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Amaranta Cocina Mexicana - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
6600 Topanga Canyon BlvdSte 1029
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Neighborhood: Canoga Park
(818) 610-3599
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Amaranta Cocina Mexicana
Review Highlights
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"The salsas were very good too, loved the spicy green." In 10 reviews -
"they also give you complimentary hand made tortillas with 3..." In 3 reviews -
"I don't like chorizo so I recommend the black beans." In 6 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Tori F.
Glendale, CA
11/18/2009
Wow! Pretty good! I define the quality of restaurants I try by: the chips/salsa or bread before the meal, and by the iced tea (or other drinks)! This restaurant wowed me on the chips and salsa front and the margaritas.. so good!
We got there at about 815, and they close at 9, but they didnt rush us. I ordered a blackberry margarita, never had one before and it was awesome! However, it was $11 for maybe 8 oz! Not sure I'd get it again! My friend had the pomegranate, which was ok. My favorite thing we ordered was the guacamole, which is VERY odd because I don't normally eat avocado or guacamole. But their chips are homemade, and the guac was BOMB! The salsas were very good too, loved the spicy green!
On to the entrees, I ordered the pork tacos, they were pretty good, not SUPER flavorful, the beans with it just ok. I also got a take out order for the boyfriend. Got him the carne asada tacos, which were pretty mediocre. Got them home and they didnt have any sauce on them, just meat, onions, and cilantro. My lack of tapatio at home didn't help his dry dry meal,
All in all, I really want to go back for that GUAC! I'll just try some new entrees! Maybe put the guac on the entree. Or eat it straight. MMM. -
Review from Mimi D.
6/2/2008
Amaranta's is one of my fav mexican places. It's fancy mexican food, not the typical crap you find at el torito or Baja Fresh. They don't have hard shell tacos or nachos. The rice comes out in a little pyramid like the ones in Tulum or Chichen Itza in Cancun. The beans come in 2 flavors: black beans or refried beans with chorizo. I don't like chorizo so I recommend the black beans.
Try these:
Chicken Enchiladas (Enchiladas Suiza)
Pork Enchiladas (Enchiladas Amaranta)
Cream filled Churros
table made Guacamole
Chile Relleno de Picadillo
Don't bother ordering:
Camarones Al Ajillo
Carnitas
Tortilla Soup -
Review from Tom C.
Woodland Hills, CA
9/15/2007
This is a very pretty restaurant. The service is prompt and friendly. The margaritas are really good. The menu is creative. The food is fresh and well-presented. The full bar features over 375 tequilas! It's certainly not a 5-star place but probably a solid 4-star. So, why am I giving it 3 stars...
When we got to Amaranta, we were promptly greeted and shown to a booth. Warm handmade tortillas arrived with a selection of three salsas... a nice change from the ubiquitous chips. The salsas were mild, medium and hot, and each was unique in color and taste. The margaritas are "on the rocks" and we weren't given the option of "blended" but that's OK. They were mighty tasty and high-octane! Our waiter was attentive but not overly so.
I ordered the Enchiladas Amaranta and my girlfriend ordered the Chili Relleno stuffed with picadillo. When our plates arrived they were attractive and the food looked appetizing and fresh. Unfortunately, my enchiladas were disappointing
They were filled with bland shredded pork and accented with a sauce that was oddly sweet and tomato-y. They were just a bore. Her picadillo-stuffed poblano chili had a little more zing but, again, was underspiced and slightly greasy. Both dishes came with Mexican rice (creatively molded in the shape of a perfect pyramid) that was ok but nothing special. My refried black beans were innoffensive but similarly lacked much flavor. Her mixed vegetables were the highlight of the meal. They were bursting with flavor and cooked just right.
So, I'm conflicted about this place. I really liked the atmosphere and the entire experience up to the actual eating of the food. Maybe we just ordered wrong. I love Mexican food for the rich palate of flavors, chilis and spice. Sorry, this meal had none of the above. It particularly seemed odd since the salsas served with the tortillas were flavorful and nice. We'll certainly go back and try again. I'm willing to bet that our next meal at Amaranta will be more satisfying and I'll add that fourth star. But, for now, I have to go with what I've actually experienced, not what I anticipate.
