Nicolas Cocina de Herencia Menu with Prices in Carmel-By-The-Sea
Craving authentic Michoacán flavors on the California coast? The Nicolas Cocina de Herencia menu brings a legacy of family recipes to Ocean Avenue. Whether you are looking for their signature Shrimp Enchiladas or a sizzling Molcajete, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Below, you will find the complete, up-to-date menu with prices, lunch and dinner hours, and details on their most popular dishes. We have organized the fragmented online information into easy-to-read tables so you can plan your meal without the hassle.
🍴 Complete Nicolas Cocina de Herencia Menu
The menu at Nicolas Cocina de Herencia is a tribute to three generations of family cooking. The cuisine focuses on “Cocina de Herencia” (legacy kitchen) with a modern twist. Please note that Nicolas Cocina de Herencia prices reflect the high-quality, sustainable ingredients used in every dish.
Dinner Menu (Appetizers & Entrees)
Dinner service features their most robust offerings, from fresh seafood to slow-cooked meats.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto Oyster Trio | $35.00 | Fresh oysters served with seasonal accompaniments. |
| Guajillo Mussels | $28.00 | Sautéed mussels in a spicy guajillo pepper sauce. |
| Corn Bone Marrow | $24.00 | Roasted corn served with rich bone marrow. |
| Birria Taquitos | $15.00 | Crispy rolled tortillas filled with savory birria beef. |
| Birria Queso Fundido | $23.00 | Melted cheese skillet topped with tender birria. |
| Lobster Taco Governador | $10.00 | Grilled taco with lobster and melted cheese. |
| Ahi Tuna Entree | $45.00 | Seared Ahi tuna served with seasonal sides. |
| Shrimp Enchiladas ⭐ | $28.00 | Delicate shrimp wrapped in handmade tortillas with zesty sauce. |
| Chicken Enchiladas | $26.00 | Traditional style with tender chicken and house sauce. |
| Mole Blanco | $24.00 | A rare, signature white mole sauce dish. |
| Maitake Birria | $26.00 | A mushroom-based vegetarian take on the classic birria. |
| Crab Chile Relleno | $40.00 | Roasted pepper stuffed with fresh Dungeness crab. |
| Lamb Chile Relleno | $40.00 | Poblano pepper stuffed with savory lamb. |
| Fajitas | $45.00 | Sizzling platter with your choice of protein and veggies. |
| Molcajete ⭐ | $54.00 | Traditional lava rock mortar filled with grilled meats, cheese, and cactus. |
| Parrillada | $175.00 | Massive mixed grill platter designed for sharing. |
Lunch Menu
The lunch menu offers lighter options, including savory salads and specialty sandwiches, perfect for a midday break in Carmel.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Toast | $20.00 | Mexican-style avocado toast with fresh toppings. |
| French Toast | $21.00 | Sweet breakfast favorite with a Mexican twist. |
| Chilaquiles | $22.00 | Tortilla chips simmered in sauce with cheese and cream. |
| Tetelas | $22.00 | Triangular masa pockets filled with beans and cheese. |
| Veggie Quesadilla | $21.00 | Grilled tortilla filled with cheese and seasonal vegetables. |
| Caesar Salad | $22.00 | Classic Caesar with crisp romaine and dressing. |
| Mexican Cobb Salad | $24.00 | A hearty salad with avocado, beans, corn, and cheese. |
| Spring Salad | $26.00 | Fresh seasonal greens and vinaigrette. |
| Shrimp Cocktail | $26.00 | Chilled shrimp in a tangy tomato-based sauce. |
| Poblano Smash Burger | $25.00 | Juicy burger topped with roasted poblano peppers. |
| Enfrijoladas | $26.00 | Tortillas dipped in creamy bean sauce. |
| Enchiladas Suizas | $26.00 | Creamy green sauce enchiladas with Swiss-style cheese. |
| Mole Enchiladas | $30.00 | Enchiladas covered in rich, complex mole sauce. |
| Carnitas | $24.00 | Slow-cooked pork served crispy and tender. |
| Costillitas | $24.00 | Flavorful pork short ribs. |
| Carne Asada | $35.00 | Grilled steak served with traditional sides. |
| Fajitas (Lunch) | $45.00 | Sizzling platter tailored for lunch. |
Kids Menu
While options are limited, there are high-quality choices for younger diners.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Ribeye | $15.00 | Grilled ribeye steak served with rice and beans. |
🔥 Most Popular Items at Nicolas Cocina de Herencia
If it is your first time visiting, these customer favorites are highly recommended by regulars and reviewers.
