Xacalli Kitchen

This is the second time my wife and I have been here. First time was good but they have a new menu and wow. We started off with the camarones🤌🏻 The peppers were sweet and spicy. My wife got a sangria she won’t shut up about. And the Brussels sprouts were delicious as well. Lamb chops were so unique and service was on point. We are glad we live close because we WILL be back.

Some of the best things in life are meant to remain hidden—waiting to be discovered by those unafraid to venture out and try something new. Tucked away in the historic mining town of Silverado, Xacalli Kitchen is truly a culinary hidden gem, embraced by canyons, creeks, and scenic beauty. I was fortunate enough to be invited by close friends and teachers to experience this farm-to-table Mexican restaurant, and from start to finish it was an unforgettable evening. Leaving Huntington Beach on a late Friday afternoon, I made the drive through the scenic Silverado canyons, where golden light and pleasant weather set the perfect tone for the evening ahead. The road reminded me of a past trip through the Santa Monica Mountains—leaving the chaos of the city behind as the quiet beauty of the canyon unfolded. To my left, the newly built Saint Michael’s Abbey emerged on the horizon, striking and picturesque. My GPS assured me I was only three minutes away, and with a sense of nostalgia, I pulled into the restaurant. There’s something grounding about this place. It reminded me of simpler times—when food was honest and fresh. That is exactly what Xacalli Kitchen delivers: simplicity rooted in farm-fresh ingredients. The dishes were a delight for the senses. My favorite was the 24 oz Bone-In Porterhouse Carne Asada, perfectly tender with just the right smoky char that deepened its rich flavor. The Branzino grilled fish, served boneless, was succulent, delicate, and surprisingly approachable—as it carried none of the “fishy” taste one might expect. To finish, the Mousse de Chocolate was nothing short of divine: semi-sweet chocolate paired with cojeta, hazelnut, Dukkah, hibiscus, gastrique, and oblea. Each bite felt like a carefully composed symphony. Xacalli Kitchen is more than just dinner—it’s a culinary journey. Every dish radiates care and passion, surprising and captivating you in the best ways. Here, surrounded by delicious food and great company, the world feels lighter and more peaceful. And the gems you uncover here remind you to relax, be present, and truly enjoy the moment.

Super cool little place off the beaten path. I had no idea what to expect - just that it was Mexican food. Atmosphere was ok. A bit disappointing. Some really cool materials and execution and then some not so cool - less designed areas. Staff was friendly and welcoming and super knowledgeable about the menu and types of food. Our server was in his teens and he spoke like he was a seasoned chef himself. Pretty cool. Small menu - much more fine dining than I was expecting given the location. I assure you there is no tortilla chip or bowl of guac to be found on this menu. This is authentic, farm to table Mexican cuisine created by a truly talented and imaginative chef. There were a lot of things on the menu i had never even heard of and needed explanations from our server. Super unique pairings, unique ingredients. Everything came together so well - it was such an adventurous menu! The presentation of each dish rivaled that of a five star restaurant in a city - just gorgeous. The food was so fresh, and clean and healthy and again, adventurous! The tastes all worked together in each dish - nothing overpowering - just harmonious. By meal’s end I was satisfied but not overstuffed at all. Just perfect. The Basque cheesecake…just wow. Do not miss that.

I would highly recommend Xacalli Kitchen as they have an organic farm to table seasonal menu. Every item is unque and delicious. The concierge customer service was top notch. Thank you to Zach Daniel ! A special cheers to the mixologist and it was a true pleasure to enjoy the chefs creations!!

It was our first visit. The food was amazing. Ceviche was the best I ever had. Queso Fresco (appetizer) was superb. Appetizers are big enough to share. Service was a bit slow. I wish Mexican wine selection was better.

Atmosphere is very nice, service is excellent. The cocktails are delicious, I recommend having mezcal! The food is delicious and authentic to its region!

Food was pretty good, not the best but decent for the surrounding area. Service was extremely slow. We waited 15 mins to get seated, or even acknowledged by the staff when the restaurant wasn't even a quarter full. Unfortunately, that seemed to be the trend the rest of the night. Food dishes were being executed poorly, our main dishes came out long before our appetizers. Our dinner took over 2 hrs to complete due to slow service, and we came long before any dinner rush at 6pm, again, when the restaurant was pretty empty.

Our first time here and what a gem! We had an incredible dinner with outstanding service. We started with a mole enchilada - the sauce was so delicious. The fish was excellent and perfectly prepared. The chicken was also really flavorful. I highly recommend Xacalli. We already plan to go back in a few days for brunch.

