I've eaten here twice and loved it both times! I recommend the curry chicken. So warm and tasty!! The owner Wendy, and her sister Felicia make you feel as if you are a guest in their "home" as you dine in their restaurant. In the latter part of February I'm planning a ladies-night-out-for dinner here, with my friends, in order to spread the joy and have them try the tasty food this restaurant serves.
Christina F.
Best food in Vallejo. This was quite a treat. Food was excellent! I had the fried basa with the Peruvian beans, rice, with cornbread. The fish was fried to perfection, the beans had great flavor so good! The cornbread was sweet not too sweet but delicious for sure. My husband had the oxtails which was a good portion, with rice and mac n cheese. He said it was the best food he's had since being in Vallejo. Please try this place out you won't be disappointed.
Susan T.
After reading all the wonderful reviews of Urban Cocina, I finally got there for a late lunch today with a friend and we weren't disappointed! I had a absolutely delicious shrimp taco, consisting of multiple huge shrimp atop a crisp taco, and my friend had the delicious pork belly tostada. The ambience was friendly and the chef made multiple visits to our table. This seems to be a family run affair, and I will definitely be back many times in the future.
Richelle M.
They were all so sweet, polite and helpful! I got the yellow curry with shrimp and it was amazing. The spice level was perfect and it was very flavorful! I willl definitely be telling everybody about this gem !!
Nicholaus G.
My fiancée and I went here yesterday and I cannot recommend this restaurant more! We had the glazed shrimp over some of the most savory and flavorful coconut rice I have ever had. The fried okra was top notch and the red beans had so much depth of flavor that we will be back next week. The staff made sure our overall dining experience was memorable and as I said before, they have 2 new regulars.
Bill D.
Stopped in to check Urban Cocina out. We were pleasantly surprised. The menu offered Soul food. The catfish and wings were perfectly seasoned and cooked. The red beans and rice were well complimented by moist cornbread. The service was attentive. It's simply decorated and welcoming. We highly encourage everyone to stop in and support this really special restaurant.
ShaRonda M.
Urban Cocina is one of the newest restaurants in Downtown Vallejo & I hope it here to stay. Location is perfect on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. We had the Peruvian Beans & rice w/ shrimp, yellow chicken curry & urban lemonades. The Beans & rice ain't no punk! It's spicy with all the right flavors. The shrimp was cooked to perfection! The yellow chicken was mellow & gave us everything our heart desired. Probably could've used more heat, but not everyone enjoys heat like we do. The Urban Lemonade was sweet & reminded me of a good ole porch lemonade. Now let's gets to the ambience!! The Melodie's of jazz played softly in the background. It made it feel homey !! If you're thinking about supporting a local business, Urban Cocina is a must!!
Raylin A.
I ate there for soul-food Wednesday and I was disappointed. I ordered the fish plate - the flavor of the fish was alright but it wasn't fried to my liking - it's wasn't crispy. The greens were okay and the macaroni was decent. I'm from Louisiana and when I think of Soul-food, this was NOT what I expected. I was looking for the southern flavor so I could feel like I was back home but this was a watered down version. With that said, you should still support as this business is part of our community and the staff are nice.
Marsha J.
The restaurant is quaint and extremely clean, the service was fast and staff were personable, and the food was absolutely delicious. I ate here twice in a 3-day span and both dishes were top notch. I highly recommend Urban Cocina, especially their burritos!
Sandie B.
This little spot is actually pretty large inside and seems family-owned. They were very friendly and accomodating for gluten-free needs and the food was delicious! The fried rice with shrimp is amazing and the red beans were really good. We will definitely be back for more!
My parents and I went to try Urban Cocina for lunch. We happened to go when it was soul food day. Unexpected, but it did not disappoint. There were three menu options to choose from-fish and chips, chicken wing plate and catfish plate, the latter of the two that came with your choice of sides, along with an assortment of drinks. I got the fish and chips. The fish was fresh, hot and had great flavor. I don't usually like tarter sauce, but this one was really tasty. I also got a strawberry lemonade which was house made and delicious. Great ambiance/atmosphere, friendly, attentive and solid service, as well as a clean restaurant with beautiful interior. I felt like I was dining at a restaurant in the East Bay-Oakland in particular, which I loved. I'll definitely be back on a day where the regular menu is available to try something new!
Cj L.
Love this place! The food is super authentic with tons of flavor and the menu has a lot of variety to choose from. It's nice to have a place with multiple vegetarian options as well. The service was great and everyone working there was so nice. I can't wait to come back!
