50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Ana

“En este restaurante se como delicioso y se disfruta 💯 recomendado“

“The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Everything was served very quickly, which we really appreciated. The tacos were especially good—full of flavor and perfectly prepared. Overall, a great experience and definitely a place I would come back to.“

“Todo súper rico y barato 100% recomendable“

“Best TJ tacos in OC! Their adobada and mushroom tacos are delicious! Their carne asada has a great Smokey flavor. And their agua fresca are legit. I highly recommend this place!“

“Nice place to enjoy some food and drinks… Loved it’s ambiance and service.“

“The burritos they’re small but very good“

“Best food ever. They make the best beans and the best guacamole.“

“there food is really good especially there keto tacos...people you should try and eat there food here I promise you that you kept regret it“

“One of my go-to spots. Love this place. I try to go as often as I can depending on my schedule. It was once a restaurant called the Old Ship but the Santa Ana location closed down. Thankfully, Suavecito came in and opened up El Barco. To me it's a sort of spiritual successor. The staff are always professional and friendly. Restrooms and interior is clean. The menu changes every so often but they keep many of their top sellers like their appetizers. Like I mentioned before, great happy hour. Hope this place stays for a long time.“

“The owner served us as if we were in his home. He tended not only to us but to all his customers. We experienced true Mexican culture while visiting his restaurant. He brought out homemade natural guava drink, he brought a small cup for my 17 month old and a side of rice for her to start eating. He brought food out without being asked and when he was asked he provided. We ordered chilaquiles red and green, a cheeseburger plain and a plate of carne asada. Because my husband didn’t order food, he brought out a side of small lentil soup for him. Once the meal was finished he provided my children complimentary ice cream popsicles.“

“This is one of those classic, tiny, hole-in-the-wall places that delivers no-frills, fantastic food at a reasonable price. I'd never had tacos de vapor before, and Tito's came highly recommended by a friend - and he was right! I had one taco de rez and one pollo and WOW the flavor! I ordered the combo with beans and rice and both of those were very flavorful as well. I will definitely be back!“

“Tried for the first time this gem of a restaurant for authentic Mexican cuisine here at downtown Santa Ana. We sat outside with our dog and we’re greeted by our server Vanessa, lovely lady that made us feel so welcome. She’s gregarious and amiable enough to accommodate our search for the right food on the menu. Started with the watermelon margarita with guacamole chips and salsa. For our main menu, we end up with their mole and the fish dish so tender and delicious. Overall the place is such a rare find and wouldn’t mind coming back here again.“

“The food here is seriously amazing — every bite is packed with flavor and made with care 😍🌮 You can really taste the quality, and it makes the whole experience so enjoyable. If you happen to stop by on a chilly evening, you absolutely have to try the fresca arroz con leche 🍚✨ It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly sweet — such a delicious treat that hits the spot every time 😋🔥

Honestly, it’s one of those desserts that just makes you smile after the first spoonful. But don’t just take my word for it! Go check out Taco Luci for yourself and see what all the hype is about 🙌🌟 You won’t regret it!“

“Esta muy rica la comida la recomiendo lo único que tardan mucho tiempo en servirte y se les olvida lo que les encargas no te lo llevan y pues no te preguntan si necesitas algo más“

“The best tacos in Santa Ana !!!! They are delicious and the salsas are to die for !! And of course you can’t forget Los frijolitos 🤤🤤“

“tacos lengua. I live .01 ml from this joint. first time. will return. uber clean. I am a sushi/sanitation expert with 30 yrs in the field. these folk get an A+“

“We loved the decorations, it really felt like you were south of the border. Great food and service and all the staff was really friendly.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tapatia Taqueria #2 deserves all five stars!
If you’re looking for authentic flavor, generous portions, and true quality, this is the spot. Their tortas are hands-down the best in all of Orange County—packed, flavorful, and made with real care. The burritos are loaded with meat, not just filler, and every bite is worth it. And don’t sleep on the quesadillas—they’re stacked with meat and melted cheese, the way they’re supposed to be.
The service is quick, the food is fresh, and everything tastes like it was made with pride. Highly recommend this place to anyone craving real Mexican food done right!“

“Classic, delicious, and always hits the spot!

Tito’s La Especial is one of those places that keeps it simple and does it right. The menu is straightforward, the food is consistently delicious, and everything tastes fresh and made with care.

The tacos al vapor are delicious, and the breakfast burritos can be split into two.

Highly recommend!“

“Great waters and friendly staff :)“

“Fast, friendly service! Delicious food!!“

“First time here, great service and yummy food. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful. Everyone had a warm smile to welcome us in. We will definitely be back“

“La comida es deliciosa y el servicio estupendo“

“Chile Rellenos were delicious with great service.“

“birria y carnitas están buenos..“

“Una de las mejores comidas 👍🏻👍🏻“

“Bet tacos in Santa Ana. And the Yellow Salsa is bomb!!!“

“The best chicken ever loved it“

“First time trying a torta ahogada and it did not disappoint! My hands smelled like tomato for the next couple of hours but it was so worth it. Spice levels were great, and the onions were delicious. The bread soaked up the soup perfectly.