We just had dinner here on a very rainy Friday evening. The restaurant was very quiet because of the rain so despite having a reservation for a table, we chose to sit in the bar area at a high four top and it was a great atmosphere. Quiet, casual and comfortable, with not your usual greasy Mexican plates, but elevated meals with Mexican flavors but different ingredients than you would normally see. You should note that even in the rain, the roads were totally clear and this restaurant was easily accessible. What a beautiful drive up there. Next door there is a cute neighborhood market that has obviously been updated as well. You do not feel like you are just 10-15 mins outside of Lake Forest when you step out of your car here. We started with a Margarita each, made with fresh lime juice (every place should be doing this by the way instead of that horrible mixer). Delicious. Just the right amount of tart and sweet to offset the acid. Preserved citrus slices for garnish. The menu is made to be shared so keep that in mind when you see the prices. My husband and I shared everything from our 4 courses and left feeling very full and satisfied. There is a section of the menu that is entirely vegetarian (about 4 or so options), that looked great. We almost had the enchiladas from this section, but decided it would just be too much. Service was so friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We had the Caesar salad, the grilled shrimp, the lamb birria and the basque cheesecake. Everything was delicious. The Caesar salad was so good. You essentially get a half head of gem style lettuce with crushed croutons and dressing on top. A little spicy with the chile in the dressing but we loved that! The shrimp was delicious also. The little hint of fresh mint with the shrimp was a surprise and such a good match. Spicy also with sliced red jalapeño, but you can choose how much you get into that. I went all in and loved it. Lamb birria. What a lovely surprise this was. A whole braised shank served with freshly made corn tortillas, pickled onions and salsa. So satisfying. My husband loves birria tacos, I am Australian and grew up eating lamb as a staple protein so this was an amazing meeting of the worlds. So much to dip your taco into once you build it. We can't wait to show our friends this hidden gem! As a side note, we drove away and realized this might have been the Silverado Cafe we have been to many years ago? Not 100%, but we think so. So happy to have some new and exciting options to dine in OC and we'll be back.

Was looking forward to eating here. Had heard about it from friends and decided to check out their brunch. We got there around 10:30 on a Saturday morning. There may have been some people inside but we went straight to sit at the bar, as no one greeted us. We sat there for about 10 minutes before being greeted. A woman, who I subsequently found out to be one of the owner's, took our drink order. We then saw the bartender show up, along with the cook, who we also subsequently found out was the co-owner, and they proceed to take a shot of tequila in front of us. Only then did the bartender start working on our drink order. Was not that impressed with the food (brunch), but will give it another shot for dinner some day.

Here's the gist: you will wait to be seated, be ignored, pay top dollar for being ignored, and you will leave hungry and incredibly disappointed. Here are the details: For a place that prides itself on "superior service," they may want to make some appropriate changes to reflect that. My husband and I are patient people, so we arrived Saturday evening expecting to wait to be seated as we didn't make a reservation. No biggie. We had waited about 15 min before the host had approached and seated a few parties with reservations. She comes back several minutes later and tells us it'll be about a 15 min wait. The place isn't full, no biggie. I'm not exaggerating when I say we waited around 45 min after we were told 15 min, only for another staff member (not the host) to approach and ask if we were waiting for someone because we had been waiting for a while. We replied with no, we're just waiting to be seated. We were ONLY approached because we had been alone in the reception area for a while and decided to stand for a bit. Ok fine, we're happy to have been sat. We place a drink order and an appetizer. We figured it would be a bit of a wait as the hostess had said to someone else there's only one girl bartending and the "kitchen cannot handle more people at the bar." We're prepared to wait, however we were not prepared to be ignored as soon as we placed an order. The drinks and appetizer were dropped off and then POOF. It's like we didn't exist. If we did not place an appetizer order at the same moment as our drink order, we would not have been able to eat at all. It had been an hour since we were seated until the time we left. Staff never checked in on us, never cleared empty dishes from our table, never put the order in for a second drink, and never even approached us to see if we'd like to order a main course. We were just plain ignored. The table behind us had been bussed, however that entailed all the dirty dishes from THAT table being moved to the table next to us, further away from the kitchen. Was never cleared the entire time we were there. I have a bit of a weird empathy for our dirty dishes as I fully believe they are still there waiting to be washed, dried, and reused. Keep in mind, the restaurant was NOT at capacity. I'm sure everyone on staff was wearing multiple hats, however it's inexcusable to ignore your patrons. We eventually waited long enough, got up and went to the bar to pay our check as we STILL hadn't been approached for a main course order, and lord knows how long it would have taken to get the check. I interrupted three staff members that had been chatting behind the bar and asked to close out. I was a little shocked the second drink order hadn't been placed, but happy it hadn't because I didn't want to pay for something that never arrived. My husband and and I left, grabbed Taco Bell, and are still talking about how appalling that service was. Was the one appetizer we were able to order delicious? Yes. Singular dink as well, delicious. However for how expensive this place is, the service needs to be top tier as well. We're incredibly disappointed as we'd been dying to try this place. We live nearby and finally had time to check it out, only to be let down by how impossibly terrible the service was. I've never felt ignored before, even in Europe where they DO NOT approach their customers at a restaurant. All in all, so not worth the trip. Wish we could have tried more menu items, but what we DID try could not make up for the fact that on a Saturday evening, the restaurant staff could not handle a restaurant that was not even at capacity. Save your money, swing by Taco Bell at the end of the road for your Mexican food fix.

