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    Viviana's

    4.8 (62 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Viviana's Photos

    Business Info

    VIVIANA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Viviana's

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    Very delicious champurrado and tamales!
    Ana F.

    Absolutely great service! This is a little gem for sure. They have delicious champurrado and tamales but wow the pozole here is so tasty and delicious and they also had some homemade cookies that were just the best treat to end the meal. I don't understand why this place is not packed with people because the food is so good and friendly workers and nice ambiance here. Definitely come and give it a try and support small businesses.

    Delicious Chicken Tamales

    Food is terrific! The tamales were so soft, well filled, and tasty! Service was so kind and friendly! Place has minimal seating so great to sit for a few or even take to go! Highly recommend!

    John S.

    Viviana Mexican Restaurant - Ventura's Hidden Gem of Bold Mexican Flavor Nestled in Ventura, CA, where the foothills rise behind you and the Pacific Ocean is just a mile away, Viviana Mexican Restaurant delivers a culinary experience as unforgettable as the view. Inside, two beautiful aunties work a long prep table with timeless grace--chopping fresh vegetables, slicing tender meats, and hand-grating cheeses the traditional way. Their knives flash with skill as vibrant Latin t-shirts hang in the background, adding local color and character to the space. The aroma of sizzling tamales, nachos asada, and birriaqueso tacos drifts out the front door, stopping pedestrians in their tracks. A kind, patient staff member walks you through the options (don't skip the rice and beans--seriously). Every bite bursts with authentic, soulful flavor. The seating is plain but perfectly suited for what matters: enjoying high-quality food at fair prices. Parking can be a challenge--but with food this good, it's worth circling the block a time or two. Viviana is more than a meal. It's a taste of Mexico served with heart, nestled in one of California's most scenic coastal towns. Don't miss it.

    Quesa birria
    Edward U.

    Another hidden gem. This time tucked next to an auto repair and auto upholstery shop. The best Mexican food is always found in the least glamorous corners of a city. Viviana's is no exception. We tried the quesabirria tacos, asada quesadillas, and pork tamales. Everything was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The food is authentic Mexican food. You feel like you're in someone's house while their Abuela makes you some food. And the taste is as good as home cooked in Mexico. We were served within about 5 minutes of ordering. Decor is nothing to write home about but we were warmly greeted and served. A wonderful experience.

    Pork taco

    We got two pork tamales, a pork taco, two servings of rice and beans, a large order of posole, and they gave us two small containers of home made guacamole and ingredients for the posole. Oh, they gave us a big bag of delicious tortilla chips too. Everything was delicious, generous portion of meat inside the tamale. The posole was filled with chicken and hominy. It's one of the best I've ever had. Everything had wonderful flavor and was home made. Their prices are reasonable. The place is cutely decorated and it's really clean. The ladies working there were really nice. We were so excited to try their food and boy- they didn't disappoint. We were smiling with every bite. We definitely will go back.

    Menu as of June 2024
    Monica N.

    Tasty and unassuming takeout spot on Thompson blvd, sandwiched between a car shop and veterinary office. I ordered two tacos - pastor and carne asada, and both were served on corn tortillas (which I later learned were hand made!). Simple, delicious, and flavorful. Also enjoyed the rice and beans. It was a great value for this combo and I will be back to try the other menu items (tamales, nachos, tortas!!).

    Chicken mole and fresh handmade tortillas
    Paul M.

    Wow! Homemade tortillas and food cooked by three skilled women made our lunch so enjoyable. Tamales are full of meat and the masa is so perfect. Then they served us handmade scratch guacamole. Their chicken mole plate was so tasty. You can tell this food is cooked with love. Easy parking, middle of town.

    Carne con chile

    Its like eating at your tia's house. Yummmm!!! Tamales fresh of the pot and the chicken tacos have the best charbroiled taste.

    Berta B.

    Viviana fue un placer conocerte! Thank you Dolores for letting me know about this amazing little spot in Ventura! This chilly weather called for a champurrado and tamales. These tamales are seriously the best in Ventura County! Some tamales can be a little on the drier side, but not these! These are so moist and full of flavor. She has many other Mexican dishes to choose from. After trying her tamales I'm excited to try the rest of her menu! The Champurado was also so delicious! It had an extra hint of cinnamon, which I loved! Viviana grew up selling tamales with her mom in Jalisco and brought with her all of that delicious Mexican cuisine with her to Ventura! I'm so glad she did! She is working on decorating her new restaurant, but it already looks so homey and cute! The tamales are currently $3 dollars each and the chamupdurrado is also $3. The dozen of tamales $30.

