Northgate Market is a must-experience for any OC foodie! With multiple food sellers and a huge seating area - with a band playing on weekends - this is more than just a food trip or a grocery run, it's a day out. The lines can be long on weekends and parking can be chaotic, but we always just head to the far end of the lot and accept a short walk back. The vendors are super friendly and definitely appreciate attempts to order in Spanish no matter how poor your Duolingo score may be. Food-wise, my go-to is always a large Pescado Ceviche (serves 2 lol) with chips, which is a huge portion size and great value even at $25. If I'm feeling a proper feast, a corn tamale or two on the side is a superb complement, and I'll normally wash it down with a pineapple Agua Fresca. read more

Highly recommend coming to the Northgate Market for all your needs! Food 10/10, staff 10/10 friendly and helpful, prices 10/10, value and quality 10/10, parking 10/10, cleanliness 10/10. All around a great spot for everything from drinks at the Entre Nos bar, to delicious tamales and champurrado from La Tamaleria, or buying a rare green Toluca style chorizo! read more

Its literally a place where you can get everything in one shot. sit down to eat, have a drink and then your able to walk it off around the market and perhaps grab yourself a churro at the El Moro churro place. Once you walk in, you just feel this overwhelming feeling oh culture and just all these goodies you can sample, tequila too! A guacamole area, fresh tortillas, ice cream and most places will give you samples. Move over costco! I was just so happy to walk in and was able to see places to eat, chill and hang out. Prices are reasonable and it was just such a pleasant experience. Everyone was really nice and helpful. read more

Love the vibe!! Colorful, full of amazing aromas, lively chatter and music. Went to try out their new coffee experience Casa Libre which we saw on IG. Did not disappoint. Ate outside on the patio which was quite large with shade areas. went home with 1/2 dozen tamales for dinner. We'll be back read more

Northgate Market - Newest opening offering Mexican coffee - Grocery Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Parking is in a huge lot so there's no issue finding any. Wow this is such a cool place! They have a bunch of food obviously but they also have restaurants inside. It is decorated so cute & I tried a fresh homemade tortilla which was delicious. We ate at a place that had flautas which were good. They also had live music when we went. The staff were all friendly. The store is large, clean, & organized. Will definitely be coming back. Want to try a churro next time! read more

El Mercado Gonzales , 70,000-square-foot "mercado" (Mexican marketplace) that flips the traditional grocery shopping experience into a cultural and culinary destination. Lots to see and eat. On the weekends prepare to wait in long lines and hard to find parking lol. It's more than your regular market. Just come and see for your self. Oh and make sure you are hungry Great service and yummy food, just a one stop shop for me. read more

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On a Saturday morning 8am in August, my sister and I drove here from LA to check out the tamales and churros. There was no line at the churros and we ordered two and waited till it was done. Next, I went to look at pan dulces and it tastes more bread like than other pan dulces. All the aisles were clean with nice ambiance and not busy yet. Then I found the prepackaged tamales in the refrigerated shelf. The freshly made guacamole was too expensive to buy. The good deal was freshly made tortillas. read more

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This Mexican market is huge! They open late too which is pretty cool. There is a lot of parking in the front. Came here on a Saturday night because we were hungry. I was very surprised how much of night life they have here. They had a live DJ and they were bumping loud Spanish music. There was people eating, drinking and even dancing. They had a lot of food to shop for groceries. When you first walk in the front there's a big selection of tortillas on the right. They also sold drinks, candy, merchandise and bunch of other things. Bathrooms were maintenance well and clean. They even had sinks outside the bathroom. They had a cafe area around a water fountain indoors. I got tacos from one of the food places inside this market. We ate outside on the patio cuz it was nice. There was a bunch of tv screens outside and some fans. People can also drink at the bar too. I had to ask the bar to open the bottled soda we had. It's such a cool place to check out. read more