This is the best "foodie" Mexican restaurant in Orange County, and it's not even close. This restaurant has been on my radar for a while. It's located in Silverado, so a nice drive into the Santa Ana hills and mountains. The restaurant is located off a quaint road, away from the typical OC hustle. You step out of your car and feel like you are in a very different place. The restaurant itself is located surrounded by mountains and small trees. Very beautiful setting. I came here a week or so ago with my visiting parents during the workweek. We were immediately greeted by our server and were promptly provided our drinks. The cocktails here are made with good quality spirits and ingredients. The food itself was splendid. The crudo was amazing and had avocado. Really interesting take on crudo that I have never had before. The queso fundido was another amazing small plate that was quickly devoured by my table. The bone in pork chop was one of the best chops I have ever had at a restaurant. Perfectly tender with a unique aftertaste from the recado negro. Absolutely loved the pork chop. Desserts here are also of high quality. They bake their own Basque cheesecake, which has Monterrey cheese! So warm, not too sweet, perfection. I really appreciated the service here. Small town vibe, talkative, felt very personable. It made me feel at home. I have been to pretty much every "good" Mexican restaurant in Orange County. If you want a party atmosphere, then go to Javier's, and you will have good food, but you will forget about it in a week. If you want to eat the best Mexican food in Orange County, and want to have a meal that you will remember years later, then come here, and keep supporting this business. My parents were equally impressed. I would say this restaurant gives Michelin level quality of food and service, and you will feel the same way if you come here. It's better than Chaak, Gabbi, etc. I will be coming again and again.

Super bummed. Went here a few times food and service was very good. This time service was just bad 350$ We were done with dinner for 15 min we couldn't even waive anyone down. Drinks took forever, app the steak one rare took for ever. Had to wave the server down to order dinner, Never came back and checked in how dinner was never cleared plates we finally had to ask someone for the check. We walk out waiter sees us says zero, really odd. Been great in the past but not worth driving into the canyon at night for poor service 350$ plus tip, I'll stay in lake forest, once he bright the check I asked to take a plate / clear the table Very disappointed

This little gem in the heart of Silverado Canyon is a must see. I don't know if the place gets busy on a weekend but we went here on a week day dinner, right before it opened. The menu was interesting and the plate choices were creative takes on Mexican cuisine. We picked one of each category, small plates, medium plates and large plates. I'd recommend the Agua de negro if it's a hot day The eggplant dish was a fusion of Japanese Tempura and Mexican recipes. The pork chop was amazing! The flavors with the black sauce makes it interesting in a good way. The escabeche veggies and the spicy salsa were a good combo with the dish. Highly recommend! Lastly, The Churros were amazing! Perfect way to end the course. The custard-caramel was Devine! We paired our churros with decaf coffee. Try it out! The place had a warm environment and perfect for a romantic dinner. Cheers!

Xacalli is truly a hidden gem. It's a little out in the middle of nowhere, but honestly, the drive is absolutely worth it. I've been here for both lunch and dinner - lunch tends to be nice and quiet, while dinner can get busy (a good sign that people know how great this place is). The staff are always super personable and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. The food is the real star. I've tried the fish tacos, pork belly tacos, pork chop, queso fundido, ceviche.... every dish has been outstanding. Fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious. The quality for the price is honestly amazing. If you're looking for a spot that feels special but laid-back, this is it. I can't recommend Xacalli enough.

