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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Rancho Santa Margarita

Mexican food

You have a specific standard for Mexican food and won't waste a meal on anything mediocre.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Spikes Fish House image 1
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a clean, comfortable space with a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful ambiance. Fresh, well-cooked fish features prominently, often paired with healthy sides like grilled vegetables and kale salad. Prices vary but generally reflect the quality and portion sizes.

Fresh and delicious food comes with reasonable pricing and options that accommodate food allergies. The menu offers healthy choices with consistent quality.

Fish tacos stand out with a fantastic flavor that appeals even to those who usually avoid fish. Taco Tuesdays offer specials priced at $2.50, making it a good deal for Mexican food lovers.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are awesome."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour items are available before 5 PM with special pricing.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature fantastic specials worth trying.

3

Delivery is available through the Toast local app.

02
La Fiesta Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican restaurant with authentic cuisine and a lively atmosphere especially on Taco Tuesday. Outdoor patio features a beautiful courtyard with lit fountain. Known for fresh homemade salsa and classic dishes like chicken mole and chile verde wet burrito.

Food here is authentic Mexican cuisine made to order with consistently excellent quality. Orders arrive quickly and the dishes are reliably delicious.

Crispy tacos and fresh roasted salsa stand out here. The chili Verde wet burrito offers a large portion with intense flavor. Taco Tuesday features great deals and authentic Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"I loved the Taco Tuesday specials; it was a great deal."

"The food here is really good and fresh."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Expect long wait times on Taco Tuesdays due to high demand.

3

Parking is free in the shopping center where the restaurant is located.

03
Tapas and Beer image 1
Tapas restaurant

Cozy space with a chill atmosphere and mellow vibe offers a quiet setting that balances intimacy without feeling cramped. Regulars frequent the spot, creating a familiar, local feel. Tasty tapas and solid beer complement the relaxed environment.

Food consistently impresses with great quality and amazing flavors. Dishes often exceed expectations and maintain a surprisingly good standard.

Tacos come with good portions and loaded with flavor. Shrimp taco finishes in two bites, while asada taco offers a solid taste. Carnitas taco looks dark and greasy, and three small tacos cost $12.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is solid and tasty."

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The staff here makes you feel so welcome with their friendly vibe."

Good to know

1

Sundays can get very busy, so expect larger crowds.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

3

Brunch is served on weekends with a variety of options.

04
The Trough image 1
Sandwich shop

Gourmet sandwich shop with a cramped space and fun vibe offers made-to-order breakfast burritos and sandwiches. The atmosphere feels homey with a focus on hearty, flavorful food. It attracts those seeking reasonably priced and satisfying breakfast options.

Food offers a homey vibe with generally good quality and counter service that brings food to your table. Some dishes like the cheese steak have caused serious issues, so experiences can vary.

Breakfast burritos stand out with big size and a great combination of flavors. The egg is cooked well, and the creamy green salsa adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever had."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I've ever had."

"I thought the food, specifically the breakfast burrito, was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy lunch rush; calling in orders early is recommended.

2

Everything is made to order, so expect some wait time for food.

3

The checkout process includes a default 20% tip option.

05
The Blind Pig Kitchen and Bar image 1

Outdoor seating overlooks a gorgeous lake, creating a calm, classy atmosphere with plenty of space. Live music adds to the cool vibe, while the bar offers custom cocktails and a notable whiskey selection.

Food stands out with excellent quality and dishes like Brussel sprouts and Rib eye that impress. Service often matches or exceeds the food in quality, making the overall dining experience strong.

Kimchi Enchiladas and short rib tacos stand out with amazing flavor. Carnitas come juicy and tender. Craft drinks include a Damn Good Margarita that pairs well with the food.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are amazing, especially the Jidori chicken."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is amazing with a great view."

Good to know

1

Reservations are automatically cancelled if you are more than 15 minutes late.

2

The deck and patio are dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Happy hour offers discounted appetizers and drinks during the week.

06
Aloha Stacks image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant offers excellent outdoor seating with tables in sun and shade, creating a peaceful and positive atmosphere. Medium noise level suits families and younger crowds, with a friendly vibe and welcoming staff. Indoor space can get loud near the kitchen, but overall energy stays relaxed and upbeat.

Food features a variety of menu options with spectacular flavors that invite more bites. Service is professional and attentive, with food arriving in a reasonable time.

The breakfast burrito features potato chunks and egg but lacks the chips and beans promised on the menu. The tortilla used is the thinnest seen, and the Portuguese sausage differs from the usual kind.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here exceptionally delicious and filling."

"The food here is phenomenal and delicious."

"I ordered the breakfast burrito with Portuguese sausage."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends, especially during brunch hours.

2

Prices are on the higher side, with a family of three spending around $60.

3

The restaurant closes at 2 pm on Fridays, so plan accordingly.

07
El Fรฉnix Carniceria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small market with authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch offers a low-key atmosphere featuring a butcher shop and outdoor seating. Food includes delicious breakfast burritos and flavorful salsas, with a family-owned vibe distinct from chains.

Food here has a very good flavor and is prepared to order, ensuring freshness and quality. The menu features traditional, simple, but tasty dishes that stand out from chain restaurants.

Breakfast burritos stand out with fresh flavors and just the right heat. Tacos, tamales, and pollo asado come with solid, authentic taste. Salsas and menudo also show consistent quality.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos are full of flavor and freshness."

"I found the food here to have a very good flavor."

"The Mexican food here has a really good flavor."

Good to know

1

A taco costs $5.49 at El Fรฉnix Carniceria.

2

The market has a carneceria section for fresh meats and chicken.

3

El Fรฉnix Carniceria offers groceries, including ingredients for Mexican cuisine.

08
Celinda's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines friendly atmosphere with a comfortable dining room and outside patio. Regulars enjoy authentic chile verde and fresh guacamole alongside live band performances. The vibe stays relaxed and casual, attracting those seeking quality Mexican fare in a local classic setting.

Food features authentic Mexican recipes made with fresh ingredients and no freezer items. Quality stays consistently high with a focus on delicious flavors and a customer-friendly atmosphere.

Burritos stand out with steak chunks, cheese, and jalapeรฑo in the Charro Burrito. Fresh guacamole and handmade salsas offer a variety of flavors. The red sauce on enchiladas is excellent, and tortilla chips come highly recommended.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so delicious, especially the chips and guacamole."

"This burrito is fantastic and incredibly delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-30 minute wait for food during busy times.

2

Fresh fish is served on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

3

Prices are generally around $10 for most menu items.

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Rancho Santa Margarita, California

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