Nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Monica, King And Queen Cantina offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that artfully blends tradition with a contemporary twist. The menu is a captivating journey through classic flavors and innovative dishes, designed to satisfy both casual diners and culinary adventurers.
From the moment you step inside, the lively atmosphere and colorful decor set the tone for a memorable meal. Whether you’re craving street-style tacos, rich enchiladas, or refreshing cocktails, the cantina’s menu has something to delight every palate.
King And Queen Cantina’s approach to food emphasizes fresh ingredients and bold spices, celebrating Mexico’s diverse culinary heritage. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to balance taste, texture, and presentation.
The menu caters to a wide range of preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Mexico. Beyond just food, the cantina offers an impressive selection of beverages, carefully curated to complement the dishes and enhance the overall experience.
Exploring the King And Queen Cantina menu is like embarking on a flavorful adventure through Mexico’s regions, with each plate telling a story of heritage and creativity. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a festive dinner with friends, or a special celebration, the menu provides an inviting canvas of tastes that make every visit unforgettable.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizers at King And Queen Cantina set the stage for a delightful meal with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. Designed to be shared or enjoyed solo, these starters showcase a range of traditional Mexican bites alongside some inventive creations.
They’re perfect for whetting your appetite or complementing a refreshing drink.
Signature starters include classic dishes like Guacamole Fresco, made tableside with ripe avocados, tangy lime, and a hint of cilantro. The chips are freshly fried, adding a satisfying crunch.
Another popular choice is the Elote Mexicano, Mexican street corn slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce topped with cotija cheese and chili powder.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Camarones a la Diabla, shrimp cooked in a fiery red chili sauce that balances heat with a touch of sweetness. Vegetarians are not left out, with options like Queso Fundido, melted cheese with roasted poblano peppers and mushrooms, perfect for dipping with warm tortillas.
Popular Starters Highlights
- Guacamole Fresco: Freshly made, customizable spice level
- Elote Mexicano: Sweet corn with chili, mayo, and cheese
- Camarones a la Diabla: Spicy shrimp in rich sauce
- Queso Fundido: Melted cheese with roasted vegetables
“The appetizers here are a perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting textures, making them an ideal introduction to the meal.” – Local Food Critic
Tacos and Street Food
The tacos at King And Queen Cantina are a celebration of Mexico’s street food culture, offering a diverse selection that appeals to all tastes. Each taco is crafted with care, using homemade tortillas and fillings sourced from high-quality ingredients.
The menu ranges from classic carne asada to innovative vegetarian options.
Among the standout tacos is the Al Pastor, marinated pork cooked with pineapple, onions, and cilantro, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The Fish Tacos feature crispy battered fish topped with cabbage slaw and a zesty crema, evoking coastal Mexican flavors.
For a heartier option, the Barbacoa tacos are slow-cooked beef with tender texture and deep, smoky notes.
The section also includes smaller bites such as Quesadillas and Gorditas, which are thick corn cakes filled with a variety of savory ingredients. These street food staples offer a filling and flavorful alternative to the traditional taco.
Taco Varieties and Ingredients
| Taco Type | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple, onions, cilantro | Sweet, savory, smoky |
| Fish Tacos | Battered fish, cabbage slaw, crema | Crisp, tangy, creamy |
| Barbacoa | Slow-cooked beef, spices | Rich, smoky, tender |
| Vegetarian Quesadilla | Cheese, roasted vegetables | Cheesy, earthy, warm |
- Freshly made tortillas: Corn and flour options available
- Customizable toppings: Salsa, guacamole, and pickled vegetables
- Gluten-free options: Available upon request
Entrées and Main Courses
The main courses at King And Queen Cantina showcase the depth and variety of Mexican cuisine, from hearty plates to refined dishes. The menu offers a broad selection that highlights regional specialties and traditional techniques.
Each entrée is thoughtfully composed to provide a complete and satisfying dining experience.
One of the most notable dishes is the Mole Poblano, a complex sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices, served over tender chicken. This dish is a testament to Mexican culinary artistry, combining sweet, spicy, and savory elements in perfect harmony.
The Camarones al Ajillo is another favorite, featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil with a hint of chili, served alongside rice and vegetables.
For those seeking something robust, the Carne Asada entrée offers grilled steak marinated in a blend of citrus and spices, accompanied by grilled peppers and onions. Vegetarians can enjoy the Enchiladas Verdes, corn tortillas filled with cheese and topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce.
Main Course Features
- Mole Poblano: Rich, complex, traditional sauce
- Camarones al Ajillo: Garlic shrimp with subtle heat
- Carne Asada: Marinated grilled steak with sides
- Enchiladas Verdes: Cheese-filled, topped with tomatillo salsa
“Each entrée at King And Queen Cantina is a masterclass in balancing bold flavors with authentic preparation.” – Chef’s Review
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
King And Queen Cantina places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are as flavorful and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts. These options highlight the richness of Mexican plant-based cuisine, using fresh vegetables, legumes, and traditional spices.
The Chiles Rellenos are stuffed poblano peppers filled with a savory mix of vegetables and vegan cheese, then lightly fried to perfection. The Vegetarian Tostadas feature crispy tortillas piled high with black beans, avocado, lettuce, and salsa fresca.
