Updates From This Business
25% off any appetizers Mon to Thur 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Not valid with another offer Or cupóns… read more
Come check us out in Laguna Hills
We'd love to see you. Come by for breakfast, lunch… read more
Authentic Mexican kitchen
Visit us for Dinner
special mimosas 2x1 Saturday and Sunday
New customers get a free mimosa with a purchase of… read more
Spend Father's Day with us
We'll be open from 8:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to… read more
We're open on Mother's Day
We'll be here from 8:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to… read more
Join us for a Mother's Day cookout
We'll be serving starting at 8am - 2pm and 5pm-9pm.… read more
Make your reservation now on Yelp!
Come eat at Balvina’s Mexican Kitchen for some… read more
Balvina’s Kitchen Holiday Hours!
Come enjoy some tasty food this week at Balvina’s… read more
Book your Christmas parties now on our website!
Book your next reservation to Balvina’s Mexican… read more
Taco Tuesday is coming to Balvina’s this Tuesday!
Taco Tuesday is coming to Balvina’s Mexican Kitchen… read more
Online Reservations Now Available!
We're known for our Authentic Mexican Dishes. Check… read more
You're going to love our breakfast,lunch, dinner
See why people in Laguna Hills are talking about… read more
Menu
Popular dishes
Highlights from the Business
Healthy dining
Takes reservations
Catering service
Gluten-free friendly
Family-owned & operated
Outdoor seating
Location & Hours
Amenities and More
About the Business
only authentic Mexican restaurant in Orange County, we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Ask the Community
Q:
Does your food truck serve the same menu or different? Where can I find info on the truck?
A:
Different menu Only tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas and quesabirrias We are located in Laguna hills Monday Through Saturday… more
Alejandro C., Business Owner9 days agoQ:
Do you have happy hour and if not, how much are your margaritas?
A:
We don’t have happy hour, yes we have margaritas
Alejandro C., Business Owner9 months ago 1 person found this helpful
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
323 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Kate W.Claremont, CA02319Apr 16, 2024Updated review
Their fabulous chile relleno is served perched in a large bowl of spicy tomato broth instead of a sauce. So lovely, restorative, delicious. Went back just for that.
They also have a fun wine list, mostly wines from Mexico.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Mar 6, 2024Previous reviewFantastic, special dishes and personal service. The chile relleno is served in a delicious tomato consume. The long wine list had mostly Mexican wines which was special. We ordered a bottle that was unique and delicious.
- Michael B.Irvine, CA213813Apr 22, 2024
The food and menu are excellent. The sauces were gourmet-quality across the board - mole, verde, poblano.
Our first visit was greeted as we walked in before a second group and the server walked past us and helped the family she knew...a really bad start as we waited uncomfortably to be seated.
The restaurant was half full with one server. She did't smile and was perhaps angry because she was alone and not speaking alot of English. The kitchen appeared to be one person as well. Her time at our table was clearly the absolute minimum she could spare.
We decided best to order immediately and try to get started so as to minimize our time there. After the meal was served we got out the credit card to signal our readiness to leave.
I had an enchilada and tamale...both were truly excellent. My wife has chili verde with flour tortillas - also very good. We notice that the source of the pork was named on the menu..the sign of a very detailed and accomplished chef.
A dichotomy...an excellent chef with very poor service.
We committed to return in case there would be a time when two servers might be present. The service might improve and we could better enjoy our meal.
This place brings nothing to the table...no chips and salsa, no tortillas...nothing for free...and the prices are those of a very high-tone and expensive restaurant...a pricing that matches the excellent sauces and menu preparation but certainly not the service. Wooden tables with water in mason jars....an attempt to be quaint or rustic...
Go to South of Nick's and you'll get water, chips and three kinds of salsa before you can open your mouth. Two people will greet you and a highly skilled server will appear at your table immediately. The prices are the same. The service at Nick's is world class.
Still the preparation of food and sauces is enticing. Perhaps we'll risk suffering the same service again to discover a gem.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Feb 25, 2024Seated via Yelp Reservations
Yelp! really helped me out. I needed a place for 10 of us to have brunch in an area I am unfamiliar with. Great reviews and an easy Yelp! reservation led me to this place.
