Los Cilantros Restaurant at La Pena Cultural Center offers a unique experience of Mexican food in the Bay Area. We focus on community, high-quality service, fresh ingredients, and authentic Mexican food. Chef/Owner Dilsa Lugo brings her vast experience in restaurants and farming to offer a selection of family home-style Mexican dishes.
Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch, locally sourced ingredients, and is gluten free. There is much more than rice and beans in Mexican cooking. Los Cilantros offers a culinary experience show casing different regional parts of Mexico by providing simple interpretations of traditional dishes that highlight the richness of local ingredients.
Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch, locally sourced ingredients, and is gluten free. There is much more than rice and beans in Mexican cooking. Los Cilantros offers a culinary experience show casing different regional parts of Mexico by providing simple interpretations of traditional dishes that highlight the richness of local ingredients.
Reviews (20)
Bryant C.
Mar 09, 2020
Report
Been meaning to try this place for a while because of its proximity and just the great things I've heard about it. It's tucked away next to a culture center which makes it really integrated with its community which is something you have to love and support. I called in the order for pickup and the order was a little late, but it's fine.
FOOD:
I got the 3 tacos plate. I got the hongos, the mole, and the tingas. First off, you can immediately tell from the first bite that these tortillas are hand made in house. You simply can't find these types of tortillas in stores. Not only
FOOD:
I got the 3 tacos plate. I got the hongos, the mole, and the tingas. First off, you can immediately tell from the first bite that these tortillas are hand made in house. You simply can't find these types of tortillas in stores. Not only
Elisha S.
Feb 25, 2020
Report
Ohad G.
Feb 16, 2020
Report
The food was excellent, they even have nopales which is not easy to find in a typical Mexican cantina .
The tortillas are made fresh which is felt in the texture and flavor.
I had the special for valentine shrimp tomato soup and it was delicious.
The jicama salad was fresh , the panacota dessert wasn't .
The ambiance could be better simply by canceling some bright lights .
Overall I will be back.
The tortillas are made fresh which is felt in the texture and flavor.
I had the special for valentine shrimp tomato soup and it was delicious.
The jicama salad was fresh , the panacota dessert wasn't .
The ambiance could be better simply by canceling some bright lights .
Overall I will be back.
Rolando N.
Jan 29, 2020
Report
Very good Mexican food near Berkeley campus. The menu has a good mix of all your favorites as well as a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
Adult drinks are lImited to beer and wine so no margaritas.
The carne asada tacos were excellent. The corn tortillas were perfectly cooked and delicious as was the carne.
Chicken pozole was outstanding. Spicy goodness with big chunks of chicken in a flavorful broth.
The hot sauces are very very good as well.
Service was friendly and prompt.
Adult drinks are lImited to beer and wine so no margaritas.
The carne asada tacos were excellent. The corn tortillas were perfectly cooked and delicious as was the carne.
Chicken pozole was outstanding. Spicy goodness with big chunks of chicken in a flavorful broth.
The hot sauces are very very good as well.
Service was friendly and prompt.
N. N. S.
Dec 04, 2019
Report
Los Cilantros is a special Mexican restaurant. Not only is the food delicious, but they have many dishes that other Mexican restaurants don't have. It's not the usual tacos/ burritos/ enchiladas formula. And everything I've tried has been fantastic! Even the coconut flan, which I was skeptical about, turned out to be the most flavorful flan I've ever tasted.
Paulina T.
Nov 26, 2019
Report
I've been to Los Cilantros twice now, once where we dined in, the other time we took our order to go!
If you're looking for non-greasy, fresh Mexican food, this is your spot! You can just tell that they use high quality ingredients. In fact, the woman working there told me everything is organic!
Their chips are soooo good! So crispy and fried haha. But not overly greasy! I had the mole sopes which were good! I've also had the chicken tinga tacos! I think they use chicken breast, but I wish it was thigh so the chicken is more tender! But both sauces of the mole and tinga were
If you're looking for non-greasy, fresh Mexican food, this is your spot! You can just tell that they use high quality ingredients. In fact, the woman working there told me everything is organic!
Their chips are soooo good! So crispy and fried haha. But not overly greasy! I had the mole sopes which were good! I've also had the chicken tinga tacos! I think they use chicken breast, but I wish it was thigh so the chicken is more tender! But both sauces of the mole and tinga were
Drew S.
