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Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro, San Diego, CA

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

4.5
4.5
1022 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

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2 people
19:00
Booked 2 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Ortega’s Mexican Bistro features the authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Experience Baja style lobster and table side guacamole while sipping one of our classic fresh squeezed margaritas. Enjoy dining in our restaurant or for a more energized evening, dine in our bar - La Cantina. Additional flavors include Banana Crusted Huachinango, Flat Iron Steak Burrito, Chicken Mole. The design captures the festive traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 692-4200
  • Payment Options
    Contactless Payment
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com

What 1,022 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers a vibrant dining experience in Hillcrest with "excellent food quality and reasonable prices." Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," including specialties like table-side guacamole and lobster dinners. The atmosphere is described as "warm and cozy," making it a cherished spot for authentic Mexican cuisine lovers.

1,022 Reviews
  1. Wayne

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and margaritas. Table side guacamole nice touch. Valentine day prix fix was an excellent value.

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  2. PACO MHERI

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    I found this place on Open table. It was our first time in. We had a reservation at 8pm. It was Valentine’s Day. We arrived 745 and they told us they were running behind. When asked how long to wait they said unsure. We waited til 845 and started looking for other places to eat nearby but of course they finally called our name. So almost an hour wait with a reservation. I just don’t understand the the point on having reservations if doesn’t really apply to real time. Maybe this restaurant should only do reservations on holidays and not take any walk ins. Just saying because we’re tons of people waiting outside and inside, with and without reservations. We were waiting in front of the main check in desk for the whole hour and it was such a safety hazard. People’s butts were in my face if you can imagine. The food was ok. I thought it would be better. Maybe I came on an off day because the reviews sound way better than what we experienced. I wouldn’t recommend this place on a holiday, or Valentine’s Day. Like I said, maybe I came on a bad day but I wouldn’t come back. There are way more other places that I can eat at with better service and food. Maybe this days food wasn’t great because it was so busy.

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  3. Sarah

    VIP

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Margarita tasted like a bottled mix, although I ordered one that said “fresh lime juice” on the menu. Couldn’t drink it, just left it. I asked for water, and that took a while. Also, waiter didn’t clear table before dessert but put dessert plate in front of me. I stacked the dirty plates together so I could put dessert in the center of the table and share with my date. Lovely. Also, please don’t tap me on the back of the arm every time you stop by the table. Thanks.

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  4. Sally

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good timely service. Delicious guacamole and margaritas.

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  5. Gary

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent! Fun creative menu. Chips & salsa were fantastic so we knew we were in for a great meal! I had banana crusted snapper-yum! Great w the sauce it was served with. Hubby’s chile relleno was one of the best he’s had (he even asked to tell the chef personally!) Strawberry mint margaritas were delish too-refreshing! We’ll def come back!!!

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  6. John

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our second visit was as good as our first. We chose to meet relatives here for a nice meal. We visit from Long Beach and discovered Ortega’s on our own last time we were in town. We took locals here for their first visit and they loved it, too. Great margaritas. I’m surprised it is not busier. Just a few diners each time. We will return.

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  7. Jack

    VIP

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 20 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and reasonable priced.

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  8. SARA

    VIP

    San Diego

    136 reviews

    5.0

    136 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow! This was our first time visiting Ortega’s and we were impressed with the great tasting Mexican food. It was like being in Baja, MX except we didn’t have to cross the border. The Casamigo margaritas, table side guacamole, steak tacos and steak burrito with extra beans was delicious. We will definitely be back. Excellent!

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  9. John

    VIP

    Phoenix

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    fast service excellent food quality and reasonable prices

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  10. Anne

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back

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FAQs

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 692-4200.

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 1022 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro

141 University Ave #4, San Diego, CA 92103

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    3rd Avenue
  • Area
    Hillcrest
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    Contactless Payment
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
  • Phone number
    (619) 692-4200
  • Private party facilities
    Contact restaurant for Private Events at 619-692-4200 or via email at info@ortegas.com
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