Shrimp Enchiladas – $28.00
Consistently rated as a top dish, these enchiladas feature delicate shrimp wrapped in handmade tortillas. They are topped with a zesty, flavorful sauce that isn’t too heavy, making them a perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
Mole Blanco – $24.00
This is a signature dish that sets Nicolas apart. Unlike the traditional dark mole, Mole Blanco is a white sauce made with pine nuts, almonds, and white chocolate. It offers a unique, creamy, and savory profile that you won’t find at many other Mexican restaurants.
The Molcajete – $54.00
A showstopper designed for sharing. Served in a sizzling volcanic rock mortar, it stays hot throughout your meal. It typically includes a mix of steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, cactus (nopales), and cheese in a bubbling sauce. It offers the best value for couples or groups.
🕒 Nicolas Cocina de Herencia Hours & Location
Located in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea, the restaurant is easy to find for both locals and tourists.
Address:
Ocean Ave & Mission St, Suite 111
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Phone:
(831) 250-7603 (Check listing to confirm)
Operating Hours:
| Day | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fri until 9:00 PM) |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Note: Hours may vary on holidays. We recommend calling ahead for reservations, especially on weekends.
📱 How to Order & Reservations
Because this is a popular spot in Carmel, planning ahead is smart.
- Dine-In: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via OpenTable. The dining room has a warm, upscale ambiance perfect for date nights.
- Takeout: You can order menu items for pickup by calling the restaurant directly.
- Delivery: Direct delivery is not currently a primary focus, so check third-party apps, though availability is limited in this area.
For those interested in other premium Mexican dining experiences, check out our guides on the MIA Mexican Bistro menu or compare prices with Tulum Modern Mexican.
🥗 Nutrition & Dietary Information
Nicolas Cocina de Herencia prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: Many dishes, especially those using handmade corn tortillas (like tacos and enchiladas), are naturally gluten-friendly. Always ask your server to avoid cross-contamination.
- Vegetarian: Options like the Veggie Quesadilla, Maitake Birria, and various salads provide excellent meat-free choices.
- Calories: Calorie counts are not listed on the menu. However, grilled items like the Carne Asada or Ahi Tuna are lower-calorie choices compared to cheese-heavy dishes like the Queso Fundido.
If you are looking for more traditional family-style options elsewhere, you might also like the Mexico Lindo menu prices.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nicolas Cocina de Herencia take reservations?
Yes, they accept reservations, typically through OpenTable. Given the popularity of the restaurant in Carmel, booking a table in advance for dinner is strongly advised.
What are the vegetarian options on the menu?
Vegetarians can enjoy the Maitake Birria (mushroom-based), Veggie Quesadilla, Mexican Cobb Salad (without meat), and the Chile Relleno.
Is there a kids menu available?
Yes, there is a limited kids menu. A popular item is the Kids Ribeye served with rice and beans for $15.00.
Does the restaurant have a full bar?
Yes, they serve a variety of beverages, including craft cocktails, wines, and beers to pair with your meal.
Is the food spicy?
Many dishes feature authentic Mexican spices. Items like Guajillo Mussels and salsas served with chips have a kick. However, you can request adjustments or ask for sauces on the side for many entrees.
Is there outdoor seating?
Carmel-By-The-Sea is known for beautiful weather. Nicolas Cocina de Herencia offers indoor seating, but it is best to call regarding current outdoor patio availability.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items are subject to change. Prices may vary by location and season. Information verified as of late 2025.
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