Taco Maria
Welcome to Taco Maria, a Mexican restaurant located at 3313 Hyland Ave Ste C-21 Costa Mesa, CA 92626. This Latinx-owned and women-owned establishment offers a unique dining experience with a focus on modern and creative Mexican cuisine. As a food reviewer of Restaurant World, I had the pleasure of experiencing the culinary delights of Taco Maria, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed.
From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with a cozy and inviting ambiance. The outdoor seating area, with its heated and covered options, provides a delightful setting for enjoying your meal. The restaurant also offers amenities such as takeout, wheelchair accessibility, and private lot parking, making it a convenient and pleasant dining destination.
One of the highlights of Taco Maria is their Prix Fixe dinner menu, which offers a curated selection of dishes that showcase the chef's culinary creativity. Customer reviews rave about the innovative and delicious dishes, such as the Pan de Maiz (blue cornbread) with Huitlacoche butter, the Pescadilla with marinated cucumbers and chili/peanut sauce, and the Gallina Pintada with hand-pressed blue corn tortillas and flavorful condiments.
Each course at Taco Maria is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, providing a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The attention to detail, from the plating to the flavors, is evident in every dish. Whether you're a fan of traditional Mexican flavors or looking to explore new and unique culinary creations, Taco Maria offers a dining experience that is sure to delight.
As a food enthusiast, I was particularly impressed by the balance of flavors, the quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience at Taco Maria. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of the meal, from the appetizers to the desserts. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Taco Maria is a must-visit destination.
In conclusion, Taco Maria sets itself apart as a gem in the culinary landscape, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with modern and innovative twists. With its Michelin-star-worthy dishes, impeccable service, and charming ambiance, Taco Maria is a culinary destination worth experiencing. So, the next time you're craving Mexican cuisine with a creative flair, make sure to visit Taco Maria for an unforgettable dining experience.
Taco Maria Menu
Location
Address: 3313 Hyland Ave Ste C-21 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 538-8444
Business info
- Takes ReservationsYes
- Offers TakeoutYes
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Limited Vegetarian OptionsYes
- Wheelchair accessibleYes
- Accepts Credit CardsYes
- Accepts Apple PayYes
- Accepts Android PayNo
- Accepts CryptocurrencyNo
- Outdoor SeatingYes
- HipsterYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Good for GroupsYes
- Good for Lunch, DinnerYes
- Private Lot ParkingYes
- Waiter ServiceYes
- Beer & Wine OnlyYes
- Latinx-ownedYes
- Women-ownedYes
- Heated Outdoor SeatingYes
- Covered Outdoor SeatingYes
- Open to AllYes
- Offers CateringNo
- Not Good For KidsNo
- Wi-FiNo
- Happy HourNo
- Drive-ThruNo
- Dogs Not AllowedNo
- TVNo
- Private DiningNo
- Bike ParkingYes
Last Reviews
-
Author: Angela C.
