Ranas Mexico City Cuisine

Ranas has grown up into a wonderful restaurant with superb service and not your usual Mexican Menu. Congratulations to Oscar and family on their growth and excellence.

I’ve been a customer of Rana’s since it first opened. Over the years they’ve grown their square footage (took over the store front next door, and built an outdoor patio). The food prices have also gotten bigger over the years. That doesn’t bother me very much as long as the food continues to remain excellent.
Well, last night my son and I went in there for dinner. The chips (that come with salsa) were stale. Then came the BIG disappointment: there was barely any chicken in the chicken enchiladas. Next to nothing to be exact. Oscar (the owner) was not working last night or I would have called him on it. I usually know some if not most of the people who work there, both serving customers and working in the kitchen. Last night it was all people I didn’t know.
So I said nothing, paid our bill and left. I hope Oscar sees this review and takes corrective action.
It might be a long time before I return there to eat another meal (if ever)

I have no idea how long this gem has been under my nose, grew up out here and just recently wandered into Ranas to try something different than the «mexican» food I’m used to consuming. Worth the drive people, authentic food the way they prepare it in Mexico City you will not be disappointed!

Their food had a kick, but delicious! Not a typical Mexican menu offering, with creative choices. Definitely recommend!

I honestly disagree that this restaurant is amazing. The server forgot to bring my rice and soup that came with the entrée. They charge extra for tortillas so do not assume tortillas are free of charge. It is completely slow service. I didn’t even get a re-​fill on my drink. I had to ask for chips and salsa. I wish I was able to rate this restaurant a ZERO !!! Never dining here again. Don’t waste your time and money here.

The most amazing Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. Now that they added the Cantina they have a ton of draft beers not to mention the pulque. A must on your list you won’t be sorry.

The raspberry jalapeño margarita blew my mind… the food was very tasty… it’s definitely worth more visits.

We had lunch there today, first the bad, not at all impressed with their tacos. Ordered a carnitas and a potato & cactus, carnitas so over cooked it was like eating leather, other loaded with mashed potatoes but very little cactus on top of dumping almost $ 6 for the 2 taco Tuesday special.
We also ordered verde mole pork which was very good but the portion extreamly small for $ 16 but still spot on taste but the major bitch is they served chicken instead of pork which was s blessing because their pork they use is a horrid nightmare, we didn’t bitch about the screw up in meats after tasting the carnitas. The waiter was very polite and patient with us wanting to order off the dinner menu… great service and nice restaurant.
I guess I’m just a little pissed off over the horrible carnitas taco after having the best carnitas I’ve ever eaten last week at La Torta.

Well, we’ve been coming here for over 3 years now. Thot I already did a review way back then! But, it was just a tip. Doh!
So, anyway here u go… This is not ur typical SoCal Mexican food restaurant. It’s classic Mexico CITY cuisine and it’s fantastic! There are flavors and sauces and menu items with way too many letters in their name that u may have never heard of. So, this makes for a fun foodie adventure because it’s like traveling to the heart of Mexico. In fact, the Food Channel needs to drop in here and do a show. Besides the amazing and unique menu selections, I know Oscar and his family (who own and run the place) would be great on camera!
Another reason the food here is unlike any other place in San Diego (with a million Mexican food joints), is because some of the meals are made from secret family recipes. For instance the chile rellenos. If u luv chile rellenos like me, u should try Ranas’. The recipe is from Oscar’s wife’s grandma! It’s different and with a surprising hint of cinnamon. Then there’s dishes with peanut butter in the sauce and even cactus… Like I said. It’s an adventure. And it is legit. Big difference from the taco shop down the street. But, you will still get chips n salsa (so good u might not save room for ur meal)! Their drink selection also includes cultural Mexican cocktails, refreshing jamaica, brews on tap, wines, etc…
Rana’s started out cozy, but has since expanded to a good size air conditioned dining area, a separate bar and even outside covered tables for dining. The interior design is fun and bright colors with cool paintings and wall pieces. Everything is clean and organized. All makes for a comfy, enjoyable meal!

Let me just start by saying oh my gosh. I’ve had very good Mexican food before but I think this place has hit number 1 on my list.
First off this place has been remodeled and looks good. The décor is very appealing to the eye. It has came a long way since I first came here. Second the Salsa Verde was soooooo good. It was the best I have ever tasted. I got the tricolor enchilada witch was so hard to pick which one was good. This place is perfect for a date or just to get lunch. The owner and his family are very nice as well. They also had live performance.
I will always come as often as I can.

I was excited by the menu here because there were some dishes and sauces I don’t normally see in San Diegan Mexican restaurants. My friend asked for samples of all the different sauces and our very friendly waiter obliged. *Every* sauce was delicious! I think that is where Ranas excels.
The atmosphere: I think the best way to describe it is… it’s a family restaurant. It is not hip, romantic, or trendy. It’s bright with lots of big tables. Sometimes there is live music.
The waiter brought out the food and I noticed we didn’t get the soup that was mentioned on the menu – that was supposed to come with the entrees. He said they were out. He didn’t tell us that beforehand – only when we asked. He probably should have told us when we ordered. Not a big deal, though.
We ordered the carne asada huarache. I’ve never had a huarache before! It reminded me, sort of, of a bigger sope. We added chipotle sauce which was soooo delicious. However, the meat was a bit tough and just not great. The sauce, although delicious, was mostly all you could taste. If I ordered this again, I would ask for the sauce on the side, if possible.
The second item we tried was the chicken with pecan almond sauce. Again, the sauce was delicious! Unfortunately, the chicken was dry.
So, overall, the sauces are fantastic but I’m not convinced on the meats. I do look forward to returning, though. I want to try more of the items on this menu that I haven’t really seen elsewhere.