We went for the first time to Xacalli (pronounced: more like Hock-olly) Kitchen last night. It was clean, modern with cozy touches here and there of plants and interesting pictures. The menu is so interesting! They are indigenous foods from Tijuana, Ensenada, Guadalupe, Yucatán, Tepoztlan, and more. The foods are layers of ingredients that are simple but put together with a perfect balance of flavors and textures! I had the hibiscus sangria! So tasty with sweet hibiscus leaves you can eat, topped with a dried orange slice! My husband and I shared all the dishes so we could taste everything: Agua Chile Negro (Argentine shrimp, avocado, oils, pickled onions served with homemade toasted tortillas); Esquites (charred corn, herbs, lime, cotija cheese) with homemade soft warmed tortillas; Mole enchiladas (fig mole, cheeses, and avocado). All of it was exquisite! Last but not least, we had the churros with homemade chocolate and caramel sauces to dip into. Delicioso!!! The service was amazing! Alex was our waiter and he asked all of our questions since we were not familiar many of the ingredients listed. Our water glasses were kept full, fresh plates, utensils and napkins were brought out before we realized we needed them! The Agua Chili Negro was messy but worth it! Also, the prices were reasonable too! Our bill was $91.00 before tip. That was a LOT of food for us! Overall, we loved everything so much that we want to come back to try more food and drink items on the menu.

A little off the beaten path, but an amazing gem!!!!!! We had a smoked old fashioned, blueberry smash, mango mocktail, ceviche, queso fundido, and tacos (steak, tiger prawns and pork belly). All the food was so incredibly good!!!!! The tacos came in pairs so we got to share. Our favorite taco was the pork belly!! And the queso and ceviche were incredible! We can't wait to go back on a weekend. Be sure you make a reservation!

After a June 1st trip to California, my family and I hiked Silverado Canyon and built a hefty appetite. With on-and-off internet service on the way down we were able to find this almost 5-star restaurant only minutes away! So glad we did. The menu was filled with interesting and flavorful dishes that even accommodated our vegan relatives. The drinks were also out of this world! Coupled with the nice vibe and friendly service, this eatery was a great closure to our day's adventure!

Food is #10 amazing must try the ceviche is to die for. Alex the waiter is awesome .The enchiladas are amazing as well

Worth the trip! This is elevated Mexican cuisine so if you're looking for a party fiesta platter and a kid friendly menu, this isn't for you. But if you love a carefully curated menu with culinary delights, this hidden gem is worth it. Had the ceviche, enchiladas and carne con chili. It was all amazing.

I made a reservation for 1:00 p.m. through their online system, and our group arrived at 1:12 p.m. We were greeted by one of the owners, Mimi, who explained that the kitchen would be closing at 1:30 p.m. for dinner prep. She told us we'd need to place our orders quickly, before 1:30 p.m. and asked if we were comfortable with that. Since the menu isn't very large, we agreed. We placed our first round of orders by 1:18 p.m. and the second by 1:23 p.m. A few minutes later, Mimi returned to let us know that the kitchen only had the smashed burgers and steak with eggs left. We agreed to work with what was available. Shortly after, she came back again saying, "You're going to hate me, but we can only submit the first part of your order. I don't think just two of your group will want to eat." At that point, it felt completely disrespectful. If the restaurant doesn't plan to accommodate reservations at 1:00 p.m., they should not offer that time slot online. We were willing to be flexible, but instead we were met with confusion, poor communication, and ultimately denied service. We ended up taking our business elsewhere and spent $389 plus tip at another restaurant that treated us with respect and didn't give us the runaround. Unfortunately, this experience showed me that Xacalli Kitchen doesn't value its customers. Cons: Poor handling of reservations and communication. Lack of flexibility or respect for paying customers. Mediocre food offerings -- I can make a better steak at home. I wanted to support a Hispanic-owned business, but after this, I won't be back.

Food was delicious! And so were the drinks. Would definitely come again. My only complaint would be the service being a little slow. But other than that the food and the ambiance were great

Best Mexican food in South County hands down. The fact this place isn't jam packed every night is a wonder. The cocktails are amazing too. The food is regional Mexican so you aren't getting refried beand with a combination plate. No sir you will be amazed. Ask for the salsa macha.

Went back after an amazing first time. Unfortunately we were running a little behind and they have very limited hours that they're open here but they stated that they were open 10-2 so we figured we had time to grab a quick drink and snack. We got there at 1:16pm and were told we could order one quick drink but no food. We ordered the amazing micheladas again (just as good the second time around ) but they said it was too late to order any food. We asked if they had any chips or little snacks that we could have just as a small bite with our drink and they said no, last call already happened and they don't do chips and salsa there. 5 mins later they brought chips and guac to the table behind us which was a little annoying. Cool spot, great micheladas, bad hours, meh service. Will probably stick to the kitchen next door, Silverado Cafe, or Cooks Corner while we're out there riding moving forward. Xacalli only open a couple hours a day and doing last call 45 mins before closing makes it a tough place to visit.

