Tacotarian is an essential destination, with locations in Las Vegas and San Diego, the restaurant delivers an exceptional, authentic plant-based Mexican dining adventure. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of entrepreneurial couples Kristen and Carlos Corral, alongside Dan and Regina Simmons, this culinary gem has enchanted both cities with its vibrant atmosphere, innovative menu, and an overall delightful dining adventure.
We were fortunate to savor both Tacotarian's all-day and brunch menus at their San Diego location. The welcoming open-concept design, adorned with delightful decor, radiates an irresistible warmth, setting the stage for an unparalleled "Tacotarian" journey. As you step in, a vibrant "Love everyday like it’s Taco Tuesday" sign greets you, alongside witty yet honest wall messages like "Life without tacos is no life at all" and "Yesterday I really wanted tacos. Today I’m eating tacos. Follow your dreams." This vibrant ambiance, paired with attentive staff, effortlessly envelops guests, guiding them seamlessly into the vibrant world of Tacotarianism.
Tacotarian’s All Day Menu
At Tacotarian, the menu fuses traditional Mexican tastes with inventive plant-based innovations. From the iconic cornerstone of the Tacotarian journey—the tacos—to classics like Carne Asada and Al Pastor, and on to distinctive delights like Mushroom Asada and Dorado, each taco is a masterpiece. Crafted with artistry and balance, these tacos exemplify the restaurant's expertise in authentic Mexican cuisine and their knack for bringing plant-based ingredients to life in ways that surpass their animal-based counterparts.
Among the array of tempting tacos, a few truly shine. The Fish Taco showcases crispy Good Catch™ fish wrapped in tangy mango chutney and a fiery mango habanero salsa—an exquisite fusion of flavors. As for the Giant Taco, its oversized shell packed with perfectly crispy fries, nacho cheese, and a variety of toppings makes it an absolute must-try for any taco connoisseur.
Tacotarian's specialty items elevate the dining experience to new heights, showcasing the restaurant's creativity and mastery of plant-based cuisine. Take the Mexican Pizza, for instance—a stack of refried beans, plant-based ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant pico de gallo enclosed by two crispy flour tortillas. This dish bursts with flavors that entice without fail. It was a November special and left us eagerly anticipating its return to the menu. Then there's the Takis Elote, a playful rendition of Mexican street corn, topped with chopped Takis and zesty chili-lime mayo, which left us craving another round.
Cheese lovers will find paradise in Tacotarian's Queso Fundido, a rich and gooey cheese fondue infused with poblano peppers, onion, corn, and mushroom. This was our favorite.
The Torta, a bolillo bread filled with refried beans, chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chili mayo, is a sandwich executed at the highest level. It's hearty, delicious, and satisfying. This is a must try!
For a crispy indulgence, the Flautas, corn tortillas filled with mashed potatoes, cheddar, chorizo, crema, and salsa Morita all unite in a delightful fusion of flavors, promising to captivate your taste buds. Quesadilla aficionados will not be disappointed with Tacotarian's perfectly crisped and generously filled Quesadillas, a classic Mexican comfort food that never disappoints.
The Enchiladas, filled with a flavorful blend of vegetables and spices, are a comforting and satisfying dish. The tender tortillas, enveloped in a rich enchilada sauce, create a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. For a true taste of Mexico, the Birria Tacos, with their tender beef and jackfruit blend and rich dipping sauce, are a culinary masterpiece. The slow-cooked beef and jackfruit, infused with the rich flavors of the dipping sauce, will transport you to the heart of Mexico.
The Fried Oreos with Ice Cream epitomize the playful essence of Tacotarian. This carnival classic features flawlessly sweetened, golden-brown, fluffy dough encasing soft, slightly melted cookies and cream, offering an enticing blend of textures. Accompanied by almond and coconut milk-based ice cream, it presents a refreshing contrast to the warm, indulgent Oreos. A dessert aficionado and Oreo enthusiast alike must experience this delightful dish. You honestly cannot go to Tacotarian, and leave without multiple orders of these. They are that good.
The Coconut Cake stands as a creamy masterpiece, resting on an Oreo cookie crust that anchors the luxurious coconut milk filling infused with cashew-vanilla milk. Its topping of toasted coconut adds both texture and visual allure. Tacotarian's take on Arroz Con Leche, a traditional Mexican dessert, showcases a refined elevation. Cooked to perfection in a blend of coconut milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, the rice maintains its structure, offering a blend of flavors that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce.
Then there's the Blueberry Cheesecake—an absolute essential. Crafted entirely in-house from scratch, this cheesecake strikes the perfect balance of texture, neither overly firm nor too soft. The fresh, flavorful blueberry compote complements the cheesecake with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy notes, allowing the cream cheese flavor to subtly shine through.
The Coconut Cake is a creamy masterpiece with a foundation of an oreo cookie crust based for the luscious coconut milk filling, infused with cashew-vanilla milk. Toasted coconut adorns the top, adding a touch of texture and visual appeal. The Arroz Con Leche, a traditional Mexican dessert, receives an elegant elevation at Tacotarian. The rice, cooked to perfection in a blend of coconut milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, presents a harmonious balance of flavors. The rice grains retain their structure, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce. Additionally, the Blueberry Cheesecake is a must try, made in-house from scratch, the cheesecake boasts a perfect texture, neither too firm nor too soft. The blueberry compote, fresh and bursting with flavor, complements the cheesecake perfectly with a nice blend of sweet and tangy notes. The cream cheese flavor is subtle yet present, allowing the blueberry to shine through. Every dessert at Tacotarian offered was distinctive, enjoyable, and reflected Tacotarian's dedication to creating fun and delightful culinary experiences.