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Cool experience, cool place! I like the vibes here and it's very bright inside. There's multiple little restaurants inside you can grab food at or purchase fresh groceries or aqua frescas! We grabbed fresh guac and chiccharon which was actually VERY heavy at the time. But I was craving it later on. The tacos were okay. I don't think I was too big of a fan of meat or hot sauce. Over all a cool experience and would def come back read more

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Such a haven! Anything you want? They've got it. Northgate Market has curated a magical experience with the Mexican goods grocery store, bakery, gifts and a variety of mini restaurants that specialize in products (churros, tortillas, birria, tamales, pozole,etc). The staff is so friendly and helpful in finding your desired item or the perfect thing to have for dinner. The market has made a welcoming space for families and friends to gather and enjoy the DJ and music some nights and other nights sporting events. read more

Northgate Market - La tamaleria - Grocery Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Love coming here for the authentic and fresh Mexican eats, the fun cultural experience, and the roasted peanuts!! You can get a little bit of everything from the marketplace to share with your group on the outdoor patio. Also don't forget the bakery on the other side for some Mexican coffee and fresh churros. There's also a big screen where you can watch the popular sports games during the season. Before you leave, also grab some chips and salsa made without any preservatives to satisfy your cravings at home. The staff is so friendly across all booths and passionate about the food that they prepare, truly a gem to experience the Mexican future and passion! read more

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I was in the mood for good ceviche and visited this store. Amazing. Lots of great food stations from ceviche, fruteria stands, salsa stations, hot food, Aguas frescas, butcher, etc. Lots of choices, even an attached restaurant for meeting up with friends & family. I ordered the ceviche and it was amazing. I'll be back for more when I'm in this area. You can literally be here for hours (by choice). I loved the selections available and such a vibrant atmosphere. If you're in the area, stop by. It's an awesome grocery shopping experience. read more

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Still one of my favorite places to friends and family for an experience during shopping. There is so much to see and experience while shopping. The food and drinks are amazing here. You really can't go wrong with grabbing an agua Fresca or a few tortillas and a pound of your favorite meat. You can sit there and eat it with a friend or even yourself if you don't want to share all the delicious food variety's they have to offer. It has something for everybody. Service is great here and pretty fast. read more

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North Gate feels like a full-on food stall amusement park ! This location in Costa Mesa is HUGE! Upon arrival the parking lot is already full (mid day on Tuesday). I'm overwhelmed--in the best way possible. Everywhere I turn, it's just stall after stalls of incredible food. How am I supposed to choose?! There's floral section..tortilla, fresco, Mexican bread, chicken, salsa fried pork stalls...and on and on! I need to come back but may need two hour lunch break?!! The checkout line is guided by a worker to ensure it's moving! read more

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**May 2026: Tuesday Evening Visit** My Bible study group was hosting a Mexican-themed potluck, so I figured this was the perfect excuse to pick something up from Northgate Market. It's pretty close to my chiropractor's office, so I made a quick detour on my way home to check it out. Wow--this Northgate is very different from the one in San Diego. Inside, there are several mini restaurants and stalls focused on specific items. There's a bakery with some incredibly beautiful cakes and desserts, a churro shop, and a salsa/guacamole bar. On the other side of the market, there's a full food court with everything from ceviche to tacos to burritos and more. I was especially excited about the handmade tortillas and ended up picking up a few packs to bring to the potluck. They had options like green (cactus), blue corn, and more--it was really cool seeing them being made fresh. Beyond the food, they also carry souvenir-style items, household goods, and pretty much everything you'd need for grocery shopping. Overall, it's such a fun and vibrant spot. Next time, I'd love to come back and actually sit down for a meal at the food court or maybe grab one of those cakes. Yum! read more

I finally got over here to visit and see what everyone is talking about. Glad I did! Enjoyed a beef tamale and ceviche. Also picked up groceries for Carne asada and Pollo tacos. Fresh tortillas, still warm as I paid for them! Went about 10:45am and when we left if was getting more and more crowded. Very clean place, bathrooms were very clean too. Can't wait to go back and try more things including dessert. read more

