Best Mexican Food in Newport Beach

Q: Where are you located?

We are located in Newport Beach, CA at 320 Marine Ave Ste B

Elevated Mexican, Made to Order

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El Mercado Mexican kitchen | Balboa Island, Newport Beach

Family-run Mexican kitchen on Balboa Island. Hand-pressed tortillas, scratch-made salsas, and a menu built on the legacy of El Mercado Modern Cuisine. Taco Tuesday, Happy Hour, weekend brunch, and more.

Reservations

We are happy to accept reservations through our website, to get started, click the link below.

Reservations

Mexican food, made from scratch, every day

Hand-pressed corn tortillas, house-made salsas, slow-braised carnitas — the kind of cooking that earns regulars on Balboa Island.

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Taco Tuesday, happy hour, weekend brunch

Something festive is always happening here. Taco Tuesday is a Balboa Island tradition and daily happy hour margaritas from 3–5 PM. Join us weekly for our rotating specials. Weekends bring chilaquiles, churros, and bottomless mimosas every Saturday and Sunday.

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Our signature dishes

Order online with ease

Skip the wait and order online with ease. Choose your favorite dishes, place your order, and enjoy delicious meals prepared fresh and ready when you are.

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From the kitchen

What makes us different

✔ Hand-pressed tortillas — every order, with no shortcuts or shipped-in shells. ✔ Family-led kitchen — day-to-day operations are run by Jose M. Cerrudo and his father. ✔ Scratch-made everything — rice, beans, and salsas are made fresh daily. ✔ A legacy you can taste — rooted in the techniques and standards of Michelin-recognized El Mercado Modern Cuisine. ✔ Locally recognized — named Best Mexican Restaurant by the Newport Beach Independent and a BBB Accredited Business.

Private events & celebrations

Birthday, anniversary, business lunch — we've got you! Our dining room is a natural fit for celebrations of all sizes. Ask about private events for groups of 6 to 30+.

Plan your event

Catering for any occasion

Taco bars, enchilada platters, guacamole — El Mercado brings the fiesta to you, from backyard gatherings to corporate events.

Visit us today

Address: 320 Marine Ave Ste B, Newport Beach, CA 92662 Phone: +1 949-994-6515 Hours: Monday 11:30 am–8 pm Tuesday 11:30 am–8 pm Wednesday 11:30 am–8 pm Thursday 11:30 am–8 pm Friday 11:30 am–9 pm Saturday 11:30 am–9 pm Sunday 11:30 am–8 pm

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If I could give this place a 10 star review I would! The atmosphere here is so relaxing and nice and every time of day you come ! It's small but makes you feel like you the center of the whole restaurant. The food where do I start?! I had carnitas enchiladas with handmade tortillas and salsa so fresh the chef picked each ingredient from their backyard! Now let's talk about the price... Extremely affordable well with now a day prices! 90% of entries were under $20 !

Liz C.

My favourite mexican restaurant SoCal. The food is amazing: the carnitas dish is a must, but everything I've tried is really delicious. Their passion fruit margarita is amazing too. On top of that, the local is super cozy and of course the service is also great! I'd give 100 stars if I could.

Elena R.

Food was amazing!!! Service and atmosphere was perfect. Must tries are the crispy fresh made chicharon, ceviche and carnitas. We are looking forward to going back soon.

Ingrid R.

Felt like this place is underrated. Tacos were amazing. Wife had fish tacos and said it was the best she ever had. Rosarito Steak tacos we sooo good.

Chad F.