Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Portal de Veracruz

    4.1 (99 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 5:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Order El Portal de Veracruz Takeout or Delivery

    El Portal de Veracruz Photos

    Business Info

    EL PORTAL DE VERACRUZ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like El Portal de Veracruz

    Recommended Reviews - El Portal de Veracruz

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Outside - What is this place?
    Fred C.

    We've passed this place many times and what always grabbed my attention was the sign outside the store. I always love to go to places that specialize primarily in one thing and do things well. Zankou chicken, Pho places, In & Out Burger, etc. So this is what I thought this place was. I thought they specialized in Rotissere Chicken. I have never seen the word Rostiseria and got all excited about this. Maybe this was a whole new type of food only the Hispanic people were privy to and I was going to discover it and let the whole world know about it. Never mind that it says in small signage "pizzeria" & "neveria" underneath it. Their specialty MUST be Mexican Rotisserie chicken because its in the big letters. I was planning on discovering the Hispanic Zankou! Looking around I see a serving line with all kinds of meat. Menudo on a Monday (you usually only see it on the weekends), another soup, some kind of carmalized bananas, grilled peppers and jalepenos, some sort of potatoes, Rotiserie chicken, some kind of dark sauces, beans rice. There is a full on ice cream counter, A juice station and then all of these Mexican pastries like in a bakery! There are huge pinatas all over the ceiling. I am talking big ass pinatas. Huh, what's going on here? There is no menu, no prices listed anywhere. I can't even figure out how to order. I see specials and there are so many varied things on there that I can't figure out what regional cuisine this is. There are pictures of various things that are the standard items as well. I am totally lost. You have your basics, Tacos, burritos, tortas, but then you have things like pupusas, carintas stuffed in Pablanos, cuban sandwhiches, pambazo, Enchiladas and all kinds of things with combinations you don't typically see. I ask the counter girl (thank God she speaks great English), How do I order? She's confused though by my question. I ask her about the Rotisserie chicken and she says I can get a whole one or 1/2 with beans and rice. I say OK. We order pupusas. . "What kind?". Oh please oh please stop.... We had no idea. She said you can get cheese, carnitas, beans and some other things we couldn't understand. We stood there like deer caught in headlights. You have to remember there is no menu or signage that you can mull over to make your decision. Then she says "or I can make a combination".. Bingo! We'll take that. We also order a Bean and Cheese burrito. I ask her if they have Tacos Dorados as I have been fixated on Titos Tacos lately. She says "yes" even though they are not on any of the pictures. I get a Mexican Lime Soda . Total comes to $19.75 First the pupusa. Incredible. Perfectly cooked. Nice soft yet with a thin thin layer of crispness. Creme Fresh made it awesome. The filling of beans, meat, and cheese all worked in harmony. Mild corn flavor. I just loved the texture of this whole thing. But the BEST THING I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME was the slaw that comes with it. Its a vinegary cabbage slaw but with a spiciness to it. Not a hard hitting spiciness, but a flavorful, slow to come on spiciness. It was so unique and seriously delicious! The chicken was awesome as well. So incredibly tender. Nice firery roasted taste with Mexican mystery spices. Totally different than something like Zankou, but similar in its wow factor. Not like El Pollo Loco either. More of a red chili kind of taste. Skin is soft rather than crispy. Throw it in a corn tortilla and you are there. When you put the sauce on it, the flavor totally changes. The sauces doesn't accent the chicken in its original state. It totally changes it. But its a good thing. I can taste hints of honey in the sauce and its kinda spicy. Hard to describe. The beans were a little bland, but good. They are the runny kind with the Mexican White Cheese. The rice was awesome. Such a great firery red flavor. Is red a flavor? Too often Mexican rice is bland and lacks complexity. This rice is one of the best. The bean and cheese burrito was "OK". A little bland. It was huge though. With all the choices on the signs and pictures. Finally the Tacos Dorados came out. Its nothing like a fried taco like I pictured it. Its more of a taquito. I thought Mexican places called these "rolled tacos" Anyway it was excellent as well. I think they make the meat differently for these. It was beef, but it was very stringy. It was also very dry. Like it was fried for a long time. But it was perfect this way. It made it less greasy and the whole thing crispy. The corn tortilla had a strong corn taste. It was perfect in how it worked with the stringy beef. The sauces on it were great as well. Watery guacamole and more Creme Fresh. I think if you asked them to make anything and just described it to them they would make it for you and it would be insanely good. A lot of Mexican places fall under certain categories "Americanized" "Taquerias" "Seafood" "Baja style". This place can not be categorized and I was so taken a back by its uniqueness

    Veggies
    Ila b.

