For over 25 years Tortilla Flats Mexican Restaurant has delighted Santa Cruz locals and Central Coast visitors. Everything about Tortilla Flats Restaurant, from the earth tone walls decorated with antique pottery to the luscious desserts is the creation of owner Cheryl Marquez. Inspired by the French and Mexican cuisines of New Orleans while living in the French Quarter, Cheryl has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and the American Southwest tasting and exploring the gourmet cuisine and culture of Mexico. Her mexican food blends the fieriness of the Mexico with the sophistication of the French sauces, the earthiness of the Yucatan and complexity of Santa Fe with all the freshness and lightness that Californians expect. With a variety of chiles, from the rare Peruvian aji to the well-known jalapeño, Cheryl creates tastes that are truly unique. And yes, we do have rice and beans – wonderful nutty long grain brown rice and no-animal-fat beans.

Throughout the year Cheryl creates a number of special mexican food menus. Twice a year she presents “Olé Mole,” a weeklong dining event with over 12 different moles, many impossible to find in the states. Other special dining events highlight the food of the Yucatan, the mexican recipes of Frida Kahlo, and the culinary possibilities of Cactus. Please check the Special Food Events section of our restaurant website for more information.

On Monday and Tuesday in addition to our regular mexican food menu we feature Tapas, the “little dishes” of Spain. Mixing the Spanish and Mexican flavors, you may find Scallops in a traditional saffron cream sauce or a cucumber soup with habanero seed garnish. Please check our sample mexican restaurant menu.

Finally, there are the margaritas. Our premium Margarita is made with fresh limejuice and orange liqueur. We have over thirty tequilas to choose from so you are sure to find one you find friendly.

We hope you explore the Tortilla Flats Restaurant website and whet your appetite to visit us in Santa Cruz (downtown Soquel). We know that you will enjoy your fine mexican dining experience.