Taco Maria in Costa Mesa has always been one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in LA.
Chef Carlos Salgado is originally from Mexico but spent over ten years training in some of the best kitchens in the US, including 2-Michelin starred restaurants like Coi in San Francisco and Commis in Oakland. He opened Taco Maria in 2013.
Prior to achieving a Michelin Star, Chef Salgado was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef West consecutively for the past four years, and was named Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2015.
Dining During Covid
Notoriously challenging to book, this Michelin-starred restaurant got even harder to book during Covid. They removed all indoor dining and limited seating to parties of four. They also opened up bookings only 1-2 weeks in advance, so Bryan diligently logged onto their website (at midnight in Hong Kong!) to grab seats for us during popular, coveted weekend slots.
Taco Maria - The Food
Bryan booked Taco Maria for our actual 20th anniversary (yes, we've been married for 20 years!) which also happened to be our first day in the US after flying in from Hong Kong. We went with Bryan's parents and got one of the best outdoor seats right under a huge olive tree! Bryan's parents loved it so, so much, so we went back a month later.
Honestly, everything is good, so you can't go wrong. The menu isn't very big. In fact, we (a group of four) literally ordered every single item on the menu. It was glorious to try so many dishes!
I love the blue corn tortillas, grilled avocado, salads, and Nantucket Bay scallops. Bryan loved the duck, and his dad was a huge fan of the steak.
This is one of those places that we will always seek out whenever we are in Southern California. Just remember to plan ahead in order to secure a booking.
Highly, highly recommended!
Update 2023: Taco Maria closed in July 2023 due to its lease ending. The owners are looking for a new space and hope to open again.
Taco Maria Los Angeles
3313 Hyland Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Other Posts in this Series (Some to be published in the next 1-2 weeks)
Traveling During Covid – Our Three Month Trip Around the World
Majordomo Los Angeles – Part of David Chang’s Momofuku Empire
Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary at Taco Maria (During Covid)
Daybird LA – Best Szechuan Hot Chicken
Playa Amor Los Angeles – Amazing Mole
MÍRAME Beverly Hills – Modern Mexican
