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Best Mexican Restaurants In Orange County

October 4, 2016 / 5:00 AM PDT / KCAL News

If you're craving Mexican food but aren't sure where to go, check out these top Orange County spots. Integrating traditional Mexican flavors with creative takes of classic dishes, the restaurants below deliver gourmet food at different price points. You can indulge in a hearty meal with a margarita, or pick one of the healthy menu options to stay on top of your diet.

Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(949) 497-5434
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

With breathtaking views overlooking Laguna Beach, Las Brisas has the ambiance to match the impressive menus with fresh fish, enchiladas, guacamole and filet mignon. In addition to top-notch dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Las Brisas is known for its Mexican Rivieria Brunch served with four courses. There's also craft cocktails, margaritas, sangria and a wine list fit for occasional wine drinkers and wine enthusiasts alike. With so many gourmet dishes to feast on and signature libations to sip on, you can eat and drink like a king.

SOL Cocina
251 Pacific Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 675-9800
www.solcocina.com

SOL Cocina provides an upscale, gourmet take on Mexican dishes and is lead by acclaimed executive chef, Deborah Schneider. Located on Balboa Marina, the stunning ocean views coupled with an extensive menu of seafood, tacos, soups and salads, burritos, quesadillas, creative entrees and desserts make for a pleasant brunch, lunch or dinner. They take pride in creating traditional and authentic Mexican food from scratch in their kitchen and offer an amazing array of taco choices. A favorite are their carne asada tacos.

Taco María
3313 Hyland Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 538-8444
www.tacomaria.com

Chef Carlos Salgado who was recently awarded Food & Wine Magazine's "Best New Chef" is behind Taco María's exquisite dishes, so your senses are sure to be delighted with the culinary artistry. Customers can order off a price fixed menu consisting of four courses 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, an al a carte list, or brunch served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Matador Cantina
111 N. Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-8226
thematador.com

Combining classic favorites such as carnitas, ceviche, chile rellenos, huevos rancheros and nachos with Mexican-inspired dishes including a guacamole burger, chorizo ravioli and bacon-wrapped street dogs, Matador Catina has a lunch, dinner and brunch menu to please a variety of taste buds. Additionally, happy hour is Sunday through Friday 2 - 6 p.m. There are also many other deals offered on food and drinks throughout the week. Check out the website to get details on what's offered each day.

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen
The Gateway Downtown Brea
110 W. Birch St., Suite 7
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-1040
www.chachaslatinkitchen.com

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen hosts specials every night of the week to satisfy your Mexican food fix without emptying your wallet. There is happy hour every day, as well as Champagne Sunday Brunch, Date Night Monday, Tacos and Tequila Tuesday, Enchilada Wednesday, Tamale Thursday and live Latin music Friday and Saturday. The menu has a variety of Mexican food favorites, and with nearly 50 different tequilas offered at the bar, of course Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen pours one heck of a margarita. There are also mojitos, sangria, wine and beer on tap to pair with your meal.

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, publicist, dancer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, live music, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Orange County