Who knew Silverado was hiding this secret place? Such a delightful discovery. Drinks were crafted, tasty and generous on the pour. Food (tacos and ceviche) loaded with flavor, beautiful to look at and oh so good on my palate. Ambience is super cute with a living plant wall and pretty outdoor area (for viewing not sitting). Service was impeccable at the table and the bar. Assortment of tequilas and mezcals top shelf. Lots of craft cocktails of the menu. Chatted up the bartender while she was making our drinks. Lots of pride in what they're serving here which is always a win. Though it was a rainy day (and Easter even), this place was packed and filled with satisfied foodies. Highly recommend.

Highly recommend Xacalli Kitchen for authentic farm to table family style Mexican food. Every dish had amazing flavors and unique. The concierge service is top notch thanks to Zach Daniel. My family will be returning and promoting this establishment. Support your local community and enjoy the organic farm to table authentic cuisine. Cheers to the chef and mixologist as well.

Farm to table restaurants with such a unique vibe. Our waiter was very present and explained the menu so well that our group was able to order the perfect amount of food. Everything on the menu looked so appetizing and everything we order exceeded our expectations. This was a nice red to share everything family style. Will definitely be coming back again!

This is by far the best breakfast I've ever had. My son took us there for Mother's Day and even though we had no reservation we were sited within few minutes. The ambiance is cute and has the rustic and old fashioned vibe. The food was fantastic and even though I can't have spicy food but I tried a piece of tortilla chips under my eggs and it was so yummy and lightly spicy that I could not stop eating. Interestingly enough it did not bother my stomach at all unlike other spicy food. The hibiscus drink was one of the best I've ever had and I don't think any other place compares. I was not a fan of Mexican style breakfast but after this experience it is my favourite and I keep craving it. A definite hidden treasure.

Worst service the waiter was rude and didn't want us ordering more things. He hardly said anything to us and kept saying they ran out of things just to not make it.

Nice little dining spot in the middle of nowhere with a quaint charming feel. It's a shared plates concept and the restaurant was 80% full on a Saturday night. Service is friendly but they were short staffed and our waters didn't get refilled and we didn't receive much attention. The food itself is good. We got one Appetit we, one medium and one entree, which was a good amount of food for two people. - Pork chop was juicy but salty - wish there was some sides that came with it. - Octopus was great and the mole sauce was bomb. Very tender and not chewy. My favorite! - Salmon was ok. It's what it said it would be but nothing amazing out of the park. Would probably get the Octopus and pork chop again! Drink wise, the Old Fashioned was fancy with a smoke dome. It is on the sweeter side though.

Cute little hidden restaurant! Great food, my party really enjoyed all the dishes we tried, my favorite was the ceviche and queso fundido. The downside was that much of their menu is spicy, which was a bit hard for me to enjoy. Service was good, but the kitchen was very slow, considering it was pretty empty.

Flavor: 4.5/5 - Each dish is intentionally crafted, which is a rare quality even among high-end restaurants. The flavors are well-balanced overall. The birria and fundido stood out, although more mushrooms in the fundido would have been appreciated! Price: 4.5/5 - Fair pricing for a high-end restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, good value. Quality: 4/5 - The dishes are intentionally crafted with farm-to-table ingredients. Uncertain if this includes organic produce, but will provide an update if available. Service: 3.5/5 - The service was good. Ambiance: High-end, comfortable, and clean.

