Local restaurant cooks up vibrant Mexican flavors

A family-owned business, Nayarit Restaurant has been serving up mouthwatering Mexican cuisine since 2020.

"We have been operating now for two years and have enjoyed getting to know the Wasco community," says owner Oscar Cejas. "It is our pleasure to provide a comfortable and delicious dining experience."

Cejas' wife and daughter are part of the management team. Before Nayarit, they owned a Mexican restaurant in Delano for several years.

"We have tremendous know-how in the industry," said Cejas.

Nayarit Restaurant is recognized for serving authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as its famous fajitas. Their molcajetes, which come with chicken, beef, seafood, cactus and vegetables, are quite popular, with a serving size large enough for three people.

"We prepare all of our food in the moment. Nothing is pre-prepared," said Cejas. "I believe that detail keeps our customers coming back."

Their diverse menu items include tacos, burritos, chile rellenos, oysters, homemade salsa and handmade tortillas. They specialize in seafood, and dishes come with refried beans and Spanish rice.

Unique to other Mexican restaurants are their agua chiles, a dish made of shrimp submerged in a broth seasoned with chili peppers, lime juice, salt, cilantro, slices of cucumber and onion.

The restaurant sells Mexican imported beer and traditional beverages, such as their agua de jamaica, horchata and tamarindo.

"Customers come first, and we cherish the feedback we get from them. Our flavor is unmatched, and they tell us that we are the best."

Cejas says his ingredients are sourced locally to provide the most quality and healthy food.

"These are recipes handed down from generations before us. Everything we prepare is made with love. We are passionate about cooking, and we pride ourselves on this."

This summer, to satisfy customer demand, hours of operation will be expanded, he says. They plan to offer catering soon.

The restaurant has room for birthday, anniversary, baptism and other celebrations.

"We can accommodate up to 40 people and have exceptional practice hosting big events."

Cejas looked long and hard for the perfect location in Wasco.

"We were happy to find a convenient spot downtown. We plan to call Wasco home for many years to come."

"As long as our customers keep praising us, we will continue to provide them with outstanding, tasty and carefully prepared meals," said Cejas.

For those that haven't visited the restaurant, Cejas encourages them to give Nayarit a try.

"I am confident you will not be disappointed."

Nayarit Restaurant, 834 5th St., is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information or reservations, call 661-759-2021.