Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

Name: Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
Address: 141 University Ave #4, San Diego, CA, United States, 92103
Telephone: (619) 692-4200
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1021 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

Ortega’s Mexican Bistro features the authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Experience Baja style lobster and table side guacamole while sipping one of our classic fresh squeezed margaritas. Enjoy dining in our restaurant or for a more energized evening, dine in our bar - La Cantina. Additional flavors include Banana Crusted Huachinango, Flat Iron Steak Burrito, Chicken Mole. The design captures the festive traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 692-4200
Website
http://www.ortegas.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com

Location
141 University Ave #4, San Diego, CA 92103
Area
Hillcrest
Cross Street
3rd Avenue
Parking details
Private Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Love & Lobster
14 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025
This year for Valentine's day we will have our regular menu plus a special 3-course Lobster Pre-Fixe menu available for only $39 per person!

Popular dishes

Guacamole Made TablesideUSD 12.75
avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime
Baja Shrimp Ceviche*USD 15.75
shrimp, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, onion, corn tostaditas
Fish Ceviche*USD 14.75
snapper, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, onion, corn tostaditas
Poblano Portobello Quesadilla (2)USD 14.75
corn masa, poblanos, portobellos, caramelized onion, oaxaca cheese, tomato arbol sauce, cotija & queso fresco, crema
Queso FundidoUSD 16.75
oaxaca cheese, chorizo, poblanos, caramelized onion, cotija & queso fresco, crema, corn & flour tortillas

Ensaladas

Add: Chicken Breast +$10 | Mahi +$12 | Shrimp +$12 | Steak +$13 | Half Lobster +$25.75

Caesar & AvocadoUSD 12.75
romaine, avocado, croutons, parmesan, caesar dressing
Ortega's Mixed Green SaladUSD 12.75
mixed greens, grilled tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, garbanzos, cotija & queso fresco, black bean corn salsa, balsamic vinaigrette
Sandia Sesame SaladUSD 12.75
mixed greens, watermelon, avocado, cucumber, carrot, garbanzos, cotija & queso fresco, black bean corn salsa, sesame soy vinaigrette

Soups

Ortega's Chicken & TortillaUSD 9.75
roasted chicken, onion, chipotle, cilantro, garbanzos, tomato, rice, tortilla strips, avocado
Puerto Nuevo-Style TortillaUSD 9.75
guajillo chiles, chicken stock, roasted tomato, cilantro, avocado, jack cheese, tortilla strips
Black Bean & PumpkinUSD 9.75
pureed black bean & roasted kabocha pumpkin, black bean corn salsa, crema

Seafood

Ensenada-Style Fish Taco TrioUSD 20.75
Modelo especial beer battered snapper on flour tortillas, chipotle garlic aioli, cabbage, crema, roasted salsa. Side refried beans
Banana Crusted HuachinangoUSD 22.75
Snapper with a plantain crust, roasted tomato sauce. Side rice, refried beans & flour tortilla
Crab Enchiladas (2)USD 23.75
Crab, mushroom, spinach, jack cheese, pico de gallo, corn tortillas, verde sauce, cotija & queso fresco, crema, cabbage. Side rice & refried beans
Mahi Mahi Taco TrioUSD 21.75
Grilled mahi mahi on corn tortillas, chipotle garlic aioli, avocado, crema, cabbage. Side black beans
Dorado VeracruzUSD 22.75
Seared mahi mahi, roasted tomato sauce, bell pepper, onion, poblanos, white wine, capers & green olives. Side rice, refried beans & flour tortilla
Shrimp Taco TrioUSD 20.75
Shrimp sautéed in white wine on corn tortillas, chipotle garlic aioli, avocado, crema, cabbage. Side charro beans
Shrimp Enchiladas (2)USD 21.75
Sautéed shrimp, jack cheese, mushroom, spinach, pico de gallo, corn tortillas, rojo sauce, cotija & queso fresco, crema, cabbage. Side rice & refried beans

Beef + Pork

CarnitasUSD 20.75
Slow roasted pork, verde sauce, pico de gallo. Side rice, charro beans & flour tortilla
Steak Taco TrioUSD 20.75
Angus steak on corn tortillas, chipotle sauce, cabbage, crema, avocado. Side charro beans
Steak BurritoUSD 20.75
Grilled bistek, charro beans, jack cheese, huitlacoche-mushroom sauce, avocado, wrapped in a flour tortilla. Side rice & charro beans
Grilled BistekUSD 22.75
Huitlacoche-mushroom sauce, pico de gallo. Side vegetables, rice, refried beans & flour tortilla

