The Best of White Rock: Carolina Rivera and the Heart Behind Sal y Limón South Surrey

Some people walk into a room and instantly make you feel welcome. Carolina Rivera is one of those people.

When I sat down with Carolina, it didn’t feel like an interview. It felt like catching up with someone you’ve known for years. She has this warm energy that makes you relax right away, and once she starts talking about food, family, and community, you understand pretty quickly that what she’s built goes way beyond tacos.

Carolina is one of the co-owners of Sal y Limón in South Surrey, located in Grandview Corners, and her story is rooted in passion, hard work, and staying true to where you come from. What started as a love for sharing authentic Mexican flavors has grown into a local favorite where people come not just to eat, but to connect.

She told me how important it was to create a space that feels friendly and inclusive. A place where families can bring their kids, friends can gather after work, and everyone feels comfortable walking through the door. That intention shows up in everything, from the bright colors to the way the team greets you when you arrive.

One thing that really stood out to me was how personal the food is for Carolina. These aren’t random recipes pulled off the internet. They’re inspired by her upbringing, her culture, and the meals she grew up around. She laughed when she shared how customers sometimes ask what makes their dishes taste so different. Her answer is simple. It’s love, tradition, and a whole lot of care behind every plate.

Carolina also talked about the challenges of running a restaurant and how important community support has been along the way. Building a business is never easy, especially in hospitality, but she and her partners have stayed focused on quality, consistency, and creating a place people want to come back to. Judging by how packed Sal y Limón gets, it’s working.

What I appreciated most about Carolina is how grounded she is. She still lights up talking about customers who become regulars and families who make Sal y Limón part of their weekly routine. That’s the real win for her.

If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend stopping by Sal y Limón South Surrey. You’ll find them at 📍 2428 160 St #10, Surrey, BC, open daily from 📆 11am to 9pm. You can also check them out online at 🌐 https://www.salylimon.ca/. Go hungry. Trust me.

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