46 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Maria

“I’m new to town, I miss my grandma cooking rip, and every city I go to I gotta find the BEST Mexican restaurant and I did !! I recommend everyone to eat here, everyone is nice, and the food is GREAT! 💯👍🏽❤️🍽“

“One of our absolutely favorite places to go for a great meal, friendly service and wonderful atmosphere when we were living in Santa Maria :) I miss this place terribly !! Love you guys“

“Delicious 😋 5 stars ⭐️ 🐂🎯“

“The BEST food and service!!! HANDS DOWN! Love it!!“

“Their chiliquilles are my favorite! The flavor is perfect. My kids love getting their carne asada burritos. We have yet to have a bad meal there. A wonderful local family owned restaurant.“

“This place so cool. Visited the beach with the family and stopped here to eat for dinner. The food was great and the service was fantastic. We sat at the counter and the ladies working never stopped moving. It was impressive to see them just keep up with all the orders, constantly cleaning, restocking, chatting with the customers. It such a nice atmosphere. I had the chicken and fries with ranch and it was so good, husband got the pork dinner and he liked his. Kids got burgers and the demolished them both.“

“There are a lot of good restaurants locate on the coast, so when I find an exceptional one it is worth talking about. The food, service and atmosphere all were amazing. Arianna was especially gracious as our waitress. please give it a try.“

“The food served here never disappoints. It’s always served quickly and is so good. Also, the staff is friendly and helpful🌻“

“Huge variety of delicious food.“

“My husband had beef enchiladas and fried beef taco, he loved it he said it was very tasty and his a chip and salsa lover, loved the salsa, you can ask for more at no charge.. I ordered the aguachile shrimp, in any restaurant you usually get 12 shrimp this place was more like 3 dz. I could not finish them very tasty, I would recommend this place, their margaritas are blended and taste great. If you go to Santa Maria stop here for a bite.“

“Dora was really helpful? I had first gone to Vallarta and they didn’t want to service me for my check but I came here and Dora was really helpful and kind! I explained to her that my bank will not let me cash my money out on Saturday and Sundays and that I had to pay my bills today and she helped me set up an account with them! Gracias Dora!???“

“Tacos are great, I had the asada and pastor. The burritos are also great. The street parking outfornt is fine and there's a small lot for 4 cars. They also run a food truck as well. Order at the counter or at your table and the service was friendly and attentive.“

“The service was prompt and friendly. the food was really good. The salsa was tasty but could have had a little more heat. That's just a preference. I had the chili relleno burrito and it was exactly what I hoped it would be.“

“Food was definitely good. Server was very polite, explained the difference in dishes and very attentive. Food was good but a little cold, not served hot. They warmed it back up in a microwave, “no bueno” but ok. Fajitas were more like a saucy dish not served traditional on a sizzling cast iron skillet, it was “saucy” but very delicious. Salsa’s, 2 kinds hot and mild and both were very tasty. I will definitely give them another try but hopefully our food will be warmer 👍🏽“

“I veye much enjoy there food.“

“One of the best healthy and natural places to grab food in Santa Maria. Options can be limited close by but this place is awesome. Reasonably priced and great menu options. Something for most tastes and also has some good smoothies, natural and tasty! I’ve eaten in and gotten to go and it has been smooth and grest service each way.“

“We have been there a few times and have been satisfied every single time. The tacos are excellent and this last times we also tried the pozole, carne asada ,churros and were very tasty as well.“

“I moved away from Santa Maria about 4 years ago but came back to visit recently. The area is packed with food trucks now, so I looked up the best spots for tortillas hechas a mano (homemade). This truck popped up and absolutely lived up to the hype. Seriously, the tortillas are so good you could eat them completely plain, and the meat is super flavorful and perfectly seasoned. The customer service was next level. All three people working were incredibly nice, but the young man I spoke with was awesome—he was so eager and genuinely proud of his food. He went totally above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. Easily the best experience around and I’m definitely bringing the whole family next time. Check them out!“

