Solid pick for some Mexican food in Laguna Beach area. The inside is well lit with these fun star-shaped lights. The service is friendly and pretty attentive. We came here for a quick bite and drink. We got the Chef's combo platter and a margarita. A good amount of food for 2-3 people with a little bit of everything. The margaritas here are also very good too. Great place and would come back!
Christina Lois
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August 12, 2026
Carmelita’s is one of those Orange County Mexican restaurants where the location actually adds to the experience. I’ve been to Carmelita’s in both Laguna Beach and Dana Point, and both locations are an easy choice when you’re looking for Mexican food near the beach.
The seafood enchiladas are a standout for me — filled with wild shrimp and Dungeness crab, topped with roasted cheese and tomatillo salsa, and served with avocado, rice and refried beans. It’s a great option if you want something beyond the usual taco or enchilada combination.
The Laguna Beach location on Broadway is especially convenient if you’re spending the day around Main Beach since it’s right in the downtown area and close to the water. The patio is a good choice for enjoying a meal and margarita before or after walking around Laguna. The Dana Point location along Pacific Coast Highway has a different feel but works just as well for a South Orange County lunch or dinner.
I’d recommend Carmelita’s for seafood enchiladas, Mexican cocktails, tacos, and a sit-down meal when you’re exploring Laguna Beach or Dana Point. It’s a particularly convenient stop if you’re already spending the day along the coast.
JoAnn Sheehan
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July 02, 2026
1st time here. The food was excellent. The spices were just perfect with what I ordered. I had the Burrito bowl. The chips were not greasy and a great crunch with a nice flavor. With food, drink, tax it came to $32 but I had enough left over to have another meal. My waitress was sweet and very attentative. It is right near the main beach of Laguna so not a lot of parking but definitely walkable.
Sten Sun
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January 22, 2026
This Mexican-style restaurant is very close to Laguna Beach and has such a great atmosphere. The staff were super friendly and the food was absolutely delicious.
Even the Sprite was imported from Mexico, so we could taste the original flavor, which was a nice surprise!
We ordered the fish tacos, enchiladas, and the Chipotle smoked BBQ ribs. The dishes had a little American twist, which made everything even more enjoyable.
Everything about this place was amazing, and I’d definitely love to come back again if I get the chance.
Junie Hildebrandt
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June 30, 2026
On a coin flip, we chosen Carmelita's over the restaurant up the street. We loved out food. The playfulness of thin, perfectly fried chips with salsa and a bean dip, a large tasty bowl of chicken tortilla soup, and gooey flavorful short rib flautas. We topped the meal off for churros and ice cream. The churros were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
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217 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
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Solid pick for some Mexican food in Laguna Beach area. The inside is well lit with these fun star-shaped lights. The service is friendly and pretty attentive. We came here for a quick bite and drink. We got the Chef's combo platter and a margarita. A good amount of food for 2-3 people with a little bit of everything. The margaritas here are also very good too. Great place and would come back!
Carmelita’s is one of those Orange County Mexican restaurants where the location actually adds to the experience. I’ve been to Carmelita’s in both Laguna Beach and Dana Point, and both locations are an easy choice when you’re looking for Mexican food near the beach. The seafood enchiladas are a standout for me — filled with wild shrimp and Dungeness crab, topped with roasted cheese and tomatillo salsa, and served with avocado, rice and refried beans. It’s a great option if you want something beyond the usual taco or enchilada combination. The Laguna Beach location on Broadway is especially convenient if you’re spending the day around Main Beach since it’s right in the downtown area and close to the water. The patio is a good choice for enjoying a meal and margarita before or after walking around Laguna. The Dana Point location along Pacific Coast Highway has a different feel but works just as well for a South Orange County lunch or dinner. I’d recommend Carmelita’s for seafood enchiladas, Mexican cocktails, tacos, and a sit-down meal when you’re exploring Laguna Beach or Dana Point. It’s a particularly convenient stop if you’re already spending the day along the coast.
1st time here. The food was excellent. The spices were just perfect with what I ordered. I had the Burrito bowl. The chips were not greasy and a great crunch with a nice flavor. With food, drink, tax it came to $32 but I had enough left over to have another meal. My waitress was sweet and very attentative. It is right near the main beach of Laguna so not a lot of parking but definitely walkable.
This Mexican-style restaurant is very close to Laguna Beach and has such a great atmosphere. The staff were super friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. Even the Sprite was imported from Mexico, so we could taste the original flavor, which was a nice surprise! We ordered the fish tacos, enchiladas, and the Chipotle smoked BBQ ribs. The dishes had a little American twist, which made everything even more enjoyable. Everything about this place was amazing, and I’d definitely love to come back again if I get the chance.
On a coin flip, we chosen Carmelita's over the restaurant up the street. We loved out food. The playfulness of thin, perfectly fried chips with salsa and a bean dip, a large tasty bowl of chicken tortilla soup, and gooey flavorful short rib flautas. We topped the meal off for churros and ice cream. The churros were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.