Loading today's hours...
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. Taco Tuesday, weekend brunch, and more.
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.
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.
Our signature dishes
Sinaloa-style aguachiles
Sinaloa style ceviche served with shrimp, serranos, red onions, fresh lime and cucumber juice, avocado, chilli powder, sliced cucumbers.
Arrachera steak
8oz Arrachera steak, roasted radish, carrots, potatoes, chipotle onion, cured nopal, served with morita chile reduction sauce, red wine gastric, chimichurri, and homemade tortillas.
Hand-pressed tortillas
Fresh pressed tortilla, slow braised pork shoulder, avocado salsa, pickled red onions.
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.
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+.
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
What our guests are saying
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.
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen Rewards
Join our rewards program, earn points every time you order online and redeem your points for free food!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you known for?
We are known for Soup, Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Burritos, Fish Tacos, Refried Beans, Nachos, Carnitas, Carne Asada, Quesadilla, Enchiladas, Shrimp, Huevos Rancheros, Churros, Guacamole, Ceviche, and Rice Bowl
Where are you located?
We are located in Newport Beach, CA at 320 Marine Ave Ste B
What areas do you serve?
We serve the following areas: Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cliff Haven, Irvine, Santa Ana Heights, Crystal Cove, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Emerald Bay, Fountain Valley, Dyer, Tustin, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Como, Top of the World, Laguna Woods, East Irvine, and Browning.
Our location
