Caló Kitchen + Tequila

A++ will be returning in the future with more KYT Dental Services staff members to enjoy the fantastic food, outstanding service, and inviting ambiance. Our entire team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looks forward to coming back to Calo Kitchen + Tequila!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Caló Kitchen, and I must say, the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. From the moment I walked in and sat at the beautiful bar, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance alone was enough to make me feel excited about the meal ahead. I am thrilled to share my glowing review of Caló Kitchen. As soon as I settled into my seat, I was warmly greeted by a server who promptly provided me with menus and a refreshing glass of water. To my delight, they also offered complimentary chips and salsa to start the meal. It was a fantastic way to whet my appetite and set the stage for the culinary delights to come. Speaking of delights, the margaritas I ordered were absolutely delicious. Each sip was a burst of flavor that perfectly complemented the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant. It was evident that careful attention was paid to crafting a well-balanced and satisfying drink. For my main meal, I decided to try the Carnitas, and it did not disappoint. The tender, succulent meat was expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Every bite was a savory delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed savoring each mouthful. The dish was a true testament to the skill and dedication of the chefs at Caló Kitchen. As if the meal itself wasn't delightful enough, the dessert I ordered was simply heavenly. The flourless chocolate cake drizzled with caramel was an absolute masterpiece. Each forkful was a symphony of rich, decadent flavors that danced on my palate. It was the perfect ending to an already exceptional dining experience. The service at Caló Kitchen was top-notch. The staff was not only attentive but also friendly and accommodating. They made sure that every need was met and that I felt welcomed and comfortable throughout my meal. The level of hospitality displayed by the team truly enhanced my overall experience. Caló Kitchen has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on me. From the beautiful bar to the excellent service and, most importantly, the delectable food, every aspect of my visit was a delight. I can confidently say that I will be returning to Caló Kitchen in the future to experience more of their culinary offerings. If you're in search of a memorable dining experience, I highly recommend paying a visit to Caló Kitchen.

It was our 40 year anniversary so I made reservations, for my wife and I, at “Calo Kitchen” on a Thursday evening. We were seated immediately, at a very nice booth. Our waiter, Hunter, greeted us with a big smile and suggested a spicy strawberry margarita to start. It had the right spicy kick and was delicious. My wife ordered the ribeye tacos and I went with the pineapple pork tacos. Hunter brought us chips and salsa with some wonderful black bean dip also. The food arrived quickly hot from the kitchen. I got a bite of her ribeye taco and it was melt in your mouth delicious. My pineapple pork tacos had the perfect mix of spicy and sweet and the pork was tender and tasty. We ordered the churros with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They were the best churros I’ve ever had. Hunter was very friendly and professional, he exemplified what every good waiter should be. When you get excellent service be sure to leave a good tip. I left Hunter a great tip (26%) and he deserved every penny. I would highly recommend “Calo Kitchen” to anyone. Ask for Hunter. Be sure to tell him you read Steve’s review !

This was an amazing night out with family. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was amazing and the service was so friendly. I would highly recommend this place for a fun night out with friends. We had a variety of dishes to share. Highly recommend the shrimp and lobster enchilada (Clemente's enchilada). Their cocktails are super delicious too. Pineapple chilli cocktail was the great pick.

10/10 , perfect place for our fun office after party. The food was delicious and we even had the Chef to our table.

The food was excellent as was the service. Our server Andrew was one of the best, most personable servers I have ever had. Had a party of 8 which the place is not really designed for, but they handled it perfectly. The menu has a lot of interesting choices, including a lot of Mexican seafood. The atmosphere inside is fun and the bar was lively. Many people sitting at the bar eating. The back side is open to outdoors so it is a nice environment, but just a bit loud since it is near the street. Overall very much enjoyed the place.

The service was amazing! The lead server Nick was attentive and made sure all of our needs were met right away. I will be definitely coming back to request being in Nick’s section.

Martha Murphy

Move over Javier's! Calo has the best spicy Margarita!!🔥The drinks don't only look pretty but the flavors are bold and flavorful. We ordered seafood enchiladas, Caritas and seafood trio. The flavors were on point and the service EXCEPTIONAL!

neda afkhami

This is a great option if you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience in Laguna Niguel. The decor gives off a luxurious feel and service is top notch. Dishes are nicely plated and generally in the range of $30 to $50. Tables are provided with complimentary chips, salsa and black bean dip. The bean dip has a smoky, satisfying flavor. I wish the burrito had something similar but instead it comes with pinto beans which were slightly lacking in flavor. Portion sizes are large and location is convenient. It is near the freeway and also makes for a quick dinner stop after watching a movie at Regency Theaters, which is one street over.

Geo W

The food was really good, and actually not too expensive for what it is. Came by for lunch with a group of 6 and spent a total of $42 each when we split the bill. The food seems to be made with quality ingredients. It was very fancy Mexican food, but it felt authentic. The tamale I had was awesome, as well as the enchilada. There was a little mixup with some of our appetizers, but the waiter made up for it. Will definitely be back when I'm in the area again.

