Located in the heart of Petaluma, Cocina Antigua offers an immersive culinary experience that brings traditional Mexican cuisine to life with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The menu reflects a deep respect for Mexican heritage, combining time-honored recipes with a modern presentation that appeals to both locals and visitors.
From vibrant appetizers to rich entrees and decadent desserts, Cocina Antigua’s menu is a celebration of bold tastes and meticulous craftsmanship. Every dish tells a story—whether it’s the use of hand-made tortillas or the slow-cooked meats seasoned with native spices, each plate is thoughtfully curated to provide an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident not only in the ingredients but also in the diversity of dishes offered. From the tangy zest of ceviches to the hearty comfort of mole sauces, the menu caters to a wide range of palates while maintaining authenticity.
Additionally, the ambiance at Cocina Antigua complements the menu perfectly, inviting guests to savor each bite in a warm, welcoming environment. Guests often find themselves drawn back by the consistency and creativity of the dishes, making the restaurant a staple destination in Petaluma’s vibrant food scene.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Beginning
The appetizer section at Cocina Antigua offers a lively introduction to Mexican cuisine, designed to awaken the palate with fresh, vibrant flavors. These starters range from light and refreshing to rich and savory, setting the tone for the meal ahead.
One of the standout appetizers is the Guacamole Tradicional, made fresh tableside using ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality, and it pairs beautifully with their house-made tortilla chips.
Another favorite is the Ceviche de Camarón, a zesty shrimp ceviche marinated in citrus juices with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
The appetizers also feature creative twists on classic dishes. For instance, the Queso Fundido comes loaded with melted cheeses, chorizo, and roasted poblanos, served with warm tortillas that are perfect for scooping.
These starters not only provide a variety of textures and tastes but also display the kitchen’s ability to balance bold flavors with subtle nuances.
- Guacamole Tradicional – Freshly prepared with lime and jalapeño
- Ceviche de Camarón – Citrus-marinated shrimp with vegetables
- Queso Fundido – Melted cheese with chorizo and roasted peppers
- Elote Asado – Grilled corn with creamy sauces and spices
“The appetizers at Cocina Antigua perfectly capture the essence of Mexican street food, elevated with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques.” – Local Food Critic
Soups and Salads: Fresh and Comforting
The soups and salads section offers a blend of comforting and refreshing options that complement the heartier dishes on the menu. These selections highlight seasonal produce and traditional Mexican flavors, providing light yet satisfying choices.
One of the most popular soups is the Sopa de Tortilla, a rich tomato broth infused with smoky chipotle, topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and queso fresco. This dish is a perfect balance of spicy and savory elements, warming the soul with every spoonful.
Another notable offering is the Calabaza y Chipotle, a creamy pumpkin soup with a hint of smoky heat, showcasing the kitchen’s skill in layering flavors.
Salads at Cocina Antigua are crafted with the same attention to detail, featuring fresh greens tossed with herbs, citrus, and traditional ingredients like jicama and pepitas. The Ensalada de Nopales is a standout—cactus paddles marinated and mixed with tomatoes, onions, and queso fresco, delivering a uniquely Mexican flavor profile that is both tangy and earthy.
- Sopa de Tortilla – Traditional tomato and chipotle soup
- Calabaza y Chipotle – Creamy pumpkin soup with smoky notes
- Ensalada de Nopales – Marinated cactus salad with fresh vegetables
- Ensalada de Quinoa – Quinoa with black beans, corn, and avocado
| Soup/Salad | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Sopa de Tortilla | Tomato, chipotle, tortilla strips, avocado | Smoky, spicy, savory |
| Calabaza y Chipotle | Pumpkin, chipotle, cream | Creamy, smoky, slightly sweet |
| Ensalada de Nopales | Cactus paddles, tomatoes, onions, queso fresco | Tangy, earthy, fresh |
Traditional Tacos: The Heart of the Menu
Tacos are an essential part of Mexican cuisine, and Cocina Antigua excels in offering a diverse taco selection that honors tradition while inviting innovation. Each taco is crafted with care, from the hand-pressed tortillas to the carefully seasoned fillings.
The menu features classics like Tacos al Pastor, where marinated pork is slow-cooked on a spit and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. This dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements perfectly, delivering an authentic street-food experience.
For those seeking something different, the Tacos de Pescado offers grilled or fried fish topped with tangy slaw and creamy sauces, illustrating the coastal influences in Mexican cuisine.
Vegetarian options are also thoughtfully represented, with selections such as Tacos de Hongos, featuring sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs. The attention to detail extends to the use of fresh salsas and garnishes, allowing guests to customize their tacos to their preferred heat and flavor intensity.
- Tacos al Pastor – Marinated pork with pineapple and cilantro
- Tacos de Pescado – Grilled or fried fish with slaw
- Tacos de Hongos – Sautéed mushrooms with garlic
- Tacos de Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork with pickled onions
“The tacos at Cocina Antigua are a masterclass in balance—each bite bursts with tradition and fresh, vibrant flavor.” – Culinary Enthusiast
Entrées: Rich and Satisfying
The entrée section showcases dishes that embody the richness and depth of Mexican cooking. These main courses are perfect for diners looking to indulge in hearty, complex flavors that linger on the palate.
One of the signature dishes is the Mole Poblano, a luxurious sauce made from a blend of chilies, chocolate, nuts, and spices, served over tender chicken. This dish is a testament to the layers of flavor achievable through slow cooking and careful ingredient selection.