UPDATE 9/20/07 ---
We went back. Again, warm, fresh, hand-made tortillas and a trio of salsa were proffered. This time, the red salsa was even more flavorful than the first time! We ordered margaritas and were, again, impressed. Plenty of tequila and not too sweet. Just enough "whang" to be delicious. I ordered the tamale appetizer... two chicken tamales, one with mole sauce and one with tomatillo sauce... and pozole rojo. My girlfriend ordered the ceviche and the veggie side dish.
My pozole rojo was exquisite. In a tomato/chili broth floated oodles of hominy and lean pork. Muy sabroso! The tamales were, frankly, average. The mole sauce, rather than being dark and complex was oddly sweet. It should taste of earthy chilis and bitter chocolate. It was like a melted chocolate bar. Our waiter mentioned that they've changed the pozole rojo recipe recently. Let's hope they're still tweaking other recipes and will update the mole.
Dear Amaranta,
Please don't think it's necessary to dumb-down the cuisine of Mexico for American tastes. Those who don't get it, never will. Those who do get it will be disappointed in your efforts.
The tomatillo sauce was tasty and I liked it best. My girlfriend's ceviche was fresh and delicious. Perhaps a little too much lime, but that's a matter of taste. Her veggies were also nice.
Service was, as usual, attentive and friendly. Both times we've been to Amaranta, our waiter not only seemed interested in serving us, but was actually a nice guy. Not phony nice... sincerely nice.
OK... Amaranta, you've earned your 4th star... but only probationally. You'd better impress me on our third visit.
UPDATE 9/26/07 ---
I'll keep this short. Went out with another couple to celebrate birthdays. Girlfriend had fish tacos al pastor. Whoa! These were good! I had carnitas. Pork was tender and flavorful. Salsa had a fine flavor and kick. Maybe some guac & sour cream would be nice, though. Friend #1 has Cochinita Pibil. Another Whoa! Tender a tasty. Friend #2 had a picadillo stuffed chili relleno. Got a chance to sample two desserts: stuffed churros and crepes. Nice.
OK... I'm done reviewing Amaranta now. Probably 3.5 stars but I'm rounding up in anticipation. Some dishes are still "pleh" but some are superior. It depends on how you order what kind of dining experience you'll get. That needs to improve.Listed in: San Fernando Valley…
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Review from Lucia L.
Reseda, Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2008
If you want to get drunk on very rare and very expensive tequilas then this is the place for you!!! They have sooo many different types of margaritas to choose from and soooo many different types of tequilas to shoot! :)
The food is OK. I am very critical of commercial Mexican food because I am a very good authentic Mexican food chef myself, but this food is pretty good considering where I'm eating it from. The ambiance is great and they have live entertainment every Wednesday if I remember correctly.
I came here for my birthday and as soon as I can drink again I will return!!! -
Review from Cindy W.
2/24/2009
Came here for brunch w/ my girlfriends and even made reservations for us, but no need. This place is EMPTY. Sadly so. But we were willing to give it a try. It has a great big space inside the Topanga Mall and had the potential to be tasty. If nothing else, it was quiet and private.
Anyways, the 3 of us weren't very adventurous since all of us got the Huevos con Carne Asada. Unfortunately the meat was dry, the eggs shriveled, and not enough blue corn chips. I think there were 4 on each plate. With coffee, tax and tip, we each netted out about $18 each. Kind of pricey for a disappointing meal.
This place is for ambience not food. -
Review from Carrie D.
8/28/2008
The reason I love Amaranta is two fold. First, the food and drinks are absolutely delicious. Second, they are located in the Wesfield Topanga Plaza mall, and you know what that means...Drunk shopping!!!!!
First the food: I am a bit of a mole freak/snob and their mole is amazing. Honestly the mole gods must live in their kitchen and produce this fabulous brown liquid from the tears of angels. Yum! I love the chicken enchiladas with mole. The plate comes with three gigantic enchiladas stuffed to the brim with tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked black beans, and a little pyramid of fluffy and flavorful rice. The pyramid is seriously so cute I almost hate to eat it.
