Definitely my new spot for Mexican on the balboa peninsula. Eddie and Wendy were very welcoming and added some much needed help on my first visit. I ended up splurging and getting a steak fajita plate (only 12$ on Tuesdays), 2 ranchero tacos (carnitas and adobada), a chile verde taco, and a chile relleno. My hopes were to try as much as possible so I can have a go-to order, and in that sense I failed. I could easily order all of these again and already have a few things I want to try next. Overall an amazing, authentic experience read more

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Best kept secret in Newport for quality Mexican food! But why is it a secret?! This place should have a line around the door! My favorite here is the Pork Verde! Delicious! However, I love the enchiladas and wet burritos too. For authentic Mexican Food this is the place to be. read more

This was just my personal experience, but I left a bit disappointed. The food didn't taste like the style of Mexican food I'm used to. My girlfriend, who's Mexican, also felt it leaned more toward fast food than the authentic Mexican food she grew up with. I ordered the carne asada burrito and was surprised that it only came with carne asada and beans--there wasn't any rice, which made it feel a little lacking. The guacamole also tasted like plain blended avocado without much seasoning or flavor. The service was good. They were very courteous. The food came out fast. The bathroom was clean. But unfortunately the food just wasn't for me. I know everyone has different tastes, so this may be a place others enjoy, but I don't think I'd come back. read more

We've only done takeout here and it's been consistently delicious and very quick service. We came across this restaurant after a friend introduced us to their neighborhood go-to spot. They have our favorite red sauce we've come across for enchiladas or wet burritos. It reminds me of how much I enjoyed the red sauce at restaurants like Acapulco in Pasadena. The only restaurant I'll order cheese enchiladas from now on. I hope we can dine-in one of these times. Next time we are in the area with more time, we will have to experience dining inside the restaurant. I'm sure their entrees would only taste even better served fresh from their kitchen. I always appreciate a neighborhood venue that the locals support. It's so redundant but we love when we can find places the locals recommend. read more

I had a great breakfast burrito add the beans in it! Just like the old days when I would drive to the cost and find I little mom and pop after driving all night, man that first breakfast burrito would taste so good! Just when you think those days are long gone and exterminated by chain restaurants and crazy rent for small businesses drowning in unrelenting taxes! Then you run into a gem like this and I had to go in and try it. First off the salsa they served with the toasted corn tortillas just hit! It was delicious. Then they didn't give me no crap about adding some beans to the inside of my breakfast burrito and if you're Mexican like me, sometimes you just crave that and this place it the spot for me. No gimicky name no outrageous prices just a decent burritoservice was polite and the restaurant was small inside but they had clean tables. read more

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Had a Chile Verde Burrito. It was one of the best I've had in a long time. Service was quick, friendly and attentive. The place itself is bright, clean with plenty of seating. I highly recommend! read more

Caritas tacos and carnitas burrito were very tasty and had lots of meat! Great food at very reasonable prices. Complimentary chips were fresh and crispy. read more

Great experience...I got the super deluxe burrito with carnitas and it was 10/10. If I am ever back, I'm going here again for my first dinner. edit: I went back again 2 days later with my co-workers and we all loved it. read more

Carnitas La Villa - I ordered chips and this was about 20% of what they gave me and I think they were like $1.50, just sayin. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Love this place! One of the most unassuming places on the peninsula, but a hidden gem! I've done carry out here and dine in. The staff was so sweet both times! And the food is no joke, if you want some good, non-greasy comfort Mexican food, this is your place! I like the vibe inside too. It's cozy and joyful at the same time. Can't wait to go back - so far their burritos and enchiladas have been great! read more

The best Mexican food on the peninsula! I can't recommend Carnitas La Villa enough! The food is amazing and reasonable priced! Great service and super friendly staff. I love coming here for lunch and dinner. I definitely recommend their shrimp ceviche! read more

Carnitas La Villa - Shrimp Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I eat here a lot as it's in my neighborhood. The food is very good, reasonably priced, counter-ordering and the employees are very nice. Favorites are chile relleno, carnitas, tamales and fajitas. Beans and rice are good! I always get extra cilantro and green salsa. No charge. They make great chips and salsas too. There are weekday specials and fast take out service. It's a go-to go my friends. read more

The food was excellent well beyond my expedition would 100% recommend. I will be back to eat there again. read more

