El Capitan Fresh Mexican Grill and Seafood is a family-run Mexican restaurant on East Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley, known for seafood, a full bar, Taco Tuesday, and Sunday brunch with mariachis, served on outdoor patios with water fountains. Owner Emma Sanchez treated us like family, and from what I saw, she treats every guest that way.
How did El Capitan get started?
Emma and her family live in Simi Valley. She has always worked in the service industry and fell in love with restaurants along the way, so when this location became available, opening their own Mexican restaurant here was a dream come true.
What should you order at El Capitan?
Their chef is from Nayarit, on the coast of Mexico, and seafood is his specialty. Emma recommends:
- Seafood dishes and paella
- Grilled fish
- Chicken dishes, in six or seven different styles
- Salsas, which she says are excellent
Happy hour, Taco Tuesday, and mariachi brunch
- Full bar with a happy hour every day from 3 to 7 p.m. (at the time of filming)
- Breakfast served all day
- Taco Tuesday, with al pastor and asada grilled outside right in front of you, plus elote loco and grilled vegetables
- Sunday brunch with mariachis, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (at the time of filming)
Honestly, come for the ambiance if nothing else. The outdoor patios are beautiful.
Visiting El Capitan
- Where: 2982 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065
- Tip: Specials and hours change, so check before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Where is El Capitan in Simi Valley?
At 2982 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
Does El Capitan have mariachis?
When we filmed, El Capitan had Sunday brunch with mariachis from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Does El Capitan have a happy hour?
When we filmed, they had a full bar with happy hour every day from 3 to 7 p.m.
What is El Capitan known for?
Mexican seafood from a chef from Nayarit, paella, grilled fish, Taco Tuesday, and its outdoor patios with water fountains.
Filmed August 2023 by Steve Hise for Simi On Video. Know a Simi Valley small business I should feature? Here’s how to get a free video.
