Ortega's Bistro

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Ortega's Bistro Review

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