50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Costa Mesa

“We found Avila’s El Ranchito on-line and decided to give it a try. We had about 45 minute wait so we knew it must be good. A little mix up in the list to be seated. There was another “David party of 2” that arrived AFTER we did but they jumped at the chance to be seated before us. The staff was very friendly. The portions were large enough that we shared a meal and were plenty satisfied. The food was very delicious. The salsa was not what you would call mild so for those with sensitive palates be aware! The atmosphere was loud inside but relatively quiet outside. We would dine at this restaurant again.“

“Great food, friendly service and amazing staff to take care of you“

“Calo K's ceviche is delicious.“

“THey have great food. Friendly staff Quick service and a clean pleasant eating environment.“

“Exelent servís the food is exelent“

“The food and the sauce were fantastic, but unfortunately, the place got SLAMMED on a Friday when I went. It took about 45 min to get my order. No fault to the restaurant--it's located in a popular spot where there is very little parking. If you're looking for something quick and chill, don't go on Friday evening!“

“My favorite place growing up they NEVER disappoint 🙈 the plates are affordable and always yummy. And they have a good atmosphere where you can either sit inside with games playing on the tv or you can sit outside. Customer service is always great too. The girls in the front are always so friendly as well. I always order the shrimp tacos with pinto beans 🤌🏼“

“Come here for lunch and pick up dinner! Excellent Mexican food in Costa Mesa right on Fairview and Baker. The caldo de res and caldo de pollo are soooo goood! Perfect balance of veggies and meat …my family loves it ♥️“

“Best customer service ever and the tacos was amazing just like big boy said the best tacos and we couldn’t get enough we had to get more tacos and she took very good care of us and I am a very big fan of big boy from strength cartel she made me feel very welcomed and took very good care of us we came all the way from Oklahoma City“

“They have real chilaquiles not the chips covered in sauce!! Very delicious!“

“1st time there for lunch with co workers. Great, friendly service. The food was out quick and was very delicious. Would definitely go back. Thank you.“

“Absolutely the best chiles rellenos in OC!!!“

“Food was great and service was quick“

“Stopped in to try and I m so glad we did. Cool little place with great food.“

“this place is amazing! I was recommended by my best friend and now I've come back with my aunt and she's telling her best friend about this place. it's *that* good. fresh, authentic, DELICIOUS. the portions are so generous so bring your appetite! parking is limited and this place gets busy during peak times so come early if you want to grab a spot to sit on the spacious covered patio.“

“Todo esta riquisimo especialmente las quesadillas son mis favoritas“

“Muy buenos sus tacos yummy 😋“

“The salmon picata is the best and the flan is delicious !!!!“

“Fabulous tacos and they are on sale Tuesdays & Fridays! Parking is the only semi issue so go during off hours. Lunch is super busy!“

“Great Chips & Salsa! Chilaquiles are THE BEST EVER! Portions are huge! Great margaritas! The staff is THEE BEST! Highly recommending casa for dining in or catering your next event! The fiesta packs will feed a small village! Great for parties or get togethers when you just don’t feel Like cooking!“

“Food was decent. First time around had the tacos dorados, folded, that were very good! Second time around I had a carne asada quesadilla and that was ok. The meat was a bit rough and chewy. Customer service can be improved, especially near closing. It’s in a small shopping center where you can usually find parking. Near the beach, so not a bad spot to grab and go before going to the beach. I’ll be back for tacos dorados.“

“The owners care for their customers and they make sure they have a great experience.“

“Best Chili Relleno I have ever had and I have had many! My friend was very happy with her giant vegetarian burrito, it was easily enough for two meals. I highly recommend Los primos cantina #2, but just be advised the dining area is cozy and would be a challenge for larger groups“

“We’ve been going here since way back and still love it. Food is always so good, fresh and tasty and the people who work here are friendly. It’s one of our fave Wahoo’s. #2 plate always makes us happy any number of different ways. Thanks for doing a great job all these years!“

“Rosa Tacos in Costa Mesa is one of my favorite spots for a reason. It’s a family owned business and you can feel that right away. They go out of their way to make you feel welcomed every single time you walk in.

I The food is consistently fresh and packed with flavor. I eat there two to three times a week and it never disappoints. Whether it’s a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy it, it’s always solid.

Big shout out to Angel for always bringing great energy and top tier service. That kind of hospitality keeps people coming back. Highly recommend if you’re in Costa Mesa and want great tacos with an even better atmosphere.“

“They’re very professionals and the food is the best“

“We went for Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint. Our server Roberto was super kind and always made sure to check in on us. The food was good for a brunch buffet. They had freshly made tortillas for the taco bar and the made to order omelette at the omelette bar was delicious! The complimentary pancakes were also super yummy! The servers were always walking around to be sure the bottomless mimosas were being refilled. Super great experience and we'll definitely be back.“

“this is so far the best mexican restaurant i have been to. authentic mexican food. price is cheap. fajita is nice, shrimp is highly recommended. octopus is super tasty. tacos are really good. and usually not very busy (not many customer). i think this place is underrated. hope more people can know this place and hope their business goes better and better.“

“Simplemente deliciosas las tortas los jugos y el agua de sandía deliciosa , me gusta toda su comida y su atención muchas gracias bendiciones“

“INCREDIBLE is an understatement! From the ambiance, to the service, to the impeccably currated menu. Just WOW. The attention to detail on every aspect at Casa De Onda was perfection. The tropical margarita was a show stopper, fresh lime and coconut is a combo I didn’t know I needed. The steak frites melted in you mouth & was topped with a homemade Chimichurri that was a burst of fresh flavor. The vibes from start to finish we insane! 1000/10.“

“Baja grill chiken burito.“

“This is a market with hot food and a couple of small tables in front of the store.