    Pork and chicken

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    4 days ago

    Excellent tamales, best in town! They were very tasty, and the pricing was very fair.

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    4 months ago

    Viviana's is the best! Homestyle incredible authentic Mexican food. Free guacamole! Chile con carne was best I've had. What a gem!

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    10 months ago

    Best tamales around, period. A hidden gem with friendly folks and real culture. Will definitely be back.

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    10 months ago

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    4 months ago

    I highly recommend this little restaurant! Like home style authentic Mexican food! Sweet gals that helped us! So good

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    The tamales are amazing. They are soft with plenty of meat. Do your self a favor and make a trip to Viviana's.

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    7 months ago

    Awesome food and very nice people. They gave me a free taco while I waited for my order.

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    11 months ago

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    Viviana's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Viviana's

    Do they sell tamales by the dozen? Anyone know the price?

    Yes we Sale.dozen 45$

    What menu items are vegetarian friendly?

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    Taqueria Cuernavaca

    Taqueria Cuernavaca

    4.4(580 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We were honestly so pleasantly surprised by Taqueria Cuernavaca!…read more We're from San Diego, so we don't take Mexican food lightly--we're pretty spoiled when it comes to quality and flavor. But this spot completely exceeded our expectations. We ordered delivery, and even then, everything arrived fresh, well-packaged, and still absolutely delicious--which says a lot. The food was incredibly flavorful without being heavy or greasy (something that's hard to find). You could really taste the freshness in the ingredients, and every dish felt well-balanced and thoughtfully made. This is one of those places you don't necessarily expect to be that good, and then it totally delivers. We'll definitely be ordering again next time we're in Ventura!

    Taqueria Cuernavaca is one of those neighborhood spots you're grateful to have nearby. Located…read moreright on the Avenue, it's easy, comforting, and consistently good. For me, one of the best indicators that the food is going to be amazing is when there are dish photos on the menu. That alone sets the tone. The fresh salsa bar is a standout, and yes, they have Mexican Coke and cervezas. On weekends, don't miss the white pozole with crunchy rolled taquitos filled with ricotta-style queso and all the fresh fixings. Add that chili oil and thank me later. I also love their tacos, especially the veggie ones. I'm not vegetarian, but they're that good. The ambiance is casual and welcoming. Clean, bright, and no-frills in the best way. It feels like a true neighborhood taquería where you can come as you are, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy your meal. I recently learned this is their first location, which makes it even better. It's family-owned, now with four locations across Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Ventura County, yet it still feels grounded and local. You can dine in, take out, or order delivery. The place is spotless, service is quick, and the staff is genuinely kind. A solid go-to for quality Mexican food that hits every time.

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    Taqueria Cuernavaca
    Taqueria Cuernavaca - Soooo good .. asada to go !

    Soooo good .. asada to go !

    Taqueria Cuernavaca

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    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express - Regular asada tacos on homemade corn tortillas

    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express

    4.7(145 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    This is one of the newer Cuernavacas, after the initial location on the Avenue and one in Oxnard,…read morewhere Marshalls and Daiso are located. I've eaten at 3 of their locations, and perhaps this location may be slightly more geared to 'gringo' tastes. I had their breakfast burrito, and unlike most other tacquerias, they give you a lot of nice melted cheese. The beans didn't taste as salty or flavorful as some other taco places. But overall, very satisfying, just didn't have that fully tacqueria taste. I have really enjoyed their veggie Papas and rajas tacos at the Avenue location. This may be the best tacqueria for vegetarians, more options. Staff here tends to be younger (college ages), and generally very friendly. I actually sometimes just stop in for their Horchata. It's not homemade (as that is a very difficult drink to make!) but I find it satisfying. In general all the prices here are reasonable, less than some other places that are charging 15-17 for burritos. This is a strong recommendation if you are downtown and craving casual Mexican eats!