Another highlight is the Cochinita Pibil, pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves, and roasted until meltingly tender—capturing the essence of Yucatecan cuisine.
Vegetarian options like Chiles Rellenos stuffed with cheese and vegetables provide satisfying alternatives without compromising on traditional flavor profiles. Side dishes such as rice, beans, and sautéed vegetables are freshly prepared to complement each entrée, ensuring a balanced and complete meal.
- Mole Poblano – Chicken with rich, complex mole sauce
- Cochinita Pibil – Slow-roasted achiote-marinated pork
- Chiles Rellenos – Stuffed poblano peppers with cheese
- Carne Asada – Grilled steak with fresh herbs and spices
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Technique | Flavor Notes |
| Mole Poblano | Chilies, chocolate, nuts, chicken | Slow simmered | Rich, spicy, slightly sweet |
| Cochinita Pibil | Pork, achiote, citrus, banana leaf | Banana leaf roasting | Tender, citrusy, savory |
| Chiles Rellenos | Poblano peppers, cheese, vegetables | Stuffed and fried or baked | Cheesy, mild heat, savory |
Sides and Accompaniments: Enhancing Every Bite
The sides at Cocina Antigua are thoughtfully designed to enhance the main dishes and add layers of texture and flavor. These accompaniments range from traditional staples to creative twists on classic Mexican ingredients.
Among the most popular sides is the Frijoles Refritos, creamy refried beans cooked with lard and seasoned to perfection. This dish adds a hearty, comforting element to any meal.
Another beloved side is the Arroz Rojo, a vibrant Mexican red rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, offering a subtly tangy contrast to richer entrees.
The menu also features fresh vegetable options like Calabacitas, sautéed zucchini with corn and peppers, which provide a light, flavorful counterpoint. Additionally, pickled vegetables and house-made salsas allow guests to customize their plates, adding bursts of acidity or heat as desired.
- Frijoles Refritos – Creamy refried beans with traditional seasoning
- Arroz Rojo – Mexican red rice with tomatoes and garlic
- Calabacitas – Sautéed zucchini with corn and peppers
- Pickled Vegetables – Tangy, crunchy accompaniments
“The sides at Cocina Antigua are more than just fillers—they’re integral parts of the meal that elevate every bite.” – Seasoned Food Blogger
Desserts: Sweet Mexican Traditions
The dessert offerings at Cocina Antigua pay homage to beloved Mexican sweets, providing a satisfying conclusion to the meal. These desserts balance sweetness with traditional flavors and textures, perfect for those looking to indulge or simply enjoy a light treat.
The Flan de Cajeta is a creamy caramel custard made with goat milk caramel, offering a subtle depth of flavor that is both silky and rich. Another favorite is the Churros con Chocolate, crispy fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce, evoking the joy of street food indulgence.
For something lighter, the Helado de Mango provides a refreshing tropical finish, made in-house with ripe mangoes and a touch of lime. These desserts underscore the restaurant’s dedication to authentic ingredients and traditional recipes, ensuring that guests leave with sweet memories.
- Flan de Cajeta – Goat milk caramel custard
- Churros con Chocolate – Cinnamon sugar churros with chocolate sauce
- Helado de Mango – Fresh mango ice cream with lime
- Arroz con Leche – Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Flavor Profile |
| Flan de Cajeta | Eggs, goat milk caramel, sugar | Silky, smooth | Sweet, caramelized |
| Churros con Chocolate | Flour, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate | Crispy exterior, soft interior | Sweet, cinnamon-spiced, rich chocolate |
| Helado de Mango | Mango, lime, cream | Creamy, cold | Fruity, refreshing |
Beverages: Complementing the Culinary Journey
Cocina Antigua’s beverage menu is curated to pair seamlessly with the diverse flavors found throughout the food offerings. From traditional Mexican drinks to craft cocktails, the selection aims to elevate the dining experience.
Non-alcoholic options include freshly made aguas frescas, such as Horchata, a cinnamon-infused rice milk drink that provides a sweet, cooling counterbalance to spicy dishes. The Agua de Jamaica, a hibiscus tea with a tart floral flavor, is another popular choice, offering refreshment and complexity.
The cocktail list features innovative takes on Mexican classics, including the Paloma, made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila, and the smoky Mezcal Mule, which combines mezcal with ginger beer and lime.
These drinks are crafted to complement the rich spices and bold flavors of the cuisine, enhancing the overall sensory journey.
- Horchata – Cinnamon rice milk
- Agua de Jamaica – Hibiscus iced tea
- Paloma – Tequila with grapefruit and soda
- Mezcal Mule – Mezcal with ginger beer and lime
“The beverage selection at Cocina Antigua is thoughtfully designed to refresh and complement, making each sip a perfect match to the meal’s intensity.” – Beverage Expert
Conclusion
Cocina Antigua Petaluma’s menu is a vibrant tribute to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico. Every section—from appetizers to desserts—showcases a dedication to authenticity balanced with creativity, making it a standout destination for anyone seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
The thoughtful ingredient choices, expert cooking techniques, and balanced flavor profiles work harmoniously to create an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu’s variety ensures there is something for every palate, whether one prefers the light freshness of ceviche or the hearty comfort of mole. The inclusion of vegetarian options and a well-curated beverage list further demonstrate the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.
Ultimately, dining at Cocina Antigua is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious journey through Mexican culture and tradition, marked by passion and respect for the culinary arts.
