What a wonderful restaurant with great funky vibes and charming waitstaff and owner.We are tourists from Montana who have stopped by every chance we get over the last ten years. The food is exceptional with luscious sauces and inventive cuisine. The best of the best! Dare to try something unique and exquisite. You'll be happy you did!
Debbie Goodman
Definitely a place worth experiencing! Very unique! A little pricey, though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
none none
Went to Haute Enchilada due to the chef/owner Kim's dad, Ray Retez who owned The Whole Enchilada had passed away late November last year. Food was good and ordered a dessert, flan which my husband and I shares. After visiting the gallery on location we left still hungry. The food as I said was good but not enough of it. Went down to Castroville to get take out claim chowder from Phil's. Visited the first fruit/veggies stand on the way. Fair prices at the stand but you have to pick through a lot of items that look like they are on their last leg.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
A New Name, and Exchange
People were rude.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Brad Dunshee
The surroundings? Very cool. The service? Great. The food? Let's just say that the empanadas were unique and some of the best I've had. Go here!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Tartine, Empanadas
Sharon K.
This restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating with plants and statuary. Prices are high. Single chili relleno is $25. Two chicken enchiladas $25. 4 scallops $35. Drinks, tax, tip was more than $120.
Carter N.
Went there again and they opened the gallery. The place is really nice and they have great stuff. The restaurant is really nice with an amazing garden. I get they are short on staff at times. Will definitely go back.
Farien C.
The service was wonderful. We were greeted at the door by a gracious hostess who seated our party. Our wait person came out and greeted us and brought us waters and vividly described the specials. All three in my party enjoyed the Sand Dabs meal. The owner came out and talked with us and her very well behaved, beautiful, clean well groomed dog walked by and stopped at every table. We enjoy the garden setting with all the plants . If you love succulents you will enjoy it. There is also a very nice art gallery there. With items to purchase.
Meri P.
This place is a hidden gem!!! the food is innovative and beyond delicious. we shared everything, starting with queso fundido served with warm tortillas and bean sauce. next was scallops in cream sauce presented in a shell. then Peruvian empanadas topped with a spicy chipotle sauce. we finished off with a chocolate bread pudding. a food lovers delight! the owner Kim opened the gallery in the back for us to wander through. amazing art, ceramics, jewelry, a feast for the eyes! and the Social Club, a room that is rented out for events, a very cool place. you don't want to miss this!!!
Megan V.
We happened upon this cute little restaurant on our way home from kayaking at Elkhorn Slough. We weren't sure what to expect but WOW. Everything was just absolutely delicious! The espresso martini was so good, towards the end I started taking smaller and smaller sips because I didn't want it to end! The hint of orange was a nice addition to the flavor. If you enjoy espresso martinis, it is a must-order. The special of the day was pork belly tacos and I am so glad I changed my order at the last minute from a salad to the special pork belly tacos. The pork belly was cooked perfectly with crispy charred ends and soft creamy insides. The food tastes homemade and you can tell it's made and plated with care. At one point, we were brought samples of a carrot & corn chowder soup and our 5 year old liked it so much that he ordered a bowl and finished the entire thing, drinking it to the bottom. This is very rare for him! All in all our experience was wonderful and the food exceeded all expectations. We will definitely be back next time we're in the area! I wish I could have brought one of those espresso martinis to go it was so darn good.
The food was good, smaller sized portions and pricey. The queso was good, served with little corn tortillas. Drinks were good, we had one round and they didn't ask if we wanted more. Scallops were served in seashells with rice, beans and mini corn tortillas in the side. Husband had the paella which came with bread. He said it was really good. We sat outside and ate, it was pretty with all the plants. Employees were very friendly. We love the camera of the owl house.
Kalena Mittelman
This is one of the BEST restaurants on the Central Coast. Unique, welcoming atmosphere with Fantastic, Flavorful Authentic Mexican food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Two Haute Enchiladas Al Mole, Huitlacoche Enchiladas, Plantain Croquettes, Molé Enchiladas, Mole
Darcy Horne
So sad, we have enjoyed this restaurant for a few years and supported them in the pandemic, but it is no longer the magical place it was. I guess we will find another special spot.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Cecilia Provensal
Whst makes Haute Enchilada Cafe special is the atmosphere, it is eclectic and relaxing. Almost every table offers some level of seclusion and privacy provided by the succulents and tropical greenery that has created natural walls or screens.The food is yummy, first time I've had an enchilada topped with mole sauce, different but tasty. The menu offers other Latin dishes with a twist. I highly recommend ordering the haute margarita, enjoy it while taking in the gardens.The service is excellent, on our visit it wad busy but we never had to wait for iur drinks and meals. If you're in the area, it is a bit off the beaten path, but worth the drive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Suzan H.
