42 Best Mexican Restaurants in Vista

“I’ve been visiting Vista and the greater San Diego / SoCal area for over 40 years, and over that time you get to know which Mexican restaurants are truly worth coming back to.

California’s Mexican Restaurant has always been one of our family’s top three go-to spots for Mexican food when we’re in town. No particular order — just consistently great food that keeps us coming back.

The portions are generous, the food is fresh, and the flavors are exactly what you hope for from authentic Southern California Mexican food. On top of that, the employees are always amazing — friendly, welcoming, and the kind of people that make you feel glad you stopped in.

If you’re trying to narrow down authentic Mexican restaurants in the Vista area, this is absolutely one you should put on your list.“

“Best food I’ve had in years! So glad you’re here in Temecula, can’t wait to go back!!“

“We came with the whole family (7 of us) from San Diego & Murrieta because based on its menu Los Cabos in Vista offered all the types of seafood (raw oysters, whole fish with head and tail, shrimp, octopus). Everything including the tacos we ordered was so finger-licking good!!! Compliments to the chefs! And best of all was the service from Beyonce & Karina - quick, helpful, friendly!!! Our only suggestion would be to please add oxtail to the menu!!! Gracias a todos.“

“I would give a 4.5 if I could, but can’t give a 5 because the blacked mahi was a bit over-seasoned, making it a bit too salty.
Portions were awesome, food and toppings were fresh. Probably the best Rubio’s we’ve had except for the mahi seasoning.
The temp in the store was a bit cool, and it was one of these very warm (80) days in the area.“

“No sabes a donde ir a comer?, ve ahí y no te arrepentirás.“

“Happen to be in the area and I stopped by here for some tacos and it was Tuesday and they had a special going on for two dollar tacos. They had over a dozen options, but I chose the Asada and the pastor so fresh and delicious wish I had a room for more. The beans on the tacos were the cherry on top.“

“When I tell you, this is the best Mexican food I have had in a very long time. Everything was flavorful fresh and hot. Customer service was on 10. I Never leave reviews. I had to put my phone down and get to it. Sooo good. 😍 Thank you Heidi!!! Your the best“

“OMG!!! The food is amazing! Hard to find (because there's no sign outside and it's actually inside the Chevron Food Mart)
...but it's worth the work to find it!
The barbacoa Taco was one of the best things I've ever eaten!
(It's made from lamb meat and as a Greek, I know good lamb ...and this is some of the best!).
The owner is an absolute sweetheart, and gave me a complementary Aguas Frescas to try. The green one was out of this world yummy!
I will be here many more times.
I consider this a hidden gem!!
Some of the best food I've ever had.“

“Great mexican food! I love their Quesobirria🤤“

“I’m so glad I stumbled on this little Mexican spot! First good meal I’ve had in a while. 🥰 Super welcoming people and the food was very flavorful— the chicken burrito was delicious. Love the relaxed, family-run vibe, with the cook singing in the kitchen and everyone seeming happy. 😊 Including the little adorable kid hanging out with his grandma and making goofy faces with me. Very kind and hospitable server girl and comfy seating. A place that makes you feel at home. 💕“

“Mimosas, shot del patron,cazuelas mazapan lover,unas cuantas de las tantas bebidas que ofrece el restaurant vamos a texcoco en vista ca, riquisima comida, bebidas y ni que decir de la atencion, una chulada“

“I love El pollo loco on vista ca: they have a big menue, and the employees are so nice, also serviceable, my order it was so quickly, and fresh.“

“It all started when my daughter had me pick her up her favorite breakfast burrito when she wasn’t feeling well. . . I then learned about the amazing carne asada here!!! Years at the top of the list!! My daughter has since moved out of town, but this is her and her husbands first stop when they drive in for visits. Oh, and did I mention the Horchata, which is by far the best I have ever had!! Try it!“

“It was my first time tasting their food at our event Non-profit organization Las Valientes. They cater Pollo, Adobada, Rice & Beans. 4 different type of salsa & chips. The 2 gentleman that were serving were very friendly, I 100% recommend them. Thank You.“

“Hoy comí Mole de pollo y las tortilla’s hechas de allí muy rico. Si gusta pasen a comer tienen variedades de comida a estilo Chavelita y sus aguas fresca de frutas naturales.“

“Nice place to eat Friendly“

“Great place, highly recommended. We had the machaca plate, love the green sauce at the salsa bar. Delicious!!“

“What else can you say but authentic and great taste. The magic sauce once you put in or on your food is amazing. Friendly service and family oriented. Thanks again!!“

“Had a really nice experience during my first visit. I completely misread the menu and ordered a green chile chilaquiles burrito. It’s not a menu item but they didn’t turn down my request or even say it wasn’t on the menu; they just made it! I only realized afterwards that it was not a menu item but the burrito was delicious! All the ingredients were fresh, the rice was very flavorful and well seasoned and overall very enjoyable. I’d definitely go back to try more stuff. It was really nice of them to make me an item that wasn’t even on their menu and the staff was very friendly and welcoming.“

“The al pastor tacos are the best I’ve tried in the area. The grilled flavor and the perfect crisp on the meat—without being burnt—are amazing. They’re absolutely perfect! I’ll definitely be coming back for more tacos at this place.“

“tortillasrecien hechas a mano en todos los tacos“

“They have some damn good fish tacos and fish burritos here. Get them earlier than later the fish is fresher. I always score some tacos and don't forget to get some cups of their sauce. YUM also love the little cups of soup you get while you wait. They're fire! We pop by here all the time. If you haven't tried their fish tacos you're missing out!!“

“family oriented and friendly. good fresh food.“

“muy rico todo, excelente servicio..“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Surf & Turf Fries is an absolute must-try! This dish is a genius fusion of Mexican flavors with a hearty American twist, and it completely blew me away.

