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Taco date spots in Newport Beach

Made for those who prefer the low-pressure intimacy of a taco stand over the formality of a traditional dinner date.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Fogata - Healthy Mexican Grill image 1
La Fogata - Healthy Mexican Grill image 2
La Fogata - Healthy Mexican Grill image 3
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Bright, clean space with beautiful interior design and a welcoming atmosphere. Energy is quiet early, growing livelier as the day progresses. Offers health-conscious Mexican cuisine with consistently good chicken, steak, and seafood options.

Enjoy meals like fajitas, mahi mahi taco, and chicken tortilla soup in a spot popular for breakfast and lunch. It holds a place as a favorite for casual dining with a partner.

Tacos feature lean meats, fresh herbs, and gluten-free tortillas with options like chicken, shrimp, carnitas, and mahi mahi. Specials like Taco Tuesday offer good value with multiple tacos and drinks.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, with flavorful carnitas and tender chicken."

"The carnitas tacos were flavorful and satisfying."

"These Date Spots have delicious chicken tacos and flavorful chile relleno."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be limited during busy times.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect a variety of healthy options alongside traditional Mexican dishes.

02
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Restaurant

Sports bar with numerous TVs and an open seating layout creates a lively party atmosphere that fills up later in the night. Unlimited self-serve chips and salsa complement strong drinks like margaritas and Bloody Marys. The decor features a beach theme with impressive art and views toward the ocean.

Casual vibe suits first dates and relaxed evenings. Space works well for hanging out with friends or a low-key date night.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with lightly fried and blackened mahi mahi options. Mango Mahi and Baja tacos offer bold flavors and fresh seafood tastes.

People are saying

"It's a fun bar with a lively, casual beach vibe."

"I found the fish tacos to be incredible."

"The atmosphere here is amazing, perfect for date spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Monday Night Football features happy hour pricing for drinks.

3

Minors are not allowed after a certain time.

03
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar image 1

Outdoor seating offers a tropical vibe with live guitar music enhancing a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The space combines modern decor with coastal views, creating a resort-like feel ideal for leisurely dining.

Seafood dishes like Crab Cakes, ahi tuna tacos, and macadamia nut crusted halibut stand out. Plates balance flavors well with sides like almond rice and asparagus.

Blackened fish tacos stand out with bold flavors, alongside Ahi Tacos that serve well as an appetizer. Options like Mahi Mahi and fajita tacos offer variety and consistent quality.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's seafood dishes, like the shrimp and halibut, were spectacular."

"The cocktails and appetizers here are really good date spots."

"I enjoyed the blackened fish tacos at the bar."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Seating for happy hour is only available at the bar stools.

3

Parking is usually available nearby.

04
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with retractable roof and island-like giant table offers an open-air dining experience with Cabo vibes. Atmosphere is lively and loud, featuring perfect lighting and music with a DJ, creating a cozy yet energetic mood. Comfortable seating includes a communal bar table, attracting a crowd that enjoys socializing and people watching.

Ambience creates a perfect vibe for date night with a relaxed social hour feel. Drinks and late night dinners fit well for couples looking to enjoy a casual evening together.

Floured tortillas hold filet mignon street tacos and short rib crunchy tacos packed with bold flavors. Halibut tacos come healthy and flavorful, paired well with ice cold Happy Dad Fruit Punch.

People are saying

"You have to try the crab enchiladas; they're amazing."

"You have to try the fresh seafood, especially the shrimp taquitos."

"The filet mignon tacos here are outstanding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded.

2

Valet parking is available for $8, making access easier.

3

The restaurant turns into a bar at night with house and electronic music.

05
Bear Flag Fish Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers stunning Pacific Ocean views with newly remodeled indoor and outdoor seating that includes a garden-like ambiance and corner bar. Atmosphere stays chill and clean, blending casual vibes with a beautiful beachside setting. Outdoor heaters keep the space comfortable when it gets chilly.