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Love this indoor Mexican Marketplace! Makes me feel like I am visiting Mexico. There's counter-style stalls and venues with various deli, bakery, and hot/prepared foods that you can browse, loiter and shop to your heart's content for authentic and hard-to-find Mexican goods in their main grocery store. I especially love their fresh churros and the pork rind (chicharron) stands. There's also a small restaurant/bar inside with ample seating to enjoy the made-to-order foods and beverages you purchased from all the individual stalls. Prices for their normal grocery items are reasonable too. read more

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Northgate in Costa Mesa is one of my favorite grocery stores. I've been shopping at Northgate Market since I was a little girl, but the Costa Mesa location was the first time I experienced their incredible food hall, Mercado González, featuring different regional cuisines from across Mexico. Each stand is thoughtfully designed to serve freshly made food quickly, while still offering the warm and welcoming hospitality that feels reminiscent of visiting Mexico itself. One thing I especially appreciate is how each vendor also shares the history and cultural significance behind the dishes they serve, making the experience feel both delicious and educational. From tamales to sushi, churros, guisados, and so much more, every item I've tried has been absolutely delicious. My personal favorite is El Moro, the famous Mexico City churros, which instantly remind me of my childhood. My second favorite is the ceviche stand, which offers a variety of fresh, flavorful options that are always vibrant and satisfying. Beyond the prepared foods, the market itself is incredible. They offer fresh produce, chilis, salsas, handmade tortillas, aguas frescas, ice creams, and juices that truly bring a piece of Mexico home with you. The store also carries piñatas, pottery, candles, and even features a sit down restaurant, making it feel like so much more than just a grocery store. From the music playing throughout the market to the genuinely friendly staff, Northgate Costa Mesa is an amazing experience and an absolute must visit. read more

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I've been to many Northgates so when my fiancée raved about this one in Costa Mesa, I rolled my eyes and questioned what made this one so different. Holy Moly I could stay here all day! Started with tamales, also had shrimp ceviche, picked up a sandia agua fresca, all while grocery shopping!! Worth the drive even though I probably passed three other Northgates on the way here. read more

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The atmosphere is exciting. The vendors offer such delicious dishes! We had a little bit of everything; street tacos, tamales, pozole, churros. We were offered a warm tortillas right after they were cooked and before packaging! It was such a great experience. I will return with my Mom. read more

Northgate Supermarket is truly a one-stop shop with plenty of indoor food vendors to choose from. They have a bakery as well as a fresh churro maker inside. It is huge. Lots of fresh meat, fresh vegetables and lots of spices. They also have toys, home decor and candles! Tbh is places is pretty awesome! read more

delicious variety of food options. Ambience and service is great. There is indoor and outdoor seating. I love the ceviche there.

I had the best churros at the churreria (El Moro). The service was beyond excellent! Brandon was exceptional and his suggestions were on point. The churros, the sauces and the Oaxacaqueno chocolate drink was so delicious and tasted just like the chocolate from Mexico The the mazapan artisanal ice cream inside the churro sandwhich was so amazingly tasting. Thanks Brandon again for the best service ever! read more

You can spend an hour easy here. That was me and the parking lot filled up fast. I was intrigued by the plants, then the tortillas, over to produce and the juices. Then just area to the next, I didn't even make it to the food stalls. Great energy and mood here, everyone is happy surrounded by food. It's comforting! read more

Great selection of goods. I love that they have freshly made Mexican food and desserts. They also were giving tequila samples which was a plus. What dropped my review to 3 stars was that I needed a tamale pot. Multiple employees told me they were on the tip shelf of the aisles. I looked and couldn't find them. I asked my cashier "Carmen" young girl who I thought would be helpful to help me locate one. She looked at me blank stare and didn't say anything and seemed annoyed that I had asked for assistance finding the pot. She sent the bagger to look and the bagger came back and said they were not in stock. I was okay with them being out of stock but their service could have been better. If she's so miserable I'm sure she could find a simple job somewhere else. I am going to stop by again mid week and speak to the manager to order a pot instead. Hopefully service will be better then. read more

