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Local picks

Taco and Salsa in Ventura

Tacos where the salsa is treated as a primary ingredient, not an afterthought served in a plastic cup.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Baja Bay Surf n Taco image 1
Baja Bay Surf n Taco image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a surf-friendly, funky atmosphere and dog-friendly patio. Casual and cozy space offers outdoor seating with ocean breeze and heaters. Known for best fish and shrimp tacos and affordable margaritas.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out for their freshness and generous portions. The salsa and chips complement the real Mexican taco flavors well.

Salsa comes homemade and blended on site with fresh, chunky ingredients packed with flavor. It pairs well with chips and fish tacos loaded with slaw and crema.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The fish tacos with spicy habanero salsa are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday happens every week with special deals on tacos.

2

A 20% gratuity is added for parties of six or more.

3

The restaurant offers takeout options for those who prefer to eat elsewhere.

02
Taqueria Cuernavaca Express image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space feels a bit stuffy while shaded patio offers comfortable outdoor seating. Atmosphere is inviting but lacks strong positive energy. Known for best tacos with varied salsa bar and reasonable prices, it draws a mix of taco lovers seeking fresh, flavorful Mexican food.

Tacos here come with bold, original flavors like spicy shrimp, lengua, and Al pastor. Each taco is fresh and well-filled, offering a mouth-watering experience under $20 for six.

Bold flavors define the salsas here, with a mild salsa so rich it can be enjoyed on its own. The variety offers a strong, memorable taste that stands out.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and really tasty."

"I thought the tacos here were the best Mexican food I'd ever had."

"I thought the lengua tacos were to die for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a buy 2 get 1 deal on select drinks.

2

Parking is free at the downtown garage nearby.

3

Tacos are priced at $2.90 each, offering great value.

03
Pierpont Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant with outdoor seating and a chill vibe typical of coastal California. Locals frequent the spot for its crispy fish tacos and reasonably priced menu. Atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, with easy parking nearby.

Tacos here stand out for their crispy texture and fresh fish options like fish and scallop tacos. Varieties include potato, veggie, and street tacos, all packed with strong flavor and quality ingredients.

Salsas come fresh and flavorful with a spicy kick. The tomatillo and habanero salsas stand out for their bold taste and balanced heat.

People are saying

"The fish tacos are fresh, crispy, and bursting with flavor."

"This burrito is authentic, well made, and bursting with flavor."

"The fish tacos here are super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Pierpont Tacos is open until 8 PM on Sundays.

2

There is usually easy to find free street parking nearby.

3

Pierpont Tacos offers a buy-one-get-one deal on Fish Tacos every Tuesday.

04
Don Lalos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers clean indoor dining and a lovely outdoor patio with pet-friendly seating. The atmosphere suits a weekday working crowd in an industrial area, staying busy during breakfast and lunch hours. The vibe is casual and practical, focusing on hearty, flavorful meals.

Crunchy battered fish tacos stand out with a satisfying texture. Taco plates come with Baja Fish and Baja Shrimp options, consistently hitting the spot.

Selection includes a variety of salsas as a nice addition. The red salsa stands out as spot on.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and affordable."

"The salsa here is packed with amazing flavor."

"I found the fish tacos to be the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open only on weekdays for breakfast and lunch.

2

There is clean indoor dining available.

3

Patio seating is also offered for guests.

05
De La Cruz Authentic Mexican Cuisine image 1

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a clean, relaxed atmosphere and friendly environment. Comfortable booths contrast with metal chairs that screech when moved. Features a well-maintained salsa bar and offers some of the best authentic Mexican food with generous portions and affordable prices.

Carne Asada street tacos and golden brown tripe tacos stand out for their flavor and texture. The menu also features carnitas jumbo tacos, chile relleno taco grande, fish, and beef tacos, all served with fresh salsas.

Fresh chips come warm and pair well with traditional salsa made from a family recipe. Both chips and salsa are made in house and served free, offering a genuine taste experience.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast tacos with chile verde."

"I found the burritos here to be the best in town."

"I thought the salsas here were the best in Ventura."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials are offered every week with $2 tacos.

2

The restaurant provides free chips and salsa with meals.

3

Parking is accessible and convenient for guests.

