Ola Mexican Kitchen

Ola Mexican Kitchen Restaurant Review:

This restaurant takes its name from the waves, and for good reason. Situated on the top level of Huntington Beach’s sleek coastal shopping center Pacific City, Ola Mexican Kitchen virtually makes the adjacent ocean part of the décor. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the venue’s earthy wood-and-brick interior, creating a perfect perch to take in the coastline --- guests looking for a more immersive experience will enjoy sitting on the outdoor patio while sipping a margarita. Chef Alfredo Amado provides regional Mexican food and gently nudges the menu beyond typical cantina grub. Traditional items like ceviche get jazzed with the inclusion of langostino lobster, while dishes such as elote and ahi poke prepared with Mexican spices deviate from the expected. The menu does feature plenty of approachable classics, highlighted by the long and rather good selection of tacos prepared with house-made tortillas and stuffed with proteins ranging from Baja fish and carnitas to grilled rib-eye and pan-seared salmon in an agave glaze. Mains like the Jidori chicken mole showcase the kitchen’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients whenever possible. For dessert, the cheesecake-style flan and the tres leches cake combine traditional tastes with modern creativity. On Sundays, guests can pair up bottomless mimosas with plates like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.