Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

Randomly picked this place to go with some friends sight unseen and was actually blown away by how much we all liked it. The flavors were incredible, from some of the best chips and salsa I've ever had to some creative seafood dishes and a classic steak burrito. It was all fantastic and would go back in a heartbeat.

Ortega's feels like you are experiencing a great home-cooked meal. Every dish is fresh, mole and Veracruz authentic, and ceviche perfectly balanced. The menu is large and the margaritas generous. Great staff service. The value given the quality is first-rate.

We have been going to that restaurant for many years, and we always enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this time it was a let-down. We waited 52 minutes for our food. Our server was professional but overwhelmed. The food was not as we experienced it in the past. The explanation we received was that "there were two large parties they had to take care of", the bar was full, and there were only two cooks available, with one of them being new. When we came in, there were no big parties, and the bar was relatively small with only 6 people in it. But we did understand the "two cooks" part because it's pretty hard to find help lately. But the fact that the food no longer tastes the same as it used to be is the disturbing part. I would give it another try, but my wife and our friends were not very open to it. We'll see

The food was absolutely amazing. I've never cleaned my plate. The way I did. The lobster was cooked Perfect as was the beans and rice absolutely loved It cannot wait to go again.

The food is not good. Service es Excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

We learned of Ortega's because of Restaurant Week, so we decided to try it. The food & drinks were good, BUT it took 45 minutes to get our entrees. No bueno!

The food is always good at Ortega's... very filling actually. The atmosphere is great and the margaritas are weak at best. Prices have gone up as most restaurants so likely to visit less often.

Everything I have had here was excellent. My favorite is their steak and lobster or shrimp and lobster. Service always 5 star

Great food, guacamole made to order table side, flavorful tacos, excellent salsa and chips. The skinny margaritas are excellent!! My favorite Mexican restaurant in Hillcrest!!

Tucked away in the corner of a parking lot , this little spot turned out to be a total gem. Cute umbrellas, Mexican tile tables—it's basically the Pinterest board of restaurants. First came the FREE warm tortilla chips (capital letters because my stomach considers them a love language). wit a wonderful red salsa. Not many places take the time to warm the tortillas these days or give them out free. I inhaled those, then moved on to a chili relleno so good it made me want to come back asap. Husband LOVED the Enchiladas Suizas. The server was super friendly, and the red wine went down very easy. Honestly, this place is the neighborhood's best-kept secret... well, until I just blabbed about it.

Very good happy hour.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Adobo Carnitas Tacos

It was pride weekend and as the restaurant is in San Diego's Hillcrest gayborhood, it was pro community! The staff was decked out in 🌈 finery and was accommodating to all guests. I had no drinks, but my meal was very good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Had another great meal here, service always great and love the food and drinks. Sat outside on patio and was very nice space.

Overall very good food. The guac table side was tasty, as were the complimentary chips and salsa. Chicken mole was flavorful and so were the shrimp tacos. Margarita was a bit strong until mixed more.

Our first restaurant upon our arrival to SD yesterday. I had an IPA cerveza with the guacamole salad, made at the table and both my wife I ordered refried beans, her’s with a tortilla. Great service and the place is finely decorated including planters along the parking lot outside dinning.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5