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    Mercado Gonzalez

    4.3 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Mercado Gonzalez Photos

    MERCADO GONZALEZ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Dried fruits beautifully displayed
    Catherine C.

    Mexican market & grocery store on steroids! Think grocery store meets food court all under one roof! The selection is overwhelming. The amount of organization and maintenance that goes into this on a daily basis is truly amazing! The ambiance is upbeat, community driven and proud! The service is quick, lively and welcoming. I highly recommend Mercado Gonzales when visiting the Costa Mesa or the OC area!

    Tacos
    Yurie H.

    This place is the Mexican market disneyland, interior is huge with bunch of food stalls, grocery, and Mexican silverware and other goodies. Parking can be tough since this place is always crowded. There are table seatings were you can eat and also TV screen and bar for drinks. I've tried the tacos, the crispy chicharron and the churros. The churros are my favorite, not too sugary and fried to perfection, hot chocolate there is bomb too. Tacos weren't the best I've had but meat was tender. Overall fun place to come with friends, would love to try margo my next visit!

    Ceviche. 1/18/2026
    Sandra L.

    The Menudo from the Birrieria La Menuderia place inside Mercado Gonzalez is so good! They always sell out before noon, so come early in the morning! They offer the rojo (red) and blanco (white) versions of Menudo. I love that it comes with a lot of meat and fresh tortillas to eat it with. There is so much flavor in the soup. They went up in price ($17.99) as of 2026, and although I think it's pretty pricey, if you're already shopping here and have a craving for menudo, I think it's worth splurging. People who work here are always super nice and friendly - I just love coming to this place for my menudo fix!

    Churros
    Ben J.

    Want to be transported to somewhere new, fresh, exciting and to embrace Hispanic culture? Mercado Gonzalez is that. It's not just a grocery store, it's not a place to go in and out (you could if you wanted to), it's a place to enjoy not just the produce, but everything it has to offer! Yes, it is a grocery store, but it's also a place with many food stalls with delicious foods that are made fresh throughout the day! The service is fantastic, everyone is so happy and are eager to help! The ambiance is bustling either music constantly playing and some live music on certain days! I've had their horchata, burritos from one of the stalls, a torta, and a muleta. I've also purchased some fresh guacamole and their freshly made agua frescas!, all of which were great! Some say it's ok or sub par from other places, it could be true, but it's definitely the experience that is hard to match. This isn't just a one and done place, I feel like I haven't fully experienced everything yet and plan to come back multiple times to try out all that this place has to offer!

    Ken C.

    Mercado Gonzales by Northgate Market is located on the border of Santa Ana and Costa Mesa and it features many variations of Mexican food. You could get Mexico City's famous churros from El Moro Churreria. You could get mesquite grilled carne asada or steak in a taco. You could get Sinaloan sushi. You could get carnitas or enchiladas. Their agua frescas and paletas are refreshing on a hot day and their fresh baked pan dulce is awesome in the morning. The food at the restaurants isn't exactly cheap, but there's a lot of delicious things to try. While it was annoying to visit when it was viral in Winter 2023, it's presently much easier to access. If you are more cost conscious, I do get some select grocery items here. In particular, I love getting their house made tortillas, their marinated meats, and their queso blanco. I do feel like I can get good deals for some produce. Together, these ingredients make awesome, easy, affordable meal prep with minimal effort. Overall, it's like Willy Wonka created a Mexican food court. This is my type of amusement park and I love it.

    El Moro Menu
    Amy P.

    Mercado Gonzalez has been on my list for a while and it definitely lives up to its reputation as a one-stop shop. Located inside Northgate, it offers everything from groceries and freshly made tortillas, salsas, and guacamole to desserts and hot food. The space is clean, with plenty of tables and an outdoor patio for dining. I took a lap around to check out all the options before ordering: shrimp ceviche ($12.99), an asada burrito ($11.99), asada plate ($17.99), and churros with cajeta dipping sauce ($11 + $2 for the sauce). Overall, prices felt fair and the food was decent. The highlight for me was the sliced asada - perfectly cooked and served with three corn tortillas and two sides. I was most excited for the churros, but they ended up being the biggest letdown. They were overpriced and pretty underwhelming compared to everything else. One downside is the layout as everything is pretty spread out. While the main hot food items are grouped together, items like ceviche, aguas frescas, churros, and pastries are located in different areas across the market, which makes it a bit inconvenient to grab everything in one go.

