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Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro Review

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Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro

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Address: 141 University Ave., Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, 92103 | Map It
Phone: 619/692-4200 | Reserve Online

Price range: $
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: Uptown

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Fodor's Review:

Californians have long flocked to Puerto Nuevo, the "lobster village" south of San Diego in Baja California. When a member of the family that operates several Puerto Nuevo restaurants opened Ortega's, it became an instant sensation, since it brought no-nonsense, authentic Mexican fare straight to the heart of Hillcrest. The specialty of choice is a whole lobster prepared Baja-style and served with superb beans, rice, and made-to-order tortillas, but there are other fine options, including melt-in-the-mouth carnitas (slowly cooked pork), made-at-the-table guacamole, and grilled tacos filled with huitlacochecorn mushrooms and Mexican herbs. The pomegranate margaritas are a must, as is the special red salsa if you like authentic spice.