Cocina Del Carmen, a Vista-based restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine using recipes from the Oaxaca region, is preparing to open a new location at 41125 Winchester Road, Site B8.
The company’s second location is set to replace La Memela Mexican Food near Promenade Temecula, according to a liquor license application. Co-owner Gary Jacobson tells What Now San Diego that this location is expected to open in early March 2025, offering a wide variety of unique dishes from Oaxaca, such as Tlayudas and the famous Mole sauce. Until then, the restaurant will continue to operate at its flagship location in Vista at 1350 East Vista Way.
Cocina Del Carmen’s new location will serve cuisine rooted in Oaxaca, the hometown of co-owner Carmen Colon. The restaurant will offer the same menu as the original, highlighting dishes inspired by Carmen’s mother, Gloria, who taught her the value of fresh ingredients from their garden. The owners take pride in honoring Oaxaca’s rich culinary traditions in their meals.
Some of the favorites on the menu include a Chicken Mole Plate, made with poached chicken covered with homemade Mole sauce and served with rice, beans, and three tortillas; Mulitas, which are two corn tortillas filled with melted cheese and choice of adobada, birria, carnitas or chicken; and a Molcajete Mixto Oaxaqueña, a combination of thinly sliced grilled pork, beef, chicken breast, chorizo sausage, jalapeño, quesillo, queso fresco, and lime, served in a heated Molcajete and with side of rice, black beans and six corn tortillas.