    Mark L.

    I've been wanting to check out the Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market. I'm able to take my family to explore it. Today's weather is fantastic, with a clear sky and perfect conditions. When we arrived, there was a large parking lot, but it was so crowded that we had to wait approximately 30 minutes to find a space. This location features an international market, bakeries, colorful food stalls, and live music. My in-laws are more excited than I am since they purchased a large quantity of bread and other goods. A fantastic place to spend hours eating delicious meals. Definitely worth checking out.

    Fully stocked bar
    Elizabeth M.

    Never did I think I would enjoy a trip to the market!! I guess you can say it's like going to an upscale, beautiful, modern tianguis in Mexico !! Regardless of which side you walk in through, you will be in awe. There's different sections, you can say are like stores to purchase different products, from churros, aguas Frescas, tortillas, guisados, mariscos, panaderia, tacos, guacamole, salsas, paleteria, candles, candy and more plus your groceries!! They even have a restaurant section for dining but they have a dining food court to eat what you buy. They even have a big screen and fully stocked bar, great for lunch or dinner time. Got to see a soccer game during the World Cup which was a while vibe! Expect to be there at least 2 hours to get a full experience. I drove pretty far but it was definitely well worth the trip.

    The store
    Rob C.

    Food - where does one start? Lots of it would be a fair statement. Mexican food for sure! Inside is like a Mexican food Disneyland! You have a bunch of choices of raw food stuff, cook food stuff, deserts, breads, a restaurant and even a bar! At times, there is also music! Have that margarita or the bottled coke! This place is a grocery and football, all wrapped in one delicious Mexicali DIisney magic! It's fairly clean, naturally festive and good s election! You can get meats from willing butchers that can help you get that backyard bbq or your taco spread! Service ain't bad either. You godda visit this place at least once or 5 times! Just be patient as parking can be a challenge!

    Fresh WARM tortillas from the market. These also serve as a blanket warmer on the car ride home.
    Doris G.

    Stopped by to gather groceries and picked up freshly made tamales, fresh guacamole, fresh chips, fresh tortillas.

    Bakery
    Christopher K.

    Oh dios mio! What did I just experience, it felt like a SUPER duper SuperMarket. The sheer size of the grocery store was staggering. It really needs its own category because I have never seen a grocery store like this. There were a ton of stalls scattered throughout making fresh items like a salsa/guacamole bar, ceviche bar, augua fresca bar,, 20 bajillion diff kinds of fresh tortillas, carnitas tacos, fresh churros with ice cream, a bakery, sushi bar, regular alcohol bar and more. Everything was incredibly hot and fresh. They had everything needed that I could've lived there in solitude for the rest of my life. Lol.

    Asada Torta
    Cindy O.

    Always a pleasure shopping and eating at this market! Picking up warm tortillas fresh off the press! Fresh chips! Browsing the food court to decide what to eat for lunch! The ceviche bar, so many options! The meat department, large selection! My go to is picking up 3-4 lbs of skirt steak with their amazing Asada marinate! Makes the best Asada (stove top or BBQ). Lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Nice selection of fresh chillies. Great selection of inhouse made salsas and guacamole. It's so hard not to become that kid in the candy store here and buy it out. Eating in the food court first helps, some. After several years of shopping at Mercado, I discovered their meats ate provided by Harris Ranch! Talk about quality meats! After packing up the groceries in the car, I always go back for one last stop. El Moro. Warm and fresh Churrosa. So good! Pairs very well with the largecarrage of hot chocolates or some of their yummy dipping sauces!

    Karen G.

    Came here to pick up three kinds of salsa for our Super Bowl party... and clearly that plan did not work. I was pleasantly surprised to find several empty parking spots, coming earlier definitely helps. And let's be real, there's no way you can come here just for salsa. I ended up grabbing two kinds of ceviche, some delicious tamales, and then somehow kept discovering more things I "needed." Lol. This place is seriously the Costco of Northgate. They have everything. From prepared foods to fresh items, it's easy to lose track of time because every section pulls you in. On top of that, every staff member I encountered was friendly, helpful, always a great vibe! And don't even get me started on the fresh churros, and their agua fresca section? Come on. If you haven't been to Mercado Gonzalez Northgate, you're seriously missing out. This place is an experience, not just a grocery run!

    churros

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    10 months ago

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    Page 3 of 27

    Mercado Gonzalez Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mercado Gonzalez

    Do they allow dogs?

