Avila's El Ranchito – Mexican
This vibrant family-owned sanctuary welcomes guests with the festive warmth of a sun-drenched hacienda, where the air is perfumed by simmering spices and the bright scent of hand-mashed guacamole. Long tables hum with energy as diners share overflowing platters of citrus-cured ceviche and bubbling quesadillas, finding ultimate comfort in the soul-warming steam of Mama Avila’s legendary soup. It is a place where culinary heritage meets a lively communal spirit, creating an experience that feels like both a grand celebration and a cozy homecoming.
27941, La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677 +19493499100 https://www.avilaslagunaniguel.com/0Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Avila's El Ranchito
Dairy-Free at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Bag of Chips and Chile Colorado. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 5 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Chile Colorado and Steak or Chicken Picado. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 6 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Quesadilla and Bag of Chips. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Carnitas and Nachos Especial. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 6 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Herradura Skinny Margarita, Orange Herradura Cadillac and Avila’s Guava Margarita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 8 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Quesadilla, Herradura Skinny Margarita and Orange Herradura Cadillac. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 4 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beans, Guacamole Fresco and Grilled Chicken Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Fat at Avila's El Ranchito
Avila's El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel has 5 low-fat-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Baja Bowl and Beans. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Avila's El Ranchito
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Bowl | 94.1 g | 62.9 g |
| Nachos Especial | 40.3 g | 52.6 g |
| Chile Colorado | 67.7 g | 41 g |
| Grande Taco Salad | 57.7 g | 34.2 g |
| Azteca Chicken Salad | 50.1 g | 27.1 g |
| Chingolingas | 75.3 g | 25.5 g |
| Sizzling Fajitas - Chicken | 54.3 g | 24.3 g |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 11 g | 21 g |
| Carnitas | 0 g | 18.9 g |
| Steak or Chicken Picado | 14.3 g | 14.3 g |
| Quesadilla | 24 g | 10.3 g |
| Tostada | 36 g | 8.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Appetizers
- Guacamole Fresco - $15.5: Chunky blend of ripe avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic, fresh lime, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos Especial - $18: Choice of shredded chicken or shredded beef, topped with Salsa Ranchera, beans, melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesadilla - $15: Grande flour tortilla with a blend of cheeses. Served with guacamole and sour cream. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Avila’s Appetizer - $27: Combination of bite-size taquitos, flautas, tacos, and a quesadilla. Served with guacamole and sour cream. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ceviche - $22: Wild caught Mazatlan shrimp or White Fish marinated in lime juice with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Served with tostada shells. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail - $23: Shrimp, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and fresh avocado in a tomato-based Mexican style cocktail. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups and Salads
- Mama Avila’s Soup - $17: Chicken breast and rice soup, garnished with fresh avocado, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. Served with tortillas. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grande Taco Salad - $19: Flour tortilla shell filled with lettuce, beans, choice of protein, pico de gallo, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Azteca Chicken Salad - $19: Charbroiled chicken, cilantro-lime dressing, avocado, black beans, corn relish, lettuce, and tortilla crouton strips. Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Chicken Salad - $19: Seasoned grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sliced avocado. Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tostada - $18: Crispy corn tortilla with beans, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Choice of protein. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Albondigas Soup - $17: Seasoned meatballs simmered with garden fresh vegetables. Served with tortillas. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Menudo - $17: Traditional homemade beef tripe soup. Served Saturday and Sunday only. Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Carnitas - $25: Lean pork marinated in lemon and garlic. Served with rice, beans, and guacamole. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak or Chicken Picado - $25: Bite-sized chunks of steak or chicken with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp al Mojo de Ajo - $27: Large Mazatlan shrimp sauteed in garlic butter sauce. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada - $26: Tender sliced U.S.D.A. grilled rib eye steak. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sizzling Fajitas - Chicken - $26: Grilled chicken breast and fresh vegetables on a sizzling skillet. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Verde - $24: Chunks of lean pork marinated in green chile salsa. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Colorado - $25: Strips of steak simmered in red chile salsa. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, High-Fiber, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chingolingas - $20: Flaky pastry filled with chicken, served with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baja Bowl - $20: Choice of grilled chicken, steak, or white fish over rice and black beans with pico de gallo and avocado. Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Herradura Skinny Margarita - $15.5: Herradura Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, and Agave Nectar. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Avila’s Guava Margarita - $15.5: Herradura Silver Tequila, lime juice, Agave Nectar, and 100% Guava Nectar. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Orange Herradura Cadillac - $16: Herradura Silver Tequila, lime juice, Agave Nectar, and orange juice. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Bacardi Mojito - $15.5: Bacardi Silver Rum, fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Mexican Mule - $15.5: 100% Blue Agave Tequila, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer.
Sides
- Mexican Rice - $8: Traditional Mexican style rice. Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beans - $8: Choice of frijoles frescos, black beans, or regular beans. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bag of Chips - $8: Freshly made tortilla chips. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Avila's El Ranchito
- Is Avila's El Ranchito dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Avila's El Ranchito has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Bag of Chips and Chile Colorado.
- What can I eat at Avila's El Ranchito on a dairy-free diet?
- Shrimp Cocktail, Bag of Chips and Chile Colorado carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Avila's El Ranchito have vegan options?
- Yes. 6 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Herradura Skinny Margarita and Orange Herradura Cadillac.
- Is Avila's El Ranchito gluten-free?
- 5 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Avila's El Ranchito?
- Baja Bowl, at roughly 62.9g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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