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Guide to Newport Beach

Lunch spots for tacos

You have a specific craving for a taco and you need a lunch spot that takes it as seriously as you do.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Great Mex Grill image 1
Great Mex Grill image 2
Great Mex Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small dining room creates a crowded, lively atmosphere with decorative, chill vibes. Authentic Sonoran style cuisine draws a casual crowd seeking wide variety of Mexican dishes and house-made margaritas.

Lunch options include Mexican dishes served quickly. The spot suits casual midday meals after activities like whale watching.

Shrimp tacos stand out with flour tortillas and a quick service despite busy times. Taco Tuesdays offer tacos at about $2 each, making them both tasty and affordable.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is outstanding and tasty."

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."

"You can get the best fish tacos here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays and Fridays offer $2 street tacos.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.

02
La Fogata - Healthy Mexican Grill image 1

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.

Offers quick, healthy lunches suitable for casual meals with friends and family. Serves both breakfast and lunch options in a relaxed setting.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's rotisserie chicken is so tender and flavorful."

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.

03
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.

Seaside lunches feature cheesy birria quesadilla and birria beef burrito as standout options. The lunch hamburger is available but less notable.

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."

"The birria tacos at this Lunch Spot are really good."

"I found the fish tacos to be incredible."

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.

04
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.

Mexican food stands out with a good lunch menu offering solid options. The spot draws people willing to go out of their way for a really great lunch and a casual drink during a walk.

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 thought the latte was amazing, the best I've ever had."

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

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.

05
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with clean interior and a smoky atmosphere. Drive-thru is fast and easy to use, often busy during lunch hours. Known for affordable combos and fresh chicken dishes with consistently good flavor.

Busy weekdays bring many people for lunch, yet service stays fast and friendly. Quality food arrives with very little wait time even during the lunch rush.

Tacos al carbon stand out with consistent flavor and quality. Crispy tacos pair well with horchata drinks for a classic combo.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome and the service is great."

"This lunch spot is fast, friendly, and has great quality food."

"I believed their tacos had the best flavor."

Good to know

1

The combo prices at El Pollo Loco are quite affordable.

2

The drive-thru is fast and easy to use.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

06
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.

Lunch offers a relaxed coastal elegance with a polished dining vibe. The atmosphere suits both casual meals and more special occasions.

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 crab cakes here are really good."

"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.

07
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.

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."

"The filet mignon tacos here are outstanding."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing enchiladas and delicious drinks."

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.

08
Avila's El Ranchito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, fun interior with cozy booths and a glass atrium creates a comfortable, beachy vibe. Outdoor patio offers a relaxing atmosphere with views under blue skies. The place fills with lively energy as people enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas and a friendly environment.

Lunch offers chicken tacos with great chips and salsa for about $11. Parking stays fairly easy during midday visits.

Tacos come with hand-made tortillas and feature flavors that stand out as incredible and super delicious. Watching the staff prepare tacos right in front of you adds a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentic."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot makes you feel like family."

"I thought the surf and turf tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.

2

I recommend making a reservation.

3

Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.

09
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.

Quick lunches come with tasty breadsticks from the pizza spot next door. The spot offers a casual vibe and solid flavors for a midday meal.

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."

"The lunch spot has great food and outstanding service."

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.

10
Cabo Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and ocean breeze from open windows creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. Multiple TVs show sports games, attracting a mix of young and middle-aged crowds. Known for giant margaritas and generous nachos, it offers a fun beachside vibe.

Lunch draws a crowd including groups like LSU Alumni. The spot handles quick meals and offers a lively atmosphere for midday breaks.

Taco Tuesday offers all-you-can-eat tacos for around $10, making it a solid deal. The surf & turf tacos are gigantic, and the Baja style fish tacos stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the giant margaritas with the Mexican food."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesday; it was a great deal."

"The Lunch Spot staff was attentive and talkative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM with buy one, get one free beers.

2

Two-for-one cocktails are available during happy hour.

3

Expect confusion around happy hour promotions; they may not always apply.

11
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.

Taco Tuesday offers a notable lunch deal. The lunch menu includes comfort food and has recently changed. Parking gets tight during lunch hours.

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."

"This lunch spot has a lively atmosphere and great cocktails."

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.

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