We went with some friends who said they had a great meal there recently, and had high expectations. We were very disappointed overall. Here are the gory details... Overall, the food was disappointing. Generally lacking flavor. We were expecting exciting flavors based on reviews. The camarones were overcooked and drenched in a tasteless seasoning. They were served over black rice, which was damn near impossible to eat with the supplied knife and fork. We had to turn the bowl on its side and scrape the rice onto a plate to eat it. The rice was nothing special other than being black. The ceviche was pretty good, and probably had more flavor that anything else we tried. The cheese plate was okay - melted cheese with mushrooms to be eaten on small tortillas. The Caesar salad was pretty good, a little spicier that a traditional Caesar, with a nice little crunch in the dusting. The pork chop looked incredible, and the presentation was great. However, there just was no flavor. It was a bit tough, and just cried out for some sort of glaze of sauce, or even just a little salt. The accompanying "mild" achiote was anything but mild, and I spent the rest of that course trying to find a way to relieve the burn on my tongue so that I could try to somehow enjoy the pork chop. The onions on the side added nothing to the dish. It could have been a great entree, but it just wasn't. The smoked chicken was pretty good, probably the best entree we had. A plus for that dish was that it was served over some terrible looking, but very good, mashed potatoes. We opted for a couple of chocolate mousse desserts because we figured we could get them pretty quickly (more about the lamb entree and the service later). The mousse was very firm, with a consistency more like Gouda cheese than a typical mousse. They should have served it with a knife and fork, as it was hard to eat it with a spoon. The raspberry sauce on the plate was much tastier than the mousse. What really killed the evening though was to utter lack of service. It took us 2-1/2 hours for 5 to have a couple of appetizers and 3 entrees, one of which never arrived. We got there early, with only two tables occupied, and were given a table in the bar since there were 5 of us. Our orders were taken then we waited. And then we waited more. Finally we got some of the appetizers. Then we waited more. And more. And more. We flagged down the waiter and he said they were backed up, but the food would come. The dining room was now full, and most people were finishing their entrees, even though they had gotten there long after we had arrived. We spoke to everyone we could to attempt to find out if and when we might get our food. Probably an hour after some of the appetizers, a couple of entrees arrived. The beautiful pork chop arrived on a cold plate, which sat in front of me for too many minutes while I waited and waited and waited for the waiter to bring silverware. Sometime after that the cheese plate app finally arrived. After 2 hours and 15 minutes, when the lamb had still not arrived, we flagged down the waiter to cancel that order and bring some mousse. Never once did anyone ask how we were doing, how was the food, did we need anything, give us the status of our orders, etc. We discussed how we should tip, and it ended up being about 8%. I wanted to leave zero, but I guess some people only get paid by tips, and some of the problems of the evening were probably beyond control of the waiter. Summary - The location and the menu have potential, but potential doesn't taste near as good as great food. Throw in a near total lack of service, and now you have a bad taste in your mouth. We won't go back. Your result may be different, but you have been warned!

Went for Mothers Day Location: beautiful Ambiance: cool love the vibe Food: tasty flavors, however our eggs and carne asada were very undercooked asked for well done Limited options if you have dietary concerns No kids menu available only had two options for kids ; quesadilla and French toast Service: extremely slow when our food eventually made its way out and we saw our food was undercooked (not as ordered) it wasn't worth waiting longer for them to fix it so we ate what we could No one really checked on us or asked if we needed anything we needed to really get our requests in when someone eventually came by our table. Basically you placed your order and you were on your own at that point Hours very limited This place has a ton of potential and I may give it one more try. I will be much more direct in what we need to be sure it's a better experience overall.

A gem in Orange County, only 20 min from Irvine and 15 min from Lake forest. Refined Oxacan style Mexican food without going to Mexico City. Seasonal new items on the menu are delicious. The drinks are out of this world. One note: make sure to come early for dinner. The kitchen close down earlier than your average restaurants. The rib and the lamb carnitas are my favorites. Love sea-bass as well, you can just eat it without any sauce need, it's that good... the baby gem Cesar salad is the best salad I have ever had. Best kept foodie secret in O.C.

The GOOD: Amazing food, love the chef driven concept! Unique and flavorful dishes! Prices are great!!! We are becoming regulars because it's just that good! These are the reasons we keep coming back. Chocolate mousse dessert is excellent! The drive is pretty, and transports you into a small town vibe. Things that could improve: Service. Slow, inattentive, not very warm or friendly besides the lady floor manager, she was lovely! Food took over 35 min, came out at random times not all at once for the whole table so one person waiting for food. Front desk/host/server not very warm or accommodating. Felt very rushed upon being greeted and for ordering then waited and waited and waited. Wine list is small and not great. Ordered a bottle, price was good. Will consider bringing my own nicer bottle next time. Once check is dropped, server forgets about you before you even pay. This has happened every time we have dined. Will continue to be back! Hidden gem! 4 stars!!!

I have lived in OC for a while!! Suffering from no flavor food syndrome! One of my neighbors recommended Xacalli kitchen. OMG.... You must try it flavor wonderland!!! Excellent !! Thank you for the cure

The food is wonderful but you do have to order a lot for it to be fulfilling. The service is terrible, I'm not sure if our server was ever trained properly and defiantly did not execute an experience that matches the food. He didn't pick up dirty plates, didn't provide plates to split food, didn't check on us after we got our meal. Argued with us about something we were told would be brought to us by possibly a chef or food runner. Since I do not work at the restaurant I do not know every employee there. Because of that I don't think the experience is worth the money sadly.

Attentive service. We didn't have to wait for a Sunday brunch. Nice selection of cocktails.

What a great find! Sunday brunch was so yummy and the staff was incredible! The menu is creative ..not large but there is something for everyone. Love the history of the building and so remember the Barn in Tustin which is where some of the wood came from. The bartender was right on with the cocktails and the Bloody Marys had just the right spice.