Nov 09, 2019
Report
I had the Alambre and my partner had the Sope de Hongos. Both were excellent. In addition to the friendly staff, the food is great, healthy, and doesn't leave you feeling weighted down. Don't get me wrong, I love my rice and beans! But gems like Los Cilantros that offer a menu that expands the varying and eclectic regions of Mexico are fantastic places to eat. We'll be returning.
Toni M.
Aug 08, 2019
Report
I have had Los Cilantros bookmarked for almost 4 years, but reading Ted R's review today was what moved us to come here tonight for dinner. The restaurant is sandwiched between The Starry Plough and La Peña Cultural Center and we were fortunate to find a parking spot right in front.
There are a few tables on the patio in front and more inside. We were greeted and seated at a 4 top by a young woman who cautioned us that they were out of two items on the menu, although I didn't hear which ones. We knew from Ted's description that we wanted to order the cabbage salad. We also
There are a few tables on the patio in front and more inside. We were greeted and seated at a 4 top by a young woman who cautioned us that they were out of two items on the menu, although I didn't hear which ones. We knew from Ted's description that we wanted to order the cabbage salad. We also
Ted R.
Aug 07, 2019
Report
Dial me impressed with the food, beginning with the cabbage salad. Yes there is lime and avocado but there's also a something-something they do with the cabbage salad at Los Cilantros. The tortillas here are house-made and come with many dishes. I was also very happy with my Carnitas. A good value at $16. You pay more at fancy restaurants, but only the really good kitchens consistently make it better.
Los Cilantros has a fairly simple interior brightened with the hues of Americas south of the U.S. Nice to sit at one of the four sidewalk tables. The only bummer is that you can't have
Los Cilantros has a fairly simple interior brightened with the hues of Americas south of the U.S. Nice to sit at one of the four sidewalk tables. The only bummer is that you can't have
Angel Z.
Jul 11, 2019
Report
Luz G.
May 18, 2019
Report
Isidro B.
May 18, 2019
Report
Beth S.
Apr 24, 2019
Report
Dilsa and Barbara at Los Cilantros hosted my 50th birthday party last month and they coordinated a lovely, memorable event. We rented out the restaurant for an evening. Dilsa helped me plan a menu that appealed to both omnivores and vegetarians. On the day of the party, they up family-style tables with bouquets of tulips spread throughout. So many guests complimented Los Cilantros on the food! Most had never eaten there before and they were so pleased. The decor was great (as always) and they timed each course all just perfectly.
The only thing that could have been better was the planning
The only thing that could have been better was the planning
Tatis B.
Apr 19, 2019
Report
Can I just say, I am a life-long vegetarian (do eat cheese). It was eight of us here today. Most of us vegetarians. There was a broad selection of veggie items. Yet, there was so much more to eat. Their menu was huge and most of the selection was authentic Mexican food.
The only reason why it doesn't deserve five stars is because they give you limited chips and you have to ask for the salsa ( no chips bar). Maybe giving it a 4.5 .
I will for sure be back and recommend it to my family and friends.
The only reason why it doesn't deserve five stars is because they give you limited chips and you have to ask for the salsa ( no chips bar). Maybe giving it a 4.5 .
I will for sure be back and recommend it to my family and friends.
Shayla B.
Nov 05, 2018
Report
Uuuum no. Just.... NO. If you wanna market yourself as a "high end" Mexican food restaurant then you better BE about that life. There is no room for bland food and subpar service when I'm already spending waaay more coin than I need to be spending. For the life of me, I'll never understand how a place can justify such a steep price for their food merely because of the fact that it's a "sit down" restaurant. I mean... if the ambience was immaculate, the food was of superior quality, and the service was exceptional, it might be enough to justify it. But, not here
David L.
Sep 22, 2018
Report
Good food, as described in other reviews.
What's unusual is that it adjoins/includes the Pena cultural center. Every third Friday there is live Jarocho music.
As described here:
"Enjoy a lively evening of son jarocho music, dancing, and zapateado- bring your dance shoes and instruments, or just come and enjoy the music and dance! There is no entrance fee, but any monetary donations are accepted in support of programming at La Peña.