Now the margaritas: When I first read the cocktail menu I really thought I had died and gone to margarita heaven. The margaritas are listed by the tequilla they contain and the menu describes the flavor notes of each tequilla. The tequilla gods are clearly in cahoots with the mole gods and are living here too, and those angels must be crying a lot because their tears were in my margaritas as well.
The restaurant is very attractive but a bit small, so sometimes the wait can be a bit long. The service is top notch and I have always had amazing service. This is a great spot to start off a drunk shopping binge! -
Review from Michael K.
Woodland Hills, CA
11/18/2008
After walking by it 100 times with a mall pretzel, I finally took the plunge and took a seat at Amaranta in the Canoga Park Topanga Mall. This is a place that boasts perhaps too much tequila options at over 400, and prefers to think of their menu as one that "does not seek to invent or modernize Mexican cuisine, but rather to celebrate, respect and preserve its originality." I walked in expecting fancier fajitas or tacos filled with things I'd never tasted before, but what I found was quite different.
On a Wednesday at 6:30 PM I arrived braving the hectic mall parking to find Amaranta on the ground floor next to the mall concierge station. The restaurant is designed to be wide open to the mall surroundings to allow the passersby carrying a mall pretzel the chance to look in and stop for lunch. It's too bad it's not located outdoors to allow natural sunlight in the place, because the patio and it's interior would certainly be at home. They could even decrease the strange amount of neon lighting to make it a more welcoming atmosphere. It was clear that when I arrived to the empty restaurant that more foot traffic was needed. Even the waiter looked bored as he leaned against the bar with wall-to-wall booze waiting around for someone to wait on.
Seated quickly I cracked open the menu and instantly ordered the tableside prepared guacamole. As I continued to menu scan we munched on the three house made salsas dipped into with pieces of hand made corn tortillas.
This was a nice change from the usual chips I'm accustomed to seeing, but you can request chips if you're tortilla phobic when it comes to salsa. The waiter indicated that the green was mild, the darkest color was medium, and the red was hot. Heat was true to name, but the salsa was a bit thin for my taste. I've always thought that salsa was for scooping, not for dipping. Probably why it's called salsa and not dip.
A cart soon rolled over with all the guacamole making ingredients and the guacamole man did his thing. The result tasted remarkably like guacamole! Yes you can screw up guacamole, sadly it's happened to me more then once. It was very fresh and I could certainly taste all the different bits and pieces that went in to making it, especially the lime. A truly solid guacamole. This came with chips that were made in-house same as the tortillas, and tasted equally warm, fresh, and greaseless.
For my entree I had a tough time deciding between the chicken fajitas and the conchinita pibil. I went with the latter, described exotically in the menu as "marinated chunks of pork wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection." For sides I picked the spanish rice and refried black beans.
I had hoped it would arrive actually wrapped in a banana leaf tied shut like a present waiting to be opened on Christmas day. I was sad to see someone beat me to it, but no matter, it's what's inside that counts right? What I found was unevenly cooked with the outer edges being a bit on the dry side, and the center being the more tender and moist. Texture wise it was on-point, but it lacked in spice to bring it all together. This was the theme for the remainder of the plate which mentioned ingredients like onion and garlic that I couldn't detect.
I did manage to snag a taste of what the others had ordered. The enchiladas amaranta did not suffer from the same under spicing that my choice did. The pork had the qualities that I'd hoped for in mine, and overall the entire enchilada felt more true to the restaurants earlier mission statement.
The third dish on the table I didn't manage to try. But the diner said his camarones al ajillo was very "meh." Out of the three it was the most interestingly presented dish, arriving in a clay pot brimming with shrimp.
The dessert menu had a few interesting options but we opted for the churros con crema y cajeta. I love a good churro, and these were a nice surprise. Filled with bavarian cream and served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream drizzled in caramel sauce, this was the star of the evening. I had a hard time not kicking everyone out of the booth and having it all to myself. It was sweet without being overpowering, and the heat from the churro was well partnered with the ice cream chill.
