half way done. The food wasn't hot- warm, but you better eat it when it shows up or it will be cold. Our party had our food slowly filtered out over about 10 minutes. No one offered more drinks or refills. I have no idea if we paid for the extra chips or how much the service fee was. I wouldn't stand outside in the cold and the rain for over an hour to eat here again. read more

Love the ambience. It does get packed on the weekends. Came with a few friends from out of town and they loved it. Will be back again!

Best American Mexican Food with a lot of flavor. Every dish I get, I would get again. Great owners , they greet tables here and there. Bad seating service, long waiting time for groups. Friendly hosts and waiters. Just the wait is like mostly 1hour. read more

Villa Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Food is always delicious here. Service is good and the environment is great. Perfect location in old town read more

Villa Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

I have to give it to the staff for their superb customer service! Elisa, Marco, the runners and Chef Andres. The restaurant is gorgeous, very clean and the ambiance makes you want to stay probably longer than you should. They brought out chips and salsa, definitely not your average salsa. This has got to be THEE best salsa I've ever tried. Roasted tomatoes, onion, peppers, super yummy garlic and salt, I think. Seems simple but the flavor is beyond what my tastebuds can comprehend. Next, the strawberry michelada, also the best I've ever tried. I want to believe that because Salinas is an agricultural town, everything they use, is fresh! Even the slice of strawberry on the glass was good, not even kidding. We tried two entrees, the shrimp chipotle enchiladas and the Chile relleno. Why aren't they in San Diego? Delicious cuisine is and understatement. The enchiladas came with a side of beans and green rice, both had a ton of flavor! The enchiladas were creamy, but not overwhelming, spicy but just the right amount, the shrimp, cooked to perfection. Together the flavor was unmeasurable. I know it sounds like I'm overhyping everything but if you've experienced this place yourself then you understand. The Chile relleno, a poblano chile stuffed with chicken and mozzarella laid on top of a roasted tomato crema that reminded me of a tomato bisque. Topped with chorizo crumbs, pumpkin seeds and drizzled with an almond sauce. Chefs kiss! Speaking of Chefs, Chef Andres came by to see how everything was, it was a pleasure meeting this talented young Chef with such a bright future ahead of him. All the surrounding tables filled him with complements, it was beautiful to witness. This place right here, highly recommended! I'm sad that this isn't closer to home, however, I will be back! A must if you're in Salinas. read more

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The food was great! BUT it took them 35 minutes to bring us our drinks. Our dinner was out before the drinks even arrived and we went at a time when it wasn't even busy. Andres The owner's son was very kind and social but the rest of the staff was very cold. Overall good food but the service can be improved. read more

Villa Azteca - Palomas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

The service is above and beyond. They go out of their way to accommodate people here. The food was delicious (we had salmon crema, chips and guac, and corn cake dessert). I will def come back. read more

OMG! SooooGooood! We loved EVERYTHING! From the homemade tortilla chips and salsa w/crema! ...to all the unique gourmet tacos and amazingly fresh and beautiful salad. Service was great too! Friendly, honest, helpful & positively professional. -thank you!!! the Pure Hearted Foodie read more

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This place is delicious the customer service was amazing and everything we tried was absolutely delicious

I ordered the eggs Benedict and the yolk was fully cooked thru asked the server to please remake my eggs and again the yolk was fully cooked ! I tried explaining that it wasn't a poached egg and told them the rest of the dish wouldn't be brunch without the egg and asked to please remove it from the bill but they said no since I had touched the food I then explained well yea I tried cutting into my egg to have the yolk run they the rest of the food and still they said no ! I usually go there like twice a month but unfortunately after todays experience it will be my last ! Not the way I wanted Mother's Day brunch :( read more

Villa Azteca - Their " poached egg " - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Food, service and ambiance were all amazing! Would recommend for sure. Make sure to get their early or expect to wait because the place was full at 10:05 and they opened at 10 AM for Sunday brunch. SO good! You won't regret choosing this place. read more