Hello dear
Welcome to Cultura Comida y Bebida, a vibrant Mexican eatery nestled in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea. Here, we celebrate the diversity of Mexican cuisine through authentic dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. From our dairy-free mole smoked pork tacos to delectable chicken enchiladas and vegan delights, every dish is a celebration of flavor. Our inviting space, featuring heated outdoor seating and a full bar, makes it perfect for groups and families alike. As a women-owned establishment, we embrace inclusivity and provide a warm atmosphere where good food meets great service. Join us for a memorable dining experience that truly embodies culture and community.
About
Cultura Comida y Bebida is not just a dining establishment; it is a culinary journey that invites guests to explore the rich flavors of Mexico right in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea. Located on Dolores Street, nestled between 5th and 6th avenues, this women-owned venue combines vibrant culture with modern cuisine in an inviting atmosphere that celebrates inclusivity.
From the moment you step into Cultura Comida y Bebida, you are greeted by a lively ambiance and warm, attentive service. Need a spot for a quick dinner? Patrons rave about the impressive speed of service, making it ideal for both casual meet-ups and special occasions. Their variety of vegan and vegetarian options stands out, appealing to individuals with diverse dietary preferences—making it a haven for plant-based eaters in the area.
Let’s talk about the stars of the show: the food. Consider indulging in their Cultura Mole Dairy-Free Smoked Pork Cheeks, served with saffron tortillas and vibrant pickled veggies for an explosion of flavors. Or savor the Yam Enchiladas, featuring rich guajillo salsa that brings out the sweet elements of yam in perfect harmony. For taco enthusiasts, the Tres Tacos, with choices such as Smoky Barbacoa, Chicken Tinga, and Plantain, are simply must-tries that have received rave reviews.
But it doesn’t end there. Pair your meal with a refreshing Horchata Cold Brew or indulge in a delightful Cultura Mimosa made with sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Bloody Verde is a unique twist on the classic that features roasted tomatillo and charred jalapeño for a smoky kick.
Moreover, Cultura Comida y Bebida boasts several valuable amenities: it’s wheelchair accessible and offers outdoor seating for those who wish to enjoy the scenic Carmel weather. For larger groups, tip automation ensures a smooth experience, while private dining options are perfect for celebrations. Their eco-conscious initiatives, like compostable containers and reusable tableware, highlight their commitment to sustainability.
For families and groups alike, Cultura Comida y Bebida not only provides a diverse menu but also a cozy and inclusive environment welcomes guests of all ages. With happiness radiating through every dish and cocktail, this venue is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. As stated by a satisfied customer, this restaurant is a “MUST visit” if you’re in the area.
In summary, whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to add Cultura Comida y Bebida to your culinary itinerary. Exceptional food and a welcoming ambiance await; it just might become your new favorite spot!
“ The speed of service here was impressive! Definitely great spot for a quick dinner. Food was very good. In addition to the speed of service, our waiter was very kind. ”
“ We're both vegan and it's just not easy to find places that check accommodate us. Especially in Carmel. We are so happy we found this place! We had the vegan enchiladas. They're definitely spicy but also beautifully flavored! The chips and guac were a must of course. We also had churros with chocolate sauce (yes vegan!). So so yum! The stars of the show were the cocktails. Their margaritas are amazing. We ended the night with a boozy vegan hot chocolate and left full and satisfied. We will definitely be back! ”
“ My fiancé and I never tasted mezcal with smoky and jasmine flower before. They gave you grasshoppers on site!! Anyway, we will go back because we want to taste their other mezcal. Food was delicious!! No complaints!! ”
“ This restaurant is a MUST visit in Carmel if you're looking for the best tacos you've ever tasted in your life (our favorite was the Beef Barbacoa) If a dinner place is only open for 3hr 45min each day, you KNOW the ingredients are the freshest around and it's worth paying top dollar. The service is very welcoming and quick, ambiance is cozy and warm with the outside heaters and fireplace, and the overall experience is unforgettable! ”
“ I'll start off by saying that the service was really good, they were very attentive and checked up on us frequently and I really liked how they gave us mini hot chocolate milks with our check. Now onto the food, we got the Tlayuda with carnitas and the chicken enchiladas. The Tlayuda was big and delicious but the enchiladas only came with two and the dish was quite small and wasn't really anything special. Two enchiladas for $27 wasn't really worth it in my opinion, but that's just me. The chips and salsa are also extra so just beware if you plan on asking for extra salsa for your meal. Outdoor seating also looks better than the inside as the inside is a bit plain and dark. Overall, it's a more upscale Mexican restaurant that's a bit pricey but the food was good. ”
“ We had a great meal at this dark and sultry Latin restaurant. We arrived shortly before our 7 pm reservation on a summer Thursday and were seated right away. It took some time before we saw a waiter despite it not being that busy which gave us time to peruse the ample menu of Latin specialties from tacos and enchiladas to moles and more. We ordered some margaritas (I like the blood orange one) and the amazing queso fundito to share. The food and drinks arrived in a flash and the queso was truly unique. There was a large bowl with thick gooey goodness the color of peanut butter and a pile of large house made chips and small stack of house made tortillas. This was an ample appetizer that was almost too much for the three of us but oh so delicious. After such a hearty first course we mainly ordered tacos from the ala carte selection and at $6 each an amazing value given the massive amount of meat piled onto each small tortilla. We tried the Barbadoa, chicken tinga, carnitas and plantain-each was amazing but the barbacoa was my favorite. The pork mole-a diy taco setup with tortillas veggies and a rich pork mole mixture was also a standout. We were just too full for dessert although the tiny cups of Mexican hot chocolate that were provided gratis were a nice touch to finish things off. Given the massive quantities and high quality the bill, around $150 for three adults with drinks felt like a great deal. Highly recommended ”