SOL Cocina situated on Balboa Marina in Newport Beach is a Mexican restaurant with a difference. Specializing on authentic Baja cuisine with a contemporary assimilation of Baja's street food such as antojitos, street tacos and cocteles de mariscos. Simplicity and flavor are rulers of this delectable cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Smoky aromas fill the air from the open kitchen as the chefs grill their meat and fresh seafood on mesquite wood, rousing your appetite for the delicious spread that is to come. Salsas and sauces are freshly made daily using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant offers quite a few dining options that includes the private dining room illuminated by the warm glow of the lovely candle wall which is downstairs. Their beautiful patio overlooks the Balboa Marina, and their unique bar with a welcoming fire pit is a great place where you can enjoy the creative hand made cocktails highlighting over 60 hand-crafted tequilas. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and also features live music on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Fullerton dating back to 1899, Matador has a vintage charm with its more than a century old red brick walls, candle lighting, a huge wooden bar, leather half-moon banquettes and dazzling red chandeliers. The ambiance is welcoming and romantic. The menu is a blend of the old and the new of Mexican cuisine and using only fresh, good quality ingredients. Along with daily lunch, dinner and late-night menus, they also offer weekend brunch and curbside service for those on the go. Some of the menu highlights are the creamy queso fundido dip, charbroiled spicy wings with cotija cheese sauce, chile relleno, chorizo ravioli and the baby-back ribs with chipotle tequila lime barbecue sauce. The weekend brunch has a la carte menu with dishes like vegetarian omelet, fluffy pancakes and huevos rancheros. They have a vast drink featuring signature margaritas and mojitos, bottle and draft beer and a wide selection of famous and boutique Spanish, Californian, and South American wines. Matador Cantina promises to give a memorable Mexican dining experience.

Taco Loco is a local favorite and a must for anyone who is visiting and looking for a real taste of Southern California. It has delicious food, tasty brews, and gorgeous views. The blackened chicken nachos will steal your heart and the blackened tofu mushroom burger will have you eagerly awaiting your next visit. The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly and it is often packed right up until closing on weekends. The tables are all outdoors and for those who are drinking they are enclosed on patios and paired with Paul Frank bar stools. For delicious food and beachside charm it can't be beat; you would be loco not to go.

If you don't pay attention, you can walk by La Fiesta Mexican Grill many times without noticing it. But if you pause for a second and look inside, you'll see that it's always full. The price is right, and that's what attracts many families, and the daily special is always a deal that you don't want to miss. Despite the name "grill," this is a comfort food place. Breakfast is available all day, and the food is always served fast and hot. The salsa bar really gets people going. There is a theme to just about each weekday, among which Taco Tuesday and Margarita Wednesday are the most popular.

Ricardo's El Ranchito is a spacious restaurant which is located in a strip mall. The restaurant serves Mexican cuisine which is flavored authentically. Ricardo's El Ranchito is become a neighborhood favorite for a lot of locals and employees working in the vicinity. Some of the favorite dishes on their menu are Flour Tortilla Chips, Shrimp Enchiladas, Corn Tortillas and many more. Pair your meal with a Margarita or any other cocktail. Enjoy piping hot burritos with their lip-smacking salsa for a quick bite or on the go. Call ahead for reservations.