My family and I dined at this supposedly Michelin-recommended restaurant for my wife's 40th birthday, and it turned out to be a disastrous choice. After eating the Pez Del Dia dish, my wife fell severely ill, spending her milestone birthday night in the bathroom instead of enjoying the romantic evening I had planned and prepaid (non-refundable). Despite reaching out to the restaurant, our concerns were met with indifference and a lack of follow-up from the owner, Gabbi herself. In response to my email outlining the unfortunate incident, Gabbi offered a $25 gift card as compensation. My wife's dish alone was $25. This is after my wife experienced sweats, shivers, and an inability to keep the meal down, which clearly indicates a severe case of food poisoning. The $25 gift card is not only inadequate but also forces us to spend more money at a place that jeopardized our special occasion before earning our trust back. Like, why don't you just comp our next meal to show how seriously you take it when you ruin someone's special night out? Maybe after that we would be regular, paying customers. We're going to have to redo our failed celebration dinner, which we already paid for and didn't get to enjoy. I expressed my disappointment, explaining that we had chosen Gabbi's based on its Michelin recommendation and the significance of my wife's birthday. I requested either a full refund for the entire meal except gratuities (2 adult meals, 1 kids meals, no drinks-- nothing crazy) or a more substantial credit to cover a future visit under better circumstances. Guess what? Gabbi never bothered to respond after that. Not a word. This kind of unresponsiveness from the owner is unacceptable and speaks volumes about the level of customer service and accountability at Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen. I strongly caution anyone considering dining here. The supposed Michelin recommendation means nothing when the restaurant doesn't take responsibility for ruining a special occasion and putting a customer's health at risk. Save yourself the disappointment and find a restaurant that values its customers and takes their concerns seriously. Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen certainly doesn't fit that description. read more

I lived in Southern California for over 8 years. I absolutely adore Gabbi's, it is a classy establishment hidden in the Orange circle. I was in town visiting family and friends last night, when I decided to have dinner at Gabbi's. It was absolutely delicious. The service and meal was astounding. The manager walked over and asked how we were enjoying everything. It was just as gracious as I remember it being. Unfortunately, the crowd has changed somewhat since my last dining experience here. The poor staff. There was a group of young ladies being quite loud. I understand being happy and excited and carefree. When I get together with my group of girlfriends we are all talking at once and giggling constantly. Gabbi's is more of a quiet romantic vibe than other establishments in the area (O'Hara's...) These young ladies were celebrating a birthday and sang the delighted 'Happy Birthday' song at the top of their lungs, numerous times throughout their stay. A few guests around us had mentioned to their servers that the young ladies were ruining their experience. The manager must have received a few complaints because my friends and I saw him go over and kindly ask for them to keep their voices down. This really upset the young ladies and resulted in them acting out even more so. I must say, my heart went out to the manager and staff of Gabbi's last night. Although it was a very rare scene to experience, and quite comical, there are plenty of establishments in the Orange circle (it is the Chapman students social atmosphere, after all) that cater to the young outgoing energetic crowd. My meal was not ruined, nor my evening. Thank you Gabbi's for listening to the majority of your crowd and handling the situation with such class. You have proven to be a mature and dignified environment. P.S. GREAT Elote and Jicama Shrimp Taco's! Great beverages too read more