06
La Parrilla Yucatan Mexican Food image 1

Small space with unique interior decor and two TVs creates a casual setting. Atmosphere feels friendly and lively, with smiles and kindness common. Menu offers a Yucatรกn twist on Mexican dishes, drawing those seeking flavorful options.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Shrimp and calamari tacos offer delicious seafood options that complement the menu well.

Freshly made chips and salsa stand out with a crunchy texture and flavors reminiscent of traditional Mayan recipes from the Yucatรกn.

People are saying

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

"The service at this lunch spot is warm and incredibly attentive."

"The salsa and chips were freshly made and excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

3

Prices are reasonable, catering to budget-conscious diners.

07
Orozco's de Ventura image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious outdoor patio with live music and patio lights creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Guests feel like family in a setting that blends homey warmth with beautiful ocean air. Unique presentation on large wooden boards adds to the distinct dining experience.

Shrimp tacos stand out with excellent flavor and a reasonable price. They come highly recommended and deliver on taste.

Salsa comes fresh and warm, with a roasted flavor that is not spicy hot. The Green michelada with salsa verde offers a surprising twist, and the chips and salsa pair well together.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing, authentic Mexican food here."

"The outdoor seating area is beautiful and spacious."

"The shrimp tacos here were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure accommodation.

2

The restaurant offers outdoor seating for a pleasant dining experience.

3

Open mic events occur regularly, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

08
Los Comales Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic cantina vibes and a cozy outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels lively with great music and a salsa bar adding energy. Popular for generous, flavorful tacos and highly regarded breakfast burritos.

Tacos come in generous portions with a variety of salsas, chiles, and pickled vegetables. Options include Carnitas, Pastor, Carne Asada, shrimp, and fish, with shrimp and fish tacos served in smaller, street-style sizes.

Generous portions come with a variety of salsas, including both red and green options that pack flavor. A salsa bar offers tasty choices that enhance tacos and even plain quesadillas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican Food, especially the asada and pastor tacos, to be amazing."

"The salsas here are so flavorful, especially the green one."

"I found the carne Asada and Pastor tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for breakfast orders during peak hours.

2

Breakfast burritos cost around $18 for two.

3

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

09
El Taco de Jerez image 1
Taco restaurant

Street-side taco stand with a few tables in the parking lot offers a casual, bustling vibe. Customers often form a line, drawn by high-quality ingredients and exceptionally delicious tacos, especially the Al Pastor and tripa varieties. The spot serves as a popular late-night stop with affordable prices and a straightforward, no-frills setup.

Tacos come with generous portions and arrive pre-garnished with chopped onion and cilantro. The pastor tacos stand out as especially delicious, capturing the essence of legit street tacos.

Salsas come well balanced and flavorful, complementing the chicken and asada dishes nicely. One salsa is served by default, with options to request more for extra sauciness.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The tacos here are delicious with tender, flavorful meat."

"I thought their pastor tacos were a treat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes on Mondays and is open daily from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

2

There are two 10-minute parking spots right across the street.

3

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

10
Carnitas El Rey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican style architecture shapes a large, clean space with colorful murals and decorative dolls on the walls. A salsa bar offers variety for dine-in, while the atmosphere stays pleasant and welcoming. Generous portions of authentic carnitas define the food experience here.

Tacos come large and filled with a lot of meat, especially the carnitas. Corn tortillas hold the fillings well, and pico de gallo and spicy salsa add a perfect kick. Two tacos usually make a full meal.

Plenty of Pico de Gallo, onions, cilantro, and salsas come with orders. A green salsa and a spicy salsa add flavor to tacos and tortas. A salsa bar exists but lacks to-go containers.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and authentic."

"You have to try the carnitas; they're juicy and loaded with flavor."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in the lot near the restaurant.

2

Condiments are only for in-house dining; they are not included with catering orders.

3

Plan ahead when ordering catering, as it may take time to prepare.

11
Taqueria El Tapatio #5 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco stand with walls and tables offers an authentic Mexican taqueria experience featuring a chip and salsa buffet and cash-only payment. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, drawing a busy crowd who enjoy flavorful, juicy tacos and burritos with options like shrimp cocktail combos.

