Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen

13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(966 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Irvine, California, Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen is a culinary gem that invites you to indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican and Latin American cuisine. This lively restaurant boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.

As you step inside, you're greeted by a friendly staff that takes pride in providing exceptional service, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a festive gathering. The lively decor, complemented by vibrant colors and charming details, sets the scene for a delightful dining experience.

One of the standout features of Cha Cha's is its extensive menu, designed to showcase the best of Latin flavors. Take, for instance, the House-Made Salsas, Guacamole & Chips, perfect for sharing or as a savory starter. The Pint of Fresh Guacamole is a crowd-pleaser, made to serve up to 35 people at just $23.99, bringing an authentic taste of Mexico straight to your table. For a little zest, try the Pint of Pico De Gallo or Pint of Charred Fresh Tomato, both at $10.99. Paired perfectly with Freshly Cooked Tortilla Chips ($10.99), it’s an appetizer that sets the tone for what's to come.

For those visiting on a Thursday, do not miss the delectable Fajita Thursday Lunch Special. The restaurant features mouthwatering options like the Empanadas ($15.99), utilizing gluten-free fresh ground masa with a delightful picadillo of ground beef. The Tamarindo Wings, crispy and glazed with spicy tamarindo, are simply irresistible, priced at $19.99. Vegetarian diners will love the Organic Field Greens ($12.99), a refreshing salad brimming with crisp tortillas and homemade sherry vinaigrette.

As for dinner, delights await with choices like the Chopped Chicken Salad ($27.99), which combines grilled chicken and organic greens to tantalizing effect and is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The attentive staff at Cha Cha's ensures that your experience is not just about the food but about feeling right at home, as reflected in numerous positive customer reviews.

Guests like Emily and Sea Oh, share how they appreciate the attentive service and inviting environment, often highlighting how they managed to secure a table without reservations—suggesting the restaurant’s flexibility and welcoming vibe. Feedback from Shreepal Shah spoke of the flavorful and beautifully presented dishes, further emphasized by the commendable team ready to cater to special requests.

Whether you’re a fan of a vibrant dining scene or just appreciate great food, Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen is your go-to destination in Irvine. Join them for unforgettable meals that promise a taste of Latin America, all served with a side of charm and hospitality.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Sunday

10:30 AM - 9:30 PM

966 Reviews
Emily

11 Sep 2025

I can’t believe I haven’t written a review until now! Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen is easily one of my favorite spots for Mexican/Latin American food—higher-end but still super welcoming, with amazing service. They seem to prefer reservations, but my boyfriend and I always walk in, and the longest we’ve ever waited was maybe ~2 minutes. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Service speed depends on how busy they are, but they’re consistently great. Right when you’re seated, they ask for your drink order, and their drinks are fantastic—huge portions and a great deal. I love their watermelon margarita, and my boyfriend their skinny margarita. Last night, we both got a jalapeño kick added, and wow—it was amazing! Food-wise, I’m mostly vegan/vegetarian and they’re super accommodating. Their wild mushroom tacos (sans cheese for me) are incredible. My boyfriend loves their steak tacos and fajitas. Their rice and beans feel like a solid, balanced meal, and their chips come with two salsas. Everything is fresh and high quality. What really prompted this review was that I left my credit card there last night and didn’t realize until this morning. I was freaking out, but I called right at 10:30a when they opened, and the manager answered immediately. They had kept my card secure in a safe, and retrieving it was seamless—no unauthorized transactions. Just so professional and reassuring. I felt so relieved!! I’ll definitely be back whenever I visit my boyfriend, and I’ll miss this place when we move. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it! Everything is customizable, fresh, and delicious. Huge thanks to the staff for always making each visit so pleasant—I write a lot of reviews, and this one was well-earned!

Sea Oh (DC & California Attorney)

31 Aug 2025

After a particularly rough day at work, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Initially, I tried visiting Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Brea, but the lack of parking led me to their Irvine location instead. What a fortunate turn of events! The Irvine location offered ample parking, making my arrival stress-free. From the moment I stepped inside, I was warmly greeted by the host, who seated me immediately. I was thrilled to learn about Chef Joe's Weekend Special—a three-course meal for an incredible $29, a steal in California! I opted for the seafood campechana cocktail, grilled steak enchilada, and arroz con leche, and added Manila clams as an extra dish. The service was exceptional. My server, Carlos, was professional, patient, and incredibly attentive, elevating my solo dining experience. Manager Isabel also checked in, ensuring everything was to my satisfaction. Their genuine care stood out, especially compared to some Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited worldwide, where service often fell short. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was impressed by the generous portion sizes. The seafood campechana cocktail and grilled steak enchilada were highlights, bursting with flavor. The Manila clams, while slightly smaller than ideal, were still quite tasty. The arroz con leche was a perfect, comforting end to the meal. Throughout the evening, Carlos remained attentive, checking in and clearing plates promptly. Even the general manager (whose name I didn’t catch) stopped by to ensure I was enjoying my meal. Their attentiveness was so remarkable that I jokingly asked if I seemed disgruntled, clarifying that their care had truly brightened my day. Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen in Irvine exceeded my expectations with its warm hospitality, fantastic value, and delicious food. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be returning soon!

Shreepal Shah

21 Aug 2025

We had a great dining experience at Cha Cha Latin Kitchen. The food was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was warm, attentive, and made the evening feel special. One thing I didn’t quite appreciate, though — I asked for my enchilada to be made spicy, and they added about 5–6 thin slices of Serrano chili, then charged extra for it. That felt unnecessary, especially with a bill crossing $100 for two people. Still, overall, the food and service were excellent, and I’d definitely return — just with clearer expectations next time.

Crystal S

29 Jul 2025

Taco Tuesday! I had one short rib taco and a shrimp taco. The margaritas were yummy too! Our server Paige was great. She was friendly and attentive.

Daniel Repasky

26 Jul 2025

The food and service are good, and the all day happy hour is great. I don't know what they put in the beans but they're tasty as heck.

Britt Almquist

21 Jul 2025

My friend and I on spring break went to Cha Cha’s on taco tuesday and we had a great experience with our server Sara/Sarah! She was attentive, friendly, and went out of her way to give us the best service possible. I was surprised to see such great service from such a young server.

Heidy S

09 Jun 2025

Reservations highly encouraged. We arrived earlier than our reservation time but were seated quickly. Excellent customer service. Wait staff were constantly checking in and asking if we needed anything else. Mushroom tacos, chicharrones, and halibut were delicious. Drinks were good too and they modified the spice level since I can't handle spiciness Nice atmosphere, especially, the patio on a Friday evening.

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