    They do not allow dogs as this is an indoor market inside a grocery store. I would imagine only a service dog would be allowed.

    I was curious if they have dog friendly patio?

    No. I dont see any patio seating and everything is indoor

    Do they have good vegetarian options?

    They do. I go there with a vegetarian co-worker. She loves the chile relleno burrito. She does eat fish and always gets ceviche to go.

    What time are the food places open til today?

    See the website for detail information business hours and vendors

    Do they have mobility scooters for the handicapped?

    Sorry I didn't see any!

    Do they have music on weekdays?

    No they do not just Friday, Saturday and Sunday Saturday night they have the DJ

    How is parking, is it free?

    Yes it's free! Also there's plenty of spaces!

    What time and day of the week is it not crowded? Went on Saturday at 2pm and there was a long line to get into the market!

    Sorry to say it's crowded most of the time! But early after they open and towards closing! Don't go at lunch or dinner time!

    Does the bar serve beer?

    Yes. They have a full bar in the Mercado, and another in the restaurant, Paisano.

    How's the tres leches cake? Which one is best? Original, Cafe de Olla or Nuez?

    I love the original at North gate!

    Does anyone know if the masa preparada is vegan or not (ie made with lard)?

    I am not positive, but I would say no not vegan. I don't have a package to check, but they taste as though they are made with lard. Cool market, you should go check it out and then check the packaging, but my best guess is no.

    Which stand can I find the taquitos?

    When you enter in just north of the restrooms in the far south east area

    Are all the businesses inside fully open now?

    Yes. When we went over the weekend, everything was open. It was super busy. It just opened so that's probably why. Expect a separate line for everything you want (cheese, carnitas, salsa, candy, tortillas, carne asada, ceviche, churros, bakery… 

    OMG when is this opening?

    Friday, November 17

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    Tokyo Central - Costa Mesa - SPICY RAINBOW POKE BOWL (14 Oz.) | $14.99 (-20% after 7pm)

    Tokyo Central - Costa Mesa

    4.3(739 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Its a gem. Just like being in Japan! As you walk in, right…read moreside is filled with freshly prepared hot foods. Some are in bento, others, you grab it. They have it all. Sushi, sashimi, hot bentos, meat, fish and tempura. Not just few here and there but many options from small to extra large portion. They also have lot of items from Japan. Unique items. Definitely a place to explore.

    The store tends to get crowded around mid-day on weekends, but parking is plentiful. I've been here…read moremultiple times and to eat usually buy their teriyaki chicken plate! There is also a sushi variety sampler with one of different types of sushi; I reember eel, salmon, tuna, tamago, and ikura, but there is at least two more, all for less than $20. Some items, however, are absolute no's for me (the veggie sushi roll, which tasted like it had been left out for far too long). Make sure to ask the cashier when you check out for utensils/soy sauce! There are microwaves at the dining area. The cashiers are usually nice; but on occasion I don't have a great experience at their check-out area (about 3 of the 7 times I've been here). The store feels safe with 1-2 security personnel in the store at all times. If you decide to visit, make sure not to bring an oversized tote bag or duffel bag as the store will prohibit entry to anyone bringing this into the store. This policy was not in place when I first visited.

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    Tokyo Central - Costa Mesa - Plum & Shiso Paste Rice Ball

    Plum & Shiso Paste Rice Ball

    Tokyo Central - Costa Mesa - 9.99/lb this was about $3

    9.99/lb this was about $3

    Tokyo Central - Costa Mesa - Parking lot view

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    Parking lot view

    Sieu Thi Thuan Phat - Tea

    Sieu Thi Thuan Phat

    3.5(13 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    The foods at freezer not enough temperature. We bough some…read morefoods ready To eat put in microwave Very stinky and smell horrible. Owner at Thuan phat beach Blvd should check foods at freezer ready to eat for microwave. Bowl freezer mi Hoanh thanh Horribles bad smell very sad we bought a lot no tìme to bring over return . Should get one out in microwave try . If Heath department know won't be good . Check temperature freezer !

