Corazon Cocina: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Santa Barbara

Freshly made food, handmade tortillas and a creative take on a variety of tacos. We ordered a campechana quesadilla, corriente taco, Al pastor taco, queso fundido and plantains. We enjoyed it all except the Al pastor, it needs sazon, it's very underwhelming. Everything else was made with love, cooked to perfection and yummy goodness. The shrimp was the star of the show today.

I have been coming here since they opened. As a longtime hotel concierge in the area, my job is to know the best places to eat, in order to tell our guests. For many years now I have recommended Corazon and I often go there myself! Long lines, and sometimes a long wait, but only because they make everything from scratch. Simply look into the kitchen next time you are in line and you can see the woman making tortillas by hand! What a treat! When you are given a buzzer, go for a walk around the Public Market or read a book. Don't just stand by, or the wait can feel too long! But regardless, its worth the wait! I usually order the birria, mole, carnitas, or a special they have going. All have been fantastic! The strawberry tres leches cake is also fantastic! I live next to La Super Rica which is not bad, but I prefer Corazon in many ways!

Located in the Public Market, this spot serves innovative Mexican street food with big, bold flavors inspired by local ingredients. Chef Ramon Velazquez uses traditional techniques with creative twists. It’s an accessible yet award-winning dining choice.

With roots in a Sunday pop-up that started in 2014 Corazón Cocina has since become one of Santa Barbara’s most well-regarded eateries, a location inside the Public Market assuring foot traffic fortified by quick service and the sort of upscale Mexican Cuisine able to please a diverse clientele. Owned by Chef Ramon Velazquez, a native of Guadalajara who began cooking with his grandmother and mother at a very young age, Corazón Cocina takes an approach by which technique fuels innovation while fully embracing California’s seasonal bounty. Trained in fine dining as well as Sushi, Corazón Cocina’s Ceviche praised as some of the city’s best, first timers are advised to order broadly with the expectation that everything from Tortillas and Salsa to creamy Guac with a bit of heat is made on-site daily. A counter-order setup with each guest given a pager, perhaps fifteen minutes wait allowing time to check out Desserts from sister-eatery Little Heart Cafecito, Tacos come loaded with slowly-braised Meat including spicy Al Pastor tamed by Pineapple or fall-apart Birria given added emphasis by Peanut Salsa Macha. Almost entirely local and organic, Ling Cod for Fish Tacos far better than the So.Cal standard, Mexican White Shrimp offer a sweet burst inside the Contramar Burrito with Rice while Velazquez shows off his sourcing further via a “Mercado Quesadilla” loaded with seasonal Produce and grilled Panela Cheese. Seated along the kitchen, Black Almond Mole earthy atop Chicken, don’t forget to say “yes” when asked about adding Chorizo to the Queso Fundido that pairs well to local or domestic Beer, Margaritas or housemade Horchata.

Always delicious and fresh Mexican food and seafood. The birria with blue corn tortillas were awesome and the tostada with fresh fish and watermelon was delicious. For drinks you gotta have the hibiscus margarita

Uniquely delicious Mexican food. I tried several different menu items and they were all good, but be aware that many of the tacos and quesadillas were spicy with green salsa inside. Efficient staff. Located inside Santa Barbara Public Market with shared seating areas.

You can usually tell by the lineup, whether a place Is good or whether it's not. Put in your order at the cash and they give you one of those light up pucks to tell you when your food is ready. I had the Sal de Mar ceviche, a coconut rice pudding, and a hibiscus lemongrass tea. Everything was delicious. The ceviche was a combination of super fresh Fish with watermelon, cucumbers, baby sprouts, pomegranate arils , avocado and watermelon radish. The best ceviche I have had in a long time. The hibiscus lemongrass tea was especially refreshing. Rice pudding for me is comfort food, making it with coconut milk was a new twist.

My fiancé and I have been coming here for years, almost every Sunday for our usual fun date night out. We consistently come here because the components that make a place great, is here!! Great service, so clean, a fun environment, and amazing, authentic, and such flavorful eats!!! Best in town hands down, such a reliable choice. We look forward to it everything single time!!!