Taco Rosa

Taco Rosa Restaurant Review:

Taco Rosa has a reputation in Newport Beach as a place to find rather healthy, simple Mexican and California dishes in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Executive chef/owner Ivan Calderon secures this repute through a fierce commitment to high-quality ingredients, such as the locally sourced, GMO-free corn he uses to make corn tortillas. Start in the cantina with a margarita or beer and order up the stuffed jalapeños, chicken taquitos or portobello quesadilla. Unusual taco combinations are refreshing with intriguing ingredients like charbroiled salmon, lobster and blackened calamari, and portobello mushrooms for the vegetarian in your group. Entrées range from familiar dishes like chile relleno carnitas with pibil sauce to progressive fare such as wild salmon cazuela and Kurobuta pork with chile mole negro sauce. For dessert, try the churros, flan and chocolate-covered strawberries. Sunday brunch is a buffet-style affair with made-to-order omelets, a chocolate fountain and Mickey Mouse pancakes. Also located at Tustin Market Place, 13792 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, 714-505-6080.