My family and I recently ate lunch at the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, located in the Pacific Wharf area at Disney California Adventure Park. As Southern California natives, we’re accustomed to authentic Mexican food. We’re a bit picky about it, in fact! Flavors should be strong, there should be a good variety of toppings and just the right amount of spice. How did the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill stand our test? Read on and find out!

Lunch at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill – Photo Credit: Julie Bigboy

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill  is a counter service restaurant so guests walk up to the outdoor window to order and pick up their food. The Pacific Wharf area hosts several other restaurants in this space and seating in the shade can be at a premium.

There were five of us dining (my husband and myself, my 11-yr old son and 10-yr old stepdaughter and my 3-yr old son). I knew that the platters were large and the portions generous so I settled on three dishes. We shared the meals between us and found that there was plenty of food to go around.

First up was the Chicken Tamales. They were served with Mexican rice, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. Instead of refried beans, we opted for sauteed vegetables instead. The tamales were unfortunately rather dry and stuck to the corn husks but still had a decent flavor. The strips of carrot and squash were tasty but the green peppers were slightly overcooked. The tamales were served with a side of pasilla-tomatillo sauce which my husband deemed delicious and perfectly spicy.

The Fire Grilled Citrus Chicken also came with Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and flour tortillas. The half-chicken was very moist with a nice marinade of garlic, cilantro, lemon and lime. The guacamole was flavorful; I only wish there was more of it! The flour tortillas were rather thick and chewy though. They were heavy and more doughy, unlike thinner authentic Mexican tortillas. Our 3-yr old didn’t mind though, he gobbled them up along with a chicken drumstick!

Hacienda Chicken Caesar Salad – Photo Credit: Julie Bigboy

Lastly, there was the Hacienda Chicken Caesar Salad, which was mostly my own dish. It had grilled chicken breast strips on top of romaine lettuce. The large platter was topped with red bell peppers, cotija cheese, tortilla strips and a yummy pepita Caesar salad dressing. This salad was really big and my husband and son finished the last half of it. Very fresh and delicious, I would definitely order this one again.

Mariachi Divas entertaining us at lunch. Photo Credit: Julie Bigboy

As we dined in the breezy patio, we were serenaded by the lovely Mariachi Divas. The group strolls through the Pacific Wharf area, entertaining diners at the many outdoor restaurants. We had a fun time, clapping along to their songs and enjoyed the music and singing while we ate.

Though the dishes served at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill might not be completely authentic, the food is tasty and flavorful all the same. Prices are reasonable, considering the generous size of the portions (see the Menu). I recommend purchasing several dishes as we did and sharing between you to try several of the platters. Dining while the Mariachi Divas are performing is a treat as well!