Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
Read more Best of Orange County 2026: Best golf course
Here are the top picks for Best Mexican restaurant:
1. Moreno’s Restaurant
4328 E. Chapman Ave., Orange; 714-639-2181; morenosrestaurant.com
Almost everything about Moreno’s Restaurant has been created to stand out and usher forth a feeling of Old Mexico. It may be the classic bell-topped entrance to the property, or the shady traditional tree-studded, flower-festooned patio with fountain. Or it could be the strolling musicians who circle diners at the self-proclaimed “Casa de Mariachi.”
Owners Javier and Nora Moreno created a nostalgic setting on the former Quaker church property, from which the landmark bell was rescued.
As a result it is little surprise that the site is a prime setting for wedding-related events, anniversaries and banquets.
But it is more than the setting that draws raves. At the end of the day, ambiance only goes so far. Authenticity, freshness and taste count.
With its “secretly guarded recipes,” Moreno’s keeps the authenticity coming. There is a Sunday champagne brunch, a lunch menu, a la carte, a selection of combo plates, appetizers and child’s menus.
The dinner menu includes combinations and platillos Mexicanos, which feature classic Mexican combinations, all served with tortillas, beans and rice. The bar serves nearly a dozen margarita variations and Mexican beers in addition to a full cocktail list. Cap off your meal with a dessert such as arroz con Leche, flan, churros or ice cream.
Moreno’s also has an authentic Mexican panderia on site with fresh bread baked daily and it claims “the best Mexican pastries in Orange County.”
Read more Best of Orange County 2026: Best dog-friendly restaurant
2. Tacos Los Cholos
Multiple locations; tacosloscholos.net
Since opening in 2019 in Anaheim and surviving the pandemic, Tacos Los Cholos has bene en fuego in the O.C. Taco scene. Fans of Cholos — which recently expanded to six locations, four in O.C. — splash its praises across the web. And with good reason.
This is the real deal. All meats are grilled over mesquite and red oak, giving them a perfect char. And it’s not just the expected asada and pollo offerings, Tacos Los Cholos also has tripe, pork bellies and cecina (a dry-cured meat) and even rib-eye and mar y tierra (surf and turf). You can get them in tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
For the in-the-know crowd there is a secret menu with wagyu beef, special Sunday offerings, and even a Keto taco.
Not to be missed is a salsa bar from which you can gussy up your order.
There are also salads, tortas and a Cholo pizza.
3. Avila’s El Ranchito
Multiple locations; avilaselranchito.com
The Avila family and their El Ranchito restaurants continue to be standard bearers for Mexican food in the O.C. and among readers and diners.
Since Salvador Avila opened the family’s flagship restaurant in Huntington Park in 1966 with only five picnic tables for seating, a dozen Avila’s El Ranchitos restaurants have sprung open across the Southland, 11 in Orange County, all run by various Avila offspring .
Although the menus may vary by site, all evolved from Mama Margarita Avila and her generations-old recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico. At each restaurant you can expect platters and combos with burritos, carnitas, tacos, chicken enchiladas, fajitas and Mama Avila’s original recipe soup. Also there are margaritas, party platters for events and Taco Tuesdays that pack ‘em in.
All of the Avila’s locations are beautifully decorated and a number are popular venues for weddings, banquets and events.