    Long awaited review as I have been coming here for decades. There are so many markets all over…read moreLittle Saigon, however, I keep gravitating here. Seems to me, it is less crowded than other markets. (If I can avoid crowds, I will). It was Tet New Year season and I needed to get a few ingredients for some dishes I planned to cook. My first priority was the fresh oxtail in the meat department. I have gone to many markets for this cut and it seems this is the best place for a ~2 pound tray of mixed size tails. The fat is all trimmed off, as opposed to other markets that leave a fat layer behind that you are paying for. It also depends on if you prefer leaner tails. Next, the produce section. I picked up some cailan (Chinese broccoli). For the most part, the Asian veggies are pretty fresh - since there is a higher turnover rate of Asian veggies in this area. It was good on this day. So many varieties of green veggies, I love it! The fruit section is also pretty impressive. Papayas, guanabana, dragon fruit, pommelo, tangerines, korean pear, manzano bananas,...Not your ordinary apples and oranges. Dry goods include a plethora of rice, including Thai sweet rice, Japanese rice (perfect for sushi rice), red rice (known for high fiber and low glycemic index)... Who likes Chinese Style sausage? Me! It is called Lap Xuong, in Vietnamese. I love making Thai sweet rice and serve with thinly sliced Lap Xuong - my mom fed us kids this often! And yes, they have a good supply of this here, so stock up, it will last forever in the pantry. Vietnam is the world's second largest coffee producer. You will see the crazy amount of coffee products sold here, for example, Vinacafe. Most are packed as individual serving packets which includes cream and sugar. Too convenient for consumption! Also perfect to have in your pantry. You shall be impressed with the chili aisle. Sambal of all kinds. You can make an awesome pot of chili with this heat! Lots of Lunar New Year items too. I am sure there are still some left for purchase if you didn't have a chance to pick some up yet. They do have a liquor department too. Asians can drink iykyk. If you do, please don't drink and drive. Parking is ok, if you go shopping off peak hours. Market is on Beach Boulevard and it could get pretty busy so plan wisely. So enjoy your visit. It is always fun to discover a new product and try something you have never eaten before!

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    Sieu Thi Thuan Phat - I love this brand

    I love this brand

    Sieu Thi Thuan Phat
    Sieu Thi Thuan Phat - ST25 rice

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    ST25 rice

    Super King Markets - Plenty of dried spices and chilis

    Super King Markets

    3.1(232 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $

    Stopped in with family who live near this area, to get some groceries for an upcoming dinner. Super…read moreKing is a grocery store that caters to the hispanic community, so it has a lot of spices, meat cuts, produce, candy, and other goods that you won't usually find at your typical big chain grocery stores. Cactus, purslane, shishito peppers, fresh green garbanzo beans, and other uncommon produce were available. They surprisingly even have a caviar section in the refrigerated service counter next to the Mexican cheeses. My relatives also told me that Super King is owned by an Armenian family so that's why you can also find some middle eastern and central asian spices, sweets/snacks - like dubai chocolate, and teas among their items for sale. I really liked this grocery store, it was very clean, bright, well-organized, spacious, and had very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking is outside as they share a parking lot with other stores and dining venues in a sizable outdoor shopping plaza.

    Stopped to check out Super King while I was in the plaza picking up some cookies. At first glance,…read moreit feels like a typical neighborhood grocery store, but a few sections really stood out. The produce department great selection and fresh-looking fruits, but more importantly carries Asian & Hispanic vegetables.I was also surprised by the extensive cheese selection and the authentic Mexican bakery, both of which offered far more variety than I expected. My favorite area was the bulk foods section, where you can scoop your own dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and other snacks. Simply bring your selections to the friendly staff member, who weighs and prices everything for you. Service is okay but will certainly come back to check out other snacks!

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    Super King Markets
    Super King Markets - Abundant fresh chili peppers of various kinds

    Abundant fresh chili peppers of various kinds

    Super King Markets - Spice rack

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    Spice rack

    Mercado Gonzalez - mexican - Updated September 2026

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