Erica M.
I've found a winner! Awesome light yet soulful atmosphere. Decor and palette of colors in the space prompt a very chill vibe. This is my second time here, and it doesn't go unnoticed that the owner and her staff are beautiful people. It just works with the overall scenery. Now, the food? Well, it's delicious . The menu has something for everyone, just what you'd expect at an Urban Cocina. What other restaurant offers a taco, a curry, and a day dedicated to traditional soul food? I'm vegan, and the beans and rice are my favorite. The rice is cooked perfectly. The beans are seasoned as though cooked in a home kitchen, and I appreciate it. I'm sending my mother and God mother's here next week....I already know they are going to love it. It is important to know that this is not fast food. Do not come in a rush. If you do, please let the staff know you are in a rush it's not quick.
Bee D.
Such a cute charming spot located on Virginia Street in Old Downtown Vallejo. This street is quite the foodie spot, so if you are going to an event at the Empress Theater, you have many choices for great eats before the show. We arrived at opening because we were famished and I'd already read the menu and was drooling in anticipation. We started with drinks. I went for the sweet tea, and as someone who spent time in both Alabama and Georgia, I know a good southern sweet tea when it hits my lips. And this was some good southern sweet tea. We both opted for the Peruvian Beans and Rice which starts at a base price of $13. Then you have a choice of adding to it if you want to. $4 will get your choice of chicken or Yellow curry potatoes with sweet potato and black beans, or $5 for shrimp. I had the addition of the curry potatoes and my friend had the chicken. The beans are Mayocoba beans. Google world says, "Despite their name ("Peruano" means "Peruvian" in Spanish), they are actually native to Mexico and are a common ingredient in Mexican soups and side dishes. Mayocoba beans have a buttery taste, and are said to have less of a gas-producing effect than other beans." I say they are super yummy and creamy. Similar in texture to butter beans but with a pinto flavor. The dish has an underlying heat, which is pleasant. They were very flavorful and comforting. The curry is so yummy and provides another flavor profile and texture. The staff were two super sweet young ladies under the tutelage of the owner. I just loved how nice they were and how hard they were working. Reminds me of the times I worked with my mother at her job as a teen. Taught me much more than any classroom would have.
Khalilah P.
Food was really good Customer service excellent Cute restaurant vibes Ambiance- beautifully black owned
I've eaten here twice and loved it both times! I recommend the curry chicken. So warm and tasty!! The owner Wendy, and her sister Felicia make you feel as if you are a guest in their "home" as you dine in their restaurant. In the latter part of February I'm planning a ladies-night-out-for dinner here, with my friends, in order to spread the joy and have them try the tasty food this restaurant serves.
Best food in Vallejo. This was quite a treat. Food was excellent! I had the fried basa with the Peruvian beans, rice, with cornbread. The fish was fried to perfection, the beans had great flavor so good! The cornbread was sweet not too sweet but delicious for sure. My husband had the oxtails which was a good portion, with rice and mac n cheese. He said it was the best food he's had since being in Vallejo. Please try this place out you won't be disappointed.
After reading all the wonderful reviews of Urban Cocina, I finally got there for a late lunch today with a friend and we weren't disappointed! I had a absolutely delicious shrimp taco, consisting of multiple huge shrimp atop a crisp taco, and my friend had the delicious pork belly tostada. The ambience was friendly and the chef made multiple visits to our table. This seems to be a family run affair, and I will definitely be back many times in the future.
They were all so sweet, polite and helpful! I got the yellow curry with shrimp and it was amazing. The spice level was perfect and it was very flavorful! I willl definitely be telling everybody about this gem !!
My fiancée and I went here yesterday and I cannot recommend this restaurant more! We had the glazed shrimp over some of the most savory and flavorful coconut rice I have ever had. The fried okra was top notch and the red beans had so much depth of flavor that we will be back next week. The staff made sure our overall dining experience was memorable and as I said before, they have 2 new regulars.
Stopped in to check Urban Cocina out. We were pleasantly surprised. The menu offered Soul food. The catfish and wings were perfectly seasoned and cooked. The red beans and rice were well complimented by moist cornbread. The service was attentive. It's simply decorated and welcoming. We highly encourage everyone to stop in and support this really special restaurant.
