Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in North Orange County

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in North Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. 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

JonathanVIP

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

Been to Gabbis several times, one of my favorites to take a date or special person/friends. Food and drinks are amazing.

Discover more

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

Discover more

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 7 Dec 2024

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

Discover more

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

Jose

Dined 6 days ago

Our server was Esmeralda and she was the best. She did not rush us to order and when came to ordering she went over the menu nicely. She went along with our jokes and made sure that we were attended to in the best possible way. We have been to Cha Chas many times but this visit was extra special because we invited family. Esmeralda did not disappoint. Thank you

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (1092)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Anaheim

About the restaurant

Puesto offers award-winning tacos and cocktails as well as its own selection of cerveza by acclaimed brewmaster Doug Hasker. Located on the grounds of The Westin Anaheim Resort, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel across Disneyland® Resort, Puesto provides an innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. Family owned and operated, the menu is inspired by their travels throughout Mexico and California's fresh, local ingredients.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be immediately greeted with fine craftsmanship of walnut, brass, steel, and elegant lighting designed by Basile Studios. Lighting will continue to amaze, from the entry lights to the staple liquor shelving, to the suspended agave structure. Inside the space is a first-of-its-kind projection with high-end video content telling a story throughout the wall.

Puesto is where inspiration is brought to life and we're thrilled to welcome you soon.

Top review

SherrieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Loved the food everything was great! Will definitely be back

Discover more

Experience

Taco Tuesday!

El Torito - Anaheim

4.3

4.3 (295)

$30 and under

Mexican

Anaheim

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

Christopher

Dined on 28 Nov 2024

It was great food for a Thanksgiving day buffet. No big crowds. Food was good. Service was great.

solita Tacos & Margaritas - Huntington Beach

4.7

4.7 (1652)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

solita Tacos & Margaritas is about everything that makes us happy: great Mexican food, dynamite margaritas, and Southern California's laid-back lifestyle.

Top review

LarryVIP

Dined on 27 Nov 2024

Excellent food, service, and price! Loved sitting outside.

Discover more

Popular dish

Chicken Taquitos

Descanso - Plancha Dining

4.6

4.6 (591)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

THIS PAGE IS FOR PLANCHA TABLES ONLY (Where Our Chefs Cook at Your Table). For reservations in our standard Dining Room/Patio, please search for DESCANSO STANDARD DINING on the Open Table Website or call at 714.486.3798

PLANCHA Dining is available for Dinner Monday through Sunday and Saturday & Sunday Brunch.

Descanso is a modern taqueria in that it celebrates authentic Mexican flavors executed on a traditional plancha grill and prepared in front of you at your table.

Seating Types:

PLANCHA
Make a reservation at the Plancha Table for an intimate experience with your Taquero Chef. This is a multi-course meal option where each item is cooked in front of you!

STANDARD DINING
Make a reservation for our Standard dining room or patio on the Descanso Standard Dining Open Table Page.

Top review

James

Dined 1 day ago

We ate at Plancha Dining and could not be more impressed with the food. Compared to your usual Hibachi/Asian food experience, this was on another level. Fantastic service, fantastic food. The chef was friendly and attentive and the server, Gio, took excellent care of us. I decided on Carne asada instead of Ribeye (a little more than I wanted to spend), but was completely surprised to receive some of the best Carne Asada I have ever eaten. The sauces served on the side were AMAZING. Mexican fried rice was so creative and delicious. We will definitely be back!

Explore Diners' Choice best of North Orange County

Explore more Diners' Choice lists