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Featured Dining MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN

See Maps Pages to see indicated grid locations.

Las Brisas Window-lined cliff-top spot offers salmon with lime sauce, county’s best guacamole, sensational coastal views. Happy hour on the patio is packed nightly. Breakfast, lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner nightly. (All major cards) 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434 $$$ Map H15
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

More MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN

El Torito Grill Handmade tortillas, freshly prepared salsas. mesquite-grilled contemporary Mexican specialties. Lunch, dinner daily; Sun. brunch. (All major cards) 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2875. 1910 Main St., Irvine, 949.975.1220. 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.367.1567. 555 Pointe Drive, Brea, 714.990.2411 $$ Map L15, J14, G17, A3

Javier’s Cantina Excellent carnitas; mole poblano; lomo Azteca (pork loin medallions in chipotle cream sauce). Opening at Crystal Cove Promenade. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.1239. Irvine Spectrum Center, 45 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.872.2101 $$ Map H15, D5

Kantina Stunning new two-story venue from owners of Sutra Lounge has its own dock. California-influenced Latin fare: cilantro-pesto marinated porterhouse “fajitas” for two; warm churros with bittersweet chocolate sauce. All meals daily. (All major cards) 2406 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.1400 $$$ Map H15

Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill Remote canyon eatery with lovely patio. Dinner Tues.–Sun.; lunch Sun. (1 p.m.). (AE, MC, V) 20722 Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, 949.766.6939 $$ Map east of C6

Taleo Mexican Grill Everything’s made from scratch at upscale restaurant. The kitchen uses 20 types of chiles and six kinds of Mexican cheese. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.553.9002 $$ Map K14

Tortilla Jo’s Family-friendly cocina de Mexico with great tequila/mezcal selection from Patina Group. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) Downtown Disney, 1510 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.535.5000 $$ Map I10

 Z’Tejas Festive atmosphere, bold flavors. Cast-iron skillet shrimp and pork dumplings with red chile ginger dipping sauce. Foot-high Big Stick cocktail. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.7469 $$ Map J13
SYMBOL KEY
Credit Cards Price Range
AE American Express $ under $15
MC Mastercard $$ under $30
V Visa $$$ under $50
DC Diners Club $$$$ over $50

American • Brew Pubs • California Cuisine • Chinese • Continental • Cuban • Eclectic • French • Indian • International • Italian • Japanese • Mediterranean • Mexican/Southwestern • Persian • Quick Bites • Seafood • Steak • Supper Clubs • Tea • Thai • Theme