Tacos come with a choice of protein and pair well with a shrimp cocktail or ceviche tostada. Options include pastor, chicken, carnitas, and fish tacos, all served with flavorful sauces.

A chip and salsa buffet lets you help yourself while dining in or taking out. The salsa ranges from mild to spicy, with some salsas standing out as the most delicious and spicy among the food.

People are saying

"I found the asada burrito so good and flavorful."

"This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is perfectly creamy and not too sweet."

"I thought the tacos were great and melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

This place is cash only; an ATM is available on-site.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for a cocktail and two tacos.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

12
Fresh Burrito Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with white-washed Mexican decor and comfortable seating creates a family-friendly atmosphere. Energetic music adds to the good energy while offering authentic Mexican flavor and a variety of options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavor. The fish taco special offers a tasty deal. The shrimp taco plate and street tacos come highly recommended.

Fresh chips come with generous portions of salsa and guacamole. Different salsas arrive alongside burritos for tasting, though sometimes tortillas replace salsa as a side.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast burrito of my life here."

"Their salsa is delicious and generously portioned."

"I had some of the best carne asada tacos I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is available all day, offering a variety of options.

2

Expect generous portions and salsa with every meal.

3

The boxed tacos are a good deal at 10 street tacos for $20.

13
Taqueria Ventura Doรฑa Raquel image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy outdoor seating area with a friendly atmosphere. Burritos and tacos stand out, especially fish tacos and pastor tacos praised for flavor. The spot draws a neighborhood crowd seeking good Mexican food with a casual vibe.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, excellent flavor. Both hard shell and soft tacos come in big sizes and taste very fresh, including birria and pastor tacos.

Green and red salsas come with a salty and spicy kick. Menudo includes a side of Chilli de arbol salsa and handmade tortillas. Verde enchiladas use green salsa as sauce but lack cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were out of this world."

"I found the fish tacos to be out of this world."

"I'd skip the enchiladas and try the tacos or tortas instead."

Good to know

1

They accept EBT payments for food purchases.

2

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

3

The patio is the only seating option available.

14
La Tapatia II image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open seating with an ocean view and a television creates a relaxed setting. Atmosphere evokes Old Mexico with a salsa bar offering spicy and mild options. Menu features traditional Mexican dishes like carne asada and tripa burritos, known for generous portions and bold flavors.

Rolled tacos or taquitos stand out here, often paired with a campechano cocktail that includes two tacos. Carnitas, pastor, asada, and simple tacos appear on the menu, with tacos being the most popular dish despite being a bit overpriced.

Salsas come in superb and very spicy varieties with a mild option available. The salsa bar offers a good selection to enjoy with dishes like the breakfast burrito.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be pretty tasty and flavorful."

"I'd eat their Mexican food every single day if I lived here."

"I considered their tripa burritos the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in a small strip mall with good parking.

2

The torta de milanesa costs $13.

3

The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes available.

15
Gloria's Kitchen Mexican Restaurant image 1

Original 60's decor sets a nostalgic tone in a lively, festive atmosphere with a home-kitchen feel. The place fills with families and groups enjoying all-day breakfast and lunch, often accompanied by margaritas. Noise levels run high, matching the energetic, cafeteria-like vibe.

Street tacos feature fish and shrimp options that offer good value. Vegan choices include a homemade corn tortilla fajita taco. Shredded beef tacos stand out for their flavor.

Warm, crunchy chips come with tasty salsa that has some zing. The homemade green salsa stands out and is good enough to buy extra to take home.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious."

"I thought the tacos were delicious."

"The breakfast burritos here are huge and super good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours.

2

Breakfast and lunch are served all day, providing flexible dining options.

3

Menudo is available on weekends, a special dish for visitors to try.

16
Johnny's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant in a historic building offers authentic Mexican food with outdoor and indoor seating but no music or atmosphere. The vibe is old-school and nostalgic, attracting those who appreciate classic flavors. Parking is limited, making takeout the preferred option over dining in.

Small tacos pack shredded beef, lettuce, and cheese in a crispy hard shell. A 6-pack special offers great value, and the tacos bring an old-school Southern California vibe with amazing flavor.