Antoni Gambetta

From the moment we crossed the threshold into the restaurant, Ink knew we were in for a treat. This place has a wonderful atmosphere and a large wrap around bar centralized to the entrance. If I was there at any other time, I would have enjoyed the bar and tequila. However today was a working lunch. The patio has a wonderful view and heaters that they are willing to adjust to your preference. When we say we were treated by Kyla who was a vibrant, helpful and charming server. She provided us with wonderful recommendations and told us why she enjoyed each dish. You could feel how much she enjoyed the food and it truly influenced my choices. I had the combo plate. Kayla informed me that the short rib enchilada could be added and the elote could be put into a bowl for Easter of eating in my suit. Very thoughtful and poignant suggestions! The guacamole starter was light and flavorful, a perfect representation. My combo plate had the best chili relleno I have ever had. I travel half the country and love food, this was amazing!!! The chicken asado taco was grilled and seasoned deliciously and the short rib enchilada was stellar. The sauce and short rib were velvety however adding some of the guacamole elevated the dish with a little needed green balance. I highly recommend visiting this place and it is now on my rotation for my visits to the area.

KG

It’s been three years since I first discovered this spot, and I still never get tired of it. My girlfriend and I come here often since it’s close to home, usually stopping by every Tuesday after work. We always sit at the bar, it’s where all the action is! The staff is consistently pleasant, and honestly, everything on the menu is solid. Three years later, the Tamarindo Sour is still my go-to cocktail. This time we ordered the veggie tacos, ahi ceviche, Mexico City quesadilla, potato-filled taquitos, and of course, my favorite side grilled serrano peppers and onions. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Calo’s over Javier’s any day. The flavors and prices here just can’t be beat. Fight me!

Florina Massbaum

10/10 , perfect place for our fun office after party. The food was delicious and we even had the Chef to our table.

Cheryl Nasser

Have been here several times and always consistently good. Looking for a restaurant that is open until 10pm where you can enjoy the bar area or a table, come here. Bartenders and staff here are super friendly and service is quick. Food has excellent flavors and good portions.

Kian Abghari

Went to Caló Kitchen last night with a couple friends and I was genuinely impressed with how everything went. High ceilings upon entry with great decor and it was busy! We had about a 20 minute wait but the best part was a drink order while waiting. Service was great and the food was very good. The Guacamole is a must and the shrimp ceviche was also very fresh. Favorite item on the menu was the halibut tacos. They were so tasty! It goes without saying that the tequila selection was also great and the taramind cocktail was a hit!

KYT Dental Services

A++ will be returning in the future with more KYT Dental Services staff members to enjoy the fantastic food, outstanding service, and inviting ambiance. Our entire team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looks forward to coming back to Calo Kitchen + Tequila!

Rebecca

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Caló Kitchen, and I must say, the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. From the moment I walked in and sat at the beautiful bar, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance alone was enough to make me feel excited about the meal ahead. I am thrilled to share my glowing review of Caló Kitchen. As soon as I settled into my seat, I was warmly greeted by a server who promptly provided me with menus and a refreshing glass of water. To my delight, they also offered complimentary chips and salsa to start the meal. It was a fantastic way to whet my appetite and set the stage for the culinary delights to come. Speaking of delights, the margaritas I ordered were absolutely delicious. Each sip was a burst of flavor that perfectly complemented the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant. It was evident that careful attention was paid to crafting a well-balanced and satisfying drink. For my main meal, I decided to try the Carnitas, and it did not disappoint. The tender, succulent meat was expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Every bite was a savory delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed savoring each mouthful. The dish was a true testament to the skill and dedication of the chefs at Caló Kitchen. As if the meal itself wasn't delightful enough, the dessert I ordered was simply heavenly. The flourless chocolate cake drizzled with caramel was an absolute masterpiece. Each forkful was a symphony of rich, decadent flavors that danced on my palate. It was the perfect ending to an already exceptional dining experience. The service at Caló Kitchen was top-notch. The staff was not only attentive but also friendly and accommodating. They made sure that every need was met and that I felt welcomed and comfortable throughout my meal. The level of hospitality displayed by the team truly enhanced my overall experience. Caló Kitchen has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on me. From the beautiful bar to the excellent service and, most importantly, the delectable food, every aspect of my visit was a delight. I can confidently say that I will be returning to Caló Kitchen in the future to experience more of their culinary offerings. If you're in search of a memorable dining experience, I highly recommend paying a visit to Caló Kitchen.

Steve

It was our 40 year anniversary so I made reservations, for my wife and I, at “Calo Kitchen” on a Thursday evening. We were seated immediately, at a very nice booth. Our waiter, Hunter, greeted us with a big smile and suggested a spicy strawberry margarita to start. It had the right spicy kick and was delicious. My wife ordered the ribeye tacos and I went with the pineapple pork tacos. Hunter brought us chips and salsa with some wonderful black bean dip also. The food arrived quickly hot from the kitchen. I got a bite of her ribeye taco and it was melt in your mouth delicious. My pineapple pork tacos had the perfect mix of spicy and sweet and the pork was tender and tasty. We ordered the churros with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They were the best churros I’ve ever had. Hunter was very friendly and professional, he exemplified what every good waiter should be. When you get excellent service be sure to leave a good tip. I left Hunter a great tip (26%) and he deserved every penny. I would highly recommend “Calo Kitchen” to anyone. Ask for Hunter. Be sure to tell him you read Steve’s review !