    I blame my friends, Erica and Melissa, for introducing me to Taqueria Cuernavaca because I crave…read moretheir tacos a lot. Love this place. They serve really good food. Prior to me becoming a pescatarian I tried their birria tacos and loved them. Since becoming a pescatarian my go to taco is always their spicy shrimp taco. Flavors are delicious. My husband gets their papas con rajas taco and also craves it. We sometimes go out of our way to go get tacos from here because we love them that much. This location has outdoor and indoor seating. It is in downtown so you would need to park in near by parking lots or street and walk. Overall, we have enjoyed it and will continue coming here.

    Photos
    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express
    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express - STEAK BURRITO

    STEAK BURRITO

    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express - Taco Especial #1 Pastor

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    Taco Especial #1 Pastor

    Rumfish y Vino - Cozy outdoor seating

    Rumfish y Vino

    4.4(1.5k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Private events

    One would never guess what is behind the simple Rumfish signage at the end of Main on Palm. My…read morefirst trip was years ago and I've been back several times since. It is great for any special occasion and offers inside and outside dining. I suggested this restaurant to my out of town guests to celebrate my dear friend's birthday. Rumfish did not disappoint. The Spring weather is beautiful in Ventura so we sat outside. Service is prompt and casual. It was crowded even on a Thursday evening, but the outdoor area is spacious. Everything from appetizers to dessert is fresh and first class. Seafood options are plentiful and seasoned perfectly. The only downside is that parking is limited - only one handicapped spot for two busy restaurants. No parking signs prevent street parking up Palm.

    Rumfish y Vino for Mother's Day…read more We made a reservation a week before and only had to wait about 10 minutes past our time, which honestly was not bad for such a busy day. The restaurant has a really cute Mediterranean/Italian vibe with gorgeous lemon trees and comfy patio seating. It was chilly outside, but the heaters made it comfortable. Staff was friendly, just very busy because of the holiday. Food took around an hour, but understandable for Mother's Day. The food was excellent. I got the flatbread with apricot jam and bacon, and it was such a good mix of sweet and savory with fresh arugula on top. Definitely recommend it. My boyfriend got the wagyu burger medium with fries and everything was cooked perfectly and served hot. Other people at our table got shrimp and corn, fish tacos, and burgers, and everything looked really good. Great place, will come back

    Photos
    Rumfish y Vino - Pork Belly Taco

    Pork Belly Taco

    Rumfish y Vino - Creole Seabass

    Creole Seabass

    Rumfish y Vino - Happy hour drinks!!

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    Happy hour drinks!!

    Taqueria Tepatitlan - Chorizo wet burrito

    Taqueria Tepatitlan

    4.5(470 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Was craving authentic Mexican food on our recent trip down to Southern California, and discovered…read morethis place. As advertised, staff were very friendly and helpful. Parking is available in the rear one street over. Very safe with lots of spaces. I ordered the Fajita Burrito with carne asada. This is a basic presentation, and I cannot say enough good things about my meal. The vegetables were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch and very fresh. The beef was so tender I would not have needed a knife to cut it. Very flavorful and not a lot of fat at all. Delicious. Mild salsa and guacamole is included. All for under $20.00 and home made chips and salsa are included. Very good salsa I opted to take home with me. The entree was quite generous and I took half of my burrito home with me. My only comment is the place is a bit small and rather dark as there are several TV's to watch sports. I do like sports but I prefer a bit more lighting to see what I am eating and how clean the establishment is. Otherwise I would have given a 5 star rating. I do need to mention the restroom was quite clean. Obvious to see this is a locals gathering spot. I'm sad the place is a four hour drive away as I would definitely make it a local favorite of my own if I lived closer.

    Where to begin? Tepatitlán de Morelos is a city and municipality founded in 1530AD, in the state of…read moreJalisco, Mexico. I can only imagine how far back their recipes go! This is authentic Mexican food, a place where Mexicans and Mexican-Americans go when craving a dish from their childhood. Reminds me of dishes my grandparents would make...the flavors and smells bring back pleasant memories. The Grilled Fish Taco Plate is one of my favorite dishes. Two generous tacos filled with Fish, shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and cheese. Served with a small side of rice, and beans. If they are out of Fish, then my next option is the Chorizo and Eggs Plate. Their Chorizo is homemade and has a nice consistency. Not to mention its flavorful! I usually ask for it to be topped with both red and green salsa. Then garnished with cilantro and onions. The service is always quality. The folks are friendly and greet everyone rather quickly. You have two seating areas: The left-side of the place is the Bar. This side of the restaurant is more lively but has tabletop seating as well. The right-side is booth seating and a bit more quite/intimate, you can enjoy a meal / conversation with a friend or small family. Tip: Ask for the Green Habanero Salsa! Ohh...and don't leave without trying a Birria Taco with their special Birria Hot Sauce! It's fire! Literally! Only served on Friday/Saturday. Provecho!

