We like this place as well. Definitely more of the street taco experience in terms of the size of tacos. The al pastor is very good, haven’t had the cabeza but will try when it cools down. That room can get very hot.
Agreed on all counts. I don’t work down there anymore, so I don’t get in there nearly as often as I’d like. Just went to Zamora for breakfast last weekend. You can’t beat the food and hospitality there.
These are definitely some of the most expensive tacos. But they are delicious and fantastic if you take price out of the context. Looking back on my 6 or so lunches at Taco Maria I think all except 1 were on an expense account. If I had to pay out of pocket I probably would not have been there as many times.
After doing quite a bit of research, I’ve decided on a restaurant for Sunday night that I don’t believe has even been mentioned in this thread - Tan Cang Newport Seafood! Their house special lobster looks DEADLY and I’m excited about the spicy clams, black bean oysters, and salt & pepper baked shrimp as well!
The only downside is that they aren’t taking reservations over Labor Day weekend because of the heavy foot traffic so I imagine we’ll be in for a long wait. When I asked what to expect for a 7pm arrival, I was told it was their busiest time. Any tips or even just expectations for queues and table turnaround this Sunday night? Also, can we leave our name/number with the host and walk around Newport Beach for an hour and return when our seating is ready?
uh, Tan Cang Newport Seafood is nowhere near the beach.
Okay, that’s helpful… I’m obviously from out of town and have no clue where the restaurant is other than the general N.B. area. My question still stands though.
it’s not even in the general newport beach area; newport is only in the name.
The locations (which are related in lineage) are Beverly Hills, Alhambra(ish), and Santa Ana. None of which are close to Newport Beach. All 3 are pretty much “go there to eat, and then go somewhere else” type places.
The Santa Ana location seems closest for your drive, but you’re still changing freeways and whoever is in Fullerton will have to meet you in Santa Ana. I guess if you go to the one in Santa Ana, there is a legit vietnamese coffee shop across the way. Depending on who you’re with, this may or may not be suitable for something to do while you wait.
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Rowland Heights location is just over the hill from Fullerton.
didn’t even know they had an RH location - still far from the beach though 
We went to the Rowland Heights location once and felt it was second string at best compared to the location on Las Tunas.
Thanks for that info - we’d definitely go to the Santa Ana location. Will they call you when your table is ready or do you have to hang around the block? Any idea what the wait should be like btwn 7-8pm this Sunday evening, bearing in mind it’s a holiday? Are we talking +/- 40 mins, 1 hr, 2 hrs?
Just went there a month ago and it was on par with Las Tunas. But I have definitely been and it felt a notch below. The pea sprouts have always been excellent though.
Are you talking about Santa Ana vs San Gabriel?
How does the SA outpost fare?
Beverly Hills location: Equally good food, sans the wait.
Sorry was talking about the RH location. I haven’t been to the Santa Ana location in quite a while.
Thanks - good to know. Once in a blue moon, someone ends up staying at one of those hotels close by around Nogales. That Newport has been convenient to grab a meal.
Man, yet another change of gears… the in-laws want Italian Sunday night. It looks like I won’t be getting my house special lobster after all. 
Could I please get a few solid recommendations for Italian between Long Beach and O.C.?
Could be LB, Huntington, Newport, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, etc.
Apologies for the schizophrenic nature of these requests!
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I love Cucina Alessa’s Newport Beach location (haven’t been to the HB location). They have several house-made pasta dishes.
Sabatino’s Lido Shipyard Sausage Co. has outstanding Italian sausage.
I haven’t been in quite awhile, but I remember Pizzeria Mozza being pretty good.
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Thanks Steve!
Any particular recommendations or stand-outs for Cucina Alessa or is everything a pretty safe bet?
Also is Francelli’s in Long Beach any good? It looks like a fun old school place.
Edit: this place looks good: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mangi-con-amore-laguna-hills - Too bad it’s closed Sundays.
I think you’re pretty safe across the board, but the Pappardelle Al Sugo D’agnello is a standout. Housemade pasta with braised lamb shoulder.
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