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Top picks in Newport Beach

Tacos with salsa

The heat of the salsa is what makes a good taco worth the mess.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Cancun image 1
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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.

Shrimp, fish, and carne asada tacos stand out with fresh flavors and generous fillings. Tacos come with salsa and chips, and three tacos plus a soda cost about $10.

Red salsa stands out as a game-changer with a spicy, flavorful kick. Homemade chips pair well, and extra chips and salsa come generously.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are big, fresh, and delicious."

"Tina's warm hospitality makes the Salsa here feel so welcoming."

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.

02
Great Mex Grill image 1
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 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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that ranges from mild and tangy to fiery and bold. Burritos and tacos include generous portions of salsa and guacamole, letting you customize your bite.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

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 come with Carne Asada, fish, and Octopus options, each packed with flavor. The Surf & Turf and shrimp tacos include guacamole and pico de gallo, all served on soft flour tortillas.

Salsa here tends to be mild in heat but flavorful, with options like tatemada and macha styles. Chips come with salsa and guacamole, though salsa does not add much spice or enhance burrito flavor.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas and carne asada tacos were so tender and flavorful."

"The salsa here is fresh and authentic Mexican."

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
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.

Tacos here offer flavorful carne asada and absolutely delicious fish options. The spot feels like a fun fast food joint near the beach with consistently excellent tacos.

Chips come with pico de gallo and a large container of salsa available for purchase. The hot salsa has a definite kick and pairs well with dishes like the Carne Asada quesadilla.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for Mexican food."

"I was blown away by how flavorful and fresh the fish tacos were."

"Ricardo and Christian's hospitality made my first visit memorable."

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.

05
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.

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.

Never-ending chips and salsa come with a self-serve option. The salsa choices include a green salsa and a mango salsa, both noted for their flavor.

People are saying

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

"The self-serve chips and salsa here are tasty."

"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.

06
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.

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.

Salsa comes in good variety including a notable green salsa. Chips and salsa pair well, with the salsa often described as awesome and worth larger servings.

People are saying

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

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

"The chips and salsa were good and spicy."

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.

07
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.

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.

Salsas come fresh and zesty, made in-house alongside guacamole. They add a perfectly seasoned kick that complements the proteins and vegetables well.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were flavorful and satisfying."

"The rotisserie chicken here is so flavorful and juicy."

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.

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.

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.

Salsa has a delightful kick with fresh, chunky vegetables. Chips and salsa arrive quickly and keep coming, making for a great appetizer alongside fresh guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so fresh and flavorful."

"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
Carnitas La Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and generous portions. The atmosphere feels family owned and welcoming, with authentic dishes like carnitas and salsa standing out. It offers a straightforward, clean setting without extra frills.

Tacos come with generous fillings and a good amount of cheese, though some might find it a bit much. The Taco Langua stands out as a favorite dish.

Chips come with a generous portion of mild salsa that lasts beyond the first round. Salsa leans toward the milder side, catering to less spicy tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good and delicious."

"The tacos here are generously filled."

"The tacos here are generously filled with tasty ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street in front of West Marine.

2

The restaurant is family owned and offers affordable prices.

3

Tuesday deals are available, making it a good day to visit.

10
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.

Complimentary tortillas come with a trio of salsa, guacamole, and sweet butter. The salsas are served alongside fresh, hot flour tortillas instead of traditional chips.

People are saying

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

"The complimentary tortillas came with amazing salsa and whipped honey butter."

"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.

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.

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.

Chips come with freshly made salsa that varies in flavor and tastes good. Green salsa pairs well with the Chicharrรณn, and takeout orders include a large bag of free chips and salsa.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is freshly made and delicious."

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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