I'm convinced that anyone who doesn't like Mexican food is a psychopath. ~Jim Gaffigan, "Mexican Foodland," Food: A Love Story One of the best new restaurants in Orange County. Ranks right up there with another favorite Chaak. It's tucked away in Silverado Canyon but I hope everyone makes the drive to go out there. The food and the service are fabulous. Ceviche is as good as Chaak's, Octopus is nice and smoky, the Hamachi has spice that lasts for days, the lamb carnitas are wonderful and they pair well with the queso fundido. The only miss for us was the Carne Crudo. Ended the meal with their unique and authentic basque cheesecake. Corkage is $25 but they do have an interesting wine and cocktail list. Parking is one titular and it's a beautiful drive to get there. Hopefully they can open up the patio soon. The only negative is pacing was way too quick on the dishes. We will order just one or two courses at a time to keep the food at a manageable level. Highly recommended!

My 1 star review is only for the service and a very rude manager lady!! We had a reservation at 7:30 for father's day with the whole family. We ordered 24 oz steak along with other things and we were told by the server that steak by itself is enough for the 5 of us and not to order anything else. Food came out late and it was a small Newyork steak and when we asked about it they said sorry this is what we have and it's cheaper!!!! We said ok let's order something else and server said kitchen is closed! We asked for the manager and she was super rude and didn't know how to treat customers. Very disappointing. However I give five star only to the chef.

What a great find! Fantastic place in a beautiful canyon setting. Went for brunch- made reservations but it wasn't very busy (why?). Menu is limited but very creative. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Shrimp cocktail was outstanding as was my Michelada Verde. Fish tacos were delicious and presentation was amazing. We'll be going back soon to try other dishes that sounded fantastic.

Wonderful restaurant! Elevated food and cocktails! Everything we had was super delicious and well balanced and developed. Very cute inside, perfect for date night or special occasions. Service was great even for the busy night.

It was easier for Stanley to find Livingston. This hidden gem is located in a tiny hamlet in Jurassic Park. Mind the T-Rex crossing. But once you arrive you'll be greeted by an energetic, eager staff who are genuinely happy you found it. Xacalli means shack in Nahuatl, and this place does have decor that resembles something between Hay Storage and a WW2 Baracks, but the rusted corrugated steel and distressed wood give it a rustic, kitschy warmth. Chef Vicente Espinoza offers responsibly sourced farm to table ingredients married to haute cuisine classic technique. The kitchen is bold and fearless and serving the most innovative, creative spins, twists and riffs on Mexican Cuisine this side of Mexico City. The Staff: Quickly they become your BFF's. They're as warm as the house made tortillas and as inviting as Feleena from El Paso. Beinvenido a casa. Who else found it? The Villagers who politely left their torches and pitchforks outside. The curious, the lost, and those in the know who know there is no better Mexican food to be had anywhere. The Bar: Full. The only thing more difficult than Cougar mounting onto the comfy Bar Stool is deciding what to have. Let me fix that for you. Cadillac Margarita, Baby. This is a generous pour of Tequila Reposado, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, Orange Agave and a dried Blood Orange slice dancing with the ice. It was sweet, sour, puppy tummy smooth, and stru-ong like Ox. I flirted with having another but I have to be somewhere by Christmas. The Food: As good as Mexican food can be without being something else. The Aqua Chile Rojo was sashimi style Hamachi (Japanese Yellowtail), razor thin Avocado half moons, slivers of Red Onion and Radish, and Chili Water dotted with drops of Habenero Oil and a row of crunchy Tortillas to scoop it all up. This was definitely worthy of Astrid & Gaston. The Camarones Asados were large roasted Prawns with Tamarind, a whisper of Habenero, Fresno Chili Escabeche (marinated/pickled) and Spearmint. Tug the head and and then the tail (sound's like a good start to the bachelor party in Vegas) which leaves a perfectly roasted naked Prawn with a slow glow of heat. Delicious. In less capable hands this dish becomes Prawn Chewing Gum. Not here. These Prawns were divine. Show your arteries who's runnin' the night club. Order Queso Fundido (Melted Oaxacan Cheese, lot's of it, with Pumpkin Flowers, Oyster Mushrooms, and Epazote (Skunk Weed that leaves a Lemony Herbal hint). Scoop a huge glop onto your Tortilla and try to eat it before it leaks out both ends onto the iphone in your lap. It's a terrific wing man for your Marg. Don't not have the Esquites (Charred Corn off the cob), Cotija Cheese, Lime Juice to bright things up, Epazote, and Chili Oil. Not to be missed by any Corn Nut. After the Bar Nibbles, it's time to get serious. The Duck Breast in a pool of amazing Mole that was deep and rich. Fresh Oregano, Radish slices and Sesame Seeds join the fun. Do not duck this duck. No mystery chew, no gamey funk, no fat layer to scalpel through. Perfection. The Tomahawk Pork Chop, as ubiquitous as it may be, has no equal. Recado Chilies (Charred) added depth without intolerable heat. This is a must even if you're hammered senseless, as full as tick and a devout Vegan. Xacalli, I'm gonna shack up with you as soon as I can.

