La Cocina de
Ricardo
Grandma Juana's recipes, carried from Mixtlán, Jalisco. Cooked by the family in Lake Forest.
La Mesa Familiar
Three generations, one table.
The recipes travel hand to hand. From Grandma Juana's kitchen in Mixtlán, to Mamacita Alicia, to Ricardo and the family cooking here today.
Generation I of III
- I
Grandma Juana
Mixtlán, Jalisco
The main chef of her town. When Mixtlán had something to celebrate, Juana cooked for it. The recipes start with her hands.
- II
Alicia, “Mamacita”
Juana's daughter
She carried her mother's recipes north to Southern California, and kept cooking them exactly the way they were taught to her.
- III
Ricardo
and the family today
Inspired by his grandfather Arnulfo's spirit, Ricardo persuaded Mamacita to open the first restaurant. The family still runs the kitchen.
Cooked the way it was taught. Served like you're already family.
Read the family's storyFrom the Family Kitchen
What the table eats.
A few of the plates the regulars come back for. The menu runs much deeper, this is just where to start.
The Regulars' Plate Carnitas Los Gordos
Roasted lean chunks of pork served with onions, jalapeños, cilantro and guacamole. The plate the regulars come back for.
Chile Verde
Pork grilled with onions and poblano peppers in a mild green tomatillo sauce, over rice and beans. Comfort, in a bowl of green.
Coctel de Camarones
Shrimp cocktail with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and avocado in our special sauce. Bright, cold and citrusy.
Fresh & Cold Ceviche Mixto
Fresh ceviche piled into a scalloped talavera dish, crowned with avocado, cucumber and lime, tostada chips all around.
The Combination Plate
Pick your favorites: crispy tacos, a sope, a quesadilla. Served with beans and rice the way it has been for decades.
Enchiladas Suizas
Two enchiladas under a creamy red sauce and melted cheese, finished under the broiler, with romaine and sour cream.
“I was craving a bean and cheese burrito and after work I went and got one. I also got chips and salsa on the side for free. The owners are so nice!”
Richard R. · Google · 4.4★ on 661 reviews
The Welcome
Sit down. The chips are on us.
You sit, and warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa land on the table before you've even ordered. It is how the family says welcome. The way guests describe it, stepping in feels like a small, local eatery in Mexico.
- 01Sitanywhere in the room
- 02Chipswarm, with fresh salsa
- 03Eatlike you're family
Come Eat
A seat is waiting.
Every day, eleven to nine, on El Toro Road.
- Every day · 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Open seven days a week