Four of us went for the Prix Fixe dinner (no more a la carte options) and we loved it! The place is tiny and simple with a cute patio. Our reservation was late so we opted for indoors. Starter app was a chicken taco mole and I actually don't like mole but this was amazing, it was crunchy and chocolatey savory gooey at the same time. First Course I opted for the Pan de Maiz (blue cornbread) and I LOVED it. I will never have a regular cornbread ever again. The edges were crispy and the cornbread itself was firm but yet soft if that even makes any sense. It tasted like cornbread but waaaaay better and the butter that came with it is some sort of fungi (Huitlacoche butter) and it was the most delicious airy spread I've ever had. We all agreed we could just eat the butter alone! On the side, they brought each of us some pickled spiced veggies and it was really complementary to the soothing taste of the cornbread. Second Course I selected the Pescadilla, we were told to put the cucumbers and chili/peanut sauce in it and it was a very tasty taco. The only critic would be not to have whole peanuts, I would prefer crushed, just so it's easy to spread in the taco. We all loved it, it was a really great balance of flavors. Third Course I ordered the Rocote a la Parrilla (rock cod) and though I enjoyed it very very much, it was a tad bit salty in some bites. I love the crispy skin and soft meat. They also brought us blue corned tortillas with avocado and cilantro to share. The avocados were seasoned and in the most perfect firm but soft/spreadable condition. What surprised me the most was they brought the cilantro in a vase so you can pluck off what you wanted, it was beautiful and unique and at the same time very practical, never seen that before. For dessert, I chose the panna cotta and it was extremely delightful and airy, light and refreshing with bits of citrus varieties. Others chose the cheesecake and I actually don't like cheesecake at all but when I tried a bite, I really regretted not getting it! It wasn't the rich, heavy, sweet style I'm used to and dislike, it was quite light and had a unique savory hint of something that we couldn't figure out. Then, when you had a bite with the guava sauce, it was heavenly! Hands down the best cheesecake I've ever had in my life! To wrap things up, they brought us some gummy sweets, I think it was tamarind pineapple and unfortunately I made the mistake and popping the whole thing in my mouth and should have nibbled off of it like my friends did. Eating the whole thing, it was way to sweet and sour, it was too much lol. Others ordered the Sope de Habas and Carne Asada and said it was delicious but I didn't try it. Presentation is amazing for all dishes. Others ordered the margarita, wine pairing, and apple cider and said the drinks were outstanding. We even inquired about the specific apples used because it was not apple juice sugary sweet and just tasted amazing. Most definitely, this place is deserving of the Michelin star! Oh, forgot to mention service was great too! Would definitely without a doubt return for the next season's menu.
-
Author: Susan L.
What a delicious birthday dinner What I ate: - Set 4 course menu which was priced at $100, wine pairing and extra $55. Since I went with a friend, we just ordered everything offered and shared so we could taste everything. For me the standout dishes were actually the first two - the pan de maiz and the tlayuda. While the tocina was good, I dont think it was perfect. The desserts were also outstanding, my favorite being the cremoso de citricos Pros: - The food was really amazing, both artfully plated and delicious to eat - The wine pairings were also well done, a nice mix of wines to complement the courses - Staff were all very professional and polite - Bar seating where you can watch them cook and plate was fun - Patio seating also seemed really cute, especially when the weather is nice. - Price was right, for the amount of food we got, and the quality, I thought the $100 price was perfect - Plenty of parking as it's part the OC mix. Restaurant was easy to find looking at the signs Cons: - Honestly, I can't think of a reason why not to come back. I may start to come here every season to enjoy the food with a friend Would I come again? Yes
-
Author: Alex N.
Great place for a quality course meal while also not being as expensive as you would expect. We booked a table on the patio, which had a nice and calm ambiance in the courtyard. The dining room looked pretty cozy too though. For the food, it was essentially a four course meal with 2 options for each course. We decided to get one of everything to try it out. Each dish was unique and we were satisfied with each, with my favorite being the Tocino which is a juicy and tender serving of pork belly. My only complaint about the meal was that the salt on most of the dishes were a bit overpowering. I didn't expect the cocktails, the cheesecake, or even the salad to be as salty as they were. But other than that, the meal was great and is certainly worth a try.
-
Author: Steffan C.
Taco Maria is one of the best restaurants in OC and absolutely deserves its Michelin Star. Interior/Decor - Very modern and sleek design with an outdoor area that is just perfect in a cool OC night. Price: I felt the price sitting at about $100 per person was perfect for what we received. Drinks: Some very good cocktails but nothing that stood out for me. I think this is an area where there could be room for improvement and creativity. Food: First I have to say that the plating was masterfully done and did much to enhance the experience. The scallop dish was out of this world and blew me away, along with the blue corn tortillas and pork belly. The deserts also hit hard with the cheese cake and citrus panna cotta, both delicious, wish I could have had seconds! SoCal has a lot of Mexican restaurants ranging from low cost to more expensive but where this restaurant shines is not just in providing high quality versions of dishes we all know but in using those dishes as inspiration for new and unique creations. Quick Tip: Go with a partner so you can order BOTH options on the menu and try everything.