Exploring the culinary offerings of Los Cerritos unveils a vibrant menu that reflects both traditional flavors and contemporary tastes. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, Los Cerritos has become a beloved dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
The menu is carefully curated to celebrate classic dishes while embracing innovative twists that excite the palate. Every item is crafted with fresh ingredients and attention to detail, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
From hearty appetizers to indulgent desserts, the menu at Los Cerritos is designed to cater to a variety of preferences, making it an ideal spot for family dinners, casual lunches, or festive gatherings.
Whether you crave the smoky richness of grilled meats or the zesty brightness of freshly made salsas, Los Cerritos offers a diverse selection that honors its cultural roots while welcoming culinary creativity.
Understanding the menu’s structure and highlights can enhance your dining experience and help you discover new favorites.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section of Los Cerritos’ menu sets the tone for a delightful meal, featuring a range of dishes that awaken the senses. These starters offer a balance of textures and flavors, from crispy to creamy, spicy to mild, providing an excellent introduction to the restaurant’s culinary style.
Popular appetizers include classic guacamole served with freshly made tortilla chips. The guacamole is prepared tableside, ensuring freshness and customization.
Another highlight is the Queso Fundido, a melted cheese dish blended with chorizo or mushrooms, perfect for sharing.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Ceviche offers a refreshing choice. Made with marinated fish and vibrant citrus juices, it delivers a bright and tangy flavor profile that contrasts wonderfully with richer offerings.
- Guacamole: Fresh avocados, lime, cilantro, tomato, and onion
- Queso Fundido: Melted cheese with chorizo or mushrooms
- Ceviche: Marinated fish with lime juice and fresh herbs
- Elote: Mexican street corn with cotija cheese and chili powder
“An exceptional appetizer can transform a meal, and Los Cerritos knows this well with their inventive starters that invite sharing and savoring.” – Food Critic Review
Main Courses and Specialties
The main course selections at Los Cerritos showcase the heart of Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes rich in flavor and tradition. Each entrée is crafted with care, offering hearty portions that satisfy a hunger for authentic tastes and bold spices.
Signature dishes include Carne Asada, grilled steak marinated with a blend of spices and served with rice and beans. Another standout is the Pollo a la Parrilla, a flame-grilled chicken dish infused with smoky chipotle seasoning that delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory depth.
The menu also caters to seafood lovers with options like Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, and Pescado Veracruzano, a fish dish simmered in a tangy tomato and olive sauce. Vegetarian guests can enjoy hearty options such as Enchiladas de Espinaca, filled with spinach and cheese and topped with a rich red sauce.
- Carne Asada: Marinated grilled steak with sides
- Pollo a la Parrilla: Chipotle-seasoned grilled chicken
- Camarones al Mojo de Ajo: Garlic butter shrimp
- Enchiladas de Espinaca: Spinach and cheese enchiladas
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Carne Asada | Beef steak, spices, lime | Smoky, savory, mildly spicy |
| Pollo a la Parrilla | Chicken, chipotle, garlic | Spicy, smoky, tender |
| Camarones al Mojo de Ajo | Shrimp, garlic, butter | Rich, buttery, garlicky |
| Enchiladas de Espinaca | Spinach, cheese, red sauce | Earthy, creamy, mildly spicy |
Tacos and Street Food
Tacos at Los Cerritos are a celebration of street food culture, offering a variety of fillings wrapped in fresh corn or flour tortillas. This section of the menu highlights the diversity of Mexican street fare, perfect for those seeking casual yet flavorful bites.
Options range from traditional Al Pastor, marinated pork with pineapple, to Baja fish tacos featuring lightly battered and fried white fish topped with slaw and a creamy sauce. Each taco is a compact explosion of taste, showcasing bold spices and fresh garnishes.
The menu also includes vegetarian tacos filled with grilled vegetables and beans, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rich taco tradition. Accompaniments such as pickled onions, salsa verde, and lime wedges enhance the layers of flavor in each bite.
- Tacos Al Pastor: Marinated pork with pineapple
- Baja Fish Tacos: Fried fish with slaw and sauce
- Vegetarian Tacos: Grilled vegetables and beans
- Chorizo Tacos: Spicy pork sausage with onions and cilantro
“Los Cerritos’ tacos capture the vibrant energy of Mexican street food, each bite telling a story of tradition and flavor.” – Local Foodie
Soups and Salads
The soups and salads on the Los Cerritos menu offer lighter options that do not compromise on flavor or authenticity. These dishes provide a refreshing contrast to the richer main courses and are perfect for beginning a meal or enjoying a light lunch.
One of the standout soups is the Sopa de Tortilla, a hearty tomato-based broth garnished with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese. Another option is Caldo de Pollo, a comforting chicken soup with vegetables and herbs that warms the soul.
Salads are crafted with fresh ingredients and often incorporate Mexican staples such as jicama, roasted corn, and black beans. The Ensalada de Nopalitos, featuring cactus paddles, tomatoes, and onions, is a traditional choice providing a unique texture and flavor.