“love the delicious salsas they have 😍 the food is soooooooo good..👫🌺🥀🌹🏵🌼🌻🌸💐“

“5 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 ..................“

“Each time I visit the Santa Maria area for work. I make it a point to eat here. I asked for a recommendation for a great Mexican restaurant while visiting the local Lowe’s. Everyone said to come here. I’ve never been disappointed. Great food and service. I was last there in August 2025. They were preparing over 600 tacos for a party. Never missed a beat for the customers dining in. Definitely recommend going there“

“We came for the menudo which was absolutely delicious I only wish it had hominy but it's ok I understand not everyone adds that to the menudo. I also ordered the red chilaquiles with Asada and I was so pleased with the taste of everything. The only thing that would have made it even better was if the tortillas were freshly made.“

“5 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 ..................“

“Rico rico lo mejor de lis tacos con sus salsas exquisitas“

“La mejor carnicería ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“We especially like the fish tacos, shrimp and beef quesadillas and tamales! They’re delicious! Anxious to try other items on the menu. We also love your commitment to the community and your patrons. Your FREE Christmas dinner and giveaways demonstrate your generosity and kindness to those you serve.“

“Un buen lugar para disfrutar con la familia y ademas muy buena comida mi plato favorito es un buen caldo de pezcado bien rico se los recomiendo....!!!“

“They have fresh fruit! And service is really fast. At least it has been every time I go. I don't think they have a restroom. They accept debit or credit. You can eat there or take out. They open late. They're peanuts we're kinda hard but other then that it's great!“

“GREAT FOOD FOR A GREAT $$“

“Staff very nice… Clean place inside to eat.. Love the tacos for a quick lunch!!“

“Better quality better price. Beef is less greasy. Tomatoes are fresh. Burgers made to order. Choose burger, burrito or taco with fries.“

“la mejor manera comidadel señor taco“

“I love the food, very friendly and super clean area“

“so good will be back for sure love the food“

“the chili rellenos are bomb the fajitas an excellent we have the best beans in town I highly recommend Old Town Mexican Cafe“

“Monday night with my wife, I had the carne asada, yes I came to a sea food place and ordered non sea food lol. On that note my asada had flavor but it was not hot or warm but not icy cold. So would I order it again? That would be a no. Horchata was good. My wife had shrimp fajitas she gave it a 7 out 10. Flavor was good but she did wish it had come sizzling.“

“one of the better Mexican restaurants in the world. i am always satisfyed with the delicious food. great prices“

“Todo está delicioso 😋 Pero me gusta mucho el consomé 👍👌“

“BEST CHILAQUILES IN SANTA MARIA!!! Holy shit, I wasn't prepared for how bomb these were going to be. I was on a mission to find the best Chilaquiles in town and I found them! I got mine with chorizo and hashbrowns, the beans come with it. So tasty and good! A good crisp with freshly fried chips, not soggy at all like other places. Paired with some cafe de olla and it hit the spot. Plus, the have a MILITARY DISCOUNT!!! Always a plus in my book too.“

“Great service and 🔥 food.“

“Todo muy rico excelente servicio“

“cool staff one of a kind flavor mom n pop shop way better than chipotle 👎 best salsa for a decade combination plates affordable you see all the locals here.“

“Delicious! I had the Mango Caliente sushi roll and OMG it didn't disappoint. My husband had the Mojarra Frita platillo and he really enjoyed it. I think we found our new sushi/mariscos place. The customer service was just as great as their food.“

“es la la comida la mejor de santa María California ino se diga el pollo rostisado que rico muy ricas las tortillas yo selo recomiendo no se van arrepentir y si conocen conocen tortilla México no conocen santa María California“

“Food was good and tasted like real Mexican food. Portions were exceedenly large and I personally don't find that very appetizing. Service was good for the type of restaurant Effren's is, sort of a step above a fast food joint. I think what I liked the least was the sound level. It was hard to maintain a conversation going. I do realize the type of place it is so my expectations may not jive with what they offer. Although, I do see the potential for being a fun place with a large group of mainly young people. I'm past that point. 🤣“