This is not an exhaustive list of all of the Mexican restaurants in Temecula by any means, that’s what Yelp is for. These restaurants combine flavor with service, location, and ambiance, and are the ones we like to bring our friends and family to when they visit.
Kulturas Latin Kitchen & Cantina
Kulturas in Temecula is the newest restaurant to open in Old Town…sort of. It’s really a reinvention of the previous tenant, Kalaveras, with updated decor, menu, and management. But what a reinvention. We tried five different menu items, two Margaritas (no judgement please), plus, one mocktail, and genuinely everything we tried was flavorful and delicious. The pozole tacos, inspired by the soup, are a must, with juicy marinated pork, citrus slaw, and Chile aceite, and topped with fried hominy. The pescado Jarocho, a Veracruz style fish served with tostones, is not a colorful dish, but it was my favorite, served in an incredible tomato based salsa.
The dining room is casual, and set up well to accommodate both large groups and parties of two.
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina
Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina, also pictured at the top of the page, is another family-owned gem that opened in mid-2022. The Landeros family has decades of experience running Mexican fast-food locations, the Old Town location is their first full-service restaurant. The kitchen delivers Guadalajara-inspired fare like birria tacos, chile verde, and margarita flights. The restaurant’s festive, mural-adorned walls, and life-size tree at the center might be reason enough to stop in at least for a cocktail. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
1882 Cantina at Pechanga Resort Casino
1882 Cantina has a modern Mexican menu that spotlight regional flavors from Oaxaca, Baja California, and Mexico just off the atrium of Pechanga Resort Casino. The house-made tortillas are incredible, as is the carne asada. The salsa verde enchiladas, shrimp ceviche and elotes are all must-tries. On Friday and Saturday nights, you might even luck out with live Latin and Spanish music to go with your artisan tequilas margaritas. It’s the perfect choice for a laid back dinner before a show at the casino. Open daily.
Quiero Brunch
Quiero Brunch is a vibrant and warmly designed brunch spot in a Temecula shopping center just outside of Old Town. They skillfully blend traditional Mexican flavors with modern twists—think tres leches pancakes, churro waffles, and seven varieties of chilaquiles made in-house with local ingredients. Don’t forget to order a basket of homemade conchas for the table. This cozy yet lively café draws admirers for its delicious dishes, generous portions, and charming thoughtful touches like blankets on cooler days. Though weekend waits can be a thing (make a reservation before you go), the energetic atmosphere, creative menu, and inviting vibes more than make it worth the visit. Brunch and lunch only.
Fonda Doña Loca
Fonda Doña Loca is a humble but cozy Mexican breakfast and lunch spot, with an authentic and flavorful menu of tacos, fresh salsas, homemade tortillas, chilaquiles, and Coffee de Olla. Don’t miss the queso fundido. With a welcoming atmosphere and fast, friendly service, it’s become a local favorite for both casual breakfasts and lively brunches. Located in a decidedly unsexy strip mall, it rivals Pechanga’s 1882 in both flavor and service, and is the most affordable option on this list. There’s no liquor license at this spot, and they only stay open until 6 pm.
Open daily. No website, see them on Yelp.
Margaritas Cocina Y Cantina
Margaritas Cocina Y Cantina is a beautiful, family-owned restaurant hidden in Old Town Temecula’s Truax building. It’s across the city hall, and around the corner from Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, and truthfully, this one is more on our list for style and location than for the food. Not that they serve anything bad, but perhaps in an effort to accommodate the tourist crowd in Old Town, the kitchen seems to err on the side of very mild when spicing their dishes. So, if you like your food with more flavor, be sure to tell the kitchen, so they can amp up the spices.
Margarita’s also serves up decadent brunch treats like chilaquiles and Tres Leches Pancakes. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.
