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Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro, San Diego, CA

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

4.5
4.5
908 reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Ortega’s Mexican Bistro features the authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Experience Baja style lobster and table side guacamole while sipping one of our classic fresh squeezed margaritas. Enjoy dining in our restaurant or for a more energized evening, dine in our bar - La Cantina. Additional flavors include Banana Crusted Huachinango, Flat Iron Steak Burrito, Chicken Mole. The design captures the festive traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 10 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 692-4200

  • Payment Options

    Contactless Payment

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+

  • Private party facilities

    Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com

Popular dishes

What 908 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. Rick

    San Diego

    106 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    106 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been eating here since 2009. Superior Mexican cuisine that outshines ALL other Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Puerto Nuevo Lobster is their signature dish.Try it with a steak or a skewer of shrimp - Muy Bueno!!!
  2. Thom

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 21 May 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great place for date night! We look forward to coming back!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice birthday dinner! Loved the margaritas and guacamole!
  4. GregM

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 21 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time to this lovely little bistro. Food was fantastic! Waiter we had was exceptional. We had the shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, lovely salad with a grilled tomatoe and lots of avocado in a nice balsamic dressing. For desert we tried the buenuelos with fresh strawberries and cream. It Was delicous. Definitely plan to return soon. Thank you Greg & De De
  5. teresaw

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 14 May 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Granted it was Mother’s Day but it took forever to get our drinks, the waitress forgot to bring us our daughter’s quesadilla, and our shrimp order. The lobster was delicious but it was brought without the tortillas and side order of shrimp.
  6. DRMA

    New England

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 14 May 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Our server was not friendly. Meet was not cooked as we asked
  7. Daniel

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 14 May 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food in a very memorable restaurant. A great variety of tasty drinks. The food portions are just right to fill you up but not excessive. Great service overall.
  8. MikeS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 12 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waiter helped us navigate the menu and made excellent suggestions. The food was great and so was the service. I would gladly repeat our experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.
  9. Aj85

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 8 May 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    We love this place, but the fish veracruz last night only had 4-5 ounces of fish. We went home hungry. This is super disappointing because we come here often and, for the price, what we got last night wasn’t near worth it.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We were lucky enough to get some reservation in on Cinco De Mayo. The food and drinks were incredible but the service was understandably delayed with the packed house. Nothing really bad, just a really full restaurant. 12 out of 10 will be back again.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 6 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Date night on cinco de mayo. Good food and ambiance!
  12. EdwardG

    San Diego

    35 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on 6 May 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    The queso fundido is really yummy! The restaurant is lively and the food is pretty good.
  13. MikeH

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has been many years since I’ve been to Ortega’s. My friends that joined us for dinner, go quite often. The host was very accommodating and offered us several table options. Our main waiter, Marty, was excellent. He was always available, but never intrusive. We never felt rushed although the restaurant was very busy for Cinco de Mayo. All six of us enjoyed our drinks and food and no one made any complaint about anything. It’s a gem in Hillcrest.
  14. Ellen

    San Diego

    134 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    134 reviews

    Dined on 1 May 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Tony the server was excellent. Would go for happy hour some day.
  15. Rick

    San Diego

    106 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    106 reviews

    Dined on 29 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Have been dining here more than 10 years. In that time, my wife and I have never been served a bad meal. Definitely worth the experience for new dinners but don't expect the normal taco shop food. Menu is much.more refined!!!
  16. BenP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 April 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Lovely food. The portion sizes have gone down of late, but I suppose that is good for the waistline. Fantastic drinks too. Recommend the Presidio Margarita.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 27 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time visiting while on vacation to San Diego and we had an amazing experience. Food and drinks were great and the service on point ! Next time we come we will definitely be back!! Thanks for the wonderful memories!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 April 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience4
    Javier our server was not attentive, drinks took a while to come out. Started with the queso fundido which was very delicious. Had the crab enchiladas those were great, loved the sauce. Drinks were yummy once got them. My cousin had the fish tacos and he was very happy with them. Javier brought the check before offering any desserts, which I wanted to try but felt rushed out of the place.
  19. Dave

