In the heart of Costa Mesa, a culinary gem beckons both locals and visitors with the promise of authentic flavors and a vibrant dining experience. El Matador has established itself as more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Mexican tradition, hospitality, and culinary artistry.
Step inside and you are immediately enveloped by the aroma of slow-cooked meats, the sizzle of fresh tortillas, and the warmth of a family-run establishment that takes pride in every plate. The El Matador Costa Mesa menu is a testament to the beauty of classic Mexican cuisine, enriched by generations of family recipes and a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you yearn for the comforting embrace of homemade enchiladas, the zesty brightness of ceviche, or the robust flavors of carne asada, there’s something on the menu for every palate. Exploring El Matador’s offerings is both a nostalgic journey and a delightful discovery, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexico in Orange County.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Prelude
Every great meal at El Matador starts with an inviting array of appetizers, thoughtfully crafted to tease your taste buds and set the stage for the main event. The appetizer selection showcases the restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients and bold, memorable flavors.
Diners are greeted by house-made salsas, each boasting a unique balance of heat and tang. The guacamole, prepared fresh to order, is creamy and rich, highlighting the natural goodness of ripe avocados.
For those craving something heartier, the appetizer menu features classic dishes that reflect the spirit of traditional Mexican gatherings.
Signature starters like the Queso Fundido and Taquitos Dorados are perfect for sharing, making them a popular choice for groups. The Queso Fundido arrives bubbling and golden, brimming with melted cheese and chorizo, while the Taquitos are crisp, savory, and served with a tangy crema.
These dishes provide a lively introduction to the meal and encourage diners to savor every bite.
Sharing is at the heart of Mexican cuisine, and El Matador’s appetizers foster a convivial atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to sample a few bites before the main course or indulge in a full platter with friends, the options are both satisfying and diverse.
- Guacamole Fresco: Made with perfectly ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro
- Queso Fundido: A gooey blend of cheeses with spicy chorizo
- Taquitos Dorados: Crispy rolled tortillas filled with shredded beef or chicken
- Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, served with house-made chips
“Our appetizers are more than just a start—they’re an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate together,” says the El Matador kitchen team.
Signature Entrées: The Heart of El Matador
El Matador’s entrée menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, offering time-honored classics and inventive specialties that embody the essence of Mexican cuisine. Each dish is meticulously prepared, using recipes handed down through generations.
The centerpiece of the menu is the Carne Asada, a perfectly grilled steak marinated in a secret blend of spices. Tender and juicy, it’s served alongside rice, beans, and warm tortillas for a truly authentic experience.
Other standout entrées include Pollo a la Crema and Chile Verde, each delivering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
For guests seeking a lighter option, the Pescado Veracruzano—fresh fish simmered in a tomato-based sauce with olives and capers—offers a delicious alternative. The menu also features vegetarian delights, ensuring every guest finds a dish to savor.
Entrées at El Matador are designed to satisfy, with generous portions and vibrant accompaniments. The kitchen’s commitment to authenticity is apparent in every detail, from the seasoning of the meats to the slow-simmered sauces that infuse each plate with depth and character.
Popular Entrées Comparison
| Carne Asada | Marinated grilled steak, served with rice, beans, and tortillas |
| Pollo a la Crema | Chicken breast in a creamy jalapeno sauce, served with rice and vegetables |
| Chile Verde | Tender pork simmered in tomatillo and green chile sauce, served with rice and beans |
| Pescado Veracruzano | White fish fillet with tomatoes, olives, capers, and bell peppers |
- Generous portions ensure no one leaves hungry
- House-made sauces elevate every entrée
- Vegetarian options available on request
Enchiladas and Burritos: Classics Reimagined
Few dishes capture the soul of Mexican dining like enchiladas and burritos, and El Matador pays homage to these classics with both reverence and creativity. The menu features a variety of fillings and sauces, allowing guests to mix and match according to their preferences.
The Enchiladas Suizas are a house favorite, filled with tender chicken and smothered in a tangy tomatillo cream sauce. For a richer, earthier flavor, the Enchiladas Mole offer a subtle blend of chocolate, chiles, and spices.
Burritos come generously stuffed, with options ranging from grilled steak to sautéed vegetables.
Each enchilada and burrito is crafted to order, ensuring that every bite is piping hot and bursting with flavor. The kitchen uses only high-quality tortillas and fresh ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and refined.
