Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Mission Viejo

Carnitas spots

The only thing on the mind is a plate of tender, slow-cooked carnitas.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
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
View all

Cozy space buzzes with lively Spanish music and friendly staff. Juicy carnitas shine in moist, tender bites wrapped in homemade tortillas. A salsa bar offers mild to spicy options, perfect for savoring authentic Mexican flavors indoors or outside.

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."

"I loved the fresh veggie burrito with homemade tortillas."

"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
Casa Franco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves tender carnitas with sides like rice and guacamole. Large portions and authentic dishes like shrimp enchiladas fill plates. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to loud, making conversation tricky. Prices lean high but match the homey vibe.

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.

03
Ronaldo's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot with a 50s diner vibe serves tasty tacos and burritos featuring hot carnitas that melt styrofoam. Salsa bar offers wide options in a lively, slightly loud setting with an open layout and late hours.

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 salsa bar has so many unique and delicious choices."

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

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.

04
Xclusive Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers huge portions of authentic carnitas with rich stuffing. Handsome interior features an island bar and half booth seating for a classy feel. Live mariachi music plays softly, creating a welcoming atmosphere without overpowering conversation.

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 seafood here is fresh, especially the shrimp and lobster enchiladas."

"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.

05
Taqueria De Anda-Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room creates a homey atmosphere with quick counter service. Carnitas shine with excellent flavor in burritos and tacos. Freshly made tacos come with generous fillings and homemade salsas for a tasty, satisfying meal.

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.

06
La Tia Tacos & More image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot shines with a pet-friendly patio and a varied salsa bar that livens up the casual vibe. Carnitas are tender and mild, fitting well with the clean, inviting space. Seating includes curved bench seats that add comfort indoors.

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 authentic and fresh."

"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.

07
Olamendiโ€™s Mission Viejo image 1

Small, family-owned spot offers authentic Mexican music and a clean, quaint space. Carnitas tacos come in generous portions but can be hit or miss on juiciness. Overall, expect traditional dishes in a relaxed, orderly setting.

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

Cozy spot serves authentic tacos with generous portions of Carnitas and Chorizo. Busy vibe and affordable prices make it popular. Limited seating and free chips and salsa add to the charm.

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."

"You have to try their Mexican food on Taco Tuesday; it's unbeatable."

"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.

Discover more

Mission Viejo, California

Area guide
Loading Map...