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A fusion of two people, two countries, & two cultures!
The Roots behind every dish
Carolina grew up in Guatemala City, surrounded by the flavors and traditions of her family’s kitchen. The tortillas, stews, and spices she learned to make carried the stories of her Mayan roots, and those dishes became a part of who she was.
Nearly 30 years ago, she came to the Central Coast and built a new life while keeping those traditions close. She raised two daughters who learned her recipes and the pride of their culture by her side. Sharing food became her way of staying connected to home.
Carolina always wanted others here to experience the Central-American flavors she grew up with — honest, comforting, and full of heritage.
When she met Gabriel, from Chiapas, Mexico, their visions naturally came together. His culture, his food, and his traditions blended with hers, and together they dreamed of a place where both could shine.
That shared dream became Azteca.
The Birth of Azteca
Azteca started with nothing but an idea and four empty walls. In 2021, Carolina and Gabriel began building the place entirely from scratch. The process took more than two years — long days, hard work, and many challenges — but they never lost sight of their purpose.
Every part of Azteca carries meaning.
The Quetzal in the logo honors Carolina’s Guatemalan roots as it is the country's national bird.
The name “Azteca” reflects Gabriel’s Mexican heritage.
Together, the name and logo symbolize the union of their cultures.
In the kitchen, everything is made with the same care their families taught them — from-scratch recipes, real ingredients, and flavors that reflect their history.
Today, Azteca is more than a business. It’s the result of determination, family traditions, and the belief that their cultures deserve to be shared with the Central Coast.