Guests can customize their orders with extra cheese, sour cream, or a side of house-made salsa for added zest.
El Matador’s approach to these beloved staples is rooted in tradition, yet always open to innovation. Whether you crave the familiarity of a classic bean and cheese burrito or the vibrant zest of a shrimp enchilada, the menu delivers with style.
- Enchiladas Suizas: Chicken, tomatillo cream sauce, melted cheese
- Enchiladas Mole: Shredded chicken, rich mole sauce, sesame seeds
- Carne Asada Burrito: Grilled steak, beans, rice, salsa
- Vegetarian Burrito: Sautéed vegetables, black beans, rice
“Our enchiladas and burritos are a canvas for both tradition and creativity, blending classic flavors with fresh inspiration,” notes Chef Maria, head of the El Matador kitchen.
Tacos: A Symphony of Textures and Flavors
Tacos hold a special place in the hearts of diners at El Matador. The taco menu is a vibrant showcase of regional Mexican styles, each offering a unique taste experience.
Whether you prefer your tacos simple and street-style or loaded with toppings, there’s something for every craving.
At the core of the taco offerings are the Carne Asada, Carnitas, and Al Pastor tacos. Each is served on warm corn tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
The meats are marinated and slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Tacos de Camarón, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and spices. Vegetarian guests are not left out, thanks to inventive fillings like grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted poblano peppers.
All tacos are served à la carte, inviting diners to mix and match their favorites.
El Matador’s attention to detail extends to the salsas and garnishes, which are made in-house daily. This commitment to freshness elevates every taco, turning a simple handheld meal into a memorable culinary experience.
Top Taco Choices
- Carne Asada Taco: Grilled steak, onions, cilantro, lime
- Carnitas Taco: Slow-cooked pork, pickled onions, salsa verde
- Al Pastor Taco: Marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro
- Tacos de Camarón: Sautéed shrimp, cabbage slaw, chipotle crema
| Taco Type | Main Ingredient | Signature Garnish |
| Carne Asada | Grilled steak | Cilantro, onions |
| Carnitas | Slow-cooked pork | Pickled onions, salsa verde |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork | Pineapple, cilantro |
| Camarón | Shrimp | Cabbage slaw, chipotle crema |
“The taco is the soul of Mexican street food—simple, versatile, and packed with flavor,” says a longtime regular at El Matador.
House Specialties: Unforgettable Experiences
Beyond the classics, El Matador’s menu features a selection of house specialties that highlight the creativity and skill of the kitchen team. These standout dishes are perfect for diners seeking something unique and memorable.
The Molcajete is a showstopper, served sizzling hot in a traditional stone mortar. Brimming with grilled meats, roasted peppers, and nopales, it’s both a feast for the senses and a celebration of Mexican culinary heritage.
Another favorite is the Camarones a la Diabla, featuring shrimp sautéed in a fiery sauce of dried chiles and garlic.
For those craving a taste of the sea, the Mariscada combines a medley of seafood—shrimp, scallops, and fish—in a savory broth spiked with tomatoes and spices. Each specialty dish is designed to transport diners to the heart of Mexico, with bold flavors and dramatic presentation.
These menu items are perfect for special occasions or for sharing among friends and family. The portion sizes are generous, making them ideal for group dining, and the flavors are complex and deeply satisfying.
- Molcajete: Grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, nopales, peppers, queso fresco
- Camarones a la Diabla: Spicy shrimp in dried chile sauce
- Mariscada: Mixed seafood in tomato broth
- Parrillada: Mixed grill platter with meats, sausages, and vegetables
“Our house specialties are inspired by the feasts of our childhood—bold, festive, and meant to be shared,” shares the owner of El Matador.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: A Fresh Perspective
El Matador’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu is thoughtfully curated to ensure plant-based diners have access to the same depth of flavor and variety as their meat-eating counterparts.
The Vegetarian Fajitas are a standout, featuring a colorful medley of grilled bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Served with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, this dish is both hearty and satisfying.
The Rajas Poblanas offer a creamy, mildly spicy blend of roasted poblano peppers and corn in a light cheese sauce.
Vegan guests will appreciate options like the Jackfruit Tacos, which mimic the texture and flavor of traditional carnitas. These innovative dishes demonstrate the kitchen’s willingness to adapt classic recipes, resulting in plant-based fare that never compromises on taste or authenticity.