This place is cash only and there’s space to eat along the truck (standing), but no tables.“

“Food is bomb highly recommend it.“

“If you’re looking for real authentic Mexican food here is the hole in the wall. Delicious Popusas. The birria Tacos with Hand Made tortillas hits the spot! Blessed to have places like this open and sharing our culture foods to others. Come try this place!“

“Amigo los invitamos a que vengan a probar nuestras ricas aguas frescas 💯 por siento naturales sandía 🍉 ‘ piña 🍍 pepino y limón 🥒🍋, jamaica, y horchata muy deliciosas😋😋los esperamos“

“DELICIOSO TACOS DE PESCADO“

“I enjoy good mexican cuisine. But when you get delicious hand-made corn tortillas, that is the icing on the cake. Colima is a family owned restaurant that serves good home cooked meals and delicious handmade tortillas at a reasonable price. The service is great and the restaurant is very clean. It is a humble establishment located in a small shopping track in a low income neighborhood. If you want atmosphere and a great view, then you need to go to El Torito or Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. But you'll pay more for the atmosphere and food won't be as good as Colima.“

“😃Bonito lugar,muy rica comida,y bonito ambiente,muy buena atención.“

“Just had the most amazing meal at this place! The food was absolutely incredible, every bite was bursting with flavor. The meat was so tender and juicy, it practically melted in my mouth. The plates were worth every penny, seriously. The staff was super nice and made the experience even better. They were friendly and attentive, which made the whole thing feel so special. I can't wait to go back and try everything on the menu. If you're looking for a great dining experience, this place is a must.“

“eh comida un par de veces la comida muy rica y el servicio exelente! pero el señor de kareoke ya tiene su gente y a el le encanta cartar y no le da prioridad a los clientes!“

“The service is friendly and quick. They serve a great breakfast, cheap by 2026 standards. Good chilaquiles, good machaca, my cafe de olla was topped off frequently. The interior is nothing fancy and I imagine it gets pretty hot inside by afternoon but comfortable in the morning.“

“The man who helped us (manager?) was very friendly and helpful, and even gave me a brownie because it was my birthday!!! The food was extra yummy. If the wire mesh tables had been scrubbed clean with a brush, it would have been a perfect experience. Thanks!“

“I love this place!. I live in Oxnard, and I was down here with a friend. Never been here before, He built it up and He was not joking. I got the oranden da enchilada, Pollo. The people behind the counter were so nice. They are proud of what they do.“

“Great vibes
The customer service was great
The food was Amazing
Came all the way from stockton
Me and my girl were looking for local street food
And this place was definitely worth it
The Al Pastor burger was delicious 🤤 one of the best burgers i ever had“

“We stopped by spontaneously and were honestly very impressed. The person working there was handling everything on his own with so much care and effort — the place was very clean and well organized.

We ordered fajitas and tacos, and everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The meats were perfectly cooked and tasted delicious. He was also very kind, attentive, and welcoming. We truly enjoyed our meal and will definitely come back. Highly recommended!“

“SO GOOD! Ok, I'm not a fluent Spanish speaker, so it was a bit of a challenge for me to order because the (I'm assuming husband/wife that were there only spoke Spanish), also there wasn't really a menu with pricing, so that was unclear. I just asked for 'un plato de dos tacos de carnitas y frijole y arroz' and a aguas fresca. Total was a wopping $21.00. Pretty steep if you ask me, but some of the tastiest carnitas I've ever had, the beans were also outstanding! really reminded me of beans my wife makes! I'll be back for sure! Also, take note of how to get here, there's no parking on the street in front so go around back (little alley).“

“ala persona que atiende tiene un pinché modo para a tender ala gente que así no dan ganas de regresar. hojala y el dueños vea este mensaje por que ese tipo de personas no debe trabajar en este lugar...y todavía se burla de mi...“

“Dining in the courtyard is relaxing, and I enjoyed the mariachis.
Several large groups (8-18 people) had arrived before me and there was a wait while they were seated. I'm patient so wasn't a problem. There's a short wait for your made-to-order omelet. Delicious, huge, and worth it.
Excellent food (8/10) and service(10/10)!
Some items do run low towards the end of the service hours. Grab the flan bites when you see them.
I'll return soon with family.
On-site parking is very limited and difficult to enter and exit. Park across the street in the Bowers Museum lot (flat $7 as of this writing).“

“Great food, ingredients and flavor. Very clean, comfortable, family friendly establishment. Great place to grab a bite.“

“Great food overall, kids love the menu!“

“I highly recommend this Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Santa Ana, CA. My wife and I love this spot. The food, workers and cleanliness is on point. I recommend this Mexican Restaurant in Santa Ana to anyone. 💯“

“Excellent little Mexican place off of 17th and J street. The portions are very large, the flavors are excellent, and the prices are reasonable. Staff is friendly however the establishment is very run down, to be expected in the heart of Santa Ana. The Shrimp supreme burrito is fantastic, and about the size of a newborn. You must get the cali sauce with whatever you order. I can't stress enough that the portions are gigantic, support your local restaurants!“