If I was doing my holiday shopping at the Topanga Mall this winter I would go back to Amaranta despite the dish discrepancies. The guacamole is worth another order, there are a few enchiladas I'd like to try, and the dessert was a delightful grand finale. -
Review from Jenna R.
Playa del Rey, CA
1/27/2009
When I eat out, I don't usually put Mexican on the top of my list, unless I have East Coasters visiting. But since trying Amaranta, I'd definitely opt for south-of-the-border. It wasn't terribly heavy, which is why I generally veer away from Mex, and the dishes have unusual ingredients that made me scratch my head and think, "You can eat that? Hibiscus, really?" Wonderful guac made fresh at the table, and pretty darn good pomegranate margaritas.
They lost a full star for service, which wasn't awful but enough for me to comment. We asked *twice* for more tortillas and never got them. And when I did my usual narrowing-down of dishes and asked the waiter which he'd recommend, he was terribly unhelpful. "Depends on what you're in the mood for." No kidding! How about you tell me which is most popular? Or which you prefer? Or something I don't know about the dish, such as the cauliflower is cheesier than the description indicates? That would be helpful. But you, sir, were not. -
Review from Linsey S.
Woodland Hills, CA
11/4/2007
Thoroughly unimpressed, but what can you expect from a restaurant in a mall? Their alcohol selection is quite extensive, and the decor is welcoming, but the food was just so blah....not at all Mexican.
When I go to a Mexican restaurant, I pretty much base weather or not I'll go back on their burritos. Has Amaranta heard of those? Apparently not. This was fancy-schmancy-almost-Mexican-food. The ingredients were there...somewhere, but the food was so bland and the service so bland that I just couldn't wait to get out of there. -
Review from H Y.
Woodland Hills, CA
4/21/2008
3.5 stars
I love their handmade tortilla and 3 salsas. I get full just eating those. The drinks are also to-die-for. The sangria is awesome, and reviews on the margaritas are also really good.
This is not your traditional Mexican place, so if you are looking for authentic Mexican food, look elsewhere. What I noticed is you really have to "find" what you like on their menu b/c the items are a bit "fusion." I had the fish tacos the first time, and they were a bit sweet with pineapple salsa. Chili relleno is also on the "fusion" side. However, the skirt steak fajitas and the shrimp with garlic were excellent even though the portions are a bit small. Finally, the soups are really good here, especially the pozolle.
The decor and service are pretty good. Definitely a place I would go back to. This place has beaten out Sol y Luna in my books.
Finally, this place is on the expensive side for Mexican food. Most entrees range in the $15 to $20 range with soups costing $7 or $8. -
Review from m. m.
Northridge, CA
9/1/2008
This place is just ok. Not worth they hype...and not worth the more than positive reviews in various periodicals and on this site. The chips and guacamole are good. Some of the tamales are ok...not great. And, the carnitas are boring, as well as the Amaranta enchiladas.
Friends kept on wanting to try this place. I told them I went once before, and the food was not good. It was too salty, when it first opened.
So I humored them, and still found the food bland. Month and months later (maybe a year), the food is not as salty.
The margaritas sound interesting on the menu, but they lack punch.
All in all, the menu is overpriced for what it is. I would rather go to La Golondrina. The food is so much better.
For the valley: Stick to Don Cuco, Sierra's (right around the corner), and, hell, even Chevy's is better!!!!!
P.S. The service is horrible. How many times do I need to ask for water????!!!!!!! (I hate bad service at overpriced restauraunts. What is the tip on a $96 dollar bill? His twenty bucks was not well earned!) -
Review from Keely G.
Woodland Hills, CA
10/12/2009
I love this place.... been there twice and will be back again.
For starters, the 3 salsas and fresh warm chips were delicious. Watch out for the green one which has some serious kick to it! The fresh homemade tortillas were to die for as well. Next up, we ordered the tableside guacamole which was scrumptious. Made to perfection and made even better with those fresh chips.
For drinks, I had a blended mango margarita and my husband had a margarita on the rocks. When my mango margarita was delivered, I knew right away that it would be the bomb. It looked like it belonged in a magazine... perfectly blended with REAL mango, not some cheezy flavoring, creamy and delicious!!!