    Wow !!! I attended a luncheon that was catered by this restaurant. The food was outright delicious. I'm a vegetarian so the fact that the ingredients were authentic just added to the experience. Photos attached. I'm definitely calling them to cater my next event. Ps the salsas, guacamole etc were fresh and flavorful. Well done!!!!!! I know they also offer non-veg items. Will have to take my husband to the restaurant as he lives chicken and Carne Asada.

    Had them make me a plate of pork spare ribs in salsa roja. Comes with rice and beans corn or flour tortillas.
    Glenn F.

    Had them make me a plate of pork spare ribs in salsa roja. Comes with rice and beans corn or flour tortillas. Pinta media chicharon en salsa verde, wow! They add strips of jalepeno to the mix, equals nice and spicy. Everything is very tasty but wish I had more. The restaurant is in an un-assuming unit of a small strip mall attached to the neighborhood Albertsons. Mexican music wafting thru the high ceiling industrial look. I get a "times gone by" feel here. It was empty while I was here with just a few stragglers. They might do a busier breakfast or dinner? Date night? No Good for children? Seems okay Attire? Casual View? Parking lot thru plate glass Would try again? Yes, breakfast, Siete Mares.

    Carne Asada Burrito, Wet (green sauce)

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L S.
    0
    19
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David W.
    10
    49
    427

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ila b.
    3
    19
    16

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Posole was okay. Carnitas were dry. The Posole had more bones than meat. Wasn't that great to be honest.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenn F.
    537
    163
    5405

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    DELICIOUS. As a veggie they have been very accommodating to my taco orders. Meat eaters also claim this place is great.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J S.
    0
    9
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sean P.
    141
    84
    15

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenn M.
    97
    52
    13

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Kit the owner is the Man! The food here is great and you can tell Kit (owner) has a passion for food and his customers. Highly recommend!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of San N.
    0
    17
    8

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jake H.
    52
    27
    7

    8 years ago

    Amazing place!!! Absolutely love the food and the service. The best salsa bar in the area too.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike D.
    0
    193
    171

    12 years ago

    What don't they sell here? The food is delicious. Is there better, yes but this is worth a visit for something new.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J S.
    88
    621
    116

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bianca A.
    36
    120
    73

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    If you're looking for authentic Mexican food WITH catering service, you must give El Portal de Veracruz a try! The ceviche is to die for!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Hidden gem! Great food! We've gone for breakfast lunch and dinner and have loved it all.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    El Portal de Veracruz Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Portal de Veracruz

    Do they serve the breakfast burritos on Sundays?

    Yes they do.

    Love this place! How much?

    Soooooooo much. Very good

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    El Matatan The Finest Fusion Of Latin Cuisine

    El Matatan The Finest Fusion Of Latin Cuisine

    4.8(585 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$
    Free parking
    Wheelchair accessible

    avengers assemble! the food here was amazing! it's…read moreextraordinarily creative fusion of Mexican and South American. we actually ordered five small plates, so probably more than enough for two people. the shrimp appetizer was superb and had very giant shrimp, with a wonderful slightly spicy sauce with chickpeas, and then some tasty baguette for dipping and texture. honestly the shrimp were so big they reminded me of giant-man at the airport battle lol. the tostada was divine and it had really wonderful, small and tasty tostadas with wonderful seafood and flavors. usually, we don't often order quesadillas, but this one had such a wonderful creamy sauce that has a slight kick and had different ingredients within it. the cheese is high-quality and was very gooey and rich,, felt like tony stark spared no expense on the ingredients tbh. the oxtail was so tender and had some wonderfully seasoned beans and other flavors. highly recommend that too, it basically fell off the bone easier than thanos dusting half the universe. the ribeye tacos were excellent as well, and the meat was very tender. parking is super easy in the back and free. service is extremely friendly and attentive. they were checking on us with actual spidey-sense to make sure we had everything we needed. cute and dark ambience, almost like aromatic place or a speakeasy with small table lamps. very cute! kinda felt like grabbing dinner in the sanctum sanctorum with doctor strange. definitely five stars

    Wow I am so impressed. I came for an event previously and was craving some more…read more The service is truly impeccable with the attendants checking in and the whole team collectively taking care of us. Most everything is gluten free and we got the surf and turf tacos and short ribs with potato mash. Holy cow. What a combo. Everything is so fresh and so colorful

    Photos
    El Matatan The Finest Fusion Of Latin Cuisine
    El Matatan The Finest Fusion Of Latin Cuisine - Flor de calabaza ( flower blossom )Quedadilla