- Sopa de Tortilla: Tomato broth with crispy tortilla strips
- Caldo de Pollo: Chicken soup with vegetables
- Ensalada de Nopalitos: Cactus salad with tomato and onion
- Mexican Caesar Salad: Romaine, cotija cheese, and chipotle dressing
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Texture |
| Sopa de Tortilla | Tomato, tortilla strips, avocado | Brothy, crunchy, creamy |
| Caldo de Pollo | Chicken, vegetables, herbs | Hearty, tender, savory |
| Ensalada de Nopalitos | Cactus, tomato, onion | Crunchy, fresh, tangy |
| Mexican Caesar Salad | Romaine, cotija, chipotle dressing | Crisp, creamy, smoky |
Desserts and Sweets
Los Cerritos’ dessert menu offers a sweet finale that perfectly complements the robust flavors found earlier in the meal. These desserts balance traditional Mexican sweets with modern touches to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Churros, a classic fried dough pastry coated with cinnamon sugar, are served with a side of rich chocolate sauce for dipping. Flan, a creamy caramel custard, provides a smooth and delicate option for those seeking something lighter and elegant.
Another popular dessert is Tres Leches Cake, a moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, offering a luscious and decadent texture. Seasonal fruit plates with fresh lime and chili powder offer a refreshing and healthy alternative as well.
- Churros: Fried dough with cinnamon sugar
- Flan: Caramel custard dessert
- Tres Leches Cake: Milk-soaked sponge cake
- Seasonal Fruit Plate: Fresh fruit with lime and chili powder
“Desserts at Los Cerritos are crafted to delight and surprise, turning every meal into a celebration.” – Dessert Enthusiast
Beverages and Cocktails
The beverage menu at Los Cerritos is thoughtfully designed to complement the food, featuring a mix of traditional Mexican drinks and contemporary cocktails. Each beverage is carefully prepared to balance and enhance the dining experience.
Classic offerings include Horchata, a sweet rice milk drink infused with cinnamon, and Agua Fresca varieties such as Hibiscus and Tamarind, providing refreshing and fruity options. For those seeking something stronger, the cocktail list features Margaritas made with fresh lime juice and premium tequila.
Signature cocktails include the Paloma, a grapefruit and tequila mix with a salty rim, and the Michelada, a spicy beer-based drink ideal for pairing with flavorful dishes. Non-alcoholic options are abundant, ensuring there is something for everyone.
- Horchata: Sweet cinnamon rice milk
- Agua Fresca: Seasonal fruit-infused waters
- Margarita: Tequila, lime, triple sec
- Paloma: Tequila, grapefruit soda, salt rim
| Beverage | Main Ingredients | Recommended Pairings |
| Horchata | Rice, cinnamon, sugar | Spicy dishes, tacos |
| Agua Fresca (Hibiscus) | Hibiscus flowers, sugar, water | Grilled meats, seafood |
| Margarita | Tequila, lime, triple sec | Seafood, appetizers |
| Michelada | Beer, lime, hot sauce | Spicy foods, tacos |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Los Cerritos takes pride in catering to diverse dietary preferences, offering a broad selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that maintain the restaurant’s hallmark flavors. These options ensure that plant-based diners enjoy an equally satisfying experience.
Popular vegetarian dishes include the Veggie Fajitas, featuring sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini served sizzling hot. Vegan guests can enjoy the delicious Black Bean Enchiladas, topped with a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Salads and sides such as the Guacamole Fresco and grilled corn elote without cheese are also suitable for vegan diets. The kitchen is open to modifications, allowing guests to customize dishes to meet their dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Veggie Fajitas: Sautéed mixed vegetables
- Black Bean Enchiladas: Tomato sauce, cilantro garnish
- Guacamole Fresco: Fresh avocados and herbs
- Vegan Elote: Grilled corn with vegan seasoning
“Inclusivity in dining is essential, and Los Cerritos excels in providing flavorful options for vegetarian and vegan guests.” – Nutrition Expert
House Specials and Seasonal Dishes
Los Cerritos regularly updates its menu with house specials and seasonal dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients and chef’s creativity. These offerings provide guests with unique tastes that highlight local produce and culinary trends.
Seasonal specials might include dishes like Duck Carnitas during colder months or fresh seafood ceviche in summer. These specials often feature limited availability, encouraging guests to try something new and exclusive.
The house specials emphasize balance and innovation, often blending traditional Mexican techniques with unexpected ingredients or presentation styles. This approach keeps the menu exciting and reflects the evolving nature of Mexican cuisine.
- Duck Carnitas: Slow-cooked duck with traditional spices
- Seasonal Seafood Ceviche: Fresh catch with citrus marinade
- Chili Relleno Special: Stuffed peppers with unique fillings
- Chef’s Tasting Plate: A curated selection of small bites
| Season | Special Dish | Main Ingredients |
| Winter | Duck Carnitas | Duck, spices, orange glaze |
| Summer | Seafood Ceviche | Fish, lime, cilantro, chili |
| Fall | Chili Relleno Special | Poblano peppers, cheese, meat or veggies |
| Year-round | Chef’s Tasting Plate | Varied small portions |
Conclusion
The Los Cerritos menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage and inventive spirit of Mexican cuisine. With its thoughtfully curated sections, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.
From the vibrant starters to the indulgent desserts, each dish is prepared with care, showcasing fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Whether you are drawn to the smoky allure of grilled meats, the refreshing zest of seafood dishes, or the comforting warmth of classic soups, Los Cerritos offers a comprehensive dining experience that delights at every turn.
The inclusion of vegetarian, vegan, and seasonal options further highlights the restaurant’s commitment to diversity and quality. This menu not only satisfies hunger but also invites diners to explore and appreciate the depth and variety of Mexican culinary traditions.
Dining at Los Cerritos is more than just a meal; it is an opportunity to connect with a culture through its food, savoring the stories and passion behind every plate. Whether visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, the menu promises a journey rich with flavor, texture, and warmth that lingers long after the last bite.
