Ortega's Bistro

Reserve

Ortega's Bistro 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 (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.