For the main course, I had the chicken and steak fajitas. Really great flavors and not heavy at all. The black beans were just ok, with a different texture than I'm used to, but the rest was yummy. My hubby had the conchinita pibil (pork in banana leaves) and it was really tasty although a bit on the salty side.
We tried to leave room for dessert, but after polishing off two margaritas each, every last drop of the guacamole and two bowls of chips and salsa and our entrees, we were stuffed.
To top it off, we had GREAT service from our waiter who was very attentive and catered to our every need. We'll definitely be back soon!! -
Review from Stephanie S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2009
Place wasn't bad. Got the fish tacos (tacos de pescado al pastor) that were OK -- wasn't a huge fan of the pineapple salsa and boyfriend got mole enchiladas that were pretty chocolatey. What I did LOVE was the chips and salsa from the beginning, with salsa molcajeteada, salsa "doce serranos", and salsa macha. One of these is a green colored salsa that will knock your socks off! Delicious! Love! Not a bad stop after shopping like a maniac.
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Review from Mari B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2008
Love this place....Love their happy hour! It's everyday from like 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. prices start at $3.00, I usually have the sangria it has great flavors and very sweet. My other favorite happy hour drink it the Casuela Margarita...it tastes so close to the casuela margaritas from Jalisco Guadalajara. Tequila selection is to die for...they have an extensive selection. Food is savory too, I like their fish tacos al pastor...although a little pricey. The staff is awesome especially the bartenders. I try to make it in for their monthly tequila tastings..totally worth it. Oh...they also give you complimentary hand made tortillas with 3 salsas...from mild to hot, to really hot...it's a real treat. You can ask for chips instead of the tortillas, but I always tend to have the tortillas...come..on they are hand made!
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Review from katrina v.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/18/2008
I am not one to bash a place. I'm always reasonable, fair and polite...but i gotta say, on the real...this place sucks.
I had a bad feeling about this place from the moment I walked in. But, my fiance and I were starving so before we got to shopping we needed to eat. I didn't want to be to quick to judge it either since I hadn't even tasted the food yet.
First of all the decor is hideous. Nothing goes together at all. It looks like they tried hard to make this place look fancy and expensive but instead it looks tacky and cheap. The walls are a sickening pink and the christmas ornament ball hanging lamps are so ugly, i don't know who in their right mind would buy them. Artifical flowers were everywhere, eww, and the tables looked like they were from Ikea. The booths looked liked they belonged in a fast food restaurant and actually It kinda reminded me of Norm's or something like that.
We waited for what seemed like forever for a table and it wasn't even busy. Since we had our baby in a stroller we were seated outside by the elevators. Whatever. The hostess gives us like 5 different menus to look at (so unnecessary), and runs off.
The first and only good thing I noticed was their extensive tequila selection. :) Yum. I was impressed. So I thought for sure they would have good margaritas. But the descriptions of the margs didn't include other ingredients only the tequila and what it tastes like. So my man had one and i decided i couldn't go wrong with a nice cold michelada. He ordered carnitas and I tried something different from what I usually have (chicken enchiladas). It was chicken with shallots and spinach in a special mole sauce served with rice and beans, of course. We also ordered the guacamole appetizer.
Our server looked like he didn't wanna be there but was polite and attentive because he had to be. Our water, handmade tortillas and tier of salsas came first. The salsas tasted like a store bought jars, there was an empty place on the tier (which i assumed was supposed to be butter for the tortillas?) and the handmade torts were completely deformed, a couple were even crumpled up. Next, our guac and drinks came. They make it right in front of you like at El Torito Grill but unfortunately it's not as good. He asked us if we wanted it spicy and we said medium. maybe he didn't know what medium meant because there was no spice at all. my michelada came in the same glass the water came in with only 3 ice cubes (not enough) and more than half of the glass was filled with lime juice (too much). it was a very sad drink presentation. his marg was nothing special for $12. We make way better ones at home. Oh and I can't forget how nasty the chips were...so, I reach for salt and there is none. damn.