Chicken

Chicken Mole**USD 20.75
Grilled chicken breast, spicy-sweet mole sauce, sesame seeds, crema. Side vegetables, rice, refried beans, & flour tortilla
Chicken Mole Enchiladas (2)**USD 20.75
Roasted chicken, jack cheese, pico de gallo, corn tortillas, spicy-sweet mole sauce, cotija & queso fresco, crema, cabbage. Side rice & refried beans
Chicken Pippian**USD 20.75
Grilled chicken breast, creamy pumpkin seed pippian sauce, crema, pumpkin seeds. Side vegetables, rice, refried beans, & flour tortilla

Puerto Nuevo Lobster

Includes Cup of Puerto Nuevo-Style Tortilla Soup. Grilled lobster, rice, refried beans, drawn butter, grilled lime, flour tortilla

Whole Lobster SpecialUSD 46.75
whole lobster tail
Half Lobster & Steak SpecialUSD 35.75
Ortega's surf & turf. Half lobster tail & fire grilled bistek, huitlacoche-portobello mushroom sauce
Half Lobster & Shrimp Special**USD 34.75
half lobster tail & four large shrimp on a skewer, epazote cilantro pesto, roasted tomato sauce

Vegetarian

Poblano Queso Taco TrioUSD 19.75
Grilled oaxaca cheese on corn tortillas, poblanos, caramelized onion, cabbage, black bean corn salsa, cotija & queso fresco, crema. Side black beans
Chile RellenoUSD 19.75
Poblano chile, jack & oaxaca cheese, tomato sauce. Side rice, refried beans & flour tortilla (contains chicken stock)
Vegetarian BurritoUSD 17.75
Black bean & pumpkin purée, potato, avocado, poblanos, caramelized onion, pico de gallo, jack cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla. Side black beans
Cheese Mole Enchiladas**USD 19.75
Cotija, queso fresco & jack cheese, spicy-sweet mole sauce. Side rice & refried beans (contains chicken stock)

Sides

Refried, Charro or Black BeansUSD 3.75
Mexican RiceUSD 3.75
Flour TortillaUSD 1.50
Corn TortillaUSD 0.75
Cup Pico de GalloUSD 2.75
Half AvocadoUSD 4.50
CremaUSD 0.50
Side VegetablesUSD 4.75
Side SaladUSD 3.75
Chiles Toreados (3)USD 3.50

Margaritas

prepared with homemade sour mix

CabrilloUSD 11.00
silver tequila & triple sec
PresidioUSD 13.00
cuervo tradicional silver & grand marnier
PomegranateUSD 14.00
pomegranate, cuervo tradicional silver & grand marnier, sugar rim
Spicy CucumberUSD 14.00
cucumber, jalapeño, cuervo tradicional silver & grand marnier, chile rim
Mango MintUSD 14.00
mango purée, mint & cuervo tradicional silver, sugar rim
TamarindUSD 14.00
blended tamarind & cuervo tradicional silver, chile rim
Fresh JalapeñoUSD 14.00
jalapeño, cuervo tradicional silver & grand marnier, chile rim
Strawberry MintUSD 14.00
strawberry, mint & cuervo tradicional silver, sugar rim

Premium Margaritas

hand crafted with fresh squeezed lime juice

Don Julio ClassicUSD 17.00
grand marnier, fresh orange
The Patron ClassicUSD 17.00
grand marnier, fresh orange, pink salt rim
Mezcal MargaritaUSD 16.00
agave nectar, sal de gusano (worm salt) rim
Hibiscus MezcalUSD 16.00
housemade jamaica, agave nectar
Casamigos MargaritaUSD 16.00
grand marnier, agave nectar, fresh orange
Casamigos Margarita LightUSD 16.00
casamigos blanco, agave nectar
The Clase AzulUSD 25.00
clase azul reposado, grand marnier, agave nectar, fresh orange, black sea salt rim

What 1,021 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers a vibrant dining experience in Hillcrest with "excellent food quality and reasonable prices." Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," including specialties like table-side guacamole and lobster dinners. The atmosphere is described as "warm and cozy," making it a cherished spot for authentic Mexican cuisine lovers.

