Esther Macias

It's always great and fast service at Avila's El Ranchito on Laguna Niguel, Dine in. Absolutely delicious food 😋 they give you big portions, and the staff always asks if we need anything else. I totally recommend this place. You won't regret it.

John Noland

12/24/22 low carb fajitas and salad are still great. My pinto beans were flavorful but not very warm. The Mrs.' food wasn't as tasty as usual, but she ordered chicken Enchiladas instead of her ususal, so maybe their sauce is supposed to be bland. And her beans and rice were not hot at all 😪. One of our favorite places to eat out. Friendly, fast service. Great tasting food. I really like the low carb fajitas.

Jose Mendoza Soto

Everything is a five star for me in this restaurant. Great food great service and great ambience! My plate was delicious, everyone love it!

Curtis Windham

Good place to get some good food. Seating inside, outside, bar. Good for large or small groups.

+1

Daniel Valerio

Great food and service this is the second location I go to and it is just as good

Avila’s El Ranchito in Laguna Niguel is one of those local Mexican restaurants that has built a loyal following in Orange County over decades. Part of the long-running Avila family restaurant group, the brand traces its roots back to 1966 when the first location opened with just a few picnic tables and family recipes that are still used today.  The Laguna Niguel location carries that same family-run feel the moment you walk in. It’s warm, casual, and welcoming, the kind of place where the staff treats regulars like friends and new guests like they’ve been coming for years. The restaurant sits right off La Paz Road and has a relaxed neighborhood vibe that makes it perfect for an easy dinner after work, a weekend lunch, or a casual gathering with family.  The food is classic, traditional Mexican comfort food. Expect all the favorites like enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, burritos, and combination plates served with rice and beans. One dish that longtime customers always talk about is Mamá Avila’s chicken soup, which is packed with chicken, rice, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro and honestly feels like a full meal by itself. The guacamole, margaritas, and sizzling fajitas are also popular staples that keep people coming back.  Portions are generous and the menu is huge, which makes it easy for everyone in a group to find something they like. Service tends to be quick and friendly, and it’s common to see large families or groups celebrating birthdays or just enjoying a relaxed night out. Many reviews mention how welcoming the staff is and how the restaurant has a genuine neighborhood feel that’s harder to find these days.  Is it the most modern or trendy Mexican restaurant in Orange County? No. And that’s actually part of its charm. Avila’s is more about consistency, tradition, and a comfortable atmosphere than flashy presentation. It’s the kind of place you return to again and again because you know exactly what you’re going to get: solid Mexican food, good margaritas, big portions, and a friendly environment. If you live in or around Laguna Niguel and want a dependable spot for classic Mexican dishes with a relaxed, family-style atmosphere, Avila’s El Ranchito is definitely worth a visit. It’s been serving the community for years and continues to be one of those neighborhood restaurants that locals keep in regular rotation. Also- pro tip Mondays- kids eat free after 4pm (adults must purchase an entree)

Robert Lander

Lakeforest location definitely the better of the three .... Food ,Service and staff personalities make a big difference !!

Brian Schlabach

Red sauce was a bit too tomato on the enchiladas and the chillie relleno. The Cadillac margarita was very weak. And the steak in the steak soft taco was a bit chewy. For this much money, I was expecting better food.

Alan Smallbone

Decent food good size portion. Service was OK. Atmosphere was OK but a little crowded. A little spendy but tasty food.

Nick

Americanized Mexican food. Portions are good, the soup was yummy. Guac was bland. They charge $2 for sliced serrano peppers but whatever. Dog friendly patio and really good service.

Raymond Downie

Not sure how you mess up carne asada this bad. But just look at the photos, all fat and sickly grey color. Couldn't even get a char on the meat. Sent it back once and gave up after seeing it come back the second time.

We were rushed by the waiter from the minute we sat down. Kept asking us to order when we had only just sat down and hadn't even looked at the menu. When we had just finished our meal we were asked to leave because he needed the table. We had only been there for an hour and fifteen minutes. There were plenty of other tables available. The food was mediocre and we will not be back.

We arrived at the restaurant at 4:40. There were only a few other customers. From the moment we sat down the waiter was rushing us to order drinks and food when we hadn’t even looked at the menu. We felt rushed the entire time we were there even though it was a Tuesday early evening and the restaurant was only half full. We finished our meal around 6:00. The waiter came over and asked us to leave because he needed the table. The restaurant was still not full and still early in the evening. The food was not that great. We will not be back!

Lisa McKnett

Ordered a chicken Tostada and they left out the tostada! No tortilla under a sloppy wet mess! The lettuce was cold and wet completely nasty textures together with runny wet beans. I worked in a family owned Mexican restaurant. They would never serve a mess like that. My own Uncle owned the Red Onion back in the day a nd he would be shaking his head no! The chips and salsa were greasy snd the salsa was like they used Ketchup no fresh tomatoes! Just don't waste $45 dollars like we did. Hubby hated his entree as well Camerones Vi bla.