Picante Martin’s Mexican Restaurant

Fantastic food, great price. Vegetarian friendly. What else could I ask for on Balboa? Highly recommend.

4.5 stars. Great vegetarian friendly fast mex place. Very pleasantly surprised at the freshness and delicious flavors.
Dined here on a Saturday around 3:30pm with no wait. You order at the counter and wait for your name to be called back to the counter to pick up. Took maybe 5 min.
BF had potato tacos and veggie taco salad which he liked. Taco salad had broccoli and mushrooms which was a nice touch.
I had a large dinner salad and the bean/​cheese nachos (comes with sour cream and guacamole).
The salad was so fresh and juicy, it was the perfect salve for an afternoon out on the windy and wavy whale watching boat. Nachos were so big, I think we’ll split it next time.
Can’t wait to come back to this yummy island oasis!

It’s small inside, so limited dine-​in. You order at the counter and pick it up yourself, but the food is DELICIOUS and customizable. It’s a locals spot, so you know the ingredients are quality, prices reasonable and the portions are filling. Breakfast burritos are their specialty, but everything is good. My go-​to is the chilaquiles (my
Man likes the chorizo breakfast tacos). If your taking to-​go, make sure you ask for sides of salsa! Very necessary

We love this place! my wife and I used to live on the Island and would walk down once a week. They are so friendly and the food is so good and fresh. I took my wife down to the Island for Valentines Day and had a great meal. One of the best chile rellenos, chile verdes, and carnitas around. Their Mole is tasty too!

I recently had a mini getaway to Newport Beach over the MLK holiday. Staying in this part of OC isn’t cheap so I wanted affordable options as far as in meals. I Unilocaled this place and was shocked at the high ratings and claims of authentic Mexican food in this side of town. I was skeptical but am soooo glad I tried it!
It really is authentic Mexican food and so affordable.
Our first night, we sauntered in about 20 minutes before closing and ordered carne asada fries. My offspring wanted the flautas (which on the menu is called chimiflautas). Both were amazing! The asada was seasoned & marinated well, and most importantly, tender! Fries were so good and fresh. And it was topped with ample amounts of cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Flautas came with rice and beans and they were both good, although the rice was a bit on the salty side.
We were so impressed with the food that we went back the next day. That time I tried the chicken noodle soup which were made with flat noodles and shredded white meat chicken. This was not a good choice. The pasta was undercooked and broth wasn’t hot enough. I ended up just fishing out the carrots and zucchini.
We ordered the asada fries again and I had the chile relleno. Both were still amazing but the fries had less meat this time around. Rice was still salty.
Oddly enough, I wasn’t too keen on the guacamole; I’ve had better. But overall, I will go out of my way to come to this place any time I’m ever in the area. I’m jealous of you, Newport, for having this hidden gem in your neighborhood.

We love Picante Martins — Great breakfast Burritos.
Solid Burritos and steak Nachos. Love the new expanded seating as well.
Not super high end but good bang for the buck.
Employees are always helpful and friendly.
Our Go To restaurant on Balboa Island… Great for kids.

Had a wet steak burrito with the green sauce. Was excellent.
Tried the pork burrito wet with normal sauce and just ok.
Prices were resonable.

Hands down favorite Mexican restaurant in Orange County. I lived in Mexico for 8 years and this comes pretty darn close the real deal!

I use to come here as a kid with my grandparents a lot. They liked to take us for walks down to the Main Street. 9 years later I come back and bite into a beef taco and my childhood comes rushing back again. Great family owned business that is just amazing. The prices are as amazing as the food. The service and quality is always great. Even during the strenuous boat parade period this holiday season! Couldn’t recommend it enough! Twice in one week and I bet I can beat that record before I’m off again!

Been here a million times and the food is always great! The people are always so nice and they’ll make you feel welcome! They have good tortilla soup. The breakfast burritos are awesome! The burgers are a hidden gem, since most people don’t think of that when they think of a Mexican restaurant. Check it out!

Amazing mole and great prices. This little place is unsuspecting but really enjoyed the food. Friendly staff and fast service as well. Definitely will come again!

On Balboa Island here is where you should go for delicious Carnitas and a wide variety of typical Mexican food.
Always good and filling. Real homemade flavors. Try their Chicken Mole or Camarones

Yummy bean and cheese burrito. The salsa is Amazing. Mild is spicy and spicy is spicy! Simple but knows what they are doing!

Consistent, generous servings. We always get the wet burrito & enchilada Suiza. Fills you up for hours! The soup is also good when you need some lighter comfort food! Satisfying food at a fair price after a paddle around the island :)

Nice little Mexican spot on balboa island, good prices and home cooked fresh food. I got the 1 item taco combo that came with rice, beans and chips. No complaints and the service was great too. I asked for more salsa and he gladly gave me a good sized cup of it. Will be back!

If you’re in the area, you must try picante martins. It’s a little family owned restaurant that’s serving authentic Mexican food. Everything on the menu is pretty solid. That being said I recommend the three item combo with taquitos, enchilada, and beef crispy taco. That way you can get a little of everything.
They also just remodeled and expanded the restaurant so now their is plenty of dine in space.

Oh my goodness! I love this place. Best Mexican food ever in Orange County. I know because I’m a foodie. Mrs. Martins is the sweetest. Love, love this place. Best salsa ever.

Food ordered: carne asada torta
Chile relleno
Great food, fast service, friendly staff. Definitely the best Mexican food in the area, maybe even the oc. And did I mention authentic! They will take care of you.

FANTASTIC FOOD & SERVICE. My daughter and I popped in last night and we were famished. Although the door was open, the restaurant had closed a half hour prior. Martin Jr. was behind the counter and did not hesitate to say «yes» when we asked if we could order our meals «To Go».
I ordered two Chicken Enchiladas, with rice and beans and it was delicious. My daughter had the Cheese Quesadilla with guacamole and sour cream and she too was very happy with her dinner. This is the real deal, authentic Mexican food cooked superbly, yet the prices are very inexpensive. We have been coming here for years and it really is a hidden gem on Balboa Island, frequented by locals mostly.
Recently they took over the space next door and have expanded the restaurant. The remodel turned out fabulous. There is more seating and the color scheme (dark coral) is perfectly in line with the Mexican theme, vibrant and cheerful. The SERVICE IS ALWAYS ABOVE AND BEYOND. The staff is more than happy to accommodate customers. You can’t miss with this authentic Mexican restaurant!

Amazing little cheap mexican resturant. Order the chicken soup you won’t be disappointed it was amazing! Tons of different veggies with chicken. Also got a crisply taco which was good too. Check it out!

Muy buena! Comida casera y auténtica!!! I had a plate of 2 enchiladas suizas, frijoles y arroz. Riquísima!