Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures, and few places capture that essence better than Cantarito Mexican Restaurant. Known for its authentic dishes and warm atmosphere, Cantarito offers a menu that celebrates traditional Mexican cooking with a contemporary twist.
Whether you’re craving the bold spices of a classic taco or the comforting warmth of a slow-cooked stew, Cantarito’s menu delivers an unforgettable experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Mexico.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored recipes shines through every item, from appetizers to desserts. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh produce, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the diverse menu ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer mild flavors or a spicy kick.
Exploring Cantarito’s menu is like embarking on a culinary journey through Mexico’s rich regions. From street food favorites to hearty entrees and refreshing beverages, the menu showcases a wide array of options that satisfy both casual diners and connoisseurs alike.
The combination of authentic flavors and attentive service makes every meal memorable.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Cantarito sets the tone for the meal, featuring a variety of small plates designed to excite the palate. These starters highlight traditional Mexican ingredients with a modern presentation, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo as a light introduction.
Popular options include freshly made guacamole, bursting with ripe avocados and zesty lime, alongside crispy tortilla chips. Another standout is the Queso Fundido, a rich blend of melted cheeses often served with chorizo or mushrooms, perfect for dipping or savoring with warm tortillas.
For those seeking something with a bit more heat, the Spicy Jalapeño Poppers offer a delightful balance of creamy cheese and fiery peppers, wrapped in a crispy shell. These appetizers are crafted to complement the main courses, creating a harmonious start to your meal.
Signature Starters
- Guacamole Tradicional: Hand-mashed avocados, fresh cilantro, onions, and lime juice.
- Queso Fundido con Chorizo: Melted cheese mixed with spicy Mexican sausage.
- Elote a la Mexicana: Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Jalapeño Poppers: Jalapeños stuffed with cheese, breaded and fried to perfection.
“The appetizers at Cantarito are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal.”
Tacos and Tortas
Tacos and tortas form the heart of Cantarito’s menu, showcasing classic Mexican street food elevated with fresh, quality ingredients. These handheld delights offer a spectrum of flavors, from savory meats to vibrant vegetables.
The tacos are served on soft corn tortillas, maintaining authentic texture and taste. Each variety is generously filled with seasoned meats like carne asada, carnitas, and barbacoa, complemented by fresh garnishes such as cilantro, onions, and tangy salsas.
For those seeking a vegetarian option, grilled cactus and sautéed mushrooms provide satisfying alternatives.
Tortas, Mexican-style sandwiches, feature crusty bolillo rolls packed with layers of meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables. The combination of crispy bread and rich fillings creates a satisfying meal that balances textures and flavors beautifully.
Popular Taco and Torta Choices
| Item | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Taco al Pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple, onions, cilantro | Sweet, smoky, tangy |
| Torta de Milanesa | Breaded beef, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo | Crispy, creamy, savory |
| Taco de Hongos | Grilled mushrooms, garlic, onions, cilantro | Earthy, savory, fresh |
| Torta de Pollo | Shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, lettuce | Spicy, cheesy, hearty |
Entrées and Specialty Dishes
Cantarito’s entrée menu features a range of hearty and flavorful dishes inspired by Mexican culinary traditions. These plates are designed to satisfy both the casual diner and those looking for a more substantial meal.
Signature dishes include the slow-cooked Cochinita Pibil, a tender pork roast marinated in achiote and citrus, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection. Another favorite is the Chile Relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese or meat, baked in a rich tomato sauce.
The menu also offers a variety of grilled and stewed options, each crafted with care to highlight authentic spices and cooking methods. These entrées often come with traditional sides such as rice, beans, and freshly made tortillas to round out the meal.
Featured Entrées
- Cochinita Pibil: Slow-roasted pork with achiote marinade, served with pickled onions and black beans.
- Chile Relleno: Roasted poblano pepper filled with cheese or ground meat, topped with tomato sauce.
- Carne Asada: Grilled skirt steak marinated in lime and garlic, served with rice and guacamole.
- Mole Poblano: Chicken simmered in a rich chocolate and chili sauce traditional to Puebla.
“Entrées at Cantarito are a testament to Mexico’s regional diversity, each dish telling a story steeped in heritage.”
Soups and Salads
For those seeking lighter options, the soups and salads at Cantarito offer refreshing and nourishing choices without compromising on authentic flavors. These dishes often incorporate fresh vegetables, herbs, and traditional Mexican spices.
The Sopa de Tortilla is a standout, featuring a flavorful tomato broth enriched with fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and chili. It is both comforting and vibrant, a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Salads combine crisp greens with elements like grilled corn, black beans, and queso fresco, dressed in tangy vinaigrettes.