Okay so our food comes. cool pyramid made with the rice but that is all! i took three bites of the chicken (only cuz i was hungry) but i was done after the first bite, and i couldn't eat anymore. it was SO bland. the refried black beans were also bland and looked like shit. the cool looking rice was bland, the spinach wasn't cooked enough and there was nothing special about the special mole sauce. i was pissed because i was so hungry and nothing at all was satisfying, not even the chips and salsa! not even my beer! how could a place fuck up a beer? my man was quiet throughout the whole meal which means it was bad and he didn't finish his food either. his carnitas looked super dry to me but he wasn't gonna tell me that, it would only fuel the fire.
Our server comes and asks if everthing is alright, by the look on my face and all the food remaining on our plates i'm sure he could tell we were not happy. but at that moment i felt so bad for him that i didn't have the heart to complain. it wasn't his fault. he already looked like he having a bad day. and i could tell my fiance didn't wanna hear me complain so we paid and left. btw money is not an issue when we go out to eat, we don't mind paying for good food and service, but in this case it was so not worth it. what a waste...i would have rather had a preztel. blah.
whoever thinks their food is good is seriously trippin'. -
Review from Heather K.
La Crescenta, CA
8/22/2007
I love this mall. This restaurant looked good very nice decor. So we decided to try it. I had the tamales (on the appetizer) and my companion had the enchiladas. It was tasty but not the usual Mexican flavors we were used too. I do love flavors and I do love Mexican food. This place earns four stars for their uniquness in flavors, but loses a star cause they tried really hard with teh flavors but really overpowered the food. As teh previous reviewer said their are no chips which isn't great but they have good salsas. It also loses one star cause it took way too long to get a refill on water. Also we ordered coffee it was way too cold I asked them to bring us a hot cup they did and didn't charge which was nice. Overall it was okay for mall food but the decor is what gave this place it points more than the food!
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Review from Rick B.
Woodland Hills, CA
Updated - 2/12/2009
Just went by there and it looks closed down .... finally. This place DESERVED to go out of business for their crappy customer service. Adios Amaranta!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2008
NOTE: YELP does not allow anything less than one star, but this restaurant has sunk to a ZERO in my… Read more »
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Review from Kevin D.
Santa Monica, CA
7/11/2009
We really like this place. Have gone there probably six times since we moved to CA in April 2009. The food is high quality, well-prepared, reasonably priced, and light ie: not tons of cheese and sauce. Guacamole prepped tableside is amazingly good. All the entrees are great. The three salsas are really good as well as noted by a previous person. They don't serve chips with the salsa, they serve flour tortillas but if you order guacamole you will get chips. My wife loves the chicken mole here. I order all kinds of entrees and have never had a bad one. Nice ambiance in the restaurant as well and the service is superior. Definitely recommended.
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Review from jan b.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2007
DEE-LISH! upscale mexican/oaxacan type food. colorful restaurant with a great menu. i had the huevos with grilled chicked. everything was seasoned to perfection and it didnt feel overly greasy or fatty. my sister had an echilada which was also very good. not too cheesy, saucy, salty, or fatty. i'm always worried mexican food will be doused in grease and fat. but amaranta had an overall great menu.
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Review from Kristen V.
Canoga Park, CA
10/19/2007
2 stars: for pretty decor and good horchata
First off I think they make it really pretty cute and pink inside to make up for the lack of flavor in their food. I got the Faijtas de Arrachera and my friend got the Pollo en Mole Poblano. Presentation was cool bc they made rice pyramids. The steak had NO flavor, it was the most bland meat I have ever had and trust me, I AM A STEAK PERSON! I personally LOVE mexican food and this was one of the worst for me. My friend's plate was looking good until she took her first bite. Chocolate and chicken?????????? I mean, the server did tell us its a very "interesting" dish but he didn't tell us it was going to be awful. Her chicken was dry and the chocolate (with spices) suace did not compliment the chicken well wat so ever! At least she enjoyed her vegetables and rice :) Actually I think we both ate more of the tortillas than our entree. Overall I wouldn't come back or recommend this especially if you have had real authentic mexican food, you won't like this place. Although I have to admit their tortilla soup was different and flavorful! I enjoyed that very much with my horchata! :) No Amaranta for me ever again! Great, now I am super gassy.... *sigh* -
Review from quan d.