That this place is not five stars is insane! This is the best grocery stores I've ever been to. The food vendor stalls have amazing food and fresh made tortillas throughout the day. There's a multitude of mini restaurants with every type of Mexican cuisine, you could ask for. And then stop by the churro store and get the best churro you've ever had on your way out the door. Don't walk run to go visit Northgate market. I take everybody who comes in from out of town to visit and they're all blown away by the beauty, the quality and the ambience of this store. Come hungry! read more

So disappointed in you northgate Gonzalez market. Look at that ingredient list for their flour and corn tortillas. Won't be feeding my family that abomination. I tossed them into the trash! Gross. read more

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I love this place especially for the ceviche. However, today's experience was one of the worst encounters I've had with an employee ever. I normally always get the same thing: ceviche w/ avocado and the regular shrimp one but this time I was curious about the agua chile, which I've never had before. I asked Gabby what the difference was between the green and red aguachile and instead of responding with a normal answer, she decided to snap back with "what do you mean why are they different? because they are prepared differently" in the most condescending tone that was just plain unnecessary. Maybe that was something I could've researched beforehand and I still do not think it warranted that type of response. There was one other person behind me but they were being helped so I'm not sure what her problem was. Aside from Gabby, the other workers were kind and helpful. It would've been a 4 star but after that encounter definitely not. read more

As a loyal patron of Northgate Market for several years, I have consistently supported your various locations, making an average of two visits per month. My patronage continued, and I welcomed the convenience offered by the recent opening of your new location near my residence. Recently, I encountered a concern that prompted me to attempt to reach out to your team. I initially left a detailed voicemail for a manager at one of your locations, and subsequently, a voicemail with your corporate office, hoping to resolve the matter. Regrettably, these initial attempts to communicate received no response. After further persistent efforts, I was eventually able to speak with a representative at your corporate office. During this conversation, I was explicitly assured that a callback would be initiated the following day to address my issue. Unfortunately, this promised follow-up did not occur, and I received no further communication. These repeated communication failures have significantly impacted my perception of Northgate Market's commitment to customer service. It is deeply disappointing when a long-standing customer's attempts to resolve an issue are met with such consistent unresponsiveness and a lack of follow-through on commitments. As a direct consequence of these experiences, I have made the difficult decision to discontinue my patronage. My monthly spending with Northgate Market typically amounts to several hundred dollars, and I believe that customers who contribute significantly to your business should expect a higher standard of communication and problem resolution. I hope this feedback will be taken constructively to improve future customer interactions and ensure that other loyal patrons do not encounter similar frustrations. read more

Lots of options for good food and drinks, fun atmosphere and colorful decorations everywhere. Service was mixed. My tamale order was delicious and served very quickly, my daughter's birria combo order took a very long time, though it was delicious. Great place to come with friends and family to eat, enjoy music, and shop. read more

Came here a few days ago and purchased some meat from the carnicería. Bought a couple of pounds of marinated prime beef, the butcher guy plucked some meat from a plastic bin behind the counter and then grabbed one slice of beef from the windowed section. Looks like a mix of non-prime meat or old meat, shady business. Don't hesitate to complain if you see something shady. On top of that the meat did not sit well with me. read more

This place is not just a market but a cultural icon that houses the best tacos and fresh food ready to be consumed. The fresh made tortilla, guacamole, salsa and protein options are phenomenal. The carne asada tacos in the food court is the best I've tasted. read more

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Store is very clean employers are super helpful and happy and they have almost anything you need that you wouldn't find at a regular grocery store. I've been looking for banana leaves to make fish in and they have that there. Also has a full bar and multiple little food areas. Also fresh churros highly recommend. read more

I absolutely LOVE Everything here! Highly recommend it. All employees are knowledgeable, friendly! Very very clean Market excellent!!!!