Morena’s Mexican Cuisine in Huntington Beach is proudly owned and operated by the Rosales family, built on a passion for hospitality and authentic Mexican cooking. Located across from Bella Terra at Edinger and Gothard, our coastal restaurant brings bold flavors, mesquite wood-fire grilling, and warm family hospitality together under one roof.
Led by Head Chef Aurelio Sánchez, our kitchen focuses on tradition, fresh ingredients, and from-scratch preparation — from handmade tortillas and house salsas to perfectly grilled arrachera and pollo asado.
More than just a restaurant, Morena’s is a place where community gathers, celebrations happen, and every guest is welcomed like family.
Michelle Massaro
We came from Vegas, on vacation. We wanted to have some quality Mexican food. I checked the reviews on google and this place had a lot of positive reviews with a high rating. We were not disappointed. We were immediately welcomed, seated and greeted. The chips and salsa were great. Our entrees were amazing. My kids loved their meals. My steak fajitas were absolutely great with a large portion. I brought half home. My husband got the 2 different enchiladas and a steak with red sauce and chicken in green. He said they were the best enchiladas he’s ever had. The service was excellent as well.
We will be back again.
… moreJoyful
First Visit—based on reviews had high expectations! Sad to say—a great disappointment. First—the bar is very small—seats about 8 cramped against one another—opted for a table. Dining Room is spacious and a good vibe—that’s about the best thing. My Server was kind and full of smiles. Did the best to try and rec items. Today was their Taco Tuesday specials I chose unwisely—2 Crispy Beef Tacos (thought they were ground beef, but they were filled with very old, dried up, even crispy edges of shredded beef—chewy and almost inedible) and stale Taco Shells. I ordered a side of guacamole—they said it was the size of the salsas but you can see the photo—2 tiny scoops and old tasting—sent it back—not worth $6! Not even worth $2! Decided to try the Jack Cheese Quesadilla—it was good, yet very thin and very sparse (look at the plate) for $12!
Another very negative thing was one of the employees was laying across the bathroom sinks when I went to the restroom talking on her cell phone loudly with it on video and it sounded like she was talking with a male! Very unprofessional and uncomfortable! I couldn’t get to the sink to wash my hands! The soap is like nothing—no lather—just disappears when you rub your hands together.
This same employee was the one clearing dishes and would stand and watch you and as soon as you barely put your fork down was at your table asking to take your plates! I appreciate having plates cleared as many seemed to have stopped doing this since Covid! But to have someone standing by my table, like a hawk, waiting to swoop in and grab my plate the second I put my fork down was so off putting that I literally told her to leave me alone the last time she tried to take my plate! Sorry! Not sorry! Wanted to like this place. Sad to say, I hated it and won’t be back nor can I recommend it.
… moreMaria Cerda
Big selection of fresh, tasty mexican dishes and great drinks. The enchiladas were delicious!! Very friendly staff, they checked on us often. Can’t wait to go back!
… moreMari
I would rate this restaurant 10 out of 10! The food was delicious, the staff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. Our server Hurley took great care of us. He deserves a raise! My family and I had a great time, especially when the men sang happy birthday to my daughter. Thank you for your hospitality! We highly recommend this restaurant!
… moreBelem Ramos
I have come here multiple times and it never disappoints! The food is amazing, there drinks are great and there service is phenomenal! They are so attentive constantly checking in on us making sure if the food is great or if there’s anything else we need. The prices match the quality of food you are getting as well. Everything is cooked to perfection & everything has great flavor. You can tell they take pride on the food they are serving because not only the food taste delicious the way they present their food on a plate is appetizing to the eye. The ambiance is great too great to celebrate birthdays, to gather with friends or even for date night. Very clean as well even the restrooms are clean. I like coming here for special occasions.
… moreVicky
I always come here whenever I’m in the mood for Mexican food and it never disappoints. They make fresh hand made tortillas and they offer chips and salsa as you wait for your food. They have a great selection for food. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They offer the best margaritas! I love ordering their fajitas. Great portion sizes for the pricing. They offer an amazing churro dessert that comes with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, its so delicious. I would recommend dining here!!
… moreHarry
Morena Restaurant is a standout spot for Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience. The good patio is perfect for enjoying meals outdoors, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Service here is exceptional, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant visit. A highlight is the complimentary chips and dips, which are simply amazing and a great start to any meal. Free parking adds to the convenience, making it easy to visit without the hassle of finding a spot. The menu boasts a variety of delicious dishes, each prepared with authentic flavors. Overall, Morena Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving quality Mexican food in a welcoming setting.
… moreErik Liederbauer
WOW! Amazing food with outstanding Mexican flavors! I loved every bite, and their salsa is top notch. The service was super fast, friendly, and attentive. Couldn’t recommend this restaurant more!
… moreLynnann – Sid’s Mum
This was my first visit and my server, Hulry, was a sensational ambassador for the Morena’s business! Professional, polite, kind and gave exceptional service!
The restaurant is big, open, clean and has indoor/outdoor seating and then the food. The rojo salsa is delicious and the chicken fajitas were plentiful and did not disappoint. Affordable, right off the 405, this is a solid Mexican food destination!
… moreMonica Gill
Absolutely Phenomenal – A Must-Try in Huntington Beach!
This was my second visit to Morena’s, and it somehow managed to be even better than the first – which is saying something! From the moment you sit down, you know you’re in for a treat. The complimentary chips and salsa are a revelation; the smoky red salsa and the vibrant green salsa are bursting with so much flavor that they immediately set a high bar for the meal to come.
On my first visit, I indulged in the Enchiladas del Mar, and they were divine – packed with lobster and shrimp, and utterly delicious. I also had a slice of their chocoflan for dessert, and oh my goodness, the flavor and texture were absolutely amazing!
This time, I followed a recommendation from a fellow diner on my last visit and ordered the fideos with poblano cream sauce, adding shrimp. What a fantastic choice! The dish was incredibly creamy, packed with flavor, and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. It was pure comfort and deliciousness on a plate (see my photo!).
Morena’s has quickly become a favorite. The quality of the food, the depth of flavors, and the welcoming atmosphere make it a standout. I can’t recommend it enough! You will not be disappointed.
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