When my friend first told me about this place, I had the hardest time finding it. Note to self, if you are looking for Gabbi's sign, FAIL!! This place is virtually unmarked. The only reason you would find this place is through word of mouth. But MAN, do those MOUTHS speak TRUTHS! The menu is a little pricy for a mexican place but the quality of the food is definitely an A+. My friend got the Tacos de Raja which was $12 and I got the Enchiladas Suiza which was $15. Both dishes were amazing. Although I did like mine a little better. The SPECIAL sauce made the dish!!!! The sauce was avocado cream and had a semi-sweet savory kick. Definitely unexpected from a mexican restaurant. We were originally going to come with a bunch of our girl friends but after 2 weeks of trying to make reservations, we gave up. This restaurant is cray cray SMALL! Once, they have one big party a night, I guess they stop taking reservations for tables any larger than 3 people. My friend and I just decided to give up brining all of our friends and we ended up secretly going by ourselves one night as walk-ins. We went around 6:30 and it wasn't too crowded but by the time we left close to 8 it was CROWDDDDED!!!! The only reason I am giving Gabbi's four stars instead of 5 is that our server was RUDE RUDE RUDE! He was really sarcastic (and not sarcastic in a funny way, sarcastic in a mean way!) Also, he wouldn't let us order one platain on the side, i just wanted to try it =(. Also, to top it off, he gave my vegetarian friend a hard time when she was ordering. I mean I make fun of her all the time for not eating meat cause I am such a meat eater, but this guy GRILLED her, even I wanted to protect her and zinger him with a "she's saving the planet" comment. Overall, I would definitely come back for the quality of the food NOT the quality of the waiters read more

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this extraordinary restaurant, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I stepped in, the service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff creating a welcoming atmosphere. The Beef Quesadilla was a delightful start, a perfect blend of tender beef and melted cheese, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Accompanied by fresh Chips & Salsa, it set the tone for a memorable culinary journey. The Beef and Potato Taquitos were a unique and delicious twist, showcasing a creative combination of ingredients. Each taquito was a small treasure of savory goodness. The Steak Entree, Arrachera, took the spotlight, beautifully cooked to perfection. The quality of the meat and the seasoning made it a standout dish that left a lasting impression. To complement the meal, I opted for the Mocktail Mango Margarita, a refreshing and well-balanced drink that added a tropical flair to the experience. The mocktail's sweetness perfectly countered the savory notes of the dishes, creating a harmonious blend. For dessert, the Churros with Caramel and Chocolate Sauce were a sweet revelation. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and paired with luscious sauces, they provided a perfect conclusion to the feast. The overall restaurant experience was truly incredible. The ambiance was inviting, the food was a culinary masterpiece, and the attentive service enhanced the entire dining adventure. This establishment has undoubtedly earned a top spot on my list of favorite dining spots, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit. read more

I had a terrible experience with this restaurant this weekend. I called in on Friday to make sure I would be able to place a to-go order on Saturday for two orders of churros. This was for a birthday dinner for my mother and since they're her favorite, I wanted to make sure I could order them over the phone. Their hostess told be that they normally don't do to-go orders over the weekend, but since it was a very small order and since I agreed to place the order before 5pm she said the restaurant would fulfil the order, because according to her "it wouldn't back-up the kitchen and it's before our dinner rush". Cut to the next day, when I called the restaurant to place my order and a different, very rude hostess immediately says "we don't do that, sorry no". I explained the situation to her and told her that we didn't buy a birthday cake because the hostess from the previous day said the restaurant would accommodate us. She said she would speak to a manager and would get back to me. After several minutes on hold, she returned and too happily said, "yeah, we can't do that." I suggest that this restaurant better train their hostesses to provide accurate information their customers and not be rude to customers when we convey said information back to them. I won't be returning to this restaurant anytime soon. I refuse to give my money to any business with such terrible customer service. The food here is ridiculously overpriced anyways. Save your money and go to a real authentic Mexican restaurant. read more

