Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in North Orange County

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in North 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 (2170)

$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

RON

Dined 2 days ago

We love Gabbi's! The shrimp enchiladas are AMAZING! My wife orders them every time we come. Service is great, as is the ambiance.

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Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (1891)

$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

mikeVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Cha Cha’s is our place for comfort food, a great time and great experience. Never fails!!

Descanso - Plancha Dining

4.8

4.8 (639)

$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

Daisy

Dined 2 days ago

We came together as a family to celebrate our sisters' birthdays, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance set the tone for a fantastic evening. What truly made the night unforgettable was our talented chef, Angel. His energy, skill, and attention to detail elevated every moment. Chef Angel prepared each dish right before our eyes, blending culinary artistry with engaging entertainment. He ensured we were not only well-fed but genuinely enjoying ourselves throughout the meal. The sea bass, in particular, was a standout—expertly cooked and bursting with flavor. If you're looking for an experience that combines exceptional food with warm, professional service, we highly recommend dining here. Chef Angel made it truly special.

Descanso - Standard Dining

4.6

4.6 (600)

$30 and under

Mexican

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

THIS PAGE IS FOR OUR STANDARD DINING TABLES ONLY. For reservations at our Plancha Tables (Where the Chef Cooks at Your Table), please search for DESCANSO PLANCHA DINING on Open Table or call us at 714.486.3798

Descanso is a modern taqueria in that it celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed in a lively setting that brings in the smells, sounds and energy of a busy Mexican town.

Types of Dining at Descanso:

PLANCHA
At a Plancha Table, you will receive an intimate experience with our Planchero Chefs. This is a multi-course menu where your meal is cooked in front of you at your table! Please go to our DESCANSO PLANCHA DINING page in order to book for this experience online.

STANDARD DINING
Make a reservation here for our indoor dining room or patio.

TACO BAR
The Taco Bar (Counter) is an a la carte version of the Plancha Experience where one of our chefs cooks in front of you at a counter top.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BAR
Bar Top Seating indoor and patio

Top review

Jeanna

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Descanso is one of our favorite restaurants! The food and service are consistently good!

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Jardin Autentica Cocina

4.5

4.5 (580)

$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

Faby

Dined 5 days ago

I wanted to order everything on the menu! So good!

Blind Coyote Cantina

4.8

4.8 (60)

$30 and under

Mexican

Yorba Linda

About the restaurant

Welcome to Blind Coyote Cantina. An elevated dining experience that celebrates Mexican cuisine, featuring a California Ranchero influence. Savor expertly crafted dishes and explore our exceptional agave bar, featuring a curated selection of top tequilas and mezcals. Join us for a vibrant atmosphere filled with flavor and fun.

Top review

mark

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

Went to BC for taco tuesday and was extremely pleased with the food and service

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Experience

Happy Hour

solita Tacos & Margaritas - Huntington Beach

4.7

4.7 (1698)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Solita Huntington Beach, located in Bella Terra shopping center, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a spacious patio, cozy fireplace, and indoor/outdoor agave bar. Specializing in wood-grilled tacos, handcrafted margaritas such as our Watermelon Margarita, and our soul-warming Queso Al Forno. Don’t miss weekly events like Weekday Happy Hour, Taco & Tequila Tuesday & Weekend Brunch.

Top review

Hema

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Amazing food, great service and ambience. Lot of wonderful options for vegetarians.

SandBar Huntington Beach

4.7

4.7 (142)

$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

Dana

Dined 2 days ago

Loved our first time at the SandBar! Loved the ambiance and great beachy feel. Our service was great, the cocktails amazing and the food was delicious! We’ll definitely be back!

Puesto Anaheim

4.6

4.6 (1235)

$30 and under

Mexican

Anaheim

About the restaurant

Mexico City born. California raised. Puesto Anaheim brings the vibrant soul of CDMX through a Southern California lens-bold, modern Mexican with an edge. Seasonal menus, creative takes, and the best ingredients in the hands of better chefs. Every tortilla starts with organic blue corn, made in-house like it's been since 1200 BC. Puesto is family-founded by the Adler and Lombrozo brothers, first-gen Mexican Americans raised on tamales and tradition. It's a love letter to the flavors they grew up with, reimagined with Mexico City energy and SoCal spirit. Made by food people. For food people.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined 6 days ago

It was an enjoyable lunch with good friends. Would recommend.

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Experience

Taco Tuesday!

Agave Seasons

4.6

4.6 (112)

$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

Tametra

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Wonderful food, beautiful ambience and great staff!!

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Explore Diners' Choice best of North Orange County