The portion was huge, making it great for sharing (or not—no judgment here!).

What really stood out was the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The shrimp tasted buttery and well-seasoned, every element worked together in harmony, creating a mouthwatering experience I’ll definitely be coming back for.“

“Muy lindo el ambiente. Me gustô estar ahí. Espero volver...“

“This is a great restaurant, great food and great entertainment. Highly recommended for a relax time and good food.“

“This will always be a go to spot for me and my family! Can’t ever go wrong with the carne Asada fries and the California burrito! Loved the quality of the food and the proportions were more than enough to satisfy our hunger and our tastebuds!! Don’t miss out on this local gem!“

“love this place.....“

“This place has amazing food—everything I’ve tried has been incredible. It truly feels like a home-cooked meal from a grandma’s kitchen. You have to come try it! They serve pozole, tamales, birria, caldo de res, and caldo de pollo. The homemade tortillas are unreal, especially with their bomb salsa. Don’t miss the champurrado—it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. They also have choco flan and other delicious desserts. Highly recommend!“

“Love their Food!“

“Okay… I’ve eaten here many times and the gorditas are phenomenal!! My go to is the papa con chorizo and bean and cheese. They are stuffed when I dine in…. I ordered some to go the other day and was so disappointed… more masa than filling! … just asking to please serve the same quality when ppl are getting take out :)“

“Recomendado buen servicio mariscos frescos 💯💯“

“Amazing, true al pastor tacos. 8 aguas frescas varieties freshly made each day, amazing roasted onions and pepper side plates if you ask nicely, etc. If you’re looking for good farmland-style Mexican food, look no further. If you don’t love guacamole, make sure to have them go light on it - for some reason they scoop guacamole on everything and that’s my one complaint. It’s not bad, but it’s just too heavy-handed by default

Also, don’t go here if you’re trying to eat some soy nonsense. Go eat a salad or something; this is real food - expecting it to be good at hyper-processed vegan ingredients is setting yourself up for a bad experience.

Frida’s also has a lovely patio and nice clean interior seating area.“

“I really loved the food and the service is amazing from all employees and the one that helped me out during my visit I believe his name is Manny or Emmanuel not sure but thanks for your help and great attitude im sure to refer my friends and family“

“Update 6/6: This place is known for their breakfest burritos! The classic known breakfast burrito is served all day. They have fries ready and fresh throughout the day. This place is a gem. Every single plate and option is made fresh. Since I am a hispanic latino, I love trying new places. Today we went to split a Carne Asada burrito. The meat was so flavorful. You can tell they keep there cooking equipment clean. Other establishments will use the same equipment and you can taste the foods being cooked. The atmosphere here reminds me of home. When we left today, the cook stopped and said have a great day. Thank you for coming. That means so much as a customer. Belly full and content and then you are thanked for stopping by. That warms my heart. It's the respect and the culture that puts the cherry ontop. My spouse's work always get breakfest burritos for the team and sometimes she brings it home. It's such a treat! Don't even get me started with the new Salsa they have! You know it's great salsa and food. When the salsa to food ration is 50/50. The burrito doesn't need it and with a little bit of the new Salsa give it the kick! Thank you Armando's for giving us an excellent lunch today!

This little family owned business is actually a secret gem. You want a flavorful breakfest burrito? Get the steak and eggs. I have cravings for that burrito. The staff and chefs are super nice. There salsa is bomb too! You want to support a local business. Support this one. Parking is nice and big. Big 5 sporting is right next door. Just know there will be a line because it's that good. Contractors and truck drivers go there for food!“

“7/8/2022 I’m from Texas and no doubt I always come back when I’m in Town DELOCIOSO“

“Ordered lunch with coworker. Absolutely delicious! Carne Asada was so good and tender. The Pollo Asada Rice Bowl was fantastic. We special ordered and they nailed it. I can't show photos cause we are it ALL! The price is RIGHT! We highly recommend!“

“BOMB ASS COKTAILS NICE AND ALITTLE BIT SPICY MY SON , WIFE AND I SATISFIED“

“We were able to book them for an at home party. Highly professional, set up quickly and the crowd loved the food. Everyone was wonderful. Hire them for your catering needs! Food is incredible! 5 stars!!“

“I was just looking for a wings place, I did not expect such a varied menu. I ordered the carne asada fries, the chipotle fries, buffalo wings, and a carnitas quesadilla. Everybody loved their food!

I had the quesadilla and this may be my second favorite carnitas. Well seasoned, soft, and not oily. I also had some of the chipotle fries. Everybody was right, they were amazing.

It's criminal that there wasn't a line out the door. The prices were reasonable and service was very quick. We definitely will be visiting again.“