This so-called "fantastic" establishment is RACIST, INAPPROPRIATE, UNPROFESSIONAL, and RIDICULOUSLY INSULTING. We will never again visit this restaurant and will urge any hungry consumer NEVER TO GO TO GABBI'S. Preferential treatment to their friends even if you've been waiting in line for 40 minutes was shockingly insulting, rude, and plain wrong. Blonde douchebag host with the highlights (male cougar) and fat ugly whispering/gossiping hostesses made no effort to conceal their deceptive acts. Host/esses denied aforementioned preferential and unfair treatment and nervously pointed to a random party of 2 (which was obviously not the said couple, clear from his stuttering and shaking finger and waivering-but-asshole tone that he was trying to bullshit us) on the wait list acting as if the couple who came in after us had in fact come before us (we were there for 40 minutes and this couple showed up at the tail-end, without a doubt -- we're not idiots). After arguing with the host staff and being lied to (and glared at as if we are dumbasses), we turned on our heels and left to eat anywhere else that was NOT Gabbi's. Unprofessional and seriously disappointing. Just because their food is supposedly good doesn't mean they can treat people with ill respect as if they were second class citizens. ZERO STARS. read more

Although there isn't any sort of signage to alert you that you have arrived, Gabbi's is probably the best Mexican food in Orange County. Nestled in the Orange Circle, you can find a classy, cozy joint, where all the decorations (and the actual bar, too), have been imported from Mexico. You may scoff at the fact that you have to pay $3 for chips and salsa, but fear not: it arrives with three (3), yes I said three, house made salsas (don't forget to ask for the extra spicy habanero, *secret menu item alert*). Personally, I recommend the Arrachera (skirt steak), or the Mole (bone in chicken, stuffed with cheese and peppers, covered in a sweet/spicy chocolate sauce). If you're a meat fiend, like myself, definitely do not miss the Tacos Puebla. In this dish you'll find two soft, house made tortillas, stuffed with carne asada, chorizo, and applewood smoked bacon. They top them off with grilled onions, cheese, and (what I can only assume to be, from taste) chipotle sauce. The house made sangria (red and white) are both crowd pleasers. Please be sure to make a reservation, seven nights a week. I'm dead serious. The bar is first come, first served seating. All in all, if you're looking for a new experience when it comes to Mexican food dining, this is hands down the next new place for you to try. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen is the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can feel like travel. A 2021 and 2025 Michelin Star recipient, this cozy, intimate space feels worlds away the moment you step inside--warm, charming, and quietly transportive. We started with freshly fried chips, vibrant house salsa, and an impossibly creamy guacamole that set a high bar from the first bite. The camarones en mole verde were the standout: perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a lush, herbaceous mole, served over fragrant garlic white rice and vegetables so well executed they could be a dish of their own. Paired with the sangria roja, the flavors came together beautifully--bright, balanced, and indulgent without being heavy. The pez del día, a delicately cooked barramundi (Asian sea bass), arrived nestled in a vivid green tomatillo sauce that was both fresh and deeply flavorful. Clean, elegant, and thoughtfully plated, it paired seamlessly with their house Cabernet and showcased the kitchen's precision and restraint. Gabbi's isn't just a meal--it's a thoughtfully curated experience where every dish, pairing, and detail feels intentional. A true local favorite and a destination-worthy dining experience. read more

I've lived in Orange about 3 years and always wanted to go here but you need reservation (try 10 days in advance to be safe), or as I'm trying to convince my wife is not at all emasculating or trying too hard to say - - "Ressies." So anyway, my colleague who lives in Long Beach gave me tons of grief for not going here sooner. I think my Mexican wife has something against upscale and/or fusion Mexican, fearing it lacks authenticity. But we finally went with promises of Tequila flights. You can probably put day old tapioca in a flight and it'll intrigue me. Samplers rule. Anyway, service was fantastic and food was very gourmet, good, and reasonably priced. My wife loved her shrimp enchilada and jalapeno/cucumber margarita. The tequila flight taught me a thing or two, and my braised pork stack with habanero sauce was great. The pistachio guacamole was not bad, but the churros were awesome and a pretty healthy portion. Try to schmooze the waiter into giving you a tour of the basement. There's a barrel of secret tequila there that you can't get unless you know the owner, which I don't. I've said too much already. read more

