LS
Louise Sattler
2 days ago
This is a lovely (and popular) fusion Mexican restaurant on Balboa Island. The chef is known to insert his Perusvian influence and that made the dishes even more flavorful! I really appreciated the care the server took to respect our allergies. Delicious fish dishes.
CG
Clayton Gardner
Aug 13, 2026
We had enchiladas and tacos. Yumm.. The chips are excellent. Our server was helpful and patient, and pleasant!
Our table was near the sidewalk, which allowed us to chat with the passersby. It’s a very friendly “Island”.
Small but mighty! Mercado is small with a sprinkling of patio tables that offer a pleasant breeze and people watching. But the real show is on your table with excellent, delicious, wonderfully executed Mexican food with many creative, innovative twists. We had the guacamole, freshly made and perfectly balanced with crispy housemade chips - so good. I got the carnitas, which I think were the best version I have ever had - crisp outside, tender and succulent inside served in a bowl of broth that was fully legit amazing. If you don't finish it, you can bring it home and have it the next day over anything, rice, potatoes, and be supremely happy again. My husband got the grilled Caesar, again the best version of it we've ever had. Surprise addition of red cabbage in the dressing next to the expertly grilled romaine was irresistible. We may have fought over the last few shreds... All of the food was fresh, rich tasting and yet somehow light. When we left we were full, but comfortably so with delicious flavors lingering in our mouths and memories. Service is so nice - personable, friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable. Don't miss this hidden gem! We can't wait to return and try more of this talented chef's offerings.
Highlights: Cauliflower taco, michelada, carrot cake and hospitality. It’s a cozy place for a date night.
We started with a passionfruit mocktail and a michelada, which was delicious.
For starters we got the ceviche, ‘aguachile’ style, the shrimp was very tender but overall, it didn’t have enough flavor to be aguachile, but that’s expected because it’s Balboa island hahaha. Beautiful presentation though, my eyes ate good.
3 kinds of tacos for the main, which were overall filling and tasty. We tried a chicken, carnitas, asada and cauliflower. The meats were very tender, but again, sort of bland.
The cauliflower taco though, that was bursting with flavor. Would order again.
Finally, the carrot cake that included lots of pineapple, served warm. Perfect way to end the meal.
Our server Banessa went above and beyond not only serving our table, but everyone else with care. Attentive and fast.
I have never left a bad review. I’m only writing this because for the prices, I’ve never had more bland food. The guac, salsa, and ceviche all lacked even the basic fresh ingredient flavors. The carnitas meat was tasty which helped and the freshly made corn tortillas. Overall, little spice and zest, will not come back.