Ortega's Mexican Bistro

Recommends

ciscodan

Joined 2 years ago

Edible. I do enjoy going to this place once every couple of months for a "Puerto Nuevo" lobster.

Why a 3 star rating? Technically 3 stars means ok, so this place is actually ok.

Positives:

I do like their tortilla soups (they have 2 kinds, both are good), and I do like the Puerto Nuevo whole lobster.

Not so positives:

I really don't like the salsa, the rice or the beans.

If you are in the neighborhood, you should try them out and see if you agree

Recommends

Harponme

Joined 3 years ago

Great Mexican bistro. Very good bistro. If you like Mexican food than this is the place to stop and eat. I came here with a group of friends over the weekend and we had an absolute blast!

Recommends

Artsman

Joined 3 years ago

Great Mexican food. I really like this next restaurant in San Diego. They have a very extensive menu and the food is very authentic. Parking was a little bit tough but other than that I was really happy with my experience and I will definitely be coming back.

Doesn't Recommend

Erin Chambers

Joined 7 years ago

Your best bet for fresh Baja lobster without the travel insurance and good tequila without the whistle.. The Scene
Much larger inside than it appears from bustling University Avenue, Ortega's feels warm and rustic with knotty pine walls, woven seats and imported Mexican glassware hung on the walls. The two-level dining room gets crowded on weekend evenings, while the tequila bar is one of the neighborhood's more happening weeknight spots for late-night happy hour deals. A fireplace, cushy sofa and ottomans make it easy to lounge around.

The Food
The Baja-style Mexican menu favors seafood and surf and turf combos, while the restaurant is most famous for grilled lobster from Puerto Nuevo when it's in season from October through March. An order of guacamole prepared tableside to start is worth the expense--smokey, grilled lime is extra special--as are the thick, rich tortilla and black bean soups. Mahi mahi tacos light up with a spicy chipotle salsa, while the popular shrimp version comes a bit more mild with flavors of garlic and white wine. Two kinds of flan make for a sweet finish.

Hits: Local Puerto Nuevo seafood doesn't get any better, and the cozy lounge makes us want to linger long after it's gone.
Misses: If you don't like flan, you don't get dessert, and a night of tacos and beer can get expensive here very quickly.