I'm sure there is a financial reason why restaurants tend to hire young, cute, women to manage the wait list and reservations, but at some point the cost to the business has got to add up. Case in point; Gabbi's hostesses have no idea how to manage more than one thought at a time. As we waited and waited for our table (which was reserved in advance) we witnessed countless other groups either turned away, annoyed, or ignored by two young ladies that were not mature enough to properly answer questions seriously. When we finally did get our table about an hour late, there was half an apology from a guy we'd never seen before or saw again. Then came the food. All I can say was that I'm glad I ate too many tortilla chips and guacamole before the food arrived. The shrimp on my Tacos Camerone were so over cooked it made me feel sorry for the cooks in the kitchen that they were so far off base. The Arrachera plate, ordered by a friend, was a mess of fat and tough steak. If you want Mexican food in Orange Circle, find a Mexican food truck on a side street and save yourself the time and money of Gabbi's. read more

We were very excited to try Gabbi's, and love the orange circle. First impression was nice small cozy restaurant, but seems to decline from there.. Our server took our drink orders and then let us know it could be 20 minutes for them to be ready. Immediately after, proceeds to ask us if we are ready to order - No clearly we just sat down and want to enjoy ourselves with a drink first. I've also never been to a nice sit down Mexican restaurant that charges for chips and salsa. Don't get me wrong, I could care less about $3 chips and salsa but just found it weird, especially since this isn't a cheap restaurant, and we waited 20 minutes for drinks..throw us some chips while we wait. During this wait time for drinks, we continued having our server ask us if we are ready..relax man. The meals were pretty good I would say, probably 4 star food out of 5, but customer service we experienced was a 3 out of 5. Also, my 2 tacos only came with beans only..give some rice as well or something. I probably will not be back, much better Mexican food out there especially if you're going to spend the money read more

I'm really torn over this restaurant! I'd give 1 star for the food and 4 stars for everything else. I've been wanting to try it for several months and finally went. The decor and ambiance are really great and make it worth a visit. But the food was bad and seriously overpriced. I had the ($14) two cheese enchiladas, which was one of the few vegetarian options on the menu (they also have tacos) and they, like the rice and beans, were totally tasteless. I was expecting creative, gourmet Mexican food (think the Border Grill in SM) because of the upscale decor, but the food was taco shack quality. The chips weren't warm or fresh and the salsa tasted like it came from jar. Both were grocery store quality. I doubt that they make the chips on site. For $14 for two tasteless cheese enchiladas, I felt like I was being ripped off. But I will probably go back just because of the fun decor and try something else on the menu. The service was very good; friendly, polite, and attentive. read more

Came here with the family on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. Absolutely love the atmosphere and decor. The staff was all wearing masks and/or face shields, and tables were adequately distanced. I had the Ensalada de Jicama and added chicken and really enjoyed it. It was very refreshing, and not too heavy.We also ordered the Empenadas de Viento. They were uniquely different- not your typical pastry dough, but light and airy puffed corn tortilla. My mom and dad enjoyed them, but they were very different than expected. My brother ordered a chicken quesadilla, which looked delicious but wasn't very appealing to my 10 years old niece who was expecting a run-of-the-mill quesadilla. The house margarita had a refreshing, sort of sweet twist, as did the salsa. I enjoyed the uniqueness of all the items we tried, and all of the ingredients were very fresh. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant at all, and the decor matches the bright and refreshing menu. read more

Went here on a Wednesday, needed a table for 2 and they told us 80 minutes! On a Wednesday!!! Went down the street to get a drink, as soon as we get our drinks they call and say the table is ready, it's been like 20 minutes. Super annoying, we had to pound our drinks and hustle back because they said they usually only hold the table for five minutes. Well, you told us 80! Otherwise, this place is largely great. A little expensive but the tacos de hongos were probably the best tacos I've ever had. Margaritas are great. We got the duck taquitos as an app, I was meh on those but my girlfriend loved them. She got the crab and lobster crepes, which I thought was OK, but I'm not a huge seafood fan. Wine selection is pretty impressive (though I never claimed to be a wine expert). Overall ambiance is very nice and it's a neat little area in downtown Orange. Our bill came out to about $130 with tip for guacamole, an app, 2 entrees, and 4 drinks. read more

