El Chorlito - San Simeon

During our stay at the hotel next door, we thought it would be a great idea to take a pleasant walk to this restaurant. As we arrived, we were greeted by three...

Located in a pseudo-Mission style hacienda on PCH, this restaurant earns the title of one of the worst Mexican meals I've ever experienced. The only standout aspect of this place is...

A few years ago, my wife and I met our good friends at El Chorlito. They were familiar with the restaurant's food, and we were excited to give it a try. It certainly lived up to their praise!

The restaurant offers a few vegan options along with many vegetarian choices. The salsa roja is exceptional! I also appreciated the note on the menu indicating that all the sauces are meatless, which saves me the trouble of asking. I ordered a cheese enchilada and a chile relleno, and I truly enjoyed both dishes, even as a food snob from San Francisco. On the day I visited, they had a homemade lemon ice cream for dessert that was heavenly—unfortunately not vegan, but it was very delicious.

--- If you're looking for vegan options in San Simeon, this place is worth a visit. Just be sure to request vegan items, as the guacamole can sometimes taste outdated. I ordered the taco salad with tofu, and it had a generous portion of tofu, which I appreciated. However, I wish there was a bit more dressing for added flavor. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a lovely view of the sea. This review is an update from May 13, 2021.