La Especial de la Casa: Casa de Bandini's Ultimate Combination Plate

For guests who have ever stood at a Mexican menu and wished they could order one of everything, Casa de Bandini has the answer: La Especial de la Casa. This iconic combination plate brings together the restaurant's most beloved dishes on a single, abundantly loaded platter — flame-grilled Angus carne asada, a green chile tamal, a tender chicken enchilada, creamy refried beans, fragrant Mexican rice, and a generous scoop of fresh guacamole. It's not just a meal. It's a statement.

The Ultimate Plate for the Decisive Undecided

La Especial de la Casa was born from a simple but profound idea: that the best way to experience Casa de Bandini's kitchen is to experience as much of it as possible in a single sitting. Each component on the plate represents a different facet of the restaurant's culinary identity — the sizzling carne asada speaks to northern Mexico's ranching traditions; the tamal carries the deep pre-Columbian heritage of masa and slow-cooked fillings; the enchilada showcases the house-made sauces that have made Casa de Bandini a California institution for over five decades.

Component by Component: A Study in Mexican Cuisine

Carne Asada: Casa de Bandini uses Certified Angus beef — marinated in a citrus, garlic, and chili blend, then flame-grilled over an open flame to achieve the perfect char. Juicy, smoky, and deeply flavorful, it's the anchor of the plate.

Green Chile Tamal: Made in-house with freshly prepared masa and filled with slow-cooked pork and roasted green chile, this tamal embodies the ancient culinary traditions of Mexico. Steamed to perfection in a corn husk, it's tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Chicken Enchilada: A beautifully made enchilada filled with tender shredded chicken and bathed in Casa de Bandini's house-made sauce — smoky, rich, and complex. Topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of sour cream.

Refried Beans: Made fresh daily — slowly cooked, then pressed to a creamy, smooth finish. Simple, authentic, perfect.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy, slightly toasted rice cooked with house-made tomato broth, garlic, and cumin. A classic preparation that has been a staple of Mexican home cooking for generations.

Fresh Guacamole: Made daily from ripe Hass avocados, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of serrano chile. Bright, creamy, and the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the other components.

A Living Tour of Mexican Culinary History

What makes La Especial de la Casa so compelling — beyond its generosity and flavor — is that it functions as a brief but comprehensive tour of Mexican culinary history. From the pre-Columbian roots of the tamal and the tortilla to the Spanish Colonial influences that introduced beef and cheese to Mexican cooking, this single plate traces centuries of cultural exchange and culinary evolution.

At Casa de Bandini, every component is prepared using traditional methods and authentic recipes — no shortcuts, no pre-packaged sauces, no compromise on quality. It's the same commitment to craft that has made the restaurant a beloved California institution since 1971.

Perfect for First-Time Visitors

If you're visiting Casa de Bandini for the first time and want to understand what makes this restaurant special, La Especial de la Casa is the definitive order. It gives you the full breadth of the kitchen's capabilities in a single plate, from the flame-grilled proteins to the handmade tamales to the freshly pressed tortillas that arrive warm at your table.

Casa de Bandini: Over 50 Years of Authentic Mexican Cooking

Since 1971, Casa de Bandini has been a landmark of authentic Mexican cuisine in Southern California. The Carlsbad location at 1901 Calle Barcelona, The Forum is a destination in its own right — featuring a beautiful Spanish Colonial outdoor courtyard, live music on select evenings, and a menu that honors the full depth and breadth of Mexican culinary heritage.

Join Our Waitlist

Ready to experience La Especial de la Casa? Join our waitlist to secure your spot — tables fill quickly, especially on evenings when the patio is at its most beautiful.

Phone: (760) 634-3443  |  Address: 1901 Calle Barcelona, The Forum, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating available.