Avila's El Ranchito - Costa Mesa

4.6
2107 reviews

About

Mexican RestaurantRestaurant
Established in 1977 – Avila's El Ranchito is a Mexican Restaurant with authentic ingredients prepared in a fresh new way. "Botana Carnitas" and "Pepe's Special" are some of our original creations. Visit us today!

Location

Avila's El Ranchito - Costa Mesa
2101 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
92627, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.6
2,107 reviews
5 stars
1,583
4 stars
350
3 stars
92
2 stars
39
1 star
43

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Customers consistently praised the food as delicious, authentic, and well-prepared, with particular highlights on the fajitas, handmade tortillas, and various traditional dishes.

Service

The service received high marks for being attentive, friendly, and efficient, with specific mentions of staff members like Rocky and Salvador who enhanced the dining experience.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's ambiance was noted as welcoming and cozy, making it a pleasant place for gatherings and celebrations.

Value

While many found the food to be worth the price, some customers felt that it was on the expensive side for what was offered.

Consistency

Frequent visitors noted that the quality of food and service remained consistently high over multiple visits.
  • LM
    Liz MRodgz
    1 day ago
    5.0
    From the moment we walked in, everything screamed México Bonito, and we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly staff who made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was perfect and the decor is simple yet vibrant, creating the perfect backdrop for any meal. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of food and service, definitely worth every penny. Our server Yolanda was attentive without being intrusive and made excellent recommendations. The staff went above and beyond to make our dining experience memorable. The beef fajitas were cooked to perfection, we also got the red pozole that it’s only served on weekends, and the chile relleno. The flavors in each dish were perfectly balanced. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and the presentation was phenomenal. They also have a spacious parking lot with a back entrance to the restaurant. Really 100% recommended. Enjoy you meal guys, same way we did!! :)
  • JC
    J Cesar
    Nov 17, 2025
    5.0
    Its pretty good food, simple and authentic just the way is supposed to be, they make their own flour tortillas, there's literally a lady makin them fresh, the orchata is very unique and not overly sweet like other places so thats good, salsa is perfect for the area but if you ask for them to make it a little more spicy they will fix it for you, i just didnt like that they didn't have Menudo, that kinda upset me but Rocky our server turned it around for us, he gave us top quality service, very professional and his recommendations were on point, also the fried icecream was delicious.. so will definitely come back. Before i forget, this was sunday it was very busy and we got sat right away and the food came out quick. Thats a big plus for us. 🙌🙏🏻
  • MF
    Moe Farshchi
    Nov 15, 2025
    5.0
    Avila’s El Ranchito is one of those rare family-owned Mexican restaurants that immediately makes you feel at home the moment you walk through the door. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and filled with the kind of authentic charm that only decades of true family tradition can create. The décor, the music, and the inviting smell of fresh tortillas all work together to create an unforgettable dining experience. What truly sets this restaurant apart is its rich history. The Avila family has been serving their homemade recipes since the 1960s, and you can taste that heritage in every dish. This is not generic or commercial Mexican food — this is real, home-style cooking passed down through generations. From their handmade tortillas to the famous Avila Soup, everything tastes fresh, authentic, and prepared with care. The food quality is consistently outstanding. Their enchiladas with the red sauce are packed with flavor, the carne asada is tender and perfectly seasoned, and even the chips and salsa — served the second you sit down — show the attention to detail that defines the entire menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, seafood, breakfast plates, or classic Mexican entrées, every item tastes like it was made in a family kitchen. Another highlight of Avila’s El Ranchito is the service. The owner and all the staff treat you like family. They are incredibly kind, attentive, and genuinely care about giving every guest a great experience. You can always feel the positive energy — from the warm greetings to the quick, friendly service. It’s the kind of hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year. Overall, Avila’s El Ranchito is more than just a restaurant — it’s a piece of local history and a true Southern California favorite. If you want high-quality, authentic Mexican food served with heart and tradition, this is the place to go. Highly recommended.
  • ES
    Elham Sohaie
    Nov 15, 2025
    5.0
    Avila’s El Ranchito in Costa Mesa offers consistently high-quality, authentic Mexican food with excellent service. The dishes are flavorful, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is professional and attentive. A reliable choice for a well-prepared, enjoyable meal.
  • KM
    Kris Mockevicius
    Nov 9, 2025
    5.0
    Beautiful place to get dinner. Walked in and were kindly greeted and sat right away. Dodgers game was on and they won! Blood orange margarita was awesome! My quesadilla was delicious and the rice was amazing. Can't wait to come back and try more. I highly recommend it, great place for friends and families!

Frequently Asked Questions About Avila's El Ranchito - Costa Mesa

Where is Avila's El Ranchito located in Costa Mesa?

Avila's El Ranchito is located at 2101 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, US.

What type of cuisine does Avila's El Ranchito serve?

Avila's El Ranchito serves authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique original dishes such as 'Botana Carnitas' and 'Pepe's Special'.