    Flor de calabaza ( flower blossom )Quedadilla

    El Matatan The Finest Fusion Of Latin Cuisine - Elote Pancakes

    See all

    Elote Pancakes

    El Molino de Oro - Al Pastor Tacos

    El Molino de Oro

    4.0(435 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    El Molino de Oro is one of those places we keep coming back to because it never lets us down. This…read morevisit, I ordered the 2-taco combination with carne asada, which comes with beans and rice. The asada was flavorful and well-seasoned, and the beans and rice were classic. My boyfriend went with the carnitas burrito, and it was packed with tender, juicy carnitas and generous portions all around. We also grabbed a flaky pastry in the attached bakery (I didn't catch the name), but it was perfectly buttery and light. Service is always friendly and efficient, even when they're busy, and the vibe feels very local and welcoming. If you're looking for solid Mexican food with consistency you can count on, this is a must.

    El Molino de Oro's carnitas burrito is a solid, no-frills winner that hits the spot for authentic…read moreOrange County Mexican food. The carnitas themselves are the star--tender, juicy pork that's been slow-cooked to perfection with that signature crispy edge on some pieces, delivering rich, savory flavor without being overly greasy. It's seasoned just right, with a nice balance of porky goodness and subtle spices that let the meat shine. Wrapped in a large, fresh flour tortilla (they make their own in-house, which always helps), it's stuffed generously with the classics: fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried or whole beans (depending on your preference, but both work great), chopped onions, cilantro, and a solid dose of salsa. I went with their green salsa for a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness perfectly, plus a dollop of sour cream and cheese for that creamy melt. No skimping on portions here--it's hearty and filling, easily a meal that satisfies for hours. At around $10 (give or take, based on current pricing), it's a great value in the area. The burrito holds together well without falling apart mid-bite, and the overall balance of textures--tender meat, soft rice/beans, crisp onions--makes every mouthful enjoyable. If you're in the mood for classic carnitas done right in a casual, bakery-taqueria spot with great salsas and a friendly vibe, this one's definitely worth grabbing. I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5--only docking half a point because it's not reinventing the wheel, but it's executing the traditional style exceptionally well. Highly recommend if you're near 728 N Tustin St in Orange! Pair it with an horchata, yum

    Photos
    El Molino de Oro - Dining room

    Dining room

    El Molino de Oro - Cakes  pastry

    Cakes pastry

    El Molino de Oro - Storefront

    See all

    Storefront

    Moreno's - GRANDE COMBINATIONS (#11T - TACO & TAQUITO)

    Moreno's

    3.2(1.1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    After spending the morning at the cemetery honoring my aunt's 20-year memorial, our family decided…read moreto gather for a meal at Moreno's Restaurant in Orange -- and it was the perfect place for us to come together. We had a large group of about 30 people, which is never easy for any restaurant to handle, but they accommodated us so well. They seated us at one long table so we could all sit together, talk, and share memories. It meant a lot to keep everyone connected instead of being split up. The food was excellent. I ordered the carne asada plate, and the meat was cooked to perfection -- tender, flavorful, and seasoned just right. You can tell they know how to prepare their dishes with care. For dessert, I had the arroz con leche, and it was amazing. It was the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort, especially after an emotional day. The ambiance truly stood out. The hacienda-style patio with trees created such a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. The Spanish-style architecture inside, along with the fountain, made the whole experience feel warm and inviting. It has that classic, authentic charm that makes you want to stay and enjoy the moment. Most importantly, the staff was incredible. They were extremely patient, attentive, and very organized -- which is impressive considering we were a party of 30. Everything came out smoothly, and they made sure we were taken care of without making us feel rushed. If you're in Orange and looking for a place with great food, beautiful ambiance, and outstanding service, go to Moreno's. It was exactly what our family needed that day -- good food, a peaceful setting, and time together.

    Went there for my 60th birthday. Unfortunately the food and…read morethe price does not match!! Food was ok but the prices we extremely overpriced for what you get. They cover EVERYTHING in cheese! Even when I ask for no cheese guess what I got cheese!!!! Why do restaurants of this type think that Mexicans love cheese....we dont! I blv they do it only when they dont trust their food!. There beans were good but all else was left to be desired. I was really rooting for them bkz the vibe is laid back with uppity feel to it! Im sorry......less cheese is more! Good luck and revise that part of your food! Quit hiding it with cheese!!!

    Photos
    Moreno's
    Moreno's - Taco Tuesday

    Taco Tuesday

    Moreno's - $15 margarita/Pitchers $42 1/5/25

    See all

    $15 margarita/Pitchers $42 1/5/25

    El Portal de Veracruz - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...