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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Newport Beach

Mexican food and seafood

You want a menu that balances traditional Mexican flavors with fresh, high-quality seafood.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Great Mex Grill image 1
Great Mex Grill image 2
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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.

Shrimp tacos come with flour tortillas and stand out as a favorite. Tamales show up with a sign and deliver excellent flavor. Burritos arrive with generous portions of guacamole, chips, and salsa.

Shrimp tacos come with flour tortillas and offer a delicious, satisfying taste. Fish tacos are affordable and both shrimp and fish options stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

"I found the burrito here to be delicious and tasty."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're the best I've ever had."

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
Tacos Cancun image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small beachfront taco joint offers a warm, artistic atmosphere with pleasant background music and sunset views from outdoor tables. The place draws a diverse crowd enjoying quick, authentic Mexican food with many plant-based options. Limited indoor seating contrasts with busy sidewalk tables near the beach.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavors like carne asada, shrimp, and fish, all served fresh and filling. Prices stay low with combos like three tacos and a soda for $10, making it a solid spot for quick, tasty Mexican food near the beach.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh shrimp and balanced chipotle sauce. Fish tacos and shrimp enchiladas also come fresh and cooked just right, making seafood a solid choice here.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."

"You can get great vegan chicken and ground beef tacos here."

"The seafood tacos here are fresh and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a separate vegan menu with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and torta.

2

Vegan meats available are beef, chicken, and soyrizo.

3

Expect a casual beachside dining experience with outdoor seating.

03
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large seating area offers a warm, local vibe with an adorable, charming space near shops and the bay. The atmosphere feels like a hidden gem known mostly by locals, combining authentic Mexican cuisine with exceptional margaritas made from fresh mixers.

Tacos stand out with carne asada, surf and turf, and chicken options all tasting fresh and flavorful. Guacamole and black beans feel homemade, while drinks like passion fruit margaritas and Micheladas add a nice touch.

Fish tacos stand out with grilled preparation and fresh guacamole and pico de gallo. Shrimp dishes like the shrimp cocktail and shrimp tacos pair well with drinks and come with tasty sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Carne Asada here is so tender and flavorful."

"I thought the seafood tacos were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $5 tacos and drinks all day.

3

Margaritas are priced at $10.00 each.

04
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.

Fish tacos and birria burritos stand out with fresh flavors and solid portions. Unlimited chips come with a variety of salsas, including a notably good green salsa.

Fish tacos stand out with options like lightly fried, blackened mahi mahi, and shrimp tacos. Oysters during happy hour offer a fresh seafood choice alongside an extensive Mexican menu featuring bold flavors.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food's self-serve chips and salsa are tasty."

"The fish tacos here are really good."

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.

05
Chronic Tacos Newport Beach Balboa image 1

Small space with cozy seating and beach city music creates a relaxed vibe. Energy stays calm as many order to go, making it less crowded inside. Known for flavorful Baja-style tacos and fresh churros, it offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere near the beach.

Burritos stand out with amazing flavor and freshness. Tacos, including carne asada and fish, offer excellent taste. Churro bites come fresh and delicious.

Fish tacos come fried to order with options like Mahi Mahi and shrimp. They taste fresh and flavorful, with a beer battered Baja style available.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."

"I thought the burritos here were amazing and packed with flavor."

"The fish tacos here are spectacular and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, especially during peak hours.

2

Restrooms are frequently out of order, so plan accordingly.

3

You can customize your plate with various fillings.

06
Amarith Farmhouse Cafe image 1

Small shack with limited indoor seating and outdoor stools creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, often attracting those who prefer takeout or quick bites. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients define the food experience, setting it apart from typical cafes.

Breakfast burritos stand out with options like the Lumberjack Burrito and Ranchero Burrito loaded with chorizo, eggs, and pico. All-day choices include croissant sandwiches and organic coffee.

Fish and chips stand out with a satisfying crunch and flavor. The menu includes clam chowder and a variety of other seafood options alongside diverse dishes like Asian bowls and stir-fry.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"You have to try their breakfast burritos; they're the best."

"I found the seafood here surprisingly excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is limited to two tables each seating two people.