Salmon poke with chips, burritos, and oysters stand out as fresh options for a date. Parking requires some patience, with a need to circle for an open spot.

Fish tacos feature premium, fresh fish with a simple, clean preparation. The tacos come with abundant Tommy Sauce and deliver a delicious, well-executed flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos and poke were really good."

"I thought the fish tacos were really fresh and delicious."

"This place has a great atmosphere for date spots."

Good to know

1

The line can sometimes be a little too long.

2

Be prepared to order yours to go.

3

Seating can be hard to come by.

06
Royal Hen image 1
Restaurant

Cozy bistro with outdoor seating and handy bag hooks at the bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere suited for dates or small groups. The vibe blends neighborhood charm with a city restaurant feel, featuring a wine and beer selection but no cocktails. It balances relaxed comfort with an elevated dining experience.

Cozy bistro with a delightful ambience suits date nights well. It offers a setting that works for both intimate dinners and family meals.

Steak tacos come with unseasoned meat and are often served cold. Some find them just okay, while others enjoy them without cheese.

People are saying

"The food at this Local Spot is always delicious and great quality."

"This cozy bistro is a perfect spot for date night with amazing food."

"The staff here are awesome and very welcoming."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups of 4 to 6.

2

The restaurant serves only wine and beer, with no cocktails available.

3

Parking can be challenging, so allow extra time.

07
Newport Beach Whaler image 1

Expansive patio with gas fireplace and heat lamps creates a comfortable outdoor setting. Live DJs provide trendy music that fuels a cool party vibe attracting a diverse crowd, mostly in their 20s. Indoor space features a large bar and many TVs, supporting both lively nights and group gatherings.

Vibes feel relaxed and inviting, making it great for date nights or hanging out with friends. The atmosphere suits both chilling and more intimate evenings.

Tacos come with blackened shrimp, fried cod, and halibut options that stand out. Happy hour features birria tacos and grilled fish tacos, while beef tacos tend to be chewy and lack flavor.

People are saying

"The patio seating is gorgeous, especially with the fireplace."

"The service during Happy Hour was incredible, with everyone feeling taken care of."

"I loved the fish tacos, especially the blackened shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, with limited self-parking options nearby.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on Friday nights, especially for nightlife.

08
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant with colorful decor inspired by El Dia de Los Muertos and graffiti art on some walls. Atmosphere is loud and lively, featuring reggaeton music and big screen TVs that create a party mood. Outdoor seating adds to the vibrant, funky environment.

Super hip vibe suits casual dates. Menu features chile Verde chicken enchiladas and chicken fajitas for shared meals.

Tacos come with bold and authentic flavors and soft, warm homemade tortillas. Taco Tuesday offers great deals with tacos slightly larger than street style and fillings like pollo, pork belly, and carnitas.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was awesome and very interesting."

"I loved Taco Tuesday with the street taco bar."

"The drinks here are pleasant, and the guacamole and tacos are recommended."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

2

Taco Tuesday features 99ยข tacos, a great deal for budget-conscious diners.

3

Kalaveras closes at 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

09
Todos Santos | Kitchen de Mexico | Balboa Island, Newport Beach image 1

House-turned-restaurant offers outdoor patios with ocean breeze and picturesque views. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for relaxed gatherings. Bar serves excellent margaritas and coffee, enhancing the laid-back vibe.

Lattes stand out as a highlight for couples here, with some finding them exceptional. Billing can be strict, as adjustments for order mix-ups are not always accommodated.

Tacos here come in many varieties like al pastor, carne asada, and braised short rib, all noted for their strong flavors. Fish and shrimp tacos also stand out, paired well with affordable margaritas.

People are saying

"I'm still dreaming about the authentic Mexican food here."

"I found the Al Pastor and short rib tacos delicious."

"The food here is so good, it's a perfect spot for date nights."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm with special drink prices.

3

Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it pet-friendly.

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Newport Beach, California

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