Son Jarocho is a lively traditional art form from the southern Mexican state of Veracruz that sits on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.It is a lyrical
What's unusual is that it adjoins/includes the Pena cultural center. Every third Friday there is live Jarocho music.
As described here:
"Enjoy a lively evening of son jarocho music, dancing, and zapateado- bring your dance shoes and instruments, or just come and enjoy the music and dance! There is no entrance fee, but any monetary donations are accepted in support of programming at La Peña.
Son Jarocho is a lively traditional art form from the southern Mexican state of Veracruz that sits on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.It is a lyrical
Stephanie Y.
Sep 20, 2018
Report
I echo the sentiments that Los Cilantros is delicious. A nice bright and open space, I'd imagine great for a larger group. I've had brunch here awhile ago and remember enjoying it immensely.
The food is elevated than that hole-in-the-wall taqueria, but so are the prices! Most recently, dinner for 2, which left us very full, but was also $50+ with tip and no alcohol!
The freshly homemade tortillas shine here and are the main reason I'd come again and again. The base of any Mexican meal, these are perfect and warrant the slightly higher prices alone.
The alambre which was carne
The food is elevated than that hole-in-the-wall taqueria, but so are the prices! Most recently, dinner for 2, which left us very full, but was also $50+ with tip and no alcohol!
The freshly homemade tortillas shine here and are the main reason I'd come again and again. The base of any Mexican meal, these are perfect and warrant the slightly higher prices alone.
The alambre which was carne
Victoria L.
Jul 26, 2018
Report
Food: 5/5 Price: 4.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambience: 4.5/5
*** MICHELIN Guide 2016, 2017 ***
Easy to miss on the street, Los Cilantro is tucked down a little covered alleyway. Simple decor and tables, small outdoor seatings, interesting traditional food, and good service. This neighborhood restaurant isn't a taqueria or a burrito joint, but has a nice variety of dishes and entrees, and everything we had was delicious.
Carnitas - Juicy fork tender pork served with a side of cilantro, onion, homemade tortillas, and tomatillo salsa. SO GOOD!!! Huge portions of carnitas, it was
*** MICHELIN Guide 2016, 2017 ***
Easy to miss on the street, Los Cilantro is tucked down a little covered alleyway. Simple decor and tables, small outdoor seatings, interesting traditional food, and good service. This neighborhood restaurant isn't a taqueria or a burrito joint, but has a nice variety of dishes and entrees, and everything we had was delicious.
Carnitas - Juicy fork tender pork served with a side of cilantro, onion, homemade tortillas, and tomatillo salsa. SO GOOD!!! Huge portions of carnitas, it was
Keith H.
Jul 20, 2018
Report
When I moved to Oakland, it took me a while to find some great Mexican food that was located near my neighborhood. I tend to stick to taquerias, and I'm so used to getting a quick taco when I'm in the Mission that I was looking for something similar in my neck of the woods. Los Cilantros is definitely more of a sit-down type of place, but I've enjoyed my meals there so far.
One dish that stands out to me is their carnitas plate, which gives you a heaping amount of pork along with tortillas for your dining pleasure. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and you definitely get a sizable
One dish that stands out to me is their carnitas plate, which gives you a heaping amount of pork along with tortillas for your dining pleasure. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and you definitely get a sizable
Tiffany H.
Sep 18, 2017
Report
Yesss! Finally had my taco craving fixed here. I came for tacos, but came out loving the sopes and tostaditas.
The sopes had a great flavor and tasted not too overwhelming. I didn't know what I was eating at the time, but I've come to appreciate the nopales aka the prickly pear in the tostaditas. The cactus tasted like slightly sour green beans (very similar texture), and I was surprised everything works so well together! The crunchy shell and creamy avocado helped to pull the flavors together.
I enjoyed the tacos just as much, and I was so surprised to see that they offer mushroom
The sopes had a great flavor and tasted not too overwhelming. I didn't know what I was eating at the time, but I've come to appreciate the nopales aka the prickly pear in the tostaditas. The cactus tasted like slightly sour green beans (very similar texture), and I was surprised everything works so well together! The crunchy shell and creamy avocado helped to pull the flavors together.
I enjoyed the tacos just as much, and I was so surprised to see that they offer mushroom
