Overview Reviews
At Carnitas El Rey, the allure of authentic Mexican cuisine shines brightly. Nestled at 2437 E Main St, Ventura, CA, this gem specializes in carnitas that transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico.
The ambiance is inviting, with no steps or stairs, making it accessible for everyone. The friendly waiter service adds to the warmth, inviting you to relax and savor every bite. The star of the menu, the carnitas, are exceptionally tender and flavorful, embodying a perfect balance of spices and juiciness.
Highlights include their mouthwatering tacos, which pair perfectly with fresh salsa and tortillas made in-house. The vibrant flavors and generous portions make each visit a feast for the senses.
If you’re in Ventura and craving a taste of traditional Mexican dishes, Carnitas El Rey is a must-visit. Call them at (805) 561-6282 to experience this culinary delight for yourself.
Additional Services & Amenities
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Usually plenty of parking
Featured Insights
1
Authentic Carnitas Experience
Carnitas El Rey specializes in fresh, handmade carnitas and res, ensuring every dish is rich in flavor and authenticity. With everything prepared in-house, from tortillas to torta rolls, diners rave about the quality and taste that set this spot apart in Ventura's food scene.
2
Welcoming Atmosphere and Stellar Service
The restaurant boasts a clean environment and friendly staff dedicated to enhancing your dining experience. Customers appreciate the warm service that includes helpful explanations of menu choices, making it easy for newcomers to indulge in their culinary delights.
3
A Must-Visit Spot for Taco Lovers
Carnitas El Rey has quickly become a favorite for its remarkable taco mixtos and torta de carnitas. Guests often drive long distances just to enjoy the perfectly cooked, non-greasy carnitas served alongside delicious sides of rice and beans, topped with fresh salsa and pico de gallo.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
What a find! This place is soooo good! It's very clean when you walk in as are the restrooms. There is a salsa and topping bar. They have Mexican sodas and agua frescas. They only have carnitas and res.(beef) they make everything in house torta rolls to tortillas. What a great addition to Venturas food scene. I can't wait to come back!
Hands down the best carnitas burrito I have had in a minute!!! Simple but delicious, beans, rice, onion, cilantro and salsa in a heated fresh tortilla with cheese melted inside. I'll definitely be back for more!
Very friendly and helpful service in explaining choices. The pork carnitas with pork skin chopped in is something that I would never have tried without the guy helping and explaining. It was really tasty, I got the family meal so was able to use it to make tacos and then burritos with the beans and rice plus their pico de gallo and salsa. We will be visiting this place regularly!
I don't review food at all. But my lord Carnitas El Rey has me driving from Bakersfield twice a month. Always order the tacos mixtos. Then yesterday tried the torta de carnitas. Completely blow me away. Thank you for that amazing food and experience. Definitely worth driving 2 hours. See you and a few weeks.
I decided to come here after seeing their TikTok and realizing they were open! I love that this place is in Ventura and it is not far from where I live! They have plenty of seating which I enjoyed. Truly the best carnitas I have ever had. It was perfectly cooked and not greasy at all. I got their family plates that came with large sides of rice and beans which were also very good! Their tortillas are very delicious with the carnitas! Service was very quickly and friendly!
FYI for peeps .. they don't just offer pork. They also have beef ( tongue, cabeza) Rice , beans and handmade tortillas. Aguas frescas!!! Love jamaica! They are looking to expand their menu! Another great visit! Nice service ! Beautiful and clean restaurant. Grabbed a quick lunch on a busy work day for me !!!I grabbed two tacos surtidos (buche, cueros, carnitas) and a jamaica! Loaded my tacos with all the toppings at their salsa bar. Sooo good! Affordable too :) Dangerous , they're so close from my office !
Yay!! Carnitas El Rey finally opened in Ventura! My family and I have been going to their location in Oxnard for the last 7 years and we are so happy that they have a location closer to our house now. Carnitas estilo Michoacán! Doesn't get better than that! This delicious style of pork is slowed cooked to perfection! My mom is from Michoacán and I can tell you this place is legit! We usually order their 2 pound family pack which comes with freshly made tortillas salsa, pico de gallo, bean and rice. The portions are very generous, we always have leftovers! We also ordered Mexican Cokes in glass bottles, so definitely taste different than can cokes! If you decide to eat inside the restaurant they have a lot of tables. I saw some smaller tables and some bigger tables, we sat in a 4 chair table. The inside is decorated with beautiful authentic Mexican decor! They did a lovely job with their wall art. I love the little touch of glitter in some of the paintings. Shout out to Juan he is always so welcoming and friendly!
Finally Carnitas El Rey in Ventura is open!! This is awesome!! This restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Ventura County. The best Carnitas in the world. I love how fresh and consistently delicious their carnitas are. For anyone that doesn't know what "carnitas" are here is what Wikipedia says: "Carnitas, literally meaning "little meats", is a dish of Mexican cuisine that originated in the state of Michoacán. Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in oil or preferably lard until tender. The process takes three to four hours, and the result is very tender and juicy meat, which is then typically served with chopped cilantro (coriander leaves), diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and refried beans (frijoles refritos)." Thank you Wikipedia! Dame otro taco de carnitas por favor. If you haven't tried them yet, oh man, give them a chance, you'll turn into a regular at first bite!
Beth K.