Carnitas La Villa - 18. Chicken Fajitas Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I hadn't been here in many years because I don't live nearby anymore. The carnitas burrito was decent and good size. I saw a sign below the menu board saying they're charging an extra dollar because of rising meat prices. That's fine. What I didn't like was the small cup of salsa that is nowhere near enough for the chips (3 large round ones) or even enough for just the burrito. and a sign that said there was a charge for more. In addition, a sign saying no refills on drinks. This is the first place I've EVER been in that has no refills. Profit on fountain drinks is huge! They can refill it. I don't like being nickel and dimed for these things that every other place provides. If you can't afford to provide enough salsa or soft drinks, raise your prices. read more

My wife and I were staying across the street and spotted this little restaurant and gave it a try. So glad we did! Food was terrific and people were super friendly! We had the machaca burrito, a beef enchilada, soft chili relleno and pork green chili. All were excellent! We were there on a Saturday and we watched several bowls of menudo pass by to neighboring tables and it looked insane. Next time I'll be trying that for sure. If you're looking for authentic flavors and no frills, run to this place. You won't be disappointed! read more

I've been coming for my lunch and they don't disappoint!! Delicious food and the service is great, definitely a place to try if you haven't already! read more

Best Mexican Food in the peninsula! This place rocks quick service it doesn't disappoint

Good menudo Staffs are friendly and communicate well w customers. I think the speed of service is pretty good too. Parking is the only issue but I usually order to go from here. read more

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I come here often for their carnitas burrito which tastes fresh and contains guacamole .The asada burrito was disappointing, so I will stick with the carnitas from now on. read more

I give this place 3 stars for a few reasons. As far as the service goes it was eh, just okay. Nothing about the front lady's attitude stuck out and to be honest it felt kind of rushed. My family paid 13$ for a burrito with no sides and one of them came bigger than the other. They ordered streak and frankly it just tasted and looked like ground beef to me. They told me it was for sure steak but there's no way. My cousins burrito came undone and he hadn't even taken a bite yet. That's ridiculous. I got a chile Riano and an enchilada, the chile was actually pretty good but the enchilada was not. Cheap tortilla and barely any cheese inside. But wouldn't be disclosed to trying something else in the future. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Wandered in randomly because I love small authentic Mexican restaurants. Tried the super deluxe burrito and it was fantastic. Makes me want to come back to try more of the menu. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Super Deluxe Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My husband and I come to this families restaurant every weekend we can. Usually in the morning or afternoon and have had very friendly conversations with some of the family members. I love supporting them! Their food is amazing! You cant find good Mexican food like that in Orange County. But for the first time I came in the evening, I ordered my usual and it came in record time. But I think we were kind of being rushed out. The food wasn't to the standards I get when I come early. Don't come before they close, you won't get the quality you would get during the day. I showed up an 1 1/2 before they closed and the quality wasn't there. read more

The beans and burrito was pretty good but the beef taste like it was spaghetti sauce with beef. Kind of a weird combo and not what I was expecting but not horrible. Just not the beef and beans burrito I was expecting. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Beef and beans burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We came in with a group of 6. Their card machine did not work to begin with and we paid with cash. Our order was 66 total. They gave us 5 salsa packets for 8 entrees. We asked for some more and the front counter said "50 cents per salsa". We had our little sister with us and she was asking some questions and it seemed like the server was completely out of it. They close at 10. They stared at us to leave. It was 10:03 then he said "ok guys thanks" and opened the door for us to leave. We were not finished eating. read more

This is the closest if not only REAL Mexican food in the peninsula. Super good. Not fancy just flavorful and to the point. The breakfast burritos are my favorite. read more

Tried this place today for lunch and was not impressed. The tacos were super greasy and not particularly good. The enchiladas seemed like they needed to be baked longer and the sauce was watery and didn't have much flavor. The beans were super thin and bland. Not a place that I will visit again. read more

FANTASTIC! I went pretty consistently in hs and recently started coming again! Food is always amazing. Highly recommend the super delux burrito! Service is also great! Family owned and operated and very happy to support a local business! 10/10 read more