For a heartier meal, the Vegan Enchiladas come filled with seasoned tofu and vegetables, topped with a smoky chipotle sauce.
Salads and sides also cater to plant-based diets, with options like Mexican Street Corn Salad made vegan by substituting traditional mayo with a cashew-based dressing. This attention to detail ensures that vegetarians and vegans experience the full spectrum of Mexican flavors.
Vegan and Vegetarian Highlights
- Chiles Rellenos: Vegan cheese and vegetable stuffed peppers
- Vegetarian Tostadas: Black beans, avocado, fresh vegetables
- Vegan Enchiladas: Tofu and vegetable filling with chipotle sauce
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Cashew-based creamy dressing
| Dish | Type | Key Ingredients |
| Chiles Rellenos | Vegetarian/Vegan | Poblano peppers, vegan cheese, vegetables |
| Vegetarian Tostadas | Vegetarian | Black beans, avocado, lettuce, salsa fresca |
| Vegan Enchiladas | Vegan | Tofu, vegetables, chipotle sauce |
| Mexican Street Corn Salad | Vegan | Corn, cashew dressing, chili powder |
Drinks and Cocktails
The beverage menu at King And Queen Cantina complements the food perfectly, featuring an extensive selection of traditional Mexican drinks and innovative cocktails. The bartenders craft each drink with fresh ingredients and a keen eye for balance, ensuring a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to your meal.
Classic cocktails like the Margarita come in various styles, including the traditional lime, spicy jalapeño, and fruity mango. The Paloma, a grapefruit-based cocktail with tequila and a hint of salt, is a favorite for its crisp and invigorating taste.
For those seeking non-alcoholic options, the menu includes authentic aguas frescas like hibiscus and tamarind.
Additionally, the cantina offers a curated list of Mexican beers and tequilas, each selected to pair well with the diverse flavors of the menu. Whether you prefer a light, refreshing beer or a smoky mezcal, the drink offerings elevate the dining experience.
Cocktail and Beverage Options
- Margaritas: Classic, spicy, and fruity varieties
- Paloma: Grapefruit, tequila, salt
- Aguas Frescas: Hibiscus, tamarind, seasonal flavors
- Mexican Beers and Tequilas: Wide selection
“The cocktail menu at King And Queen Cantina is a vibrant expression of Mexico’s rich beverage culture, blending tradition with modern mixology.” – Beverage Expert
Desserts
Ending your meal at King And Queen Cantina with dessert is a delightful experience featuring classic Mexican sweets with a contemporary touch. The dessert menu offers indulgent options that highlight traditional flavors like cinnamon, chocolate, and tropical fruits.
One of the highlights is the Churros con Chocolate, crispy fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar, served with a rich dark chocolate dipping sauce. The Flan Casero is a smooth, creamy caramel custard that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
For a refreshing finale, the Mango Sorbet provides a light, fruity contrast to the richer desserts.
Each dessert is crafted to provide a satisfying conclusion, whether you prefer something warm and comforting or cool and refreshing. They pair beautifully with coffee or a sweet liqueur, rounding out the meal with authentic Mexican flair.
Popular Desserts
- Churros con Chocolate: Cinnamon sugar fried dough, chocolate sauce
- Flan Casero: Caramel custard, creamy texture
- Mango Sorbet: Light, refreshing, tropical
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Spiced, rich, served warm
| Dessert | Description | Flavor Notes |
| Churros con Chocolate | Crispy fried dough with cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce | Sweet, crunchy, rich |
| Flan Casero | Traditional caramel custard | Creamy, smooth, caramelized |
| Mango Sorbet | Frozen mango dessert | Fruity, refreshing, light |
| Mexican Hot Chocolate | Spiced warm chocolate beverage | Rich, spiced, comforting |
Catering and Special Events
King And Queen Cantina extends its vibrant culinary offerings beyond the restaurant through catering services and special event hosting. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, or private party, the cantina’s menu can be tailored to suit a wide range of occasions and preferences.
The catering menu includes customizable packages featuring favorite dishes from the regular menu, alongside exclusive options designed for larger groups. The team works closely with clients to create menus that accommodate dietary restrictions and thematic elements, ensuring a seamless and delicious event.
Special events at the cantina often highlight seasonal ingredients and festive Mexican traditions, bringing a unique cultural touch to celebrations. From lively cocktail receptions to elegant dinners, King And Queen Cantina’s expertise in hospitality guarantees a memorable experience for hosts and guests alike.
Event Services Overview
- Customizable catering menus: Tailored to event type and size
- Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options
- Seasonal and themed events: Celebrating Mexican culture and holidays
- On-site and off-site catering: Flexible service locations
“Our goal is to bring the vibrant flavors of King And Queen Cantina to your special moments, creating unforgettable memories through exceptional food and service.” – Catering Manager
King And Queen Cantina’s menu is a masterful blend of authentic Mexican flavors and contemporary culinary creativity. Each section—from appetizers to desserts—showcases a dedication to fresh ingredients, balanced seasoning, and cultural authenticity.
The diverse range of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensures that every guest finds something to delight their palate. Complemented by an extensive drink selection and exceptional catering services, the cantina provides a comprehensive dining experience that invites you to savor the rich heritage of Mexico in the heart of Santa Monica.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal, a special celebration, or an event, King And Queen Cantina’s menu promises a flavorful journey that lingers long after the last bite.