Rajina Sujanthan

This was an amazing night out with family. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was amazing and the service was so friendly. I would highly recommend this place for a fun night out with friends. We had a variety of dishes to share. Highly recommend the shrimp and lobster enchilada (Clemente's enchilada). Their cocktails are super delicious too. Pineapple chilli cocktail was the great pick.

Michael St. Denis

The food was excellent as was the service. Our server Andrew was one of the best, most personable servers I have ever had. Had a party of 8 which the place is not really designed for, but they handled it perfectly. The menu has a lot of interesting choices, including a lot of Mexican seafood. The atmosphere inside is fun and the bar was lively. Many people sitting at the bar eating. The back side is open to outdoors so it is a nice environment, but just a bit loud since it is near the street. Overall very much enjoyed the place.

Lee Strz (ExceptionL)

Very happy with the fajitas I ordered. Flour tortillas were perfect for the 1 year old. Lots of flavor in these fajitas. They don't come out on a skillet like other places but def has hit the spot. The chips here are amazing especially while hot. The bean dip and salsa are also very tasty. Service was great. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is the fried rice cream. While good it was kind of lack luster. Everything I tried here tasted authentic. Try this place out!

This is a wonderful Mexican restaurant with a great bar. It has a great atmosphere with something you rarely get these days: great service and great food as well as good portion sizes. These days, any one of those things is hard to come by; but at Ciao you get all three: great food, great bar, and great service. While the costs are a little on the higher side, the quality of the food and beverages combined with the great service make the costs worthwhile overall. To ensure that this was not a one off type of experience, we have visited this location at least 5 times. We have been seated in the dining room, the patio, and even just at the bar, and each and every time it was a great experience and very filling.

Absolutely phenomenal restaurant!! It was so good we came back two days later to eat again. The food was delicious. The kind of meal where you can't stop eating, even when you are completely full. We had the halibut tacos, quinoa salad, chicken fajitas and guacamole. Zero complaints, this place is spot on. Along with the complimentary chips and salsa, you also get refried beans. If you like it spicy, order the habenaro salsa. The spicy margarita was delicious and the drinks are reasonaby priced. The service is impeccable. You dont just get a server, you get a team that refills water, chips and salsa without having to ask for it. Thank you for TWO amazing experiences this week!

Cristina D.

Nothing short of AWESOME: the food, the margaritas, the service, the ambiance, but most importantly the assistant manager Kevin made our entire evening SPECIAL and hard to forget. Thank you to Kevin, and to our server, for a very special evening with incredible customer service! A great new Mexican restaurant in Laguna Niguel!

James False Flag21

We had a great time. Our service was great. The food was great. I had the "Tampiquña", wife had shrimp taquitos which she loved. The child had chicken quesadilla. We also ordered the churros and the deep fried ice cream....all delicious.

Gage

Absolutely phenomenal restaurant!! It was so good we came back two days later to eat again. The food was delicious. The kind of meal where you can't stop eating, even when you are completely full. We had the halibut tacos, quinoa salad, chicken fajitas and guacamole. Zero complaints, this place is spot on. Along with the complimentary chips and salsa, you also get refried beans. If you like it spicy, order the habenaro salsa. The spicy margarita was delicious and the drinks are reasonaby priced. The service is impeccable. You dont just get a server, you get a team that refills water, chips and salsa without having to ask for it. Thank you for TWO amazing experiences this week!

Consumer Advocate

This is a wonderful Mexican restaurant with a great bar. It has a great atmosphere with something you rarely get these days: great service and great food as well as good portion sizes. These days, any one of those things is hard to come by; but at Ciao you get all three: great food, great bar, and great service. While the costs are a little on the higher side, the quality of the food and beverages combined with the great service make the costs worthwhile overall. To ensure that this was not a one off type of experience, we have visited this location at least 5 times. We have been seated in the dining room, the patio, and even just at the bar, and each and every time it was a great experience and very filling.

We stopped by for drinks and a few side dishes. Tried the Cadillac Margarita, Mezcal en Fuego, and Mango Caliente — all were great. The Smokey Caesar Salad, Spinach Enchiladas, and Ahi Ceviche were fresh and tasty. Loved the vibe and cozy indoor atmosphere.

mah maleki

We stopped by for drinks and a few side dishes. Tried the Cadillac Margarita, Mezcal en Fuego, and Mango Caliente — all were great. The Smokey Caesar Salad, Spinach Enchiladas, and Ahi Ceviche were fresh and tasty. Loved the vibe and cozy indoor atmosphere.

Joe Pequet

Good little place for some drinks and food. Nice selection of tequilas, beers, wines and other spirits. The menu is not large, but has some very good options, and there is breakfast served on the weekend, also not a large menu, but equally delicious. The staff was nice and knowledgeable. I would recommend to anybody.