I usually park across the street and my usual are the red enchiladas. The red sauce is really the closest to my mothers. It is almost a mole red sauce. It maybe consider by some critics a mole poblano but on the wet red burrito is really out of this world. My girlfriend from the UK really enjoyed it as I wished to give her the real yummo mexican food experience. One of my other favorites, especially on a hot summer, day is the tostada mixta. It is a massive serving garnished with fresh pico de gallo, fresh slices of cucumber and earth butter AKA avocado. I am super picky with my spanish rice and they do make it fresh and that I find enjoyable. They do offer a mini salsa bar with no extra charge. Upon arrival you will be handed a basket of homemade tostadas rather then chips. I find that do be nifty especially if you love to have more control over your chip size. (for no double dipping on the salsa) Salsa Bar fun facts~ I can handle bloody hot salsa or chile or home-made picante. that being said, I can assure you, the salsa's at the salsa bar, are low moderate spicy. How ever if you think a bell pepper is spicy then this is "not" for you. The refried beans are not drowning in pig lard and to be frank they do not taste like they are refried in pig lard. It is a mom and pop operation so it is a really relaxed atmosphere. credit cards accepted. Only draw back~ they do not offer oysters(such a shame) with the "coctel de mariscos" otherwise it is a generous serving of everything else. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Carne asada wet burrito is the size of my torso. - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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My favorite place to eat. I really love the food and service and have been a customer since the 90's. Always laughter and good times from the staff and 'Carnitas hungry' customers(which I am). The bean and rice are like Mom'a and they have 'HECHO EN MEXICO' Cokes here read more

Ordered menudo to go for Christmas morning. It was just broth and tripe.... No hominy. Not sure if this is how they make it, or if they just forgot to reach down into the pot to grab it at the bottom of the pot. Very disappointing. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Menudo (no hominy)??? - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great value and very good food. We really like the Ceviche and the service is great. Highly recommend if you're looking to pick up an authentic Mexican meal. read more

Best authentic Mexican food in the Newport Beach area. It's a little hole in the wall in Balboa. No frills but has great food.

I always try to be as honest as possible better said I always I am always honest this is one of my first times that I've tried a food that is Mexican and it is such a disappointment in everything except for the chips and salsa, we tried the garlic shrimp and fajitas neither one or the other was good shrimp made with garlic powder how hard is to chopped garlic, I'm sorry but I don't recommend this place at all sadly read more

Carnitas La Villa - Let's try them!!! - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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They have THEEE BEST bean & cheese burritos!!! I love ordering ahead to save time! The staff is super friendly and welcoming! I love that the service is consistent whether it is the lovely lady at the front, the older or younger gentleman. The toasted tortillas they include are delicious! It adds a special touch since many places do not do that! If you can master the basics then you know they're doing it right! read more

Carnitas La Villa - Toasted tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Wow! My dad and I started coming here to this "hole-in-the-wall" Mexican place when mom was in the hospital at Hoag, wanting some fresh air. We were glad to find convenient parking behind the restaurant. Customers are local people--hard hats, painters, neighbors. This is not a touristy place. Their food is amazing. Every dish we ate was such a joy and comfort to us in a difficult time. Wonderful flavors. First visit: I had a taco salad and dad had fajitas. Second visit: I had a tamale and a chile rellano, and dad had a smothered burrito. All four meals were wonderful--fresh and flavorful. I loved the tamale so much that I bought one to go to take home. The service was terrific also--order at the counter, and they bring it to your table. This is very much a family-run place, very caring. And, the rest is history--we keep going back. Thank you, Carnitas La Villa, for your beautiful and healing food. read more

Great food, nice service, great price- free parking behind, clean. Family owned. I love their tamales and carnitas

Came across this place as it's right next to a tattoo artist that I go to. Its a hole in the wall facing the streets and the parking is a bit tricky, with it being a residential neighborhood. Parking is in the rear, behind the business, literally in a residential area. Ordered a chorizo potato burrito and the bonus is if you check in on yelp, a free chips and salsa was provided which was a bonus. The chips were actually whole tortillas and not pieces so that made it interesting to eat. The burrito was good in size and tasty. The salsa was self served. There were two options to choose from which was mild green or spicy red. The cashier was super friendly. Overall, there are other food options on the menu that I would like to try. I would definitely go again next time I come to shade in my tattoo or when I'm in the area. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Wall menu - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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We were hungry so we found this place nearby and despite it being hotter inside than it was outside lol the burrito we ate was sooo good and the horchata hit the spot too. The chips and salsa were also good. I would def go back for that burrito lol read more

Carnitas La Villa - Their chorizo burrito - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Let's see what all the hype is about. Trying holler relleno. Legngias taco chicken taco and a steak burrito... Let's live a little. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Can't wait for tacos - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California

In Newport things can be expensive and underdeliver -- but this place is not one of them! Affordable prices. Two of us ate well and left full with chips and salsa, a burrito, and a dinner plate for less than $25. Awesome authentic Mexican atmosphere, and really friendly staff! read more

I keep coming here, it's convenient. And I keep thinking I get them on a bad day but today confirmed they just don't care. These are supposed to rolled taquitos. They are barely folded, is it a taco? I should just drive to Taco Bravo, Taco Rosa or Miguel's. And they're not very nice either. read more

Carnitas La Villa - Twisted mess - Mexican Near Me - Newport Beach, California