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Top picks in Mission Viejo

Authentic carnitas

You know that authentic carnitas require a specific slow-cooked process that cannot be faked. You are looking for the version that respects the tradition.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Casita's Taco Cocina Mexicana image 1
Casita's Taco Cocina Mexicana image 2
Casita's Taco Cocina Mexicana image 3
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Small dining space offers cozy, relaxed atmosphere with lively Spanish music and friendly staff. Salsa bar features a range from mild to spicy, complementing meals made with homemade corn tortillas. Tables inside and outside provide comfortable options for enjoying authentic Mexican flavors.

Tacos and burritos come with authentic beans and rice. Cheese is genuine Mexican style. Food feels non-conventional and truly excellent quality Mexican.

Juicy carnitas come moist and tender with perfect seasoning. Homemade tortillas and a well-balanced carnitas burrito add to the fresh, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is perfectly seasoned and delicious."

"The food here is authentic Mexican, just like eating in Mexico."

"The carnitas here are so moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Tacos are all $3.50 on Taco Tuesday.

2

Everything is made fresh when you order.

3

The corn tortillas are made in-house and are the right thickness.

02
Xclusive Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a handsome interior featuring an island bar and half booth seating creates a welcoming, classy atmosphere. Live mariachi music plays at select times, setting a perfect volume for conversation without distraction. Several TVs show sports without creating a typical sports bar vibe.

Food matches what you'd find in a hole in the wall Mexican spot. Dishes like Chicken Mole and baked chile relleno with flavorful carnitas stay true to family recipes.

Carnitas come in huge portions with flavorful and authentic stuffing. The preparation stands out because they do it on carnitas, which many places skip.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so flavorful, I'd call it 'Fuego'."

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The carnitas here are a huge portion with great taste."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour specials are available all day on weekdays.

2

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and drinks.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait for food during busy hours.

03
Casa Franco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a homey, friendly vibe and large portions of authentic dishes like chili rellenos and shrimp enchiladas. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and unassuming to loud, making conversation sometimes difficult. Pricing tends to be on the higher side compared to nearby options.

Authentic Mexican food shines with hole-in-the-wall flavors and legit recipes. Staff supports the genuine vibe, making it a rare find in the area.

Very tender carnitas come with tortillas, rice, beans, and guacamole. Options include a Carnitas Chimichanga dinner and a carnitas plate.

People are saying

"The Mexican food service here is friendly and fast."

"I thought the shredded beef enchilada was juicy and brilliant."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for Taco Tuesday.

04
Ronaldo's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 50s diner vibe and modern interior offers an authentic menu featuring wide salsa bar options. Atmosphere includes a lively, slightly loud setting with an open layout and late hours. Food focuses on tasty tacos and burritos with satisfying meat portions.

Mexican food here is delicious and authentic with a legit salsa bar that stands out. The menu offers authentic Mexican cuisine throughout.

Carnitas come hot enough to slightly melt styrofoam containers. They appear in crispy potato tacos and a Hot Cheeto burrito as a substitute for carne asada. Both carnitas and carne asada tacos deliver delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The staff serving the Mexican food here are the sweetest guys."

"The carnitas here are so delicious and well-well seasoned."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, closing at midnight.

2

Expect a variety of salsas available at the salsa bar.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other taco shops.

05
La Tia Tacos & More image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a pet-friendly patio featuring TVs. Atmosphere stays clean and casual with an extensive salsa bar providing a variety of options. Seating includes bench seats with curved backs in a nicely decorated space.

Food tastes homemade and fresh with strong Mexican roots. The horchata stands out as authentic and flavorful.

Plates feature tender carnitas with a balanced flavor. Tacos offer a mild taste that is not overwhelming. Overall, carnitas are solid but not standout.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were stupendous."

"The food here is so fresh and tastes homemade."

"The carnitas here were good, not overwhelming."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on tacos, making it a popular event.

2

The restaurant is known for its affordable pricing and good value.

3

Expect quick service, with food typically served within five minutes.

06
Taqueria De Anda-Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room offers a homey atmosphere with freshly made tacos featuring generous fillings and homemade salsas. Counter service moves quickly, making it suitable for a quick bite. Prices run higher than typical taquerias, reflecting a step above fast food.

Offers authentic Mexican food with great portions and high quality ingredients. The flavors taste genuine and true to traditional recipes.

Carnitas stand out with excellent flavor and quality. The carnitas burrito delivers a satisfying taste alongside other well-prepared meats.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of flavor."

"These Mexican Food tacos are freshly made with standout flavors."

"I found the carnitas here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until midnight most nights.

2

Taco Tuesday is an especially good day to visit.

3

Menu prices are 10-20% higher than at central Orange County locations.

07
Olamendiโ€™s Mission Viejo image 1

Small, casual Mexican restaurant with quaint space and family-owned feel offers a clean, orderly atmosphere with authentic Mexican music playing. The place serves generous portions of traditional dishes and attracts those seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a relaxed setting.

Generous portions of authentic Mexican food deliver rich, flavor-packed tastes. The dishes consistently offer great-tasting and delicious flavors true to traditional recipes.

Portion sizes on the carnitas tacos and salad are twice what I usually get. The carnitas vary from absolutely amazing to dry and somewhat flavorless, lacking juiciness and tenderness.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and flavor-packed."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for vegetarian options is recommended.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes at fair prices.

3

Expect quick service with minimal wait times for food.

08
Perla's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and generous portions. Busy and lively, it offers authentic tacos and affordable prices. Limited seating and outdoor dining available, often accompanied by free chips and salsa.

Street tacos stand out with authentic Mexican flavors and a price of $1.75 each. The menu features authentic Mexican and Cali-Mex favorites in a hole-in-the-wall setting that delivers genuine taste.

Huge burritos packed with Carnitas and Chorizo stand out here. Carnitas tacos come loaded with a generous amount of meat.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

"I got a huge and yummy carnitas burrito."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $1.75 street tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a table.

3

Parking is convenient, but can fill up quickly during busy hours.

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Mission Viejo, California

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