Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill

4.1 ( 464 reviews )
Checking... 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
1158 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, United States
+1 203-389-1212

Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill, located at 1158 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT, is making waves in the fast-casual dining scene. Diner reviews highlight the exceptional quality of food and service. Patrons rave about their robust menu items, including beef burritos, chicken enchiladas, and tantalizing taco combinations. Notably, their mango habanero chicken stands out for its perfect balance of spice and flavor.

Customers frequently mention the immaculate ambiance and attentive staff, with a special nod to Neylani for her warm and professional service. Many diners felt welcomed in the trendy setting, perfect for a quiet meal or family outing. The restaurant also boasts generous portions and competitive prices, ensuring satisfaction without breaking the bank.

As Nick Mattera says, Cilantro surpasses even the renowned Chipotle in both speed and flavor. The emphasis on freshness and quality makes each dish a delight. Whether it's the filled-to-the-brim guacamole or the crispy, flavorful nacho chips served with house-made salsas, Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill has firmly established itself as a must-try for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine.

Don't miss the chance to indulge in their Tostada Salad or Carne Asada, recommended by loyal fans. Cilantro promises a memorable dining experience you’ll want to revisit!

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept 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

Reviews For Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill

DF MIX
Jun 22,2025
Everything is very good here. Beef burritos, chicken enchiladas, the tacos. And the burrito bowls were very good.
Dixie Hedden
Jun 10,2025
I've been meaning to try this place for over a year and was not disappointed! The customer service was impeccable, the restaurant was clean and had a lovely ambience, and the bathrooms were well maintained. The prices were competitive. The restaurant was quiet as we arrived an hour before closing (9pm). Our server Neylani was extremely personable, kind, patient & professional. At her recommendation I chose the two taco combination plate with mango habenera chicken black beans, rice & spicy cole slaw. The mango habenero was mildly spicy and delicious! Hub ordered a cheese quesadilla with rice & beans & a beer (Two Roads IPA) and the kids & grandkids each had two ground beef tacos. We had free refill sodas and free nacho chips with red & green sauce, which were fresh and crispy. The portions were slightly smaller than I anticipated, however I did not leave hungry at all. The food was filling, fresh & delicious. Unfortunately I did not get the chef's name but he was smiling and graciously waved at all the kids before we left. I will definitely be returning! I would like to try the Carne Asada which Neylani also highly recommended; she said they run out very early so maybe I'll make it a brunch lol. Really a great place all around, I absolutely recommend giving them a go!
Lauren Coppola
Jun 8,2025
Stopped in for a quiet bite to eat on our way back from an event and it was very good. They don’t cut you short on guacamole for sure. Presentation looked great, food was good and atmosphere was hip and trendy. Check it out!
Nick Mattera
Jun 1,2025
One of the best fast-casual Mexican restaurants I've ever been to, and I grew up in Southern California. Fast, friendly, and ridiculously good food, blows Chipotle out of the water. Literally the only downside is it's not close enough to my house for me to come regularly.
Luke Craig
May 29,2025
Love this place, food is top tier and the manager Rachel is super nice. Would highly recommend the Tostada Salad
David Rand
May 18,2025
Such good food here! Looks like a fast food chain but it's not, and the food quality is excellent.
Arsenio Rodriguez
Apr 22,2025
Food was ok. Service was a bit slow for not being so busy at the time of our visit.
Ted Crane
Apr 1,2025
Good food, plastic atmosphere. Worth a return visit. It may not look like much --one step up from a fast food joint-- but Cilantro serves really good food. You order at a stand-up counter, slide into the bench at a fast-food-style table, and the staff brings your food. The food is remarkably tasty, so much so that you can ignore the sharp salt flavor of several items (the chips, the avocado salsa, and the soup). The chicken tortilla soup was creamy and rich with a tangy bit of spice and a generous amount of chicken. The habanero-mango burrito was light on the habanero but strong on the mango; a lot of rice. Very tasty and filling. The avocado salsa was excellent, with a subtle flavor of scallion (that said, the first taste to hit was the salt). The "spicy" salsa was not /too/ spicy and had an warm, smoky taste. Prices have gone up all over the place, so it wasn't so surprising that (what amounted to) soup and a sandwich totaled more than 22. Sigh. Service was friendly and helpful.

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