My favorite place to eat outside in their beautiful patio. I love the fish tacos & the scallops; so yummy! Also their homemade Sangria is so refreshing. Great food, atmosphere & service. Let's Go!!!!
What a wonderful restaurant with great funky vibes and charming waitstaff and owner.We are tourists from Montana who have stopped by every chance we get over the last ten years. The food is exceptional with luscious sauces and inventive cuisine. The best of the best! Dare to try something unique and exquisite. You'll be happy you did!
Definitely a place worth experiencing! Very unique! A little pricey, though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went to Haute Enchilada due to the chef/owner Kim's dad, Ray Retez who owned The Whole Enchilada had passed away late November last year. Food was good and ordered a dessert, flan which my husband and I shares. After visiting the gallery on location we left still hungry. The food as I said was good but not enough of it. Went down to Castroville to get take out claim chowder from Phil's. Visited the first fruit/veggies stand on the way. Fair prices at the stand but you have to pick through a lot of items that look like they are on their last leg.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
People were rude.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The surroundings? Very cool. The service? Great. The food? Let's just say that the empanadas were unique and some of the best I've had. Go here!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Tartine, Empanadas
This restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating with plants and statuary. Prices are high. Single chili relleno is $25. Two chicken enchiladas $25. 4 scallops $35. Drinks, tax, tip was more than $120.
Went there again and they opened the gallery. The place is really nice and they have great stuff. The restaurant is really nice with an amazing garden. I get they are short on staff at times. Will definitely go back.
The service was wonderful. We were greeted at the door by a gracious hostess who seated our party. Our wait person came out and greeted us and brought us waters and vividly described the specials. All three in my party enjoyed the Sand Dabs meal. The owner came out and talked with us and her very well behaved, beautiful, clean well groomed dog walked by and stopped at every table. We enjoy the garden setting with all the plants . If you love succulents you will enjoy it. There is also a very nice art gallery there. With items to purchase.
This place is a hidden gem!!! the food is innovative and beyond delicious. we shared everything, starting with queso fundido served with warm tortillas and bean sauce. next was scallops in cream sauce presented in a shell. then Peruvian empanadas topped with a spicy chipotle sauce. we finished off with a chocolate bread pudding. a food lovers delight! the owner Kim opened the gallery in the back for us to wander through. amazing art, ceramics, jewelry, a feast for the eyes! and the Social Club, a room that is rented out for events, a very cool place. you don't want to miss this!!!
We happened upon this cute little restaurant on our way home from kayaking at Elkhorn Slough. We weren't sure what to expect but WOW. Everything was just absolutely delicious! The espresso martini was so good, towards the end I started taking smaller and smaller sips because I didn't want it to end! The hint of orange was a nice addition to the flavor. If you enjoy espresso martinis, it is a must-order. The special of the day was pork belly tacos and I am so glad I changed my order at the last minute from a salad to the special pork belly tacos. The pork belly was cooked perfectly with crispy charred ends and soft creamy insides. The food tastes homemade and you can tell it's made and plated with care. At one point, we were brought samples of a carrot & corn chowder soup and our 5 year old liked it so much that he ordered a bowl and finished the entire thing, drinking it to the bottom. This is very rare for him! All in all our experience was wonderful and the food exceeded all expectations. We will definitely be back next time we're in the area! I wish I could have brought one of those espresso martinis to go it was so darn good.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was good, smaller sized portions and pricey. The queso was good, served with little corn tortillas. Drinks were good, we had one round and they didn't ask if we wanted more. Scallops were served in seashells with rice, beans and mini corn tortillas in the side. Husband had the paella which came with bread. He said it was really good. We sat outside and ate, it was pretty with all the plants. Employees were very friendly. We love the camera of the owl house.
This is one of the BEST restaurants on the Central Coast. Unique, welcoming atmosphere with Fantastic, Flavorful Authentic Mexican food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Two Haute Enchiladas Al Mole, Huitlacoche Enchiladas, Plantain Croquettes, Molé Enchiladas, Mole
So sad, we have enjoyed this restaurant for a few years and supported them in the pandemic, but it is no longer the magical place it was. I guess we will find another special spot.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Whst makes Haute Enchilada Cafe special is the atmosphere, it is eclectic and relaxing. Almost every table offers some level of seclusion and privacy provided by the succulents and tropical greenery that has created natural walls or screens.The food is yummy, first time I've had an enchilada topped with mole sauce, different but tasty. The menu offers other Latin dishes with a twist. I highly recommend ordering the haute margarita, enjoy it while taking in the gardens.The service is excellent, on our visit it wad busy but we never had to wait for iur drinks and meals. If you're in the area, it is a bit off the beaten path, but worth the drive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
My favorite place to eat outside in their beautiful patio. I love the fish tacos & the scallops; so yummy! Also their homemade Sangria is so refreshing. Great food, atmosphere & service. Let's Go!!!!