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Top picks in Westside Costa Mesa

Mexican food

Made for those who have a singular focus on finding the most authentic Mexican cuisine available.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos & Carnitas Pepe’s image 1
Tacos & Carnitas Pepe’s image 2
Tacos & Carnitas Pepe’s image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic carnitas and traditional breakfast tacos with generous portions at great prices. Casual vibe in a small shopping center makes parking easy. Focus stays on genuine flavors over trendy twists.

Carnitas stand out as authentic Mexican and super delicious, with tacos loaded with meat. The menu includes chicken enchiladas and breakfast tacos that taste homemade, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were amazing and authentic Mexican."

"I thought the carnitas were authentic Mexican and super delicious."

"I thought the carnitas were authentic Mexican and super delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in a small shopping center where parking is usually available.

2

The location is near the beach, making it a convenient spot to grab food.

3

The prices at Tacos & Carnitas Pepe’s are reasonable.

02
Birrieria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic birria tacos with handmade tortillas in a clean, comfortable interior. Plenty of indoor seating and parking make it easy to enjoy a calm, fresh atmosphere. Focused dining spot with smoking good flavor.

Birria tacos stand out with smoking good flavor and handmade tortillas de maiz. The menu focuses heavily on birria, delivering some of the most delicious tacos around.

People are saying

"Leo gave great food recommendations and was super friendly."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're incredible."

"The birria tacos and consomé here are super delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available, including off-street parking.

2

The consomé needs to be purchased separately.

3

The restaurant was always clean.

03
NUDAE Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers bright, airy vibes with indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast burritos are crispy and cheesy, especially the sunrise burrito with cilantro sauce. Dog-friendly space hosts monthly pack walks, creating a strong community feel.

Breakfast burritos come piping hot and cheesy with a crispy outside and are not too heavy. The sunrise burrito with cilantro sauce stands out as very tasty.

People are saying

"This cafe is my absolute favorite coffee shop."

"I thought this breakfast burrito was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Nudea offers a monthly drink and food special, so there's always something new to try.

2

NUDAE Coffee has limited indoor and outdoor seating, so arrive early.

3

The café gets really busy around 9am, and tables fill up quickly.

04
El Campeon Carniceria #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall carniceria offers authentic Mexican street tacos with homemade tortillas and fresh meats. Narrow aisles and a few tables create a lively local vibe. Prices stay very reasonable, and bilingual staff help with ordering.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and are stacked with fresh meat, onions, and cilantro. Menudo, burritos with beans and rice, and al pastor and carnitas tacos are popular choices, served with homemade salsa and limes.

People are saying

"I thought their al pastor tacos were stellar."

"The tacos at this market are unreal good, especially the carnitas."

"I thought their tacos were unreal good, especially the al pastor."

Good to know

1

Prices average around $50 per week for protein purchases.

2

Bilingual staff are available to assist with ordering.

3

The market offers a variety of fresh meats, vegetables, and hot food by the pound.

05
Captain Mike's Fish Fry image 1
Seafood restaurant

Retro style creates a casual vibe with a clean space. Fish and chips shine with perfect frying and fresh fish. Mexican dishes feature spicy salsa tacos with beans and tortillas. Quick service and standout chicken round out classic sides.

Fish, rice, beans, and tortillas come together for four tacos with spicy salsa. Meals include hearty beans and warm tortillas.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be fantastic."

"The warm tortillas were perfect for making tacos."

"The fish tacos here are always fresh and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect your food to arrive within about 10 minutes after ordering.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a good spot for a meal.

06
La Cañada Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright space with classic Mexican vibes offers fresh tacos like carnitas and grilled shrimp. Cozy, lively atmosphere features an in-house mariachi band for spontaneous music. Generous portions and reasonable prices make casual dining memorable.

Tacos stand out with options like carnitas, grilled shrimp with shredded cabbage and chipotle sauce, and a unique hard shell taco. Fresh, complimentary tortilla chips and salsa come with reasonable prices, and the pico and salsa are light and balanced.

People are saying

"Their tacos and grilled meats are amazing."

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"The staff here is so pleasant and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Ample free parking is available for all diners.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

3

Complimentary tortilla chips and salsa are served with meals.

07
Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill image 1

Lively Mexican spot shines with juicy carne asada tacos and fresh seafood. Loud conga music fuels an energetic vibe in a clean space. Not family-friendly but offers authentic Mexican flavors at great prices.

Carne asada tacos feature juicy, huge meat that stands out. Fresh shrimp and fish tacos come with great house salsa and chili pastes. The fajita and Tostada Mixta offer authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, especially the shrimp tacos."

"I found the carne asada tacos to be really good."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp cocktails, is so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathroom.

2

Prices are reasonable and portions are big.

3

The restaurant is usually not very busy, making it a good option for a quiet meal.

08
Alejandro's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican fast food spot offers loaded burritos and flavorful tacos with generous meat portions. Drive-thru service and fair prices keep a steady crowd despite a run-down atmosphere. Breakfast burritos and carne asada fries add tasty variety.

Burritos stand out with loaded chorizo and carne asada packed full of meat. Tacos come with the right amount of toppings and include options like shredded beef and chicken. Breakfast burritos can be customized with carne asada, and carne asada fries are a notable item.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best ever."

"I've never had a chorizo burrito loaded up like this before."

"This Mexican Food loads up the chorizo in the burritos."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is fast and convenient for quick meals.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Prices are fair for the quality of food offered.

09
Tom's Place image 1
Fast food restaurant

Diner-style spot offers a calm vibe with a well-manicured patio where smoking is allowed. Burritos are large and fresh, featuring homemade guacamole and diverse fillings like carne asada. Friendly staff serve generous portions quickly despite higher prices.

Burritos come in large portions with fresh, homemade guacamole and a variety of fillings like carne asada, bacon breakfast, and hot link. Breakfast options include tasty burritos and sandwiches served with coffee.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

"You have to try their huge burgers; they're amazing quality."

"I loved the breakfast burritos; they were super delicious and a great portion."

Good to know

1

A burger, fries, and a drink cost $20.

2

The breakfast at Tom's Place is reasonably priced with daily deals.

3

Parking can be a little difficult at Tom's Place.

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Westside Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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