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is just phenomenal. I have been coming here for 15 years and it hasn’t changed much but that’s ok because it never disappoints! The staff is so friendly!
  20. GeorgeR

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 9 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding, service was beyond outstanding from the moment we walked in the door to the moment we left.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on 2 April 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server, Javier, was exceptional with taking care of us. He was prompted, stayed up on our drinks, and always around to ensure we were good. Thank you boss!! Food was outstanding! The lobster and shrimp dinner were cooked to perfection! Walked saying the food was the best we've had! We will be back soon!
  22. LisaG

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 25 March 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious . Service was great and the place has a cool, festive vibe. The side dishes could have been hotter.. other than that.. highly recommend!
  23. RandallJ

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 24 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is amazing! Service is stellar and it is a "must see" place.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 March 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Place was almost empty but it was a Monday after happy hour. Great food would recommend the mole and queso fundido. The drinks are very tasty.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 13 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were running late and our reservation was close to closing time. We called to let them know, and knew what we wanted, so placed an order in advance. When we got there, we were seated promptly and the table side guacamole was already on the table! Amazing service! 👍
  26. tabinsd

    San Diego

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on 12 March 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Shrimp Omelette was superb. Flavorful.Mexican Hot Chocolate was a treat. Will return.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Mexican place. Went for Brunch and the food was so filling and tasty.
  28. AlexisG

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 March 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    The food was very cheap tasting. No real flavor with little substance. Tasted more like Tex max than Mexican. Would not recommend.
  29. Rick

    San Diego

    106 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    106 reviews

    Dined on 11 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our go to place. We have been dining here for 13 years. Never ever have we been disappointed.
  30. Karin

    Raleigh

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 10 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I loved every aspect of our meals. I had the snapper which was so flavorful with many textures and spices. My husband like the steak tacos too. The chips and salsa great and the margarita was to die far. Our wait person was great and atmosphere warm and relaxing.
  31. GaryH

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 1 March 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I flew into San Diego and took my 2 sons and their friends from collage here. We enjoyed it very much. All the dishes we ordered were fantastic. The staff and service was very good as well. We will definitely be back.
  32. JimD

    Central Coast

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on 27 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyable food with good pleasant service Will be back!
  33. melissa0712

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience at Ortegas. It's has a cozy vibe, good service and great food! We will definitely be back.
  34. CarolynH

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 20 February 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service, we go there several times a month
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great vibe, food and drinks.. definitely returning.
  36. Luvitaliano

    San Diego

    96 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on 29 January 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food with good sized portions and great service. Their guacamole is not to be missed!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 January 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Order the lobster plate. Waiter recommended “we are known for the lobster”! Once we got the plate the smell was pretty bad. It was rancid! Tasted and smell bad! We returned the plates (my husband and I ordered Ed the same plate. Waiter offered something else. Order steak (flank steak rancheiro style) and it was just ok. We didn’t get charge for the lobster (of course) but We couldn’t even eat. No further compensation or apologies. We will never go back there.
  38. BrillC27

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 20 January 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great margarita! Carnitas guacamole were just fine. Homemade tortillas—excellent!
  39. Rick

    San Diego

    106 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    106 reviews

    Dined on 14 January 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our "Go To" place in San Diego. Outstanding food, Good drinks and impeccable service.
  40. ShawnR

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    While the food was quite good and initially when we were seating things went well it was after the chips/salsa and orders taken that things went south with service. We were sitting finished for no less than 20 minutes before the waiter finally arrived back at our table to see if we wanted desert, any other drinks or our check. The server was absent for some time once we received our entree’s (assume maybe a break) but once back proceeded to help all other tables (total of 3 as it wasn’t busy) and basically ignore ours. Probably won’t be back based off that alone which is a shame because the food was great!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 692-4200.

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 908 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 10 times today
Google Map for Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro

141 University Ave #4, San Diego, CA 92103

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    3rd Avenue

  • Area

    Hillcrest

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:30 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Private Lot

  • Payment Options

    Contactless Payment

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+

  • Additional

    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

  • Phone number

    (619) 692-4200

  • Private party facilities

    Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com

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