Salsa here stays fresh and homemade. It leans heavy on black pepper and sometimes has too much oregano.

People are saying

"I loved the crispy beef tacos with cold lettuce and hot meat."

"The food here is tasty and delicious."

"I love the classic hard shell shredded beef tacos here."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on the street with no dedicated restaurant parking available.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy a special of six tacos for $10.

17
Margarita Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio overlooks harbor with great views and live music on weekends. Atmosphere is lively and energetic, often featuring bands and dancing. Drinks include affordable margaritas and mixed cocktails.

Street tacos feature authentic homemade corn tortillas and fresh ingredients like filet mignon, chicken, fish, shrimp, and wild salmon. Taco Tuesday includes live music, good food, and drinks, making it a lively occasion.

Chips and salsa come as a homemade starter with about 10-12 chips, including some broken ones at the bottom. Salsa is thick and respectably spicy, standing out from the usual watery kind.

People are saying

"The harbor views here are beautiful and amazing."

"I loved Taco Tuesday with live music and good drinks."

"The salsa here is nice and thick, not watery."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday features $5 tacos and live music starting at 6pm.

3

Margarita Monday offers margaritas at a special price.

18
Casa De Soria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-owned Mexican restaurant with authentic food and cute decor offers a loud atmosphere filled with energy. Huge margaritas stand out as a popular feature alongside dishes like refried beans and birria tacos.

Shredded beef tacos and birria tacos stand out with rich flavors. Hard shell tacos and Lunch Special Tacos come without lettuce or tomato, focusing on the meat and fillings.

Free chips come with mild salsa and sometimes bean dip. Chips and salsa get refilled without asking.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the handmade corn tortillas."

"The salsa here is tasty, especially the rojo or verde."

"I found the shredded beef tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Casa De Soria serves a maximum of four drinks per person, not noted on the menu.

2

Prices for dishes are considered high, with some items like beรฑuelos priced at $8.

3

Expect a loud environment, especially during busy hours.

19
El Jarocho Seafood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers rich seafood and homemade salsas with authentic flavors. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with a community vibe as people share hot sauce and seats. Outdoor seating provides an amazing view despite some discomfort.

Grilled fish tacos come in a big size and taste yummy. Shrimp tacos also appear on the menu alongside tortas and ceviche options.

Five homemade salsas offer a range of flavors from spicy to perfectly mild with sesame seeds. All salsas taste authentic and complement the food well.

People are saying

"The shrimp cocktail here is delicious and refreshing."

"The homemade salsas here taste fantastic and authentic."

"I thought the Taco was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but it can be limited.

2

The restaurant is small, so expect a busy atmosphere.

3

Prices are reasonable and match what is listed online.

20
Cabo Beach Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers customizable dishes with options for meat eaters and vegetarians. Self-serve salsa bar features unique salsas like sour cream and bright green chile in paper cups to reduce waste. Drink refills are self-service, adding convenience and choice.

Tacos come in chicken, pastor, shrimp, and asada varieties with strong flavors. Some tacos arrive overcooked despite a price over four dollars each.

A salsa bar offers unique options like sour cream salsa and bright green chile with good flavor. Salsas range from mild to very spicy, served in paper cups to reduce plastic waste, though some can be watery.

People are saying

"The tacos here are so flavorful and tasty."

"The tacos here are so flavorful and everyone loved them."

"The salsa had unique flavors, not too spicy."

Good to know

1

You can refill your own drinks, offering convenience and choice.

2

The restaurant offers many options for meat eaters and vegetarians.

3

Staff is willing to customize dishes based on dietary preferences.

21
Karina's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers relaxing atmosphere with no seating available. Burritos vary widely, from dry veggie options to quickly prepared carne asada and fresh chili Verde. Chips come with amazing spicy salsa that stands out.

Burritos and fish tacos stand out here. Chips with salsa also come highly recommended.

Chips come with spicy salsa that makes you lick your fingers. The salsa stands out as amazing despite staff sometimes showing annoyance when asked for it.

People are saying

"You will lick your fingers after eating the chips with salsa."

"The tacos here are so attentive and friendly."

"I thought the carne asada burrito was the best tasting I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers takeout options for those who prefer to eat at home.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during dinner hours.

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Ventura, California

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