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Guide to Mission Viejo

Carnitas and taco spots

Tacos where the carnitas are prepared with traditional technique rather than being treated as a generic protein option.

Based on 690 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.

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

Tacos here feature homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients made to order. The fish tacos and al pastor options stand out for their strong flavors and quality.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada tacos are perfectly seasoned and cooked."

"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
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.

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

Street cart-style tacos feature freshly made tortillas and generous fillings. Varieties like Pastor, cabeza, carne asada, carnitas, birria, and lengua each offer distinct, well-seasoned flavors.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be excellent and generously filled."

"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.

03
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.

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.

Shredded beef and lengua tacos stand out with San Luis style flavors. Street tacos come with chopped raw onions and cilantro and cost $2.25 each.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here tasted great."

"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 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.

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

Fish and pork belly tacos stand out with healthy servings on small tortillas. Taco Tuesday offers three street tacos for $7.50, and a full vegan menu includes mushroom tacos. Happy Hour specials run all day, featuring tasty seafood and classic sides like guacamole and refried beans.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are outstanding and authentic."

"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
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.

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

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and a crispy, cheesy texture in the quesa versions. Potato and mushroom tacos offer an outstanding alternative, while blackened shrimp tacos deliver an intense burst of flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were stupendous."

"Their salsa bar has an excellent variety of choices."

"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
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.

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

Crispy tacos stand out with wonderfully crispy shells and very flavorful shredded beef. Taco Tuesday offers a fantastic selection including chili rellenos, chips, salsa, beans, and rice.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are so juicy and tender."

"The crispy tacos here have wonderfully crispy shells."

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.

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.

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.

Fish tacos come with an awesome cilantro crema and are phenomenal. Potato tacos on a hard shell are deliciously filling and a must-try. Portions for carnitas tacos are generous, and chicken tacos offer surprisingly good shredded chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the fish tacos, especially the cilantro crema."

"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.

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

Tacos come in small, authentic portions with standout options like juicy al pastor and mole chicken. Taco Tuesday offers $1.75 street tacos including mushroom and cabeza varieties.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"You have to check out their Taco Tuesday deals."

"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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