Urban Cocina is one of the newest restaurants in Downtown Vallejo & I hope it here to stay. Location is perfect on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. We had the Peruvian Beans & rice w/ shrimp, yellow chicken curry & urban lemonades. The Beans & rice ain't no punk! It's spicy with all the right flavors. The shrimp was cooked to perfection! The yellow chicken was mellow & gave us everything our heart desired. Probably could've used more heat, but not everyone enjoys heat like we do. The Urban Lemonade was sweet & reminded me of a good ole porch lemonade. Now let's gets to the ambience!! The Melodie's of jazz played softly in the background. It made it feel homey !! If you're thinking about supporting a local business, Urban Cocina is a must!!
I ate there for soul-food Wednesday and I was disappointed. I ordered the fish plate - the flavor of the fish was alright but it wasn't fried to my liking - it's wasn't crispy. The greens were okay and the macaroni was decent. I'm from Louisiana and when I think of Soul-food, this was NOT what I expected. I was looking for the southern flavor so I could feel like I was back home but this was a watered down version. With that said, you should still support as this business is part of our community and the staff are nice.
The restaurant is quaint and extremely clean, the service was fast and staff were personable, and the food was absolutely delicious. I ate here twice in a 3-day span and both dishes were top notch. I highly recommend Urban Cocina, especially their burritos!
This little spot is actually pretty large inside and seems family-owned. They were very friendly and accomodating for gluten-free needs and the food was delicious! The fried rice with shrimp is amazing and the red beans were really good. We will definitely be back for more!
Restaurantji Recommends
My parents and I went to try Urban Cocina for lunch. We happened to go when it was soul food day. Unexpected, but it did not disappoint. There were three menu options to choose from-fish and chips, chicken wing plate and catfish plate, the latter of the two that came with your choice of sides, along with an assortment of drinks. I got the fish and chips. The fish was fresh, hot and had great flavor. I don't usually like tarter sauce, but this one was really tasty. I also got a strawberry lemonade which was house made and delicious. Great ambiance/atmosphere, friendly, attentive and solid service, as well as a clean restaurant with beautiful interior. I felt like I was dining at a restaurant in the East Bay-Oakland in particular, which I loved. I'll definitely be back on a day where the regular menu is available to try something new!
Love this place! The food is super authentic with tons of flavor and the menu has a lot of variety to choose from. It's nice to have a place with multiple vegetarian options as well. The service was great and everyone working there was so nice. I can't wait to come back!
I've found a winner! Awesome light yet soulful atmosphere. Decor and palette of colors in the space prompt a very chill vibe. This is my second time here, and it doesn't go unnoticed that the owner and her staff are beautiful people. It just works with the overall scenery. Now, the food? Well, it's delicious . The menu has something for everyone, just what you'd expect at an Urban Cocina. What other restaurant offers a taco, a curry, and a day dedicated to traditional soul food? I'm vegan, and the beans and rice are my favorite. The rice is cooked perfectly. The beans are seasoned as though cooked in a home kitchen, and I appreciate it. I'm sending my mother and God mother's here next week....I already know they are going to love it. It is important to know that this is not fast food. Do not come in a rush. If you do, please let the staff know you are in a rush it's not quick.
Such a cute charming spot located on Virginia Street in Old Downtown Vallejo. This street is quite the foodie spot, so if you are going to an event at the Empress Theater, you have many choices for great eats before the show. We arrived at opening because we were famished and I'd already read the menu and was drooling in anticipation. We started with drinks. I went for the sweet tea, and as someone who spent time in both Alabama and Georgia, I know a good southern sweet tea when it hits my lips. And this was some good southern sweet tea. We both opted for the Peruvian Beans and Rice which starts at a base price of $13. Then you have a choice of adding to it if you want to. $4 will get your choice of chicken or Yellow curry potatoes with sweet potato and black beans, or $5 for shrimp. I had the addition of the curry potatoes and my friend had the chicken. The beans are Mayocoba beans. Google world says, "Despite their name ("Peruano" means "Peruvian" in Spanish), they are actually native to Mexico and are a common ingredient in Mexican soups and side dishes. Mayocoba beans have a buttery taste, and are said to have less of a gas-producing effect than other beans." I say they are super yummy and creamy. Similar in texture to butter beans but with a pinto flavor. The dish has an underlying heat, which is pleasant. They were very flavorful and comforting. The curry is so yummy and provides another flavor profile and texture. The staff were two super sweet young ladies under the tutelage of the owner. I just loved how nice they were and how hard they were working. Reminds me of the times I worked with my mother at her job as a teen. Taught me much more than any classroom would have.
Food was really good Customer service excellent Cute restaurant vibes Ambiance- beautifully black owned