El Zarandeado

Visited again and it was delicious! Pictured is the Branzino Pescado Zarandeado with a stuffed chile relleno. Delectable! Love it here.

Went there with the family after a day at the petting zoo. With such rave reviews, I was excited to have some quality Mexican food, being in town for just a few days visiting family.Admittedly, the ceviche was very nice. I had the Carne Asada burrito, as did two of the other patrons in our party. I was reluctant to say anything during the meal because I didn't want to startle the other guests at the table, but at least two bites of my burrito were meat that was cartilaginous and not edible. I did speak to our hostess/waitress on the way out and gave her a heads up, not wanting to create any issues during the meal. It was not until we returned to the car, that my wife and mother, both reported that their burritos had similar meat problems. Hence, why we each took a half burrito home. The two women working were very apologetic and I appreciated that tremendously. However, it left me with an unfortunately disappointing experience, having chosen that one spot over maybe 20 other adjacent/nearby restaurants on which to spend our time and money. I'd like to say that I would return and give them another chance, and maybe in time I will. However, there are just too many other places to explore to sacrifice a similar experience again. I know that money is tight for everyone, but I'd rather they skimp on meat over place some cartilage in to make it look more full. A chef would clearly know what is getting put into a burrito both before and after it is cooked. Left me kind of disappointed.

Just an update as it's been a year since I left a review. I'm glad Gaspar and Connie have endured, as it's damn hard to run a restaurant. The time, effort and the nature of pleasing the customer when prices are high, etc. They are still at it, I appreciate them a lot.We went again last night (we go pretty regularly) and my wife got the carnitas. Notice how it was prepared and presented--it's not sitting in fat and floating in it. Instead, out on a large board with all of the side items so she could make her own tacos. Me, I ordered the chicken enchiladas with the red sauce that Gaspar makes. It's a large plate of food, with plenty of flavor and the colors and ingredients are fresh. The onions snap, the chicken is diced and fresh, the red sauce is deeply flavored with just a touch of heat.The freshness here remains really high in my view. Yeah, the prices are higher but as I told my wife last night, we work hard to eat well so I'm not concerned about higher prices for what I am getting. If you live around here, and you want to save money, then go get the sloppy, oil laden stuff that is all over the town. Or, you go here, you pay for quality and you eat well!

Outstanding service, food and friendliness.The shrimp and crab enchiladas were amazing. The shrimp burrito was delicious, great mix of textures. Mixed ceviche was such a hit for us.

Insanely good service, food, and ambience (especially the outdoor seating). Their margaritas are excellent, with chamoy/tajin rims. The tacos were very good, best corn tortillas we have had, clearly homemade. We'd recommend the Ensenada Fish or the Pulpo taco.

Amazing deals on Taco Tuesdays u must order 2 of same to get deal shrimp tacos 2 for $10 and al pastor 2 for $7. I came for lunch to get takeaway at noon and was perfect no waiting. I can imagine later in day would be crowded. The service was excellent and has a cute courtyard for outside seating that is quiet. This place is tucked into a center that I frequent but never noticed.

We now go here every week as the food is so delicious and just LOVE it. My favorite is the Branzino but we also love the service by Gaspar, Connie and Marleen The margaritas are delicious

If I could it would be about a 4.4 or 4.5 star review but since it was only our first time I have it a 4 star review. The service was excellently balanced between attentive and providing space. The food was brought with good spacing and at peak temperature for the dishes them selves. The Capistrano Shrimp was just legit! The main dishes hit the spot! All in all a fantastic meal! We hope to try it again soon.

PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE - This is truly a one of a kind restaurant. Mexican, yes, but unlike any Mexican restaurant you've ever eaten at before. Exceptionally gourmet and specializing in heavenly grilled steak and seafood. You will recognize the Margaritas, chips and salsa - but beyond those sign posts lie an abundance of new culinary destinations. Enjoy the trip!!

Some of the best food ever! Not your typical Mexican- high-end ingredients and professionally cooked. Mostly seafood, but meat specials as well. All week I have been to restaurants in Newport, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point. This was the best of all of them! Lovely staff and service. Their recommendations for ordering were the best of the meal.