La Cocina de Doña Esthela

Great food, small portions. We got our food sooner than expected, keeping in mind it was a Saturday and they were full. the chips portion was unbelievably small for 2 people. Ask for pan dulce, they might have some great selections.

Traveling through wine country in Ensenada we came upon this restaurant. The architecture makes you feel like you’re authentically in a Mexican restaurant. The staff are super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about their dishes. The food was incredibly delicious!

We had the enchiladas with the corn hotcakes, and I’d also recommend you try!

Coffee tasted just like the kind my grandma makes, and the overall quality of the food was A-1

The place was better than we expected. The wait for breakfast was a little long at about 20 minutes. The food quality was great with the queso and chips being a pleasant surprise. Cafe de Olla was nicely done. They had a dairy next to the restaurant.

Wonderful food and definitely friendly service from our service attendant. The only con to this popular place is the longer wait during busy times, but ultimately makes it worth it if you have the time to visit. I would recommend coming earlier in order to not have to wait as long. During the wait, you can order some coffee or shakes from the coffee bar stand that is available towards the front. If you have little ones, there are currently no changing tables but there is a playground for the wait.

Delicioso como siempre! This place is amazing. Hand made tortillas and lots of traditional food. Quesatacos are my favorite here and cafe de olla is fabulous! This place is a must when we come to Valle de Guadalupe.

My first time here was in August 2021 after I graduated for Pepperdine. my friend and I came to Mexico for Baja beach fest and drove to Doña from our Air BNB.

There is only one kitchen and one parking lot. I’ve been back four times since then and every time this place has something new.

Te amo La Cocina de Doña Esthela! This is where I was first introduced to machaca and hotcakes de elote.

If you’ve never been, I recommend making the trip because it is well worth it. You have to try the Machaca and Borrego. Top it off with agua fresca de pepino y piña. Thank me later 🫡.

A little off the beaten path but this place is as advertised. The food is all handmade with delicious flavors. I had the chilaquiles rojos, enchilada de pollo, gorditas de chicharrón, picadillo and rajas con queso. I also ordered the hotcake de elote and topped it off with a great cafe de olla!! Everything was great

Incredible food and amazing service. We had a group of 40 on a weekend (when it’s noticeably busier) and we were seated quickly and taken care of very well. The food is all amazing, but the best in my opinion is the machaca (dried shredded beef with vegetables) and the corn pancakes. They also have a huge selection of drinks, including an amazing horchata.

This restaurant makes homemade dishes with homemade flair which makes it a “must go in Valle.” A fair warning, Google is not your friend the roads are dirt and unkept. Check before pulling into the street as you’ll be able to tell if you should try the road. The best road is the one that is clearly signed as the route to the cocina. The food is good and I’ll say the corn with ricotta cheese and honey are a must try, this dish should not work but somehow is great pairing. The borego is phenomenal as is the machaca, I would definitely have again and the tortillas are made fresh and to order.

Lamb meat slowly cooked underground for hours served with a side of its own juices in order to dip your tacos. All the meat and cheese served is sourced from the farm where the restaurant is located.

Excellent experience. The food was delicious . The service was great. there was no need to wait .

Doña Esthela herself came out to greet and welcome everyone at their table. Very welcoming atmosphere, yet a joyful vibe. All dishes here are delicious and have that homemade taste. Birria or Borrego en su jugo are very recommended, served with homemade tortillas. Gordita de picadillo is delicious. Hotcakes de elote con requezon are different yet addicting! Cafè de olla , hot chocolate or cappuccino is great too. Also recommended is 'combinacion Jose' and 'Doña Esthela'. This place does get crowded at times, but staff gets you seated in a timely manner. Pets are welcome. There is a playground for children as well.

Amazing place, delicious food, quality ingredients. Esthela’s food never disappoints! You can taste the love and quality ingredients in every bite. Doña Esthela is very warm and pleasant and always checks-in with all her patrons throughout the day. This is a MUST stop for any visit to Valle de Guadalupe!

Great food and service! Prices are getting a little high but worth it! We’ve been here a few times but every time we go the last mile road is getting worse! You definitely need A pick-up truck or an SUV!!! All cars bottom out or get stuck in the deep mud after it rains! My Tesla Model Y Performance was hitting all the deep bumps! It wasn’t high enough. Overall the food was great! I highly recommend this place!

I would drive from San Diego to Doña Estela Restaurant just to have breakfast. WHAT A PLACE!!! Safe, delicious, view, customer service…this place has it all!

We came to eat brunch here while staying in Valle de Guadalupe, mostly because their Machaca is world-renowned. DEFENITELY met expectations! DEFENITELY worth the wait! AND DEFENITELY will be back next chance we get. The food is home-style cooking, the ranch is self-sustained, and everything was freshly made there. You can taste the love and time put into every bite, and things are simple yet great. I would definitely recommend the Machaca, the gorditas, the beans, and their corn pancakes 😚🤌💕 Don't doubt the greatness of this place, it will leave you eating your words up.

LOVED IT. Food was delicious and service was great ! Met Doña Esthela. Very nice lady. Gets busy so arrive early though they are quick to seat you.

Delicious food and definitely worth a visit while in Valle de Guadalupe. There was no line and minimal wait, which made the experience better. I've tried to come for breakfast before but there was a long wait and we ended up leaving. January seems to be a good time to visit as the throngs of tourists are not as bad. Must try their machaca and corn pancakes. Everything was delicious, but my companions did say the coffee was a little weak. I enjoyed the fresh orange juice. Taste like homemade Mexican breakfast.

Very good food here. The goat and beef plate was fantastic. Can’t go wrong with anything you order here, and the bathrooms are super clean. Service is excellent and the people are super nice. If you are down this way please don’t miss out, you won’t be disappointed.

Authentic mexican breakfast with very good hand made tortillas and cafe de olla. Come earlier before 9am to avoid crazy line and parking. Complementary cheese chipa and salsa. Orden Birria de res tatemada and machaca con huevo are very very good.