Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in 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 (2111)

$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

JoannaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We chose to eat earlier than normal on Christmas Eve at our favorite tradition for this day at Gabbi’s! Our server (female) was so kind and helpful and friendly. Our favorite appetizers is the quesilla. It’s served with homemade flour and corn tortillas. The green salsa verde is amazing! The camarones enchiladas (shrimp) are so flavorful and plentiful. The Puebla tacos have just the right amount of steak and spicy sausage. The flour tortillas are the best. Can’t wait to dine here again!

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (66)

$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

christine

Dined 4 days ago

Food was really good . Short Ribs, steak, and enchiladas were good. Ordered the chips and guacamole for appetizer and we liked them. Good cocktails too. We asked to turn down the music a little bit and they did. It’s nice to go to a restaurant where you can hear conversations.

Discover more

South of Nick's - Laguna Beach

4.8

4.8 (1893)

$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

MichaelVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We’ve been coming to To both Nick’s and South of Nick’s for a few years now and we always have a great experience. The food, service and view at this location was excellent. They were very accommodating and offered good suggestions. They also have off menu and custom items you can request. Excellent bar, get a jalapeño watermelon margarita.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (259)

$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

Justin

Dined 2 days ago

I’ve been for dinner before but this is my first time for brunch. It did not disappoint. Amazing service and the food was phenomenal. Highly recommend.

South of Nick's - San Clemente

4.8

4.8 (1948)

$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

MikeVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent authentic Mexican. Very good service and timely. Plenty of parking nearby. Friendly staff.

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

Diane

Dined 1 day ago

The ambiance was lovely and warm, the food was excellent! We had the tres leches French toast and the Fuego Chilaquiles, delicious! The service was top notch and everyone was very pleasant. We will be back!

El Torito - Yorba Linda

4.4

4.4 (229)

$30 and under

Mexican

Placentia / Yorba Linda

About the restaurant

The authority in great Mexican food for over 70 years! Visit us for weekly celebrations where we infuse tradition with authentic Mexican cuisine, including $4 happy hour, $3 Taco Tuesday, Saturday Breakfast and All-You-Can-Eat + Drink Sunday Brunch. Experience a celebration of Family, Food & Community!

Top review

Burt

Dined 4 days ago

It was a family Christmas dinner. Everything was great. Thank you for making it a memorable Xmas dinner.

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 on 15 Dec 2024

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 (1853)

$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

Silvia

Dined 4 days ago

All the staff is friendly, food service was fast and food was fresh and delicious

Discover more

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 8 Dec 2024

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

Discover more

Popular dish

Halibut Tacos

Explore Diners' Choice best of Orange County