For all the taquerias in oc ie and east LA I've been to, their street tacos are hands down my favorite. Yes street tacos from a market better than most store front taquerias.

Their al pastor tacos are my favorite.

Generally nice folks...if you speak spanish. Sad to say that my wife who doesnt speak Spanish was treated poorly. Enough so that she will not eat from this spot.

Hay que tratar bien a todos, hablen oh no hablen en espanol.

Hopefully she'll gove them another go one day...maybe kist got someone on an off day.“

“This Mexican restaurant has easily become one of my go-to spots. Their crispy chicken and crispy beef tacos are AMAZING. Perfectly cooked and **Loaded** with meat. They definitely don’t skimp, which is a huge plus, especially if you’re trying to hit your protein goals.
I’m also a big fan of their bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito in the mornings. It’s filling, flavorful, and always hits the spot. The staff is absolutely incredible. Super friendly, welcoming, and consistent, which is why I’ve become a regular 😄
Overall, the quality is top-notch, the portions are generous, and the pricing is very fair. Highly recommend!“

“Food was good but the guy who was serving our food was kind of rude and it wad really hot in the place no A/C!!!!��“

“the food has always been great. Service was really good. Hope to get back there soon.“

“Kyle was the best Café Rio employee we’ve experienced in a long time. He overheard my wife giving me instructions for dressing up her taco. Then remembered those instructions a couple of minutes later when another employee asked me and I hesitated. Really friendly guy as well. That’s the most important trait to us.

The restaurant itself is the nicest Café Rio around, because it’s cheery (brightly lit) and clean.“

“This place had tacos, quesadillas & a torta selection. Located inside the Northgate Mercado, within their main food court area. I only got the chicken quesadilla but everything looked great. Service was good, and unbelievably fast. I highly recommend. Atmosphere wise it was good, and during the Holiday week they had a DJ, just didn’t love how loud it was. So good tunes, just loud for peeps who just want to get a bite. Luckily, there’s an outdoor sitting area!“

“Great service and amazing food!“

“Food was taken to go. Nice people. No indoor sitting this there are a couple of tables outside. Tamales, carnitas, pastor, menudo, Pan dulce and more us on the menu. We were so hungry.We opened the food and started to eat it.I forgot to take pictures l o l... Tacos, our very big portions, full size tacos, not the mini tortillas, lots of meat! Very good“

“I had a carne asada taco and chips and guacamole. Lizbeth took my order, and she remembered I liked pico de gallo with my chips. She gave great service. Along with Claudia. Claudia made sure everything was ok with my order and cleared my plates for me. Outstanding service. Thanks Wahoo's for hiring nice people at your restaurant!“

“From the creative cocktails to the sizzling entrees, Descanso delivers excellence on every level. You can tell why people rave about it.“

“Great decorative place in excellent location. Plenty of parking on a Saturday as that area is not too busy. Menu as expected with great cocktails and food was great too. Service could have been better due to very low amount of people dining but was adequate I guess. Definitely worth coming back.“

“OMG! Carnitas like you wouldn’t believe, often deep fried in its own juices right in front of you. PLUS… 3-4 different types of chicharron. Chicharron de Lonja! So freakin’ good. Get it by the pound to take home with the freshly made street tortillas right behind you in one direction, and freshly made guacamole (3 spice levels!) in the other direction. Salsas? 3-4 acres of options. Want it right now? Have it there with rice and beans (con manteca?), in nachos, tacos… maybe tortas? I can’t remember. Lots of seating all around. Just go get the pig!“

“This is a good place to bring someone who is new to the area. I feel that if you live near this restaurant, as I do, that there are other places that are better for tacos, honestly. That being said, their presentation and food is very good,“

“Super flavorful take out meals! You can order online, or walk in and place your order using the big touchscreen pad. Everything looks so good, including the Aquas Frescas Horchata and Pina (Pineapple). Both are so refreshing!Alfonso the owner greeted us and was so friendly and informative. He let us know about the other two locations that they have. The Quesa Birria taco with Consume dip is a MUST! So juicy, so cheesy, and so delicious! I also had to try the Al Pastor street taco topped with pineapple and cilantro. Both are amazing! Definitely recommend!“

“te atienden con amavilidad el lugar limpio con videos musicals y el menudo muy rico .“

“Ordered Torta al pastor, stuffed jalapenos, and had a good selection of Modelo.
Torta came with a bomb green sauce and served well with the side of stuffed jalapenos. While the jalapenos were lacking a bit in the aesthetic department, they still had a good taste
Fast service, and the place gave off a homely, authentic feeling“

“The best Mexican fast food in town Excellent customer services.“

“Had the most delicious lunch here , we shared chicken and beef Tamales they were huge and very reasonably priced under $12.00 for the meal will be heading back there when we visit California again.
Tried a few samples of other restaurants all very delicious and fresh .
The whole market is amazing
Love this place“