These lighter dishes serve as excellent starters or can be enjoyed as standalone meals for those looking for something less heavy but still satisfying.
Popular Soups and Salads
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Recommended Pairings |
| Sopa de Tortilla | Tomato broth, fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, chili | Tacos, Quesadillas |
| Ensalada de Nopales | Cactus paddles, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime dressing | Grilled meats, Tortas |
| Salad Verde | Mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, jalapeño vinaigrette | Seafood dishes, Light entrees |
Desserts
Cantarito’s dessert menu offers a sweet finale to the meal, featuring traditional Mexican sweets alongside contemporary interpretations. Each dessert is crafted to balance sweetness with subtle spices and textures.
Classic options such as Churros are served warm, dusted with cinnamon sugar and accompanied by rich chocolate dipping sauce. Another favorite is Flan, a creamy caramel custard with a smooth, velvety texture that melts in the mouth.
For those looking for something lighter, fresh fruit with chili powder and lime offers a refreshing contrast to richer sweets. The dessert offerings provide the perfect conclusion to a flavorful meal, leaving guests satisfied and eager to return.
Sweet Highlights
- Churros con Chocolate: Fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar with chocolate sauce.
- Flan Casero: Creamy caramel custard made fresh daily.
- Arroz con Leche: Traditional rice pudding with cinnamon and vanilla.
- Fruit con Chile: Seasonal fresh fruit dusted with chili powder and lime juice.
“The desserts at Cantarito perfectly balance tradition and indulgence, a sweet reflection of Mexico’s culinary heritage.”
Beverages and Drinks
The beverage selection at Cantarito complements the menu with a variety of traditional and modern drinks. From refreshing aguas frescas to robust Mexican beers and handcrafted cocktails, there is a drink to match every dish.
Signature beverages include the Horchata, a sweet rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon, and Jamaica, a hibiscus flower infusion that is tart and invigorating. Cocktail options feature classics like the Margarita, made with fresh lime juice and premium tequila, as well as unique house blends incorporating Mexican flavors.
The restaurant also offers a curated list of Mexican wines and mezcals, providing an excellent pairing for the diverse flavors found throughout the menu.
Popular Drinks
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Horchata | Rice, cinnamon, sugar, milk | Sweet, creamy, cinnamon-spiced |
| Agua de Jamaica | Hibiscus flowers, sugar, lime | Tart, floral, refreshing |
| Margarita | Tequila, lime juice, triple sec | Tart, citrusy, smooth |
| Mezcal Neat | 100% agave mezcal | Smoky, earthy, complex |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Cantarito is committed to accommodating diverse dietary preferences, offering a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options maintain the rich flavors and textures that define Mexican cuisine without compromising on quality or authenticity.
Vegetarian guests can enjoy dishes like the Enchiladas Verdes filled with cheese and topped with tangy tomatillo sauce, while vegan diners can savor the Tacos de Nopal featuring tender cactus paddles and sautéed vegetables.
The kitchen takes care to use fresh herbs, spices, and plant-based ingredients to ensure these dishes are both satisfying and flavorful.
Many traditional side dishes such as rice, beans, and salads are vegan or easily modified, making it simple for guests with dietary restrictions to enjoy a complete meal.
Plant-Based Favorites
- Enchiladas Verdes: Corn tortillas filled with cheese and smothered in green tomatillo sauce (vegetarian).
- Tacos de Nopal: Grilled cactus with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro (vegan).
- Vegetable Fajitas: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Black Bean Soup: Hearty soup made with seasoned black beans, garlic, and spices (vegan).
“Cantarito’s dedication to vegetarian and vegan dishes demonstrates that authenticity and dietary inclusivity can go hand in hand.”
Conclusion
The menu at Cantarito Mexican Restaurant is a celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, expertly prepared and presented with care. Each section of the menu, from appetizers to desserts, reflects a deep respect for traditional flavors while embracing creativity and fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re indulging in the bold spices of tacos al pastor, savoring the comforting warmth of a mole sauce, or enjoying a refreshing horchata alongside your meal, Cantarito offers a dining experience that is both authentic and inviting.
With an extensive range of options catering to meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike, the menu ensures that every guest finds something to delight their palate. The thoughtful pairing of dishes with beverages, and the inclusion of regional specialties, makes Cantarito more than just a meal—it’s a cultural journey through Mexico’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
Dining at Cantarito is not simply about eating; it is about savoring the stories, traditions, and vibrant tastes that define Mexican cuisine. This dedication to authenticity and quality ensures that every visit is memorable, encouraging guests to return time and again to explore new flavors and favorites alike.
