El Matador
El Matador is a Costa Mesa, CA taco spot in the East Side Costa Mesa area known for Mexican food, casual Mexican fare, and a neighborhood restaurant feel, with a 4.4★ rating across 1,429 Google reviews.
Best for
Why people love this place
- •Highly rated by locals
- •Reasonable mid-range pricing
- •Good for casual tacos
- •Located in East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa
- •Strong Google review volume
Order like a local
- →Order a sampler — two or three different fillings — to find your favorite.
- →Try at least one of the house salsas. Ask which is the spiciest.
- →It can get busy at peak hours — aim for early lunch or mid-afternoon.
Good to know
Frequently asked
What kind of tacos does El Matador serve?+
El Matador is known for classic Mexican tacos, plus the usual taquería staples like rice, beans, and house salsas.
Where is El Matador located?+
El Matador is at 1768 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA, in the East Side Costa Mesa neighborhood of Costa Mesa, California.
Is El Matador good?+
El Matador has a 4.4★ average across 1,429 Google reviews — highly rated by Costa Mesa taco standards.
How expensive is El Matador?+
El Matador sits at $$ (mid-range) — typical for a Costa Mesa taquería.
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El Matador is one of many great taco spots in Costa Mesa, California. Browse the full guide to Costa Mesa taco joints, including more options near East Side Costa Mesa, or map a weekend taco road trip across the region.