First of all the food and ambiace were great Actually, unexpected. Think Puesto but not as noisy or busy. Looks like they have a full bar nicely laid out too. Parking was not a problem. I felt the prices were a bit high for the portion size. We ended up with $54 for lunch for 2 with one non-alcoholic drink. On weekends, they only have the brunch menu until dinner. And it seemed a little limited but not a deal breaker. The main problem I had was that there were only 3 tables in the restaurant being used, yet we had to wait an extraordinarly long time to be seated, to order, to get our drinks, and then get the check.

Horrible service, horrible food. Pork belly taco was burnt beyond edible. Slow service. ZERO CHANGES TO MENU ITEMS so no help if you are allergic to something. Also said "will bring chips & salsa" and then proceeded to charge for chips and salsa twice on bill. Ridiculous.

We decided to try this place since we happen to drive by. I had to read up on the review since I'm always trying to find out if it's worth trying the place out. We happen to sit at the bar at the bar tender Noah knows hits stuff'. He takes the time to craft specially drinks and hands down he takes pride making his drinks. He is also open to making a twist. The food we ordered the ceviche and pork chop both dishes was amazing. Will definitely be back soon.

Great upscale Mexican food line you've never tasted before. Quite good service !!!!!!!!

Rustic vibe with elevated food that is beautiful as it is delicious. We loved it. Hidden gem in the Silverado mountains. Their queso fundido blows away Javier's.

We ordered the following: -camarones -ceviche -eggplant -queso fundido -sope de pulpo -aguachile -pollo ahumado (don't have a picture) I drove about 40 minutes to check this place out because I feel that Silverado is a special place, and the food at Xacalli looked very good, so I had been wanting to try this restaurant. All the dishes that I tried were very good, with the exception of the sope de pulpo, which I thought was just okay. I think it has just as much potential as the other dishes; the masa of the sope just happened to be a bit undercooked, but I think that can be easily corrected. Overall, I wanted to give this place a 5 star review because the food was good, and I hope they continue to stay open. I would go again for both the food and overall dining experience. It's a neat, peaceful experience having a good, quality dinner out in Silverado.

The food, service, and ambiance are 5 stars! Fig martinis! Handmade everything! Tortas and tacos sound simple but don't be fooled. The flavors were amazing with so much depth. Donuts with dukka and tres leches! It's worth the drive, for sure!

Went to Xacalli for dinner on a Saturday night. It was busy but not full. The server was great but definitely overwhelmed and mentioned being understaffed and this showed halfway through our meal. We ordered the ceviche...which is a must! Best I've had stateside. The elote corn was also very good with some nice space. The enchiladas were amazing with a very distinct mole sauce. The duck breast was also nicely prepared. Servings are on the smaller side and prices are in the higher side. Good overall was great quality and flavor. Cocktails were just average which was a bit of a let down. Great presentation overall.

Location cool, atmosphere warm. Food was good, but the carne asada was not worth $69. The service was good when we got there and then declined quickly. Once we had our last dish we could get anyone's attention for more wine or even water. It was hard to get the bill. And it wasn't that crowded. Seems 3 tables of people was too much for staff. We would have had more wine and desert but couldn't wait that long to be noticed. I will give this place one more try because I love farm to table and supporting new restaurants. Hopefully next time will be better.

Very expensive, and out of the way. However, menu is unique, food is delicious. Good service and very helpful in helping you decide

We had dinner at Xacalli back in March and looked forward to a new experience, however that turned out to be simply not the case. The food was horrendous, overly expensive, service was poor and dietary considerations were not followed. In addition to all this, we were charged twice for one of the meals which was not noticed till getting home. We called the next day to advise them and provided a copy of the receipt which they stated would be credited to my card. Several weeks went by but no credit ever appeared. Despite multiple calls, I was assured that a credit would be given however their systems required 2 -3 weeks to process. It has now been 7 weeks with still no credit issued despite being told last week that they would look into it and I would receive a return call, which has never happened. I would never recommend this restaurant nor believe that management has any integrity.

The food was fresh and delicious. The server was knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. Best authentic chile con carne outside of Nana's we had in California.