Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (2107)

$30 and under

Mexican

Orange

About the restaurant

In Executive Chef Gabbi Patrick’s pursuit of preserving the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is dedicated to integrating modern gastronomy with indigenous and regional recipes of mexican cuisine. Her passion and vision are reflected in each detail of her craft, from supporting local farms, sourcing quality and seasonal ingredients. Gabbi’s earned a Michelin Bib in 2023.

An Old Towne Orange staple, Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen immerses guests in an old-world hacienda ambiance, celebrating native Mexican flavors. Explore authentic dishes like Enchiladas de Camaron, Gorditas Al Pastor, Empanada de Viento, Queso Fundido, Arrachera, Puebla Tacos, and Pozole Verde—favorites of loyal patrons.

The vibrant bar offers exclusive Mexican wines, great margaritas and cocktails. For an intimate setting, our Private Cellar accommodates 8-12 adults. Enjoy Gabbi's everywhere with Pre Order Taco Kits or Pickup catering options. Great for Business Luncheons and Celebrations.

Top review

Maria

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

I love the Grenache red wine and their mole. The waitress was super sweet and provided phenomenal service. I recommend 10:10!

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4.9

4.9 (65)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Experience the exquisite flavors of Mexico at our upscale fine dining restaurant. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey that celebrates the rich and diverse tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Our talented chefs meticulously crafted each dish, using only the finest sourced ingredients and traditional recipes with a modern twist.

From tender, slow-cooked meats to vibrant, fresh seafood, our menu offers a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate and leave you craving for more.

Our carefully curated wine and cocktail list complements our culinary creations, providing the perfect pairing for your dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, our elegant ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine make our Mexican fine dining restaurant the ideal destination for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Top review

Comensal de opentableVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The food was excellent. We had the chili relleno with seafood and enchillada with seafood and we loved both. The service was great as well. This could be the next Javier’s of HB. Drinks amazing the best drinks in California try the new mixologic drink menu

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South of Nick's - Laguna Beach

4.8

4.8 (1885)

$30 and under

Mexican

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

An essential stop in Orange County for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas

Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking.

Top review

KlaraVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We had a little problem with one of the meals but they were amazing and took care of everything immediately and were very generous in doing so! Great margaritas and chips and dips! Great service! Great atmosphere!

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4.6

4.6 (258)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Silverado

About the restaurant

Xacalli is a Chef Driven Modern Mexican Restaurant that highlights regional Mexican cuisine. Located in historical mining town of Silverado Canyon, in eastern Orange County next to the cities of Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest. Beautiful drive from Orange, Irvine and Tustin.

The community of Silverado with her majestic mountains, state designated scenic highway is a hidden gem located at the boundaries of Cleveland National Forest.

Xacalli's aim is to bring people and food together with authentic dishes that are modern and visually beautiful as well as entice your taste buds. We serve plates with the intention of sharing family style. Whether at the bar or in our dining room, we aim to showcase our passion for service excellence. Executive Chef Vincent Espinoza sources quality ingredients to create a seasonal menu alongside a craft bar. We are thrilled to welcome you to Xacalli for dinner + craft cocktails in our rustic and friendly restaurant.

Top review

FredVIP

Dined today

One of our favorite restaurants of the year. Always good for special occasion or just a Friday night. The food is wonderful and creative and the people are so friendly.

South of Nick's - San Clemente

4.8

4.8 (1943)

$30 and under

Mexican

San Clemente

About the restaurant

An essential stop in Orange County for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas

Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Top review

LVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Such delicious food, attentive staff and a great view by the front window. Thank you Owen for a great evening!

Jardin Autentica Cocina

4.7

4.7 (512)

$30 and under

Mexican

Orange

About the restaurant

Jardin Autentica Cocina is a contemporary Mexican restaurant serving polished authentic dishes, rooted in Mexican traditions and flavors. The crafted drinks also mirrors its cuisine, with small batch, hand-crafted agave artisanal cocktails. We look forward to welcoming you in our warm and cozy Jardin!

Top review

vanessa

Dined 4 days ago

The food was amazing and everything was on a timely manner. To ask drinks to appetizers to the meal. The service is excellent. From the valet to to the host to the server and busboy. Definitely worth it.

El Torito - Yorba Linda

4.7

4.7 (223)

$30 and under

Mexican

Placentia / Yorba Linda

About the restaurant

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Top review

Kamal

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Had shrimp tacos. Best shrimp tacos I have had in a while. Service was great.

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Experience

Christmas

SandBar Huntington Beach

4.8

4.8 (111)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila offers a variety of revamped Mexican food classics, vibrant cocktails, and an extensive range of international tequilas and mezcals.

Our food menu celebrates Mexico’s diverse ingredients through contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, as well as some nostalgic recipes.

The bar program features handcrafted margaritas and creative cocktails, an extensive tequila & mezcal list, including a selection of rare and classic international tequilas and many Mexican, craft and domestic beer selections.

Sandbar’s design incorporates custom materials, lighting, furniture and décor which will transport you to the beautiful coasts of Mexico. With our prime locations just blocks from the Pacific, Sandbar’s Mexican coastal design blends with laid SoCal beach vibes and modern Mexican cool.

Top review

Mike

Dined 6 days ago

The food was amazing. Rib eye enchiladas were so good! The rib eye melts in your mouth and it's full of flavor with that chimichurri. It was my wife's first time and she loved it! I definitely will be back for more date nights.

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (1846)

$30 and under

Mexican

Brea / La Habra

About the restaurant

Using only quality seasonal and organic ingredients, our Latin-inspired menu features spectacular Latin food prepared in a wood-fired oven, and a variety of fresh house-made fire-roasted salsas, which hint at the natural and abundant flavor profiles found in every dish.

The same attention to detail carries on to our hand-crafted cocktails; using only fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sour mixes, 100% Blue Agave Tequilas and fresh fruit garnishes for all of our Margaritas. Cha Cha’s House Margarita was named Critics' Choice for the Best Margarita by the Orange County Register.

PLEASE NOTE: Cha Cha's automatically adds a 20% gratuity fee for parties of 6 and over.

Top review

Gloria

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Wednesday night is 50% off enchiladas. They do not skim on the meat in the enchilada- full to the max! One of our favorite places to go that’s close to home and you get good service and food!

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Todos Santos - Newport Beach

4.8

4.8 (103)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Todos Santos Balboa is an expansion of the Todos Santos Mexican Kitchen concept established in 2019 in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. TSB inherits the authentic recipes of coastal Baja, while providing a modern presentation and flavor profile in our cuisine.

Our program includes specialty coffee service provided by Succulent Coffee Roasters, a full bar with scratch made margaritas, and an elevated wine list to enhance guest experience. Our home on Balboa Island exhibits the contemporary beauty of Southern California and welcomes you with patio dining just a few feet from the Island Ferry. We look forward to your visit!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Our first time trying Todos Santos and it was a lovely experience! The food, drinks and service were wonderful!

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Popular dish

Halibut Tacos

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