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Local picks in Dana Point

Mexican food

Made for those who have a specific craving for Mexican cuisine and won't settle for anything else.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Buena Vista Market image 1
Buena Vista Market image 2
Buena Vista Market image 3
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Grocery store

Market blends authentic Mexican flavors with a wide meat selection from its carniceria. Tacos and burritos offer generous portions and fresh produce. Clean, inviting atmosphere makes it great for quick, flavorful meals.

Tacos stand out with generous meat portions and authentic Mexican flavors. Options like carne asada and carnitas deliver rich, satisfying tastes, often paired with a spicy mix of red and green salsas.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be some of the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be authentic."

"I found the tacos here to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The market offers a variety of Mexican street tacos at reasonable prices.

2

Expect a clean environment throughout the market and deli.

3

The meat counter features a wide selection of fresh meats.

02
Le Saint Honore image 1

Enjoy authentic French bakery treats like fresh croissants in a serene atmosphere with cozy seating. For Mexican food, try the flavorful breakfast burritos or solid omelets. The place blends traditional Parisian vibe with tasty, diverse options.

Breakfast burritos stand out with delicious flavor and solid preparation. Omelets also appear frequently as a strong choice alongside the burritos.

People are saying

"The croissants here are flaky, airy, and incredibly delicious."

"The bakery items here are fresh and perfectly balanced, not too sweet."

"The breakfast burritos here are outstanding."

Good to know

1

Arrive early for the best quality pastries.

2

Expect a wide variety of pastries available.

3

Tables are small; best for groups of 2-4 people.

03
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 1

Elegant coastal theme sets a classy mood with a stunning fireplace and upscale decor. Fish tacos shine with crispy, moist fish and chipotle aioli. Bar offers quality cocktails and wine, perfect for celebrations or intimate dining.

Fish tacos come with a light, thin flour tortilla and crispy, moist fish. They get a drizzle of chipotle aioli for added flavor.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and appetizers at Happy Hour are delicious."

"The seafood here is incredible; I loved every bite."

"The fish tacos here are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger groups.

3

Happy hour lasts until 7:30 pm with discounted appetizers.

04
The Point Restaurant & Sports Bar image 1

Enjoy fish tacos with fresh mango slaw in a lively spot filled with live music and multiple screens showing sports. Outdoor seating offers great views and a pet-friendly vibe, perfect for socializing and relaxing.

Fish tacos appear frequently, often paired with grilled or fresh ingredients like diced mango in Cole slaw. Other Mexican-inspired items include loaded slaw and dishes featuring seafood with bold flavors.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for watching live sports."

"The Thai wings are crispy and flavorful during happy hour."

"The Mexican Food here is incredible, with a wide variety to choose from."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and available nearby.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs.

3

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

05
Nikki's Cafe image 1

Small cafe buzzes with blue collar vibe and a busy road patio. Machaca burritos shine with fresh ingredients and huge portions fuel quick, satisfying breakfasts. Salsa is top-notch, making it a Mexican food gem for early risers.

Machaca burritos stand out with fresh, solid ingredients and generous size. Breakfast options like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos come with well-balanced flavors and some of the best salsa around.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

"The food here was amazing and excellent."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens before dawn, making it ideal for early risers.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during morning rush hours.

3

Nikki's Cafe is primarily a grab-and-go spot, but dine-in is available.

06
Sunsets Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Oceanfront deck offers stunning Pacific views and a chill vibe with great music. Breakfast tacos shine with spicy fish and pork options, plus tasty coconut shrimp. Casual setting includes TVs and pool tables for relaxed fun.

Breakfast tacos stand out with spicy fish tacos and pork tacos offering solid flavor. Coconut shrimp adds a tasty twist alongside classic Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"I watched the beautiful sunset from here."

"Johnny's hospitality and service at the bar made our weekend special."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to Scotty's welcoming vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Four large beers and a huge plate of nachos cost $30 during happy hour.

3

The bar doesn't allow kids, making it an adult-only venue.

07
Doho Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Beachfront spot offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed vibe with propane fire pits and live music. Battered fish tacos shine with homemade salsa and fresh ingredients. Breakfast burritos are fresh and not greasy, perfect for casual dining by the sea.

Battered fish tacos stand out with homemade salsa and fresh ingredients. Breakfast burritos come fresh and not greasy, while chilaquiles lack scrambled eggs and taste bland.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"I loved relaxing on the beach with food, drinks, and live music."

"You have to try the battered fish tacos; they're excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour at Doho Cafe runs from 4pm-6pm daily.

2

Doho Cafe is the only food option at Doheny State Beach.

3

Dogs are allowed at Doho Cafe, with shaded areas available.

08
Doheny Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Garage doors open to let in sea breeze, creating an open-air cafe feel with a laid-back, relaxed vibe. The space has a local, friendly atmosphere where families and dogs gather comfortably. Music plays softly, enhancing the positive, easygoing mood throughout the day.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, especially the biscuits and gravy."

"I loved the waffles; they had a hint of lemon."

"I'll definitely return for the Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Doheny Cafe offers free parking in the strip mall parking lot.

2

The cafe gets busy around noon, so expect potential wait times.

3

The menu features organic ingredients, emphasizing quality and freshness.

09
Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Lively sports bar buzzes with big screen TVs and a dog-friendly patio with fire pits. Tacos shine with quality beef and $3.99 deals on Tuesdays. Pair huge burritos and chips with guacamole with a watermelon mint margarita for a fun, casual night.

Tacos stand out with quality beef and a large selection, especially on Tuesdays when they cost $3.99 each. Burritos come huge, and chips with guacamole pair well with refreshing margaritas like watermelon mint.

