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    Viviana's

    4.8 (66 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Viviana's Photos

    Business Info

    VIVIANA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    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.

    Comfy inside interior
    Noemi M.

    First off, I wanna say that these are the most moist and tender tamales I've ever had. EVER. I ordered the pork tamales. The meat was tender in that pork belly kind of way. They were full of wonderful and delicate flavor! Seriously, these tamales are dreamy! That's saying a lot considering I grew up eating tamales and even making tamales with family. These tamales are super authentic, like tasting Mexico. I also ordered the champurrado. It was wonderfully made: delicate chocolate flavor, with hints of cinnamon. Unlike some other champurrados I've had, this wasn't grainy but velvety smooth. It's made in house just like their tamales--not from a mix. And, like others mentioned in other reviews, the folks here are very sweet and they go the extra mile! Definitely my go-to for tamales and champurrado in Ventura!

    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.

    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!

    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!!).

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Pork and chicken

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    4 months ago

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

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    8 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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    1 year ago

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

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    11 months ago

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    8 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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    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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    11 months ago

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

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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 Express - Regular asada tacos on homemade corn tortillas

    Taqueria Cuernavaca Express

    4.7(160 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Second time coming here. First time was last year during Pokémon go fest. recommended by my boy…read moreKreep. Leader of the Ventura Pogo Group. Stopped in last year and forgot to give them an amazing review. The food here is amazing, it's fresh, tasty as hell, they give you generous portions and it's moderately priced. This time around I got a queso Beauty burrito that was filled with so much meat rice and cheese. Pictures below show tasty burrito. They have practically every single Mexican meat you can think of. Lots of great hot salsas with a fridge full of soda. Service was great and attentive. Always will come back!

    GETTING HERE:…read more Located in DTVTA on Main Street, between E.P. Foster Library and Starbucks. Parking is, well, if you know you know. :( REVIEW: This is a great little restaurant and I prioritize coming here every time I am in DTVTA. Recently, I was at the Rubicon Theatre and needed lunch after a show. This location is located within walking distance of the Rubicon and is usually so busy each time I come! My marker of a good place to eat is usually on how busy they are. :) This recent visit I had a torta (my first, didn't catch the name) and it was outstanding! The meat was fresh and hot and the bun was flavorful! I did note that on my next visit here I want to try the Hawaiian (?) torta! Can't wait to be back! The service is always great each time. Thank you to the ladies who are friendly and respectful and greeted us (and all the customers) with a smile. Thank you so much! Definitely recommend!

    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

    Mothers

    Mothers

    3.9(430 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Mother's Tacos from Ventura really came through in the clutch for my mom's 80th birthday…read morecelebration this past Sunday at her home in Camarillo, even during an unexpected El Niño downpour! They set up a complete outdoor pop-up kitchen, with one person making fresh tortillas, two prep cooks, and Chef Felipe leading the team. Every one of them was passionate, personable, and genuinely proud of what they were serving. Their signature duck carnitas with mole sauce confit, pickled onions, and homemade tortillas made right there were absolutely incredible. Chef Felipe also took the time to explain the ingredients and flavor balance inspiration behind the magic, which made the experience even more special. The margaritas and palomas were a huge hit too. Despite the pouring rain, they kept everything going and delivered an amazing experience. Everyone at the party kept asking who they were and where they could find them. Mother's Tacos did much more than cater the party. They became one of the highlights of the entire celebration. We highly recommend them!

    I just want to come here ALL the time! It's chill, the staff is friendly, the margaritas are BOMB,…read moreand the food OMG. Not a bad bite. Possibly a bit of food coma. Sit on the patio (weather permitting) Heads up the parking lot gets filled quickly. Be patient, try the neighborhood. Worth the walk.

    Photos
    Mothers - 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 - Asada taco ribeye taco lengua taco

    Asada taco ribeye taco lengua taco

    Mothers - Lamb Ribs

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    Lamb Ribs

    Tacos El Diablo - Birria and Pastor Tacos

    Tacos El Diablo

    4.1(203 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    The food is honestly really good but they really pissed me off and I will never be going back which…read moreagain pisses me off cuz the food was great! First off, the parking here is a nightmare. I literally got boxed in and had to ask someone to move their car so I could back out. Secondly, me and my coworker stop here at 11:30am for an early lunch. There is literally 1 other person there who had already ordered and got their meal just as me and my coworker sit down after ordering. We ordered 7 tacos in total... 30 minutes later the food still hadn't arrived. I finally go up to the counter to see if something was wrong and the guy had no idea about our order and said he was sorry that they had a big catering order. As a former business owner I do understand that stuff happens and a large catering order is good for business but ultimately that isn't the customers problem. Especially the customer that is sitting there at your establishment. Rather than tell us while we were ordering that it might take longer than normal, they don't communicate anything and then don't even address the issue until I go up there to complain. Once that happened the tacos came out in less than 5 minutes which is even more upsetting since this is how fast they should have come out to begin with. The gentleman who I think was an owner did apologize and try to offer some free drinks which I politely declined as I knew I'd never be back again. I hope that this business learns to service the customers properly that are actually dining there and if there is an issue at least takes some initiative to address it on the front side. Most working class people only get a 30-45 minute lunch to begin with so it wasn't cool that we literally wasted 30 minutes just sitting there with no explanation. There are plenty of other good places around Ventura for lunch - especially for tacos. Won't be going back here ever.

    Okay, the food was good but I can't get over the fact that there are no prices posted. I obviously…read morechecked YELP before coming and couldn't find any prices or on their website. No prices on the menu. I had to ask how much the tacos were to which the women working showed me a prices list. It was very awkward. Moving past no prices, the back picnic table seating area was nice. Especially since I had 2 kids with me, gave them space. The liked both the red & green salsas. The meat was good quality and flavorful. Tacos portions were small. I wanted to try the churros but they were crossed off the menu. I would like to go back again but I need prices.

    Photos
    Tacos El Diablo - Walk up and order here

    Walk up and order here

    Tacos El Diablo - No meat, this is very little. The whole burrito was like this a piece of meat here and there.

    No meat, this is very little. The whole burrito was like this a piece of meat here and there.

    Tacos El Diablo - Quesabirra

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    Quesabirra

    Viviana's - mexican - Updated September 2026

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