Top Mexican Restaurants in California
I’m sure you want to try something different once in a while. Food is a great starting point – we can’t have the same thing to eat every single day! If you’re not a frequent traveler, you might want something that’s exotic, fortunately cultures are quick to share their foods even if they have been someone Americanized, they can still give you an idea of a totally different culture and set of traditions. This is where our list of Mexican restaurants in California comes in.
Our California list of restaurants offering Mexican food will surely take you to another place without having to travel far! Be ready to enjoy food that has corn, beans, chili peppers, herbs, and spices infused in it. Flavors will range from sweet to hot and mild to extremely spicy! The food will definitely stimulate your senses but that is not the only interesting factor: each Mexican restaurant will also give you the feel of being in a different place with their festive decorations. So whether you are new to California or just visiting, explore all the fascinating flavors our list has to offer.
We would like to hear from you too. What is your favorite Mexican restaurant menu offering? Any experiences you’d like to share? We want to hear about any Mexican restaurants in California that are worth trying or that we missed! Just remember to be on the list they must have a website we can direct people to.
Elcholo
Los Angeles, CA
Since 1923 El Cholo restaurants feature authentic and traditional Mexican classics such as their famous green corn tamales, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and their mouth-watering margaritas.
Ortegas
San Diego, CA
Ortega’s Restaurant brings an authentic Puerto Nuevo dining experience to the heart of San Diego. Enjoy Baja-style lobster, fresh guacamole prepared tableside, and other regional specialties while sipping a decadent pomegranate margarita. The restaurant’s atmosphere and design capture the festive Mexican traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo.
La Palma
San Francisco, CA
They have a wide range of Ceramics, tortilla press, tamale pots, molcajetes etc. Serving many restaurants in the Bay Area, they offer a large variety of wholesale items.
Casa Guadalajara
San Diego, CA
Sitting on the corner of Juan and Taylor at the north entrance of Old Town, Casa Guadalajara welcomes guests from far and near with its charming presence and fabulous decor. You may dine outside in their beautiful courtyard with its splashing fountains, indoors in their gorgeous dining room or in the romantic setting of their garden room. Their Award winning cuisine, delicious margaritas, exceptional Mexican folk art, the lively sounds of their Mariachis, and their gracious staff will provide an experience to satisfy all your senses.
Border Grill
Los Angeles, CA
Enjoy upscale, modern Mexican food in a vibrant setting at Border Grill, the hip, urban cantina from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” and Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales”. Presenting the bold foods and flavors of Mexico, Border Grill has established a new standard for gourmet Mexican fare. With a menu of complex authentic dishes based on the home cooking of Oaxaca and the Yucatan, Border Grill takes Mexican food to a whole new level.
La Serenata
Los Angeles, CA
“La Serenata” means to serenade, and to celebrate the joy of life with their unique and rich taste of food that will satisfy your palate. They have been preparing their food the same way since they started twenty years ago in their humble place in Boyle Heights. Their restaurants, in downtown Los Angeles and West L.A., serve up some of the best fine Mexican dining you’ll find in Southern California.
Zocalo
Sacramento, CA
Housed in the handsomely renovated Arnold Brothers Building – built for a Hudson car dealership in the 1920?s, Zocalo is located on the corner of 18th Street and Capitol Avenue right in the heart of Midtown’s Handle District.
Cilantro’s Mexican Restaurant
Sacramento, CA
Catering Available Cilantro’s Real Mex provides an assortment of traditional and unique items perfect for catering your next event. Their catering menu includes: Carnitas, Chicken and Steak Fajitas, Tamales, Burritos, Tacos, Flautas, Quesadillas and their famous Chile Rellenos, mini sopes and items can be discussed with the caterer.
Tres Hermanas
Sacramento, CA
They offer healthy, fresh northern Mexican cuisine using only the finest ingredients and fresh products. Tres Hermanas has been part of the Midtown scene for over 10 years. Please come and dine with them indoors or enjoy their outside dining area they know you will be happy you did.
Miguel’s Cocina
San Diego, CA
San Diego arguably boasts the most authentic Mexican flavors north of the border. This love of traditional regional cooking inspired the Morton family to open the first Miguel’s Cocina in 1982. Beginning with a few classic recipes culled from their chef’s family and friends, the menu captured the true spirit of Mexico. And its authentic style drew a loyal following of those in search of Sonoran grilled swordfish tacos, sizzling sirloin fajitas, and spicy rich chicken mole. Over three decades and seven locations, their signature friendly service and festive decor have made Miguel’s a San Diego tradition for locals and visitors alike.










