El Mercado Modern Cuisine

What a night! This will be a long review…

I started questioning the restaurant driving up to it. Shady neighborhood, and I swear there was a guy trying to steal the tires from a parked car few blocks away. The restaurant itself was almost empty around 7pm on a Friday, while the Asian place right next to it was packed! I almost changed my mind to go there, glad I didn’t.

Here is the jump up after spending few hours inside:

-Very warm and cozy ambient, made me feel relaxed
-Live music on Friday nights. The performer (Paco) was an absolute talent, one of the best guitarists. It blended perfectly with the vibe
-Our server was so nice and attentive
-Food was just OK, but who cares. The whole experience was so nice that you could as well brought me Wendy’s
-The coconut ice cream, daaaaamn that was good. Whatever you do, make sure you order the ice cream
-I ended up staying there almost an our after food was over, just enjoying being there
-My tires were left un-stolen

I loved the drinks first, service and then the food! Cocktails were on point, very creative and delicious! Service was incredible and servers provided lots of great recommendations, like get the quesadilla with the Chicken! The HH shrimp and pork belly tacos were my least favorite. I will be telling everyone about the Brussel sprouts for days to come!

I was in the area for a work-related fun event and took a much-needed break here. The food was so delicious, I would make a special trip back. The owners are from Peru and the other owner is from Oaxaca. Together, I believe they create culinary bliss 😊

This place came highly recommended as a must try. I was very happy that ot did not disappoint. I was dying to try any huitlacoche dish they had, and they delivered on a vegan and delicious dish, very happy with it.i also have a sinful obsession with the perfect crispy rolled taco, and oh man did this dish hot the spot, hands down one of the top 2 in my experience, but #1 in how it was served, in a xoconostle salsa and chicken jus, had to save for last after tasting it. I know taquitos and rolled tacos seem simple and everyone has them, but they are usually terrible, dry, over cooked no filling or bad oil flavors, but this one delivers. The staff was super attentive and welcoming, went above and beyond to answer all my questions and explain their origins. Oh and the drink was very good as well.

We went with our neighbors for Happy Hour. We started with drinks: Sauvignon Blanc, Paloma, Old Fashioned and a Margarita. They were good enough to offer a second round. We started with chips and guacamole served with a side of crickets (grillos). Then we ordered carnitas, pork belly tacos, and a chicken quesadilla from the Happy Hour menu. We added aguachile and empanadas. Everything was very tasty, however the crickets are an acquired taste. We had to try desserts so I finished with coconut ice cream and the Oaxaca flourless chocolate cake served with ice cream. The coconut ice was light and refreshing. The flourless cake was rich and satisfying.

The service was attentive. There was a bit of a wait to get the Happy Hour food order. The music began while we were waiting. The musician was accomplished as a guitarist and as a singer and we enjoyed the selection of songs he sang.

We were there on a Tuesday night as a break from Disneyland. This place is the gem of Santa Anna we had the cauliflower and Brussel sprout appetizer. We then had the taco Tuesday tacos. We finished up with carrot cake.
I will be back here in a flash. Everything was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Not to be missed if you were visiting Disneyland, and want to break.

It was a lot of fun. I was there for salsa night. The band was very fun to dance to. I ordered the blue corn quesadilla with chicken. It was delicious. I had an Aye Madre cocktail. Those are dangerously delicious as well!

I am from Mexico City, born and raised. I've tried hundreds of restaurants, and I can tell you this is one of the most authentic and delicious places in OC.

Firstly, this is a HIGH-LEVEL cuisine restaurant. Please don’t compare it to Chipotle, Taco Bell, or even Anepalco, Descanso, etc. They are not the same. If you want humongous plates for a small amount of money, don’t go to this place. You’re getting quality over quantity (the Mexican way).

Reservations are required, so also consider that.

I've seen some American "food critics" reviews, and I can tell they don’t know a thing about real Mexican cuisine. Flavors are authentic and extremely close to Mexico. This place is unique.

Drinks are phenomenal too.

We are regulars there, and I’ve tried almost everything from the menu.

I must admit that parking is a little bit complicated on a Friday night.

We came here right after eloping at the courthouse! It was the perfect choice! The staff was super friendly and took the time to share with us about the restaurant and their approach to cuisine. She also made some great recommendations. The cocktails were expertly crafted, food was a delightful blend of flavors and the vibes were super welcoming.

Outstanding food and great service. The drinks were also top shelf. Highly recommend this spot for a memorable dining experience.

Highly recommended that you Experience an adventure in Mexican cuisine. I'm a big fan of good Mexican food. Here you get healthy dishes themed from different states of Mexico. Comfortable seating. Great music. Friendly staff. Fantastic dishes prepared with style. Quality over quantity. I visited on Sunday brunch. Not a buffet.

The food was good, and the ambiance was also very pleasing and relaxing. I love the music and the drinks are great . Would love to come back and try more of the menu and drinks hopefully soon.

We had a wonderful meal at El Mercado. From the excellent cocktails (spicy Negronis with Ancho Reyes) to the food, we loved it all. On a Friday night at 8 there was some live music. Lots of people celebrating life events, it was very joyous. Highly recommend it and we will be back!

wow, this place does have a really great tasting Tlayuda made with authentic Oaxaca cheese order it with steak, the tacos were also really tasty, they are shrimp, jamaica tinga, and carnitas. highly recommend.

Elevated modern Mexian cuisine that is light and refreshing. Staff are eager to tell you about sauces, syrups, and other homemade menu items. I had the following items that I highly recommend: Passionfruit mocktail, Aguachiles, empanadas, pork belly tacos, and their amazing chocolate dessert.

Went on a Saturday and there was plenty of seating. Very nice ambiance to the restaurant. The mezcal drink selection was amazing! Ordered the blue taco chicken enchiladas and cinnamon smoked octopus.

For the price, it was very well worth it. Food and drinks were a delightful surprise.

Love this place, very tasty food and great deals. The taco Tuesday house margaritas were a little lack luster, but everything else made up for it! Very nice staff and great ambiance.

From beginning to end, this place is amazing. Firstly, the ambiance is great. Secondly, the service is absolutely outstanding. And, lastly, the food is superb. They have rotating ice cream and the one we had was mango flavored. Truly outstanding! My entree was the grilled octopus which was delicious. If I lived in the area, I would be here often.

Really delicious Jimacia tacos, the taste was so different. I loved the Brussel sprouts as well. Funny thing it seems they have more booze than food selections lol! The service was attentive, but than again we went on a Sunday afternoon. The plates are on the small side, but I really can't knock them for that-- It's the trend, just don't come hungry or you'll spend some serious money.

We had a great meal here. The music was a little loud for this older crowd making communication a little difficult, but the food and atmosphere were good. There is construction right outside that has the west bound side of 3rd street closed, but don't let that stop you from giving this place a try. They have outdoor seating as well.