El Matador’s vegetarian and vegan offerings are more than just substitutions; they are creative expressions of Mexican cuisine that respect both tradition and modern dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Grilled vegetables, rice, beans, tortillas
- Rajas Poblanas: Roasted poblanos, corn, cheese sauce
- Jackfruit Tacos: Shredded jackfruit, salsa verde, cilantro
- Vegan Enchiladas: Black beans, grilled vegetables, red chile sauce
| Dish | Vegetarian | Vegan |
| Vegetarian Fajitas | Yes | Ask for no cheese/sour cream |
| Rajas Poblanas | Yes | No |
| Jackfruit Tacos | Yes | Yes |
| Vegan Enchiladas | Yes | Yes |
“We believe everyone deserves to enjoy the flavors of Mexico, no matter their dietary choices,” emphasizes the chef at El Matador.
Desserts and Beverages: A Sweet Finale
No meal at El Matador is complete without indulging in the menu’s irresistible desserts and expertly crafted beverages. The sweet offerings are a nod to Mexican culinary tradition, featuring beloved classics alongside inventive twists.
The Churros are a perennial favorite, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a decadent chocolate dipping sauce. For a lighter finish, the Flan delivers a silky, caramel-kissed custard that melts in your mouth.
Seasonal specials, such as Pastel de Tres Leches, add variety and excitement to the dessert menu.
Beverage options are equally impressive, with house-made Agua Frescas in flavors like hibiscus and tamarind, alongside a curated selection of Mexican beers and tequilas. The bar menu features classic margaritas, skillfully mixed and served with a salted rim, as well as specialty cocktails inspired by regional Mexican ingredients.
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the desserts and beverages at El Matador ensure a memorable conclusion to your dining experience.
- Churros: Fried dough, cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce
- Flan: Creamy caramel custard
- Pastel de Tres Leches: Sponge cake soaked in three milks
- Agua Fresca: Refreshing fruit-infused drinks
- Margaritas: Classic, strawberry, or spicy jalapeno
“A great dessert is the perfect ending to a great meal—it lingers in your memory long after the last bite,” shares a frequent El Matador patron.
Ambiance and Service: The El Matador Experience
The food at El Matador is only part of what makes this Costa Mesa restaurant truly special. From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by a lively, colorful atmosphere that reflects both the warmth of Mexican hospitality and the vibrancy of its culture.
The dining room is adorned with traditional artwork, rich textiles, and hand-painted tiles, creating an inviting space where guests feel instantly at home. Soft mariachi music provides the perfect backdrop, enhancing the overall sense of celebration and community.
Service at El Matador is attentive and genuine, with staff members eager to share their knowledge of the menu and ensure every guest feels cared for. Whether you’re celebrating a family milestone or enjoying a casual night out, the team’s dedication to customer satisfaction shines through.
It’s this combination of exceptional food, welcoming ambiance, and outstanding service that keeps guests returning time and again. The hospitality at El Matador turns every meal into a cherished memory.
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to offer recommendations
- Festive, comfortable dining room with authentic décor
- Live music on select nights for added enjoyment
- Private dining options for special events
“At El Matador, we treat every guest like family—that’s the heart of our service,” says the restaurant’s general manager.
Conclusion: A Costa Mesa Culinary Landmark
El Matador stands as a true testament to the enduring appeal of Mexican cuisine, tradition, and hospitality. The menu is a vibrant celebration of both classic and contemporary flavors, offering something for every taste and occasion.
From the first bite of freshly made guacamole to the last sip of a perfectly mixed margarita, each detail reflects the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
For those seeking a memorable dining experience in Costa Mesa, El Matador offers more than just a meal—it delivers a journey through the heart of Mexico. The thoughtful selection of appetizers, entrées, tacos, specialties, and desserts ensures that every visit feels fresh and exciting, no matter how many times you return.
With a welcoming ambiance and attentive service, guests are not only nourished but also embraced by the spirit of celebration that defines this beloved restaurant.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Mexican food or a newcomer eager to explore, El Matador’s menu invites you to savor, share, and create lasting memories around the table. Each visit is an opportunity to discover new favorites, enjoy time-honored classics, and experience the genuine warmth that has made El Matador a cherished part of the Costa Mesa community.