People are saying

"The tacos and margaritas here are really tasty."

"It's a great spot for live sports with tons of TVs."

"The outdoor seating is dog friendly, perfect for warm weather."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature tacos for only $3.99 each.

2

Happy hour includes discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly and has a patio for warm weather.

10
Youngโ€™s Beach Shack image 1

Cafe offers panoramic ocean views and a tranquil atmosphere with soft music and casual dining. Mexican dishes shine with breakfast burritos and fish tacos on Taco Tuesday. Outdoor seating includes shaded spots and a large lawn, perfect for groups and dog-friendly visits.

Breakfast burritos stand out with generous portions and solid flavor. Fish tacos on Taco Tuesday offer a great taste alongside other Mexican options like tacos.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice view of the ocean and the beach."

"I had a really great breakfast burrito here."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The place is open until sunset.

2

You have to park and make a short walk to the beach.

3

The menu is kid-friendly with options for all ages.

11
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 1
Seafood restaurant

Private beach club offers serene oceanfront views and a quiet atmosphere for all ages. Blackened shrimp tacos deliver bold flavor with a fab salsa. Amenities like wheelchair access and shuttle service add great convenience.

Blackened shrimp tacos stand out with their bold flavor and come with a fab salsa that complements them well.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievable with incredible ocean views."

"The ocean views here are truly extraordinary."

"The Mexican food here is great with gorgeous ocean views."

Good to know

1

Access to Monarch Bay Beach Club is restricted to members or Waldorf Astoria guests.

2

Dining is only available for guests of the Waldorf Astoria; no outside guests allowed.

3

Payment is only accepted via room charge; cash and cards are not accepted.

12
A's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school diner serves best fast food burgers with generous portions and dog-friendly indoor seating. Mexican dishes shine with hearty burritos packed with beef and beans, plus tacos loaded with tender meat. Parking is tough near busy roads.

Burritos come packed with huge chunks of beef and refried beans, offering a hearty meal. Tacos feature tender, flavorful meat with an insane amount of filling that holds up well even when reheated.

People are saying

"I thought their burgers were the best in town."

"I kept coming back for their delicious breakfast burritos."

"I loved their breakfast burritos, especially the bacon ones."

Good to know

1

A's Burgers is closed on Sundays.

2

Parking at A's Burgers is a nightmare due to the drive-thru sometimes blocking spots.

3

The portions at A's Burgers are very generous.

13
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fire-grilled chicken and flavorful carnitas tacos shine in a clean, accessible spot perfect for quick meals. Chicken tortilla soup beats major chains, while burritos come with tasty rice and guacamole. Finish with crispy churros for a sweet treat.

Chicken tortilla soup stands out as better than most major restaurants. Carnitas tacos offer significantly more flavor than typical drive-thru options. Burritos come with tasty rice, beans, and guacamole, though wrapping can be careless. Churros are a recommended dessert choice.

People are saying

"I loved their flavorful carnitas tacos and delicious burritos."

"I found the food here to be good and the service quick."

Good to know

1

The 8-piece order with 2 sides costs $48.

2

The restaurant is easy to access with nearby parking.

3

They offer a variety of options like salad and burritos.

14
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern - Dana Point image 1

Enjoy harbor views in a cozy, upscale setting with cushioned booths and a heated patio. Savor short rib tacos rich in flavor and grilled shrimp tacos paired with crispy fries. The guacamole adds a fresh touch to this casual yet refined spot.

Short rib tacos stand out with their rich flavor and leave a lasting impression. Grilled shrimp tacos come with crispy, well-seasoned fries, and the guacamole is above average.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The dinner spots here have great food and friendly service."

"The short rib tacos are awesome Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 PM with great food and drink options.

2

Parking is available outside the restaurant, but can be limited during peak times.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

15
Dippity Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Small family-run shop serves large breakfast burritos with links and fresh donuts. Affordable prices and unique cooking methods keep lines steady. Offers a solid mix of baked goods and Mexican breakfast flavors.

Breakfast burritos come in a large size with breakfast links instead of crumbled sausage. Fresh donuts also complement the meal well.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast burritos and fresh donuts."

"I thought these were the best donuts I've ever had."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were the best Mexican food around."

Good to know

1

They do not have a publicly available restroom for customers.

2

Expect a long line, but it's worth the wait for quality donuts.

3

Dippity Donuts is affordable with great prices.

16
Carlos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers juicy carnitas fajitas and fresh chips with salsa. Large patio features a huge fire pit and live music at a comfortable volume. Cozy indoor seating with a fireplace and plants creates a laid-back, festive vibe.

Carnitas fajitas stand out with juicy shredded beef like pot roast. Fresh, delicious chips and salsa start the meal, and free Horchata refills come with generous servings to go.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The street tacos de birria were amazing with the consommรฉ."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right on PCH, but it can be limited.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly and allows dogs on the patio.

3

Prices are reasonable and portions are generous.

17
RJ's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Casual spot offers a pet-friendly patio with harbor views and outdoor heaters for warmth. Mexican breakfast shines with chilaquiles and burritos, though some vary in size and flavor. Family-friendly vibe keeps energy positive and inviting.

Breakfast includes chilaquiles, pancakes, and burritos with some items like cinnamon buns and French toast. Ground beef tacos come with sweet potato fries. Burritos vary in size and flavor, with some lacking taste and others smaller than expected.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast I've ever had here."

"The American Food here, especially the biscuits, is unbelievably soft and huge."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

RJ's Cafe is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

There is minimal wait time, even during busy weekends.

3

Parking is easy and available near the cafe.

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