It turned out to be a great find. Everyone loved their food. It is clearly made with care and the recipes are delicious. Good portions at reasonable prices.
They have a good size patio area as well as plenty of indoor space. We loved the fun repurposed seating like church pews and theater seats.
Special shout out to a seriously spicy bloody Mary.
My wife only at half her breakfast burrito as it was quite large. She loved the roasted green salsa.
Myself and others enjoyed their take on shrimp and grits. Such a great combination of flavors.
Not that many people there for Sunday brunch time which was surprising as so many people wait in line for brunch at other places not nearly as good.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Katherine V.San Francisco, CA032Apr 23, 2024
The Service was warm and welcoming. The food was unlike any other Mexican restaurant I've been to. Everything was authentic and rich in flavor without making you feel guilty or groggy. I came for dinner but fully intend to return for their breakfast.
This is a great ambiance for a date night or large party. They are absolutely reasonably priced and their foods are fresh! I highly recommend this restaurant!
No issues parking. No issues with waiting.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mar 13, 2024
The aesthetic of this place is so nice! Came for dinner and it wasn't too busy. Staff were able to attend to us fairly quickly, and the food was also great. I recommend their combination dishes and their guisados. They also have a large selection of alcoholic beverages from cocktails, wines, and beers to choose from.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jan 5, 2024Seated via Yelp Reservations
I've been here twice now, once for dinner, once for lunch, and I must say it's surprisingly good. The previous restaurant was one of my favorites and I was really sad when they close down, however, it seems like the new owner had some relation to the previous restaurant, because my favorite dish sausage and rice with papaya salad was still on the menu (but isn't Mexican). Also, the furniture and layout is pretty much the same.
For dinner I had the pozole and it's probably only the second time I've ever had it, so I don't know what it's supposed to take taste like, but I know it was delicious. My friend got the enchiladas and loved it. We shared the guacamole and it was very fresh. The flan was way too rich and sweet for my taste but it was fresh and tasted authentic.
For brunch, I got the French toast with bananas, and I enjoyed it very much, it had some caramel fired into it. There was a little bit too much whipped cream on it, but not a big deal. I simply didn't eat at all. My friend got the Chilaquiles and loved it.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 2 - Casey Y.Riverside, CA7910Apr 22, 2024
I ordered MOLE I finished my plate temple is one of those dishes that's very traditional every region has a version but all tend to me sweet with a touch of spice however the chicken should not be dry and this is tricky with chicken to keep it moist well I finish my plate and licked my fingers this was delicious
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Nov 19, 2023
Balvina's Mexican Kitchen, a purveyor of traditional Mexican cuisine, welcomes diners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Patrons can choose to dine alfresco on the patio or in the expansive interior.
The Steak & Eggs, priced at $25, featured an eight-ounce New York steak cooked to a medium-rare perfection, accompanied by two fried eggs and roasted potatoes. A side of ranchera sauce offered a delightful kick to the dish. Unfortunately, the steak was disappointingly thin and lacked in flavor.
The French Toast, priced at $15, comprises three slices of brioche bread topped with crema dulce and sliced bananas. The French toast lacked flavor, as did the crema dulce. This overpriced dish offered no culinary surprises.
Overall, my dining experience at Balvina's Mexican Kitchen fell short of expectations. While the restaurant's ambiance and diverse menu offer initial appeal, the lackluster execution of the dishes left me uninspired. Perhaps other menu items showcase their culinary prowess, but the options I sampled failed to capture my palate's attention. The abundance of pork-based dishes further restricted my choices, limiting my ability to fully explore their culinary repertoire.Helpful 147Thanks 39Love this 138Oh no 10 - Jason S.Laguna Niguel, CA198235176Feb 21, 2024
Great little Mexican restaurant!
This restaurant has a fantastic menu with lots of high end Mexican dishes. It is important to know, they're a little on the pricey side, but the quality of the food is fantastic.
I ordered their steak dish which comes with a chicken enchilada, a tamale and refried beans. As you can see in the photo, my dish was completely devoured.
Their chips and salsa are top notch. Get a side of guacamole, as it's one of the best quacs I've ever tried.
The reason for the 4 star is based on the service. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and there was one person who waited on everyone making the service extremely slow. They fix that part and they have a 5 star restaurant all day long.
This is a must try!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0