4 Star - Food A great number of reviewers rate the food as 5 star. While I believe it is delicious the menu is not diverse enough. No tamales, steak enchiladas or chili rellenos. 2 Stars - Wait staff Our last two visits the wait staff moved at a snail's pace. Drink orders directly from the menu only arrived after we had eaten the starter guacamole and chips. The second order of drinks, 2 in total, took about 15 minutes to arrive to our table and this was on a weekday at 8:30 pm. 1 Star - Bartender Why is it that at almost every Mexican restaurant are the cocktails so awful? Ordering a simple martini or old fashioned comes out tasting like it was the very first time they made it. Each one only having 3 ingredients. Its takes work to mess it up and at Gabbi's they have no clue how to make the most basic drinks. Sorry to say but the bartender who is old enough to be the owner should be a skilled bartender if he is going to head the bar. read more

My experience with Gabbi's is waaaay below expectation!! If I can give them 0 star I would. I received a gift certificate to use at their restaurant. When I showed up during lunch hours with it, their host stopped me from ordering as she went to speak with the manager. The manager went outside and informed me that they are not ready to serve and can I come back at a later time.... are you fucking kidding me?? I came during lunch hours and there were customers sitting around the restaurant. The feeling I got from the host and especially their manager was that they tried to scam their way out from honor the gift certificate and that is B.S big time!!! I never eat there and will never recommend anyone to eat there! How can you sell a certificate to your customers and not honor it!! I own a business and have sold a bunch of gift certificates and I always honor them!!! Nice way to run your business Gabbi's!!! read more

Gabbi's has a very unique allure that has brought me and friends back a number of times. The space is a very nice adaptation of a classic old brick building with high ceilings. However, I'm not all that crazy about the food. Some people describe this as upscale Mexican, which it is not. Some people say they have a fresh take on traditional dishes, which I disagree with. I think they provide a good atmosphere and food that is just good enough to justify the prices and the ok service. There isn't really anything original about the dishes, and there is a lot of inconsistency in seasoning levels and thoroughness of cooking. Meat and fish are often overcooked, robbing them of a delicacy. The drinks here are fine, but the margaritas tend to fall into a category of 'big glass of tequila with bottled flavorings". It's a good place for out-of-towners who aren't too sure about eating Mexican food. read more

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen "WOW! My experience at Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen was truly unforgettable! The star of the show was undoubtedly the mouth-watering Arracheta steak - it was cooked to perfection and simply melted in my mouth! But what really made our visit shine was the exceptional service! Carlos, the manager, was an absolute rockstar! His warm welcome, attentive nature, and genuine enthusiasm made us feel like royalty. And the host at the front of the restaurant? Top-notch! Their bright smile and friendly demeanor set the tone for an amazing evening. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by GMK-Trust me, it's worth your while! The team's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect. Don't miss out on this hidden gem - book your table now and get ready for a culinary adventure! 5 stars aren't enough - I'd give them 10 if I could! " read more

I was excited to try this Mexican restaurant, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. The biggest letdown? No regular beer options--just six IPAs on draft. A Mexican restaurant that doesn't offer staples like Corona, Modelo, Tecate, or Pacifico? Not for me. Additionally, almost everything on the menu is extremely spicy, including the guacamole and tacos. While some people may enjoy the heat, there weren't many milder options available, making it difficult to find a comfortable balance. Overall, this spot feels more like a bar than a traditional restaurant, which isn't what I was looking for. If you're after a lively bar atmosphere with strong flavors and craft beer, this might work for you--but for those seeking an authentic, well-rounded Mexican dining experience, this place may not be the best fit. read more