1,021 Reviews

W
Wayne
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and margaritas. Table side guacamole nice touch. Valentine day prix fix was an excellent value.
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
VIP
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Margarita tasted like a bottled mix, although I ordered one that said “fresh lime juice” on the menu. Couldn’t drink it, just left it. I asked for water, and that took a while. Also, waiter didn’t clear table before dessert but put dessert plate in front of me. I stacked the dirty plates together so I could put dessert in the center of the table and share with my date. Lovely. Also, please don’t tap me on the back of the arm every time you stop by the table. Thanks.
Is this helpful?
S
Sally
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good timely service. Delicious guacamole and margaritas.
Is this helpful?
G
Gary
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent! Fun creative menu. Chips & salsa were fantastic so we knew we were in for a great meal! I had banana crusted snapper-yum! Great w the sauce it was served with. Hubby’s chile relleno was one of the best he’s had (he even asked to tell the chef personally!) Strawberry mint margaritas were delish too-refreshing! We’ll def come back!!!
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J
John
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our second visit was as good as our first. We chose to meet relatives here for a nice meal. We visit from Long Beach and discovered Ortega’s on our own last time we were in town. We took locals here for their first visit and they loved it, too. Great margaritas. I’m surprised it is not busier. Just a few diners each time. We will return.
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J
Jack
VIP
San Diego
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 20 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and reasonable priced.
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S
SARA
VIP
San Diego
136 reviews
5.0
136 reviews
Dined on 11 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wow! This was our first time visiting Ortega’s and we were impressed with the great tasting Mexican food. It was like being in Baja, MX except we didn’t have to cross the border. The Casamigo margaritas, table side guacamole, steak tacos and steak burrito with extra beans was delicious. We will definitely be back. Excellent!
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J
John
VIP
Phoenix
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
fast service excellent food quality and reasonable prices
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A
Anne
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
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R
Ralph
VIP
Seattle
69 reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on 1 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal and service. Food really pops and has great flavor. Whole experience very pleasant with attentive service and great atmosphere.
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FAQs

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 692-4200.

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 1021 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

141 University Ave #4, San Diego, CA 92103

Additional information

Cross Street
3rd Avenue
Area
Hillcrest
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Contactless Payment, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ortegas.com/
Phone number
(619) 692-4200
Private party facilities
Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Love & Lobster

Chicken Mole Enchiladas (2)

Shrimp Enchiladas (2)

Chicken Mole

Starters

Guacamole Made TablesideUSD 12.75

Baja Shrimp Ceviche*USD 15.75

Fish Ceviche*USD 14.75

Poblano Portobello Quesadilla (2)USD 14.75

Queso FundidoUSD 16.75

Ensaladas

Caesar & AvocadoUSD 12.75

Ortega's Mixed Green SaladUSD 12.75

Sandia Sesame SaladUSD 12.75

Soups

Ortega's Chicken & TortillaUSD 9.75

Puerto Nuevo-Style TortillaUSD 9.75

Black Bean & PumpkinUSD 9.75

Seafood

Ensenada-Style Fish Taco TrioUSD 20.75

Banana Crusted HuachinangoUSD 22.75

Crab Enchiladas (2)USD 23.75

Mahi Mahi Taco TrioUSD 21.75

Dorado VeracruzUSD 22.75

Shrimp Taco TrioUSD 20.75

Shrimp Enchiladas (2)USD 21.75

Beef + Pork

CarnitasUSD 20.75

Steak Taco TrioUSD 20.75

Steak BurritoUSD 20.75

Grilled BistekUSD 22.75

Chicken

Chicken Mole**USD 20.75

Chicken Mole Enchiladas (2)**USD 20.75

Chicken Pippian**USD 20.75

Puerto Nuevo Lobster

Whole Lobster SpecialUSD 46.75

Half Lobster & Steak SpecialUSD 35.75

Half Lobster & Shrimp Special**USD 34.75

Vegetarian

Poblano Queso Taco TrioUSD 19.75

Chile RellenoUSD 19.75

Vegetarian BurritoUSD 17.75

Cheese Mole Enchiladas**USD 19.75

Sides

Refried, Charro or Black BeansUSD 3.75

Mexican RiceUSD 3.75

Flour TortillaUSD 1.50

Corn TortillaUSD 0.75

Cup Pico de GalloUSD 2.75

Half AvocadoUSD 4.50

CremaUSD 0.50

Side VegetablesUSD 4.75

Side SaladUSD 3.75

Chiles Toreados (3)USD 3.50

Margaritas

CabrilloUSD 11.00

PresidioUSD 13.00

PomegranateUSD 14.00

Spicy CucumberUSD 14.00

Mango MintUSD 14.00

TamarindUSD 14.00

Fresh JalapeñoUSD 14.00

Strawberry MintUSD 14.00

Premium Margaritas

Don Julio ClassicUSD 17.00

The Patron ClassicUSD 17.00

Mezcal MargaritaUSD 16.00

Hibiscus MezcalUSD 16.00

Casamigos MargaritaUSD 16.00

Casamigos Margarita LightUSD 16.00

The Clase AzulUSD 25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?