Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, California. It is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is known for its pleasant climate, low crime rate, and its extensive collection of outdoor murals. The city was one of the safest cities in America in 2012 and 2013. It is home to the two tallest skyscrapers in Orange County. Downtown Costa Mesa boasts more than 80 stores and restaurants rooted in the mid-century aesthetic, while the south end of town bustles with luxury apartments, restaurants, and boutiques. Wait till you read about the Mexican food in Costa Mesa.
This is where the future comes to play and where the past sometimes lives on as well. Costa Mesa has experienced tremendous growth over the years, making it an ideal location for those who want to live in a city that offers them the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find an abundance of cultural and entertainment options, plus excellent shopping and dining options – all within close proximity! In this article, we’ll go over my favorite places for the best Mexican food in Costa Mesa. So let’s dig in.
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Best Mexican Food In Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is a leader in the Orange County food scene, with its restaurants receiving accolades and recognition from local and national media. So whether you’re looking for an intimate dining experience or a lively atmosphere, Costa Mesa has some of the best fine dining. Here are some of the best Mexican restaurants you would definitely want to check out.
El Matador
1768 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 // +19496450324
Welcome to the El Matador, one of the best mexican restaurants in Costa Mesa! They’re proud to be one of the oldest Mexican cantinas in Costa Mesa and are committed to serving you classic fare from Mexico in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. At El Matador, they’re passionate about serving Mexican food made from original family recipes with their unique twist and only the freshest ingredients available.
For over 56 years, El Matador has provided quality Mexican food accompanied by a unique beverage selection to satisfy their customer’s taste buds and quench their thirst. The menu includes dishes such as chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, flautas, and more. They also have a wide selection of tequilas, and they love to tell their customers stories about this famous Mexican drink.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor or frequent patron, they’re excited to have you and are committed to providing some of the best services in town!
Roman’s Mexican Restaurant
2400 Newport Blvd. A3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 // +19495485534
Visit Roman’s Mexican Restaurant and try their delicious food prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu offers a wide selection of great-tasting items and has something for everyone! Order Chorizo Burrito, Carnitas plate, Fajitas de Camaron, or the Chile Relleno enchilada plate, and enjoy a cold drink from the refrigerated beverage station. They have a beautiful interior and comfortable dining room where children are welcome.
A pleasant Mexican food spot with a handful of counters and some tables, the place is clean, prices are affordable, and customer service is amiable. The workers are on top of their game, and food is cooked immediately. The meat they serve is tender, lean, and flavorful, and all the ingredients are fresh. Roman’s Mexican Restaurant is affordable, trustworthy, and delicious and will make you come back for more!
Taco Maria
3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 // +17145388444
Taco Maria is a locally sourced Californian-Mexican award-winning restaurant in a casual setting, with an open-kitchen restaurant and outdoor patio. They are inspired by the tastes of their family kitchens and the chefs who trained them along the way to create Alta California cuisine. The restaurant’s name reflects its heritage and mission to fuse Mexican and American cultures through honest food, classic cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
The menu offers tacos made with fresh tortillas and housemade salsas accompanied by various small bites, an assortment of housemade mole, and seafood dishes. Try Camarones a la Diabla, Carne Asada, Curtidos, and finish with Panna Cotta. They are dedicated to creating a cultural experience highlighting the cuisine of Southern California with local produce. Taco Maria invites you to share their passion for food, family, and community.
Mi Casa
296 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 // +19496457626
Mi Casa is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Orange County. Since 1972, they’ve been serving the best Mexican food in town. Everything on their menu is homemade with the freshest ingredients available. Here’s why Mi Casa has one of the most delicious Mexican food in Costa Mesa: They have a great selection of tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, and burritos! Try out Enchiladas Rancheras, Shrimp Burrito, Fiesta Salad, or Mahi Mahi Mi Casa. Relax and enjoy a festive atmosphere as they serve you the best margaritas in town while you wait for your meal.
This Costa Mesa Mexican restaurant offers guests a vibrant, family-friendly space with an outdoor patio. Mi Casa is your perfect neighborhood restaurant. It’s where family and friends gather to celebrate special occasions or just enjoy great Mexican food any day of the week!
Descanso Restaurant
1555 Adams Ave. #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 // +17144863798
Since its opening in 2018, Descanso has been a modern taqueria serving a vibrant and engaging dining experience with only the freshest ingredients. The menu is based on authentic Mexican flavors and recipes prepared before you. Dishes like El Toro Taco, Al Pastor Quesadilla, or burritos will awaken your taste buds. They strive to satisfy your cravings with delicious and authentic Mexican food prepared with care and attention to detail.
As one of the most authentic and respected Mexican restaurants in Costa Mesa, Descanso Restaurant has earned a reputation for serving unforgettable flavors – therefore the reason why it made the list with the Mexican food in Costa Mesa. Here, they believe you deserve the best Mexican food experience. They only use high-quality ingredients and allow each item to speak for itself so you can enjoy the flavors as they are meant to be enjoyed. You will feel at home at their restaurant, with a comfortable atmosphere and excellent service!
Playa Mesa
428 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 // +19492875292
Playa Mesa is a casual, breezy Mexican restaurant with a beach-inspired aesthetic and outdoor patio seating. Here, they serve a wide array of traditional Mexican favorites prepared in the classic style. A menu of authentic Mexican and Baja-style seafood dishes is inspired by the flavors of coastal Mexico. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the fresh fish tacos made with salsa verde or red chile. They also serve specialties including Lobster Enchiladas, Playa Halibut, Pollo Burrito, and more. Be sure to pair any meal with one or two margaritas. It’s definitely one of the places with the best Mexican food in Costa Mesa.
They are dedicated to sourcing only the best local ingredients, so you know you’re consuming the freshest, most authentic fare possible. Playa Mesa offers a unique and original Mexican dining experience, combining an open kitchen, vibrant Southwestern decor, and a beachy California vibe.
Best Mexican Food In Costa Mesa: Wrap Up
Costa Mesa is a foodie’s paradise, with various top-rated establishments serving up authentic Mexican Cuisine. It is home to multiple restaurants in all price ranges, from casual to upscale, from fast food to family-friendly, from seafood and steak houses.
If you’re looking for a different place to eat with your family or friends, Costa Mesa will have something for you. As an award-winning town for its dining scene, Costa Mesa will have whatever Mexican food you’re craving!
Visiting other destinations in California? Check out our other delicious guides:
- The 20 Best Restaurants In Costa Mesa
- The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants In San Diego
- The 9 Best Mexican Food Trucks In Los Angeles
- The 7 Best Mexican Restaurants In Downtown Los Angeles
- 15 Best Elk Grove Restaurants
- 8 Must-Try Danville Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Half Moon Bay Restaurants
- 9 Must-Try Visalia Restaurants
- 7 Best North Beach San Francisco Italian Restaurants
- 11 Must-Try Sebastopol Restaurant
Which of these Mexican restaurants in Costa Mesa will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever