Opening in 2017, Morenas Mexican Cuisine in Ladera Ranch, is the original Orange County location.
Conveniently located off the 5 freeway, just a few miles east on Ortega Hwy 74, we are a short drive from Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano and Trabuco Canyon.
We never use pre-made sauces, mixes, or frozen ingredients in our food. Our beans are slow cooked, our rice is made fresh, our cocktails are made with fresh fruit, our salsas are made by hand, and you can taste the difference.
Morena’s Mexican Cuisine in Rancho Mission Viejo is located in the Sendero Marketplace. Come and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in our restaurant or call us for your catering needs.
Brooke Gourd
This place is hands down one of my favorite restaurants. The food is superior to any Mexican restaurant around. The owners are incredible and so kind to the customers. Staff is always on it and working hard. They’re so sweet to my kids. The enchiladas Del Mar and chicken tortilla soup are INCREDIBLE! My husband recently declared that we need to have a set recurring Morena’s night from now on because it’s just so good! Can’t wait to go back! We always leave incredibly full and happy
… moreRyan Wirth
Delicious Chicken Mole, Chips and Salsa, Fresh Made Tortilla Soup and amazing Margaritas. Our server Hilda was absolutely incredible.
… moreTracey Mello
I was really looking forward to trying Morena’s Mexican Cuisine, but unfortunately the food was very bland and lacked seasoning. Everything tasted fresh, but the flavors just didn’t pop the way you’d expect from Mexican cuisine.
Service was friendly, though a bit slow, and the atmosphere was fine but nothing memorable. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible experience, but the food needs more flavor to stand out. I’d be open to giving it another try if the seasoning improves, but based on this visit, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
… moreRuss Christensen
Recommend coming here. Big fan of Mexican food and this place did not disappoint. Got their carne asada and the meat was delicious. Enjoyed their chips and salsa. The salsa had a smoky bite to it. Rice, beans, and enchilada was to be expected but delicious. Safe to say that I stuffed myself good.
Service was good and quick. Nothing amazing, hence the 4 stars.
Same goes for the atmosphere. Just your standard sit down, which isn’t bad at but nothing amazing.
All in all I enjoyed the food and would go again.
… moreW Perry
First visit, my meal of chili verde was very good, served hot (on a warmed plate), good spice, generous serving of pork chunks (very little fat).
At $22, good value, with quality ingredients.
Our server, Hilda (mentioned in other reviews), was friendly and a real pleasure.
Only a 3 on atmosphere, because they left the doors to the patio open into the dining room.
Recommended.
… moreGeorge U.
Nice spot in Rancho Mission Viejo. We stopped in to Morena’s for an early dinner. Carlos B. and Carlos R. helped us out and were both fantastic servers with excellent customer service and people skills. We started with drinks and guacamole, which were great. The Don Julio Blanco with club soda and three limes muddled were mixed to perfection. My wife ordered the chicken enchiladas verdes with rice and beans and loved the dish. The chicken was well cooked and the food tasty. I had the asada asada platter, which was good but more like a NY steak but still tasty with rice, beans, and a cheese enchilada. The chips, salsa, and tortillas were also fresh and tasty. The ambiance was positive, and the establishment appeared to be popular amongst the locals. We also found out that Morena’s is also in Lake Forest, where Mimi’s Cafe used to be. Highly recommended.
… moreBrandon Johnson
We had a great experience with friendly staff and wonderful food. The service took a little too long to get us our second drinks, but it was still a great time!
… moreClaire GN
Great place. Hilda was so sweet. The lunch special was a good deal. I had the spinach enchilada which was delicious and the horchata was very good. Many places don’t have horchata so I appreciate that they do. They have outdoor seating and the shopping center is nice with plenty of parking. Will go back again.
… moreRudy Padrol
One of the best places to come and Network. Hilda was so awesome even placed my left over OJ in a Togo cup. Great food and atmosphere.
… moreJulie Patrick
Finally went to Morena’s Mexican Cuisine and the food is amazing, the quality, portions and flavors are top notch. Truly delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant. In addition it is very clean w amazing service. Heriberto is the best. He made the girls fried icecream. First time trying it. Really delicious. Great Food Great Service!!! David n Julie
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