Cielito Lindo: Authentic Mexican and a Family Feel

Once you walk into Cielito Lindo, a family owned Mexican restaurant in downtown Beverly, you immediately feel at home in the intimate space filled with tasteful but festive decor, a friendly staff and the smells and sounds of Veracruz.

The Cabot Street eatery a block down the street from Beverly City Hall offers homemade recipes full of savorful ingredients bursting with flavor, all at a very reasonable price.

Owner Alex Barrientos, whose family hails from the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, prides himself on customer service and food that makes you say "delicioso."

Veracruz was the first Mexican city colonized by the Spanish, which is why Cielito Lindo's dishes blend Mexican seafood plates with Spanish ingredients such as olives, Barrientes said.

A popular dish is the Pescado a la Veracruzada, a white fish fillet with sautéed shrimp cooked with fresh garlic, olive with herbs, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, oil and red onions.

For those seeking traditional plates like burritos or enchiladas, try the Enfrijoladas: two soft corn tortillas filled with chicken or chorizo (sausage), topped with black beans, sauce and cheese; with a side of sweet fried plantains to balance the spicy chorizo.

"We balance the menu to have options for everybody," Barrientos said. 

Don't forget to try the homemade Sangria, mixed with fresh fruit and a stick of cinnamon. Buen provecho!

If You Go

• Location: 150 Cabot St., Beverly.
• Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; dinner: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Closed Sundays.
• Price: Lunch dishes range from $6.95 to $11.95; dinner plates from $10.95 to $18.95.
• Alcohol: Beer, wine, Sangria, margaritas.