Being Irish, I’m not very knowledgeable regarding Oaxacan food but as soon I walked into this restaurant and smelt food being cooked, I was ready to find out! Karlo’s & Koke’s is a located on the west side of Topanga Blvd just across from the Westfield Topanga Mall.
As soon as I walked in there was a very relaxed atmosphere and I was greeted with a “hello! welcome!” and noticed the restaurant is divided with a seating area on one side and a kitchen on the other.
The decor consisted of wooden tables in hand with red flowers in a decorative vase. This place has a homely feel to it, very cozy and our waitress was very friendly and helpful in explaining the menu to a complete Oaxacan newbie like myself!
About five minutes after being seated, I was brought a basket of warm tortilla chips drizzled with salt and a zesty mole sauce. (Can I get an Amen?) After devouring the chips, I took a long and hard look at the very diverse menu to decide what I wanted. This place does everything from Chipotle Cheeseburgers to tacos, to Eggs benedict!
I also noticed they serve breakfast all day, and being the breakfast food lover I am, I cannot complain. I ordered the Mole Con Pollo which was only $9, perfect for my student budget! My portion was huge and at first it looked overwhelming as everything was layered in brown sauce, so I thought I’d arm myself with a fork and investigate.
As soon as I tasted the pulled chicken, I swear I was in heaven. The meal came with both rice and beans with a crumble of blue cheese over it and the rice was cooked lightly seasoned and cooked perfectly .
For my drink I ordered the horchata with melon, this was first time I’ve tried it and it was amazing because it tasted just like fruit covered in cinnamon. I also ordered a shrimp taco on the side that was only $2.75 and was without doubt the best I’ve ever had, all the food tastes so fresh.
I’m extremely pleased with this restaurant and highly recommend it. Not only is it very clean, it has very friendly vibes and jaw-dropping tasty food. The Valley’s best kept secret. Five stars!
