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Escape to El Mercado Mexican Kitchen, where the vibrant spirit of Mexico comes alive! From the acclaimed creators of El Mercado Modern Cuisine, embark on a culinary journey through the diverse regions of Mexico, right here in Balboa Island, Newport Beach. Savor an authentic taste of Mexico with street-style tacos, fresh ceviche, and sophisticated dishes, including flavorful options for vegetarian and vegan guests. El Mercado Mexican Kitchen invites you to discover the bold and rich flavors of true Mexican cuisine. Serving Taco Tuesday, Happy Hour and Brunch.
Hours
| Friday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 320 Marine Ave STE B, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Phone: (949) 994-6515
Website: http://elmercado-oc.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=1&utm_content=primary
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comspotapps.co
Related Web Results
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen: Mexican Restaurant & Taco Catering …
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen: Mexican restaurant, taco catering, delivery, margaritas to-go in Newport Beach, CA 92662. Order takeout, events, weddings.
Food Menu – El Mercado Mexican Kitchen
Tacos, Specials, Happy Hour, and More · Carnitas Tacos · Rosarito · Grilled Fish or ShrimpTaco · Sonora Chicken Taco · Adobo Cauliflower · Pulpo Asado · Surf & Turf.
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen – Newport Beach, CA on OpenTable
Located in Balboa Island, Newport Beach, the restaurant will showcase an array of dishes that celebrate the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. From …
Reviews
Jennifer Irene
After living in Orange County for over 20 years, I cannot believe this was my first time eating at El Mercado on Marine Street right in the heart of Balboa Island. This location is prime, yet it truly feels like one of those hidden gems that mostly locals know about, which makes it even more special.
The space itself is adorable and charming, tucked right into the island and surrounded by shops you can easily walk to before or after your meal. It is the kind of spot you stumble into once and then wonder how you went so long without knowing about it.
The margaritas were absolutely delicious, and you can tell the mixers are made fresh. The ceviche was unreal. So good that my daughter literally drank the fresh sauce at the end. We ordered the carnitas and the carne asada, both cooked perfectly, tender, flavorful, and clearly made with care.
What really stood out though were the homemade tortilla chips and tortillas. You can immediately taste the difference between store bought and freshly made. Same with the rice and beans, everything tastes fresh and intentional, like it was made from scratch just for your table.
The service was excellent from start to finish. They offer a great happy hour from three to six, and Taco Tuesday runs all day, which makes this an easy repeat spot. To top it all off, the chef came out personally to greet us and surprised us with homemade churros. They were cooked to perfection, melted in your mouth, and dusted with just the right amount of sugar and cinnamon.
This will absolutely be one of our new go to spots. If you are visiting Orange County, you need to add this to your list. It is one of a kind Mexican food that feels elevated, beautifully plated, and thoughtfully executed, like a Michelin level experience without the pretension. Walking distance to shopping, the bay, and all the charm Balboa Island has to offer, yet still feels like a locals secret.
Highly recommend.
… moreThe space itself is adorable and charming, tucked right into the island and surrounded by shops you can easily walk to before or after your meal. It is the kind of spot you stumble into once and then wonder how you went so long without knowing about it.
The margaritas were absolutely delicious, and you can tell the mixers are made fresh. The ceviche was unreal. So good that my daughter literally drank the fresh sauce at the end. We ordered the carnitas and the carne asada, both cooked perfectly, tender, flavorful, and clearly made with care.
What really stood out though were the homemade tortilla chips and tortillas. You can immediately taste the difference between store bought and freshly made. Same with the rice and beans, everything tastes fresh and intentional, like it was made from scratch just for your table.
The service was excellent from start to finish. They offer a great happy hour from three to six, and Taco Tuesday runs all day, which makes this an easy repeat spot. To top it all off, the chef came out personally to greet us and surprised us with homemade churros. They were cooked to perfection, melted in your mouth, and dusted with just the right amount of sugar and cinnamon.
This will absolutely be one of our new go to spots. If you are visiting Orange County, you need to add this to your list. It is one of a kind Mexican food that feels elevated, beautifully plated, and thoughtfully executed, like a Michelin level experience without the pretension. Walking distance to shopping, the bay, and all the charm Balboa Island has to offer, yet still feels like a locals secret.
Highly recommend.
Caroline Cochran
Pretty good little spot! No free chips and salsa, but maybe we’re just too used to that in the south. We ordered chips and guac and split the shrimp tacos, which were delicious! Service could have been a little better – our waters went dry for most of the evening and we had to ask for a refill. Cute little spot though!
… moreSavannah Underwood
First time visiting Balboa Island and saw wanted to try a “hole in the wall” place. El Mercado Mexican Kitchen is delicious and super fresh. The flavors taste homemade, the portions are great, and the whole vibe feels warm and local. Definitely a new go-to for Mexican food.
… moreIngrid Reyes
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.
… moreAndreola Werner-Velleryd
As a Mexican living abroad, it is so nice to find a restaurant with authentic Mexican cuisine. I had not had a Tlayuda outside of Mexico, and I was presently surprised with the crispy tortilla and juicy carne asada. My only reservation was that there was not a real spicy salsa; the salsa tatemada and macha were tasty they were just missing a bit of
… moreEl Pinga loca !
Did not had a clue where to eat for the first time being at balboa island so after wondering around and then was really looking for another place but got lost so gave this place a chance. Ordered shrimp cocktail sur n turf combo steak and shrimp taco with guacomole with pico de gallo also some sauce was really good in flour tortilla also had chips n salsa the salsa was good for not being spicy. Also the black beans and white rice was just fresh and tasted great and homemade. The margarita was good. If was not driving would ordered 2 more ! Was not enough ! Just make sure they got ur order down right …! Is all ! N ur straight ! Its good food that shrimp cocktail is super good good with beer oh yess yess yes !
… moreCarlos Snellenberg-Fraser
Absolutely loved this restaurant on Balboa! I had the fish tacos and the chicken tacos, both of which I found to be delicious. My friends got the burritos and found them to be really good too. This place will be one of my go-to’s when I visit next.
… moreNaor Rozalio
loved the service, kind and hospitable
the tacos real good
we took the cauliflower tacos really enjoyed that
the margarita is a must on saturdays
… morethe tacos real good
we took the cauliflower tacos really enjoyed that
the margarita is a must on saturdays
Shouta
The dishes were simply seasoned and very tasty. The staff was also very kind.
… moreMya Smith
We stopped in just for a drink and now this will be our go to stop. The margaritas were exceptional! They had great flavor and not overwhelming of alcohol. The tortilla soup was also delicious. They were very friendly and the service was also great. We will definitely be back. Thank you Jose.
… more