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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

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3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant
4.5
Awesome(138)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 18 times today
Experience the vibrant spirit of traditional Mexican cuisine at Hacienda on the Lake, nestled in the picturesque settings of Mission Viejo. Praised for its authentic flavors, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that delights with classics such as enchiladas, fajitas, and freshly made guacamole. Patrons rave about the "amazing views and great food," highlighting dishes like the "Las Brisas, a perfect combination of chicken enchilada and chile relleno." The ambiance, enhanced by stunning lake views, makes every meal special, ensuring a memorable dining experience. As one satisfied diner put it, "The food, ambience, and service are fabulous!" making Hacienda on the Lake a must-visit for lovers of genuine Mexican fare.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1775)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Irvine
Booked 40 times today
Puesto Los Olivos in Irvine stands out as a beacon of Mexican culinary excellence, celebrated for its innovative take on traditional flavors. Owned by a Mexican American family, the restaurant prides itself on creating memories around tacos. It features Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos that have earned national acclaim, as highlighted by prestigious media outlets like National Geographic and LA Times. Patrons rave about the authentic and distinct offerings, with one exclaiming, "The food never disappoints! The tacos are great and so are the cocktails." The use of non-GMO, organic maíz azul tortillas and a menu crafted by Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales ensures every dish is a masterpiece, truly encapsulating the spirit of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
A photo of Gema restaurant
4.3
Awesome(242)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • San Clemente
Gema in San Clemente stands out as a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service with a genuine Mexican flair. Praised for its "excellent, original high-end Mexican cocktails," Gema showcases an extensive selection of over 100 small batch Mezcals, available in flights or for bottle purchase. Patrons have celebrated the "outstanding" craft cocktail program, which features seasonal variations, house-made syrups, and freshly juiced citrus. The atmosphere is described as "easy going" and "fun," perfectly complementing the sophisticated and "inventive Mexican food" that completes any evening with a touch of luxury. With its top-notch service and vibrant scene, Gema offers a "unique and delicious" experience that locals and visitors alike are eager to revisit.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BrianVIP
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    my first time at Puesto for dinner with my childhood friends (holiday reunion). food was excellent. Appetizers were priced at about where I expected. Three different kinds of ceviche. I had the skirt steak plate. It was a little pricey for the amount of food. But then again it is the high rent district next to Disneyland. Tacos looked good, probably the better value. The cocktails were a little pricey too. Margaritas ran 17 –20 $20. Again, it is the high rent district. It was not too noisy inside – – could still hold a conversation with those at my table. Service was excellent, and very attentive to our service needs. I’ll go there again, but will order tacos instead.
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    Puesto AnaheimPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Anaheim
    4.7
  • Christine
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service and food was amazing. Waitstaff checked on us frequently. Restaurant was very accommodating to all of our needs. They stored birthday cake in freezer for a few hours until it was ready to be served. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and will definitely be back!
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    RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Newport Beach
    4.5
  • kathie
    Orange County •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great experience. So glad they added enchiladas to their amazing taco menu. The mole enchilada was delicious.
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    Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
  • Steve
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Had a great time here. We never felt rushed or under pressure to order something. Chips and salsa came right away and were delicious. We ordered the "grande" margaritas and were disappointed when they came, they seemed like regular size to me. Then our server, Stephen, came and told us that he messed up and would be giving us a free refill. Problem solved. We had the guacamole appetizer and honestly it was probably the best guac we've ever had (and we have it a lot). Our entrees were equally delicious. I had a basic taco salad and my wife had the fish of the day, salmon, and both were fantastic. Not sure what it is they put on their food but there's something that kicks it up a notch from other Mexican restaurants. We were there during the "Festival of Lights at the mission and everything lit up as we were eating making it even more festive. Prices are a little steep for me but were expected.
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    Las CampanasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Riverside
    3.9
  • Kim
    Orange County •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 8, 2024
    Great table by the water watching the boat parade!
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    Hacienda on the LakePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.5
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