2

Parking is usually hard; consider street parking or getting food to go.

3

They serve breakfast all day, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

07
Chronic Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small, crowded space with large portions and excellent vegetarian and gluten-free options. Atmosphere is lively, especially with local college students frequenting the spot. Outdoor seating includes a small patio but tables may be unclean and seating uncomfortable.

Tacos and burritos feature incredibly flavorful meat and come in super big portions. The menu includes authentic Mexican staples like tortilla soup, rice, beans, and guacamole, served with fast, efficient walk-up service.

Fish tacos get cooked fresh and have a strong flavor that varies by day. Shrimp items and the surf & turf burrito stand out, with shrimp burritos especially noted for their taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were outstanding and the best in Orange County."

"I thought the Mexican food here had the best tacos and burritos."

"The fish tacos here are fire, especially with the specialty sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers takeout and outdoor seating.

3

Gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu.

08
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 chicken tortilla soup, burritos, and tacos with carnitas, chicken, and shrimp. Combo plates include relleno and enchiladas. The menu features fajitas, mahi mahi tacos, Kobe Bowl, and quesadillas.

Shrimp tacos and shrimp fajitas stand out with fresh, flavorful seafood. Grilled Mahi Mahi comes with black beans, rice, and grilled vegetables, highlighting locally sourced fish.

People are saying

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

"I found the burrito to be the best I've ever had."

"The rotisserie chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor."

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.

09
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.

Mahi Mahi tacos stand out with fresh fish, grilled pineapple, and chipotle lime sauce. The menu also features chicken tortilla soup and blue crab bisque, both rich and well prepared.

Blackened fish tacos, miso salmon, and mahi-mahi stand out with fresh flavors. Shrimp dishes come tender and well-seasoned, paired with almond rice that adds a delicate, nutty touch.

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 fish tacos, they were decent."

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.

10
The Chicken Coop image 1
Chicken restaurant

Triangle-shaped building with chicken memorabilia and a large bar filled with TVs creates a dive bar vibe. Atmosphere stays casual and friendly, often hosting locals who enjoy sports and socializing. Cash-only policy and inexpensive pricing add to the old-school, no-frills charm.

Tacos come in generous portions with bold flavors, especially on Taco Tuesday. The chicken tortilla soup stands out, along with dishes like calamari taco and seared tuna.

Oysters Rockefeller stand out as a delicious and well-prepared seafood option. The menu also includes fish and chips alongside other dishes like broasted chicken, offering variety beyond seafood.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was excellent and affordable."

"I found the seafood here to be amazing."

"I found the chicken tortilla soup amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments; it's best to bring cash to save money.

2

Lunch and dinner menu prices differ significantly, switching at 3:00.

3

The chicken dinner costs $16.95 and includes a variety of sides.

11
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.

Homemade tortillas come fresh with a trio of salsa, guacamole, and whipped honey butter. The menu features crab enchiladas, shrimp and short rib taquitos, plus a frozen margarita unlike any other.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp taquitos and Diablo shrimp offering unique and flavorful options. The shrimp and lobster chimichanga and halibut fish tacos also deliver rich seafood tastes.

People are saying

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

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

"I found my new go-to spot for crab enchiladas."

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.

12
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.

Happy hour features bargain tacos priced between $4 and $7. The birria tacos stand out during Taco Tuesday specials.

Fish and chips feature large, moist fillets with a perfectly crisp batter. Coconut shrimp come meaty with a panko crust. Fish tacos include blackened shrimp, fried cod, and halibut, offering a variety of flavors.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are incredible, especially the birria."

"The fish and chips here are crispy and delicious."

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.

13
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.

Tacos stand out with steak options, though seasoning varies and some arrive cold. Fish and chips also appear as a notable dish alongside the Mexican offerings.

Fish and chips stand out with their crispy texture and strong flavor. Other seafood options include shrimp risotto and tacos, all served alongside fresh sides like crispy asparagus and miche bread.

People are saying

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

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so welcoming."

"The seafood, especially the fish and chips, is so crispy and delicious."

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.

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Newport Beach, California

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