    Photos
    Taqueria Tepatitlan
    Taqueria Tepatitlan - Grilled Jalapeños

    Grilled Jalapeños

    Taqueria Tepatitlan

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    Mothers Tacos

    Mothers Tacos

    3.8(374 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    My wife and I were honestly hesitant to try a newer modern Mexican spot in Ventura since we usually…read morestick to our favorite hole-in-the-wall places (Los Comales). Glad we gave Mother's Tacos a shot because we were pleasantly surprised. The food and drinks were both really good. The chicken mole was excellent, and the torta was a total hit. Even our 5-year-old loved it, which always says a lot. What stood out most though was our server, Cesar. He was fantastic from start to finish. Every recommendation he gave us was on point(including his surprise tequila recommendation), and he treated us with the kind of confidence and professionalism you'd expect from someone with years of hospitality experience. Dudes got old school server vibes that's rarely seen anymore! Super welcoming, attentive, and genuinely made the whole experience better. The decor is great, the vibe is cool, and because of Cesar we'll definitely be back.

    Let's start with the good, the ambiance was nice, bathroom was clean and staff was wonderful. I…read morewent for my husband bday which was also on their 1 year anniversary. I'm not sure it my visit took a turn because it was the anniversary or what but we got there around 2:30pm, the waiter told us the happy hour was from 3-6pm if we wanted wait. We left and came back at 3:15pm. I asked for the happy hour menu and the waitress told me that it didn't start till 6pm and the waiter who told me had gone home, long story short she honored the happy hour prices. Due to it being the anniversary the elote wasn't being served. I asked for more horchata which they said they were out of till later. When we got the food, most of it was over salted. The chicharróns and dirt papas were too salty to finish. Even adding the salsas didn't temper down the salt or added flavor or spice to the food. The asada taco was the best thing we had. We also got 2 churros. I feel like they were to thick an not done all of the way through. Also heard they had an Oreo churros for later that day too. I'll give it another try because I really wanted the all the Mother's smoke and am hoping what I experienced was a one time situation. We will have to see...

    Photos
    Mothers Tacos - Not sure this is a good omen...  at least the number is not 666 ;)

    Not sure this is a good omen... at least the number is not 666 ;)

    Mothers Tacos - Asada taco ribeye taco lengua taco

    Asada taco ribeye taco lengua taco

    Mothers Tacos - Lamb Ribs

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    Lamb Ribs

    Lalo's - Chorizo breakfast burrito

    Lalo's

    4.1(331 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    This place has been my go-to for Mexican food for years now! This review is long overdue for sure!…read moreThere's another Lalo's in Ventura, but this one is the one on the Ave. I usually place an order over the phone and grab my food to go. Although last time I was there, my family and I decided to eat there because we were heading somewhere else nearby afterwards. They have tables outside, and I never knew they also have tables indoors. We sat down in a booth, and a waitress brought us freshly made chips and salsa while we waited. We ordered a couple of tacos and shrimp cocktails. This place definitely makes the best shrimp cocktails ever! Everything tastes so good and fresh. One thing I really love about Lalo's is that they are always really consistent with their food. Besides their delicious food, they also have soft drinks such as Mexican agua frescas, Jaritos, and Coca-Cola. The service was good. But it's more of a fast-food restaurant, so don't expect to have someone check on you regularly. Their parking is small, but we have almost never had an issue finding a parking spot. Great place to grab delicious Mexican food!

    To be honest to service is great the kids at the window are very polite but I dont know where the…read morelost In translation happens between the order. I ordered food a certain way and it didn't have any onions any beans nor jalapeños even though I asked for extra I can't believe I payed 15 dollars for a torta the looks like it has ham from vons and the cheap one for that matter For the prices thats very disappointing

    Photos
    Lalo's - Patio

    Patio

    Lalo's
    Lalo's - Can't miss the sign

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    Can't miss the sign

    Viviana's - mexican - Updated May 2026

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