This new restaurant in Kirkland serves a curated menu of elevated Mexican dishes with a must-see waterfront patio.
Kirkland's newest Mexican restaurant is El Encanto, a waterfront destination on Lake Washington. We visited during the first week of opening, and were impressed by great food, excellent service, a curated selection of tequila and mezcal, and of course amazing views of the water from the outdoor patio.
Chef Gabriel Chavez's menu at El Canto is a curated assortment of elevated versions of dishes you'd expect from a Mexican restaurant, influenced by Mexico's Durango region (more on that below) including tacos, salsas, and ceviche. In addition to smaller bites, you'll find plates such as the Pollo Adobado al Carbon and Chile en Nogada. The food is outstanding and best experienced in a group where you can share and experience a number of dishes.
El Encanto's menu is inspired by Durango, one of the states of Mexico. Durango is a diverse landscape made up of sprawling evergreen forests with rivers and waterfalls, a large section of the Chihuahuan Desert, and the beautiful cities of Durango, Gómez Palacio, Ciudad Lerdo, El Salto, and more. In some ways the wooded regions of Durango seem to relate to the Pacific Northwest, making El Encanto's opening on Lake Washington a natural fit.
The atmosphere: The atmosphere at El Encanto is upscale and sophisticated, but still relaxed and inviting. The restaurant has a large dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a large outdoor patio with stunning views of Lake Washington.
The service: The service at El Encanto is excellent. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they are always happy to make recommendations.
Notable Menu Items:
Barbacoa Tacos with pork shoulder, poblano, tomatillo
Mahi Mahi Tacos with chipotle crema and pico de gallo
Ribeye al Carbon with guacamole, frijoles, and queso
Dungeness Crab Tamales de Java with poblano
The overall experience: El Encanto is a great addition to the Kirkland dining scene and highly recommended. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the service is excellent.
Tips for your visit to El Encanto:
Does El Encanto take reservations? Yes! Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
Try a flight of tequila or mezcal.
Sit on the outdoor patio if space is available and the weather is nice.
If dinner reservations aren't available, try lunch for a better chance of getting a table.
El Encanto hours include lunch from 11:30am-2:00pm Friday to Sunday, and dinner seven days a week from 4pm to close.
El Encanto Kirkland: Website | Reservations
El Encanto Menus:
El Encanto Phone Number: 425-202-7114