El Novillero Restaurant

I did not eat here. I waited 15min to be seated, but once the menu was provided I noticed lard is in all of their food items "to preserve the authentic taste". As someone who doesn't eat pork I was a little disappointed to find this out after 15min. The staff was not rude, but there's also nothing to praise there. The atmosphere seems to mimic a Mexican vibe but its a little dusty. Wish I could have tried them out.

Food was decent. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant this is not the spot. This restaurant reminded me of Taco Bell but in a 5 star restaurant that serves tacos in hard shell with American cheese. Major let down since it’s located in south Sacramento. I should’ve looked at the yelp reviews too before coming to this restaurant. Employees were very tentative and atmosphere of the restaurant was nice. In my opinion, the food was not up to par for a Mexican restaurant.

Absolutely stunning gem of Sac, my family has been coming here for years! Service and atmosphere were amazing. Food was good, huge portions.

Since moving to Sacramento from the Central Valley, we have been looking for an old school Mexican restaurant. Finally, SUCCESS!! The charming atmosphere set the stage for an amazing evening at our new favorite place. The food is spectacular and the portions are generous. The staff and service are excellent. This is the place to go to for great home cooking style enchiladas and flavorful rice and beans. Order large enough portions for lunch leftovers if you have the will power!

The food came out extremely good, it tasted great and it looked even better. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive with all the guests. The plates came out extremely hot so I had to be careful, this is a remarkable good thing because I know it was made on the spot. The music is the best part because it goes in hand with the theme of the establishment. I would definitely recommend this place and I hope your experience is even better than mine. This is once again a certified Cpl Lopez review.

Delicious Mexican Food at El Novillero We were in Sacramento visiting family during a scorching heatwave. No one was in the mood to venture out for lunch. With errands to run, we opted for takeout and discovered El Novillero online. Mexican food was a unanimous decision! El Novillero stood out on Franklin Boulevard, a bustling street known for its mix of established family businesses and a reputation for crime. Founded by the Davalos couple, Jose and Esperanza, the restaurant is a testament to their 54 years of success (celebrating their anniversary on July 6th this year!). Stepping inside, I was struck by the authentic decor. The floor tiles, photographs adorning the walls, and arched entryways to the dining area created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Indecisive about my order, I sought help from a friendly waiter, Jorge. Mentioning it was my first visit, and that I wasn't picky, I requested a "must-try" dish. Jorge, without hesitation, recommended a combination plate with two items, including rice and beans. We also ordered carnitas and chicken soup for a family member who wasn't feeling well. As we waited for our takeout, we observed a steady stream of families leaving, expressing their appreciation for the delicious lunch. Twenty minutes later, we were on our way home with a beautifully packed box. Once back, we eagerly dove into the food. Everything - and I mean everything - was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. El Novillero has become a must-visit for a full dine-in experience on our next trip. Next time, I'll come with an empty stomach to explore the menu further!

This is a great place to celebrate something with a lot of people. The food was terrific and the salsa was big hit, they couldn’t keep it on the table as we were devouring it. There are a lot of of things to look at in the restaurant. Restrooms were clean and tidy. The staff were on there game, they were wonderful. Make sure if you when a large party you make reservations as this place is popular.

The food here is good. My only disappointment is that the same sauce is used for every dish, including enchiladas, tamales, and chile relleno. It would be wonderful to see both green and red sauces added to the menu to offer a different taste experience. On a positive note, the servers are very attentive when it comes to water, chips, and salsa refills. The ambiance is nice, with decor and layout that enhance the dining experience. Overall, this place is good, but I would appreciate more variety in the flavors.