Madera Kitchen Of Mexico - Vista

Dine at Madera for the first time last night. Lots of outdoor seating on a deck in the parking lot but we opted to dine indoors. It was kind of quiet at 7pm on a Friday, but it filled in nicely as our meal progressed. I liked the artwork around the restaurant and the wine cellar added a touch of elegance.They brought fresh chips, salsa and a delicious bean puree/dip with queso fresco. I fell victim to the chips and beans. Devoured them, which did leave me a bit full as my meal arrived. But I regret nothing.We started with the calamari, which was crispy and plentiful. For dinner, I had the sea bass with corn and poblano risotto. I loved the option of classic Mexican dishes alongside fish, steak, chicken mole, and others. Best of all worlds in an elevated food and dining experience. Fish had a delicious crispy to the skin with tender meat. The risotto had a touch of sweet from the corn that added a nice contrast to the salt of the fish.The real winner for us was the wine. We opted for a red from Valle de Guadalupe. I hate to admit it but I had not had a wine from the region before. It was delightful.The wait staff was super friendly and attentative. They genuinely wanted to ensure we were enjoying our meal.I think it's safe to say we'll be back. I do hope Vista and the North County crowd discover this gem of a restaurant.Wheelchair accessibility: All 1 floor, ample room between tables, large restroom, easy access from the parking lot via small bib/ramp in curb

The food was delicious. We went for brunch and got the bottomless mimosas. We ordered green chicken chilaquiles. The service was great! The atmosphere was cool, they were playing entertaining music. It was my first time, will definitely be back!

Went on Sunday and it seems like mimosas and micheladas were the main course on the menu. Very overpriced, the 2 tacos with rice and beans started at $22 a plate. I get it that all of the prices have went up but my goodness. Don't ask for shrimp because that's an extra $8 on top of the plate. Very limited menu for the brunch that last until 2 PM. I went close to 1PM and was ready to eat eat but wasn't willing to wait for dinner, reminder this was my first time, but come on now. Might try dinner one day but the brunch menu and prices are awful. Service was okay. Heads up, there's a 20% gratuity for parties 8 or more, just in case you go with a group.

Really good find. Upscale Mexican food on par with Red O or Javier's but with plentiful and free parking! Our service was great and everyone from hostess to busser was really lovely. The food was good and specific requests and substitutions were accommodated readily and correctly. The beverage program, including the cocktails, are wine-centric; margarita expectations need to be managed and not compared to tequila-based versions. There were some notable differences in the preparation and plating of some items compared to the photos on the online menu which would have influenced our order had we known. Our food came out more room temperature than hot and we were quick to forgive based on how busy they were, how nice they were, and how good everything was; that being said, it may be a cautionary tale to target less busy times of day if they're prone to operational overwhelm.

Great, authentic food. Traditional Mexican fare plus some special ones, including several elevated entree selections. Family run biz. Excellent service by server Maria hostess. Nice atmosphere. They were quite busy but still very attentive friendly. Chips, salsa, smoky bean dip, guacamole starters were all exceptionally good. The mole, which has never been a fave of mine, just a tad sweet but still enjoyable, the prep on the chicken vegetables were absolute perfection. Love the pride the mother takes in her sauce. The sea bass was delicious. This will be a favorite restaurant in our rotation.