Great food and service! I had a huarache that was simply delicious! Then i had for dessert a «crêpe» and was OMG! Thats all i can say! The only bad thing was that the huarache comes in a very uncomfortable plate, I would recommend the place to serve the huaraches in a flat plate it would be easier to eat… other than that service, food and a very clean place! So hi5 to this place! Definetely will come back! :)

Since my last review Ranas has expanded to include the building next to it. In the old location is a bar an pub style seating. Just outside of the bar area is a covered outdoor sitting area with 3 tables that seat 4 and 2 table that seat 2. It has become much more family friendly. The food is great and so is the atmosphere.

The best Mexican food in town. Great service, good prices too. Always a great experience.

The best Mexican food my husband and I have ever eaten. Though we’ve only eaten one dish here because it’s so freaking good that we can’t bring ourselves to order anything else — Ranas Alambre. It’s got steak, chicken, shrimp for meat and though I rarely order shrimp unless it’s a seafood place (because I worry about the quality), these are delicious. Also, it’s topped with the most delicious cheese I’ve ever eaten.
They also have great margaritas with lime juice, rarity in San Diego (for some reason, I still don’t understand).
We eat here several times a month and are never disappointed.

After driving w a a y down Spring St. I wasn’t sure what we were going to find. F i n a l l y, we found Ranas. It was sort of like finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I’d never considered a frog-​themed Mexican restaurant before, but hell, why not, right? Ranas’ interior is much more colorful and cute than you are lead to believe from the parking lot. 75% of the space is a nice, sit-​down restaurant area. The remaining 25% is a bar area that probably picks up at night. Several fine, local, craft beers on tap here was something I did not expect. My daughter loved her fish tacos. My peanut butter chicken huarache sounded better than it was. The tricolor enchiladas were fun and worth ordering again. With such a giant menu with so many different good-​looking offerings, Ranas is a place that I’m looking forward to going back to in order to explore more.

After to many times we been here at Ranas.
I just can tell you that this place is One of the best mexican food I ever tried.
Yo soy Mexicano and I am a cook .
The upgrade that they make its just Amazing.
Very good wine combined with a mexican food,
it’s not very traditional to drink wine with a mexican food but if you know how to combine your food and a good wine.
It’s not just a mexican food place.
It’s a place where you can really enjoy part of Mexico.
Simple mente MEXICANO. Just a warm inviting place with great mexican Cuisine.
You must stop by Ranas

This place is amazing!!! Have been there 4 times and just now getting to my review. Everything I’ve eaten has been delicious — perfect amount of flavor and spice. Comfortable and clean environment and nice staff.
Chilaquiles are great! The entomatado huaraches is spicy and delicious! The cajeta crepes are decadent! You have to try the place!!’

Holy Mole, stop the airplane to Mexico City, I’ll get off here please, just land on the 94 freeway and I’ll run the rest of the way! Ranas Mexico City Cuisine is so savory and pleasant… why have we never been here before? Umm because we lived in Mission Valley and finally moved to east county. I found Ranas on Unilocal in the area on a search for Mexican food. This is by far the most different you will ever find in SD! It’s not your go to burrito place. It’s far beyond that.
I called in the order and picked it up around 8p on this Saturday evening. It’s my first time here so it’s all new to me. I’ve been so curious to taste what the Mexico City cuisine is all about especially since my father’s side is from there and I’ve never been there or tasted that type of food (it’s a shame I know).
As I pulled up there were two doors, the right half is the restaurant and the left side is the bar area. The responsible Laura was saying go into the right side and pick up your food but the Saturday night mom is out alone side wanted to go into the right side and slam a drink. Haha! I stuck to the right door since the hungry lion is waiting at home in his den. At night, both sides are dim lighting but still show off some eclectic colors. Tonight, Saturday there was live music entertainment playing but the guy was on break when I pulled up (oh man I wanted to hear music-​then I really would have stayed). If you check in on Unilocal you get 25%off beer, wine etc I wanted to stay– that left side is really tempting! Next time.
The food was packed and ready for me right when I got in the door. It was packed with maybe a couple tables left. The girl at the register said there’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Awesome!
I got home and opened up the to-​go containers and couldn’t wait to try everything. I ordered the peanut butter chicken plate which had their rice and beans, warm tortillas, salsa, and a wonderful soup. And my husband ordered the 3 color mole plate which had a side of rice and beans and he added an order of the freshest Chicharrónes (his face was like omg mouth full omg-​like he was in love). I tried it and we both agreed it was hot off the press not like the crap you buy at the store real quick but like legit Chicharrónes!
I need to bring my Mom she would be in heaven here! I would recommend it to everyone. It’s worth the drive and it’s casual authentic and lively. Thanks Ranas!

I LOVE this place! I have been here quite a few times now and it NEVER dissapoints. It is always clean, organized, and delicious. I am trying to branch out and try new things when I do go here but so far I can recommend… The Chipotle Chilaquiles, the Huarache, and the Tri Colored enchiladas. I have recommended this place to a bunch of friends and will continue to go back.
I have nothing negative to say, the service is good as well.