Simi Valley, CA
5/26/2008
I could eat here everyday. And I think I do some weeks between the dinner here with the family, lunch with friends, and the take out leftovers from my sister. The agua frescas change daily and i love the melon one the best. If they don't have the melon i always get a pitcher...9 dollars is cheap. I like that it is in the mall because i can go shopping get a brownie for my girl at the farm and stop by the apple store in one place. The food here is so good, my favorite is the banana leaf wrapped pork with the red onions and they always remember to bring me roasted chilies on the side. Whenever we go the staff is super nice and always give us the same booth where my daughter has access to the view of people passing by, it gives her something to do :) and it fits our stroller perfectly. I really like this place so go.
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Review from Jennifer W.
Woodland Hills, CA
5/10/2009
I used to love this place, but we went last Sunday for lunch and it was really awful. We ordered guac that never came and our meals came out in like 5 minutes. Fish Tacos had weird red stuff on them that was totally gross.. I mean the fish looked like nuclear waste. And my carnitas were DISGUSTING, like they had been sitting around getting all crusty for days. Gave it a three because I have been there several other times and it was excellent. Hope its not going downhill... The best thing I had there before were the Enchiladas Suizas
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Review from Neill E.
Northridge, CA
8/29/2009
This is my favorite Mexican!! If your looking for big heavy Mexican this is not it. If you are looking for authentic, awesome varieties of food, and the best margaritas ever this is the place!! Mario is the man to bring it to you.
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Review from sandy s.
Woodland Hills, CA
10/18/2009
yum! excellent food...not your typical mexican restaurant.
from the homemade chips, tortillas, to the yummy salsas.
lighter mexican food...fresh ingredients make for
delicious appetizers & entrees. my husband & i split an appetizer
& an entree...definitely enough for two. the crepes with carmel sauce,
chopped pecans & vanilla bean ice cream is soooo good!
my one and only complaint (because everything else is so good!)
is the house margarita is small and 75% ice...probably only
2 ounces of margarita:(
almost forgot, the service was very good both times we have gone to
armaranta and the decor is very nice...one of the most stylish
restaurants in woodland hills/canoga park area... -
Review from Rodolfo S V.
San Fernando, CA
11/27/2008
Amaranta is a really nice upscale Mexican restaurant in the Westfield Topanga Mall. It has a nice ambience and acceptable Mexican food. Being Mexican myself, I'm very picky when it comes to so called "Mexican restaurants" because the majority of them tend to commercialize their food so often that it gets extremely annoying. The Mole Poblano at Amaranta is good, though I've had better, but the one thing I don't like is their rice. It's just too spongy for my taste but it is cool that they serve it in a pyramid shape for presentation. I recommend their ceviche as an appetizer, since it is a dish that is impossible to screw up. What really makes Amaranta stand out from other Mexican restaurants though, is its wide variety of tequilas, some being so expensive and of high quality, that it can go for $200 a shot! The tequilas sit on a giant shelf in which the waiter or bartender need to climb on a wheeled ladder to get to them. The place also has a gift shop and a to-go section on the side of the dining area in case you want to pick up a nice gift or a quick bite to eat. Overall, not a bad place to go to, great for couples and groups.
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Review from Ammie P.
Marina del Rey, CA
8/25/2007
this place is a nice alternative to the overpriced overated The Farm across the way. No chips but they give variety of salas and warm tortillas in stead. They hand crush the strawberry's for the margarita's which both times have been VERY strong but tastey. The food is spicy as your eating it but doesn't stay with you which is nice considering your probably shopping in the mall. Overall- if your looking for something other than the farm and the food court. this is the place.
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Review from Mark W.
Van Nuys, CA
1/3/2010
Unfortunately, Amaranta has gone under. I went there today hoping for lunch only to be greeted by a crew dismantling the place. I think it's a loss for the Valley as I certainly don't know of any other Mexico City style restaurants here. It's a tough business.
