Home

Download

Benefits

Costa Mesa

North America

United States

Taco María, located at 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA, is a celebrated restaurant that beautifully blends Californian and Mexican cuisine. This Michelin-starred establishment is renowned for its inventive dishes that showcase locally sourced ingredients, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. With a cozy atmosphere and an open kitchen design, Taco María offers an intimate dining experience where guests can savor exquisite flavors while watching the culinary magic unfold.

At Taco María, guests can indulge in a prix fixe menu that features a variety of thoughtfully crafted dishes. Signature offerings include: 

Pork belly tacos, a fan favorite praised for their rich flavors.

Delicious cornbread that complements the meal perfectly.

A unique take on traditional desserts, like the arroz con leche and pastel de requeson.

Taco María is conveniently situated in Costa Mesa, a vibrant city in Orange County, California. This location is not only known for its culinary scene but also for its proximity to several attractions, including: 

The South Coast Plaza, a premier shopping destination.

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, offering a variety of performances.

The beautiful beaches of Newport and Huntington, perfect for a post-meal stroll.

Taco María is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with a Californian twist. With its Michelin star and rave reviews, it’s a culinary gem that promises to leave diners satisfied and eager to return.

Locally sourced Californian-Mexican fare in casual, open-kitchen quarters with a patio.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKakx2ZWVnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHVlWmqog3YARKCpLPDaQZX4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKakx2ZWVnEAE

Been here a few times and always have left impressed! Reservations are definitely needed, it’s a very popular and in demand place. Also come very hungry, the courses don’t skimp - which is a good thing, just left stuffed! Flavors on all dishes were excellent, some complex, and some just down right comforting. Service and dining experience was also really good!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4c05TSktBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHVlWmqog3YARKCpLPDaQZX4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4c05TSktBEAE

I really enjoyed everything. I’ve been to many restaurants in Mexico. The food is very authentic with a Michelin star quality twist. The pork belly and fish tacos I recommend. The cornbread is also good. I have been to a few Michelin star restaurants in the area. This beat out a few other Michelin star restaurants. The service was also very good. Everyone was very attentive. The chef came out and greeted a customer too. I would recommend coming here for a unique experience.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCcXZYTGZREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHVlWmqog3YARKCpLPDaQZX4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCcXZYTGZREAE

This was my first experience at a Michelin restaurant and it was absolutely wonderful! It is a small and lovely restaurant in the heart of Costa Mesa. The restaurant staff is very helpful, attentive, and friendly. You can tell that they use ingredients that are the best of the best. Their menu has two choices for each course. Let them know if you have dietary restrictions and they will accommodate (for example we don’t eat pork and they offerer a third pescatarian option as the entree). We were first served a small appetizer- It was a delicious leafy taquito with moilee and butternut squash but was delightful. The salad we enjoyed was the callo gratinado, some of the best scallops I’ve ever tasted. The tamal de pataca had an incredible cream sauce. The pescadilla taco was splendid. The gallina pintada was do juicy and tasty. During the entree portion we were served blue corn tortillas- and I miss those already! I also could’ve enjoyed dessert the entire meal. I’m not a fan of rice pudding but their arroz con leche was incredible. And their cheesecake, the pastel de requeson was some of the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. Holistically it was an incredible experience and is definitely worth visiting. My appreciation to the staff and chef at Taco Maria for making this a delightful experience!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyclpfM3BBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHVlWmqog3YARKCpLPDaQZX4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyclpfM3BBRRAB

Capturing the heart of Mexican cuisine with a very inventive and personal approach, it's easy to see why Taco Maria has earned a Michelin star and its many accolades.  Chef Salgado creates inspiring and exciting dishes, plated simply yet elegantly.  His staff is patient and knowledgeable, welcoming but not overbearing.  The restaurant is small, with most tables seated on the patio, and tables are somewhat close together.  If you're cold, the staff will offer you a cozy Mexican blanket to wrap around yourself while you dine.  If you're lucky enough to snag one of the tables inside, you are treated to an open kitchen where you can view where some of the magic happens.  But, the real treat is in the food itself.  Make sure to book early, as it's nearly impossible to get a table on short notice.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSazhtd3hBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHVlWmqog3YARKCpLPDaQZX4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSazhtd3hBRRAB

It's easy to understand why Chef Carlos Salgado has accumulated so many culinary accolades and why Taco Maria is Michelin rated. He does it right, blending, culture and taste with artistry.The food, the service and wine pairing for each course of the Prix Fixe was exceptional. Treat yourself to a dinner at Taco Maria and you'll thank yourself for the experience.

Taco María: Michelin-Star Mexican Cuisine in Costa Mesa

Outdoor Seating

Restroom

Good for Children

Taco María is a culinary gem in Costa Mesa, offering locally sourced Californian-Mexican fare in a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant features an open kitchen and a patio, creating a warm and inviting dining experience. Each dish is a blend of authentic recipes and innovative presentations, showcasing seasonal ingredients and a commitment to sustainability.

Taco María

Savor the vibrant flavors at Taco María in Costa Mesa, CA! Experience innovative Mexican cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Reserve your table today!

Taco María: Michelin-Star Mexican Cuisine in Costa Mesa

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions

Final Thoughts