After ten years, Taco María closed our original Costa Mesa location at the end of July 2023.

We couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve accomplished and the place our restaurant has come to occupy in the broader community of modern Mexican-American restaurants. Still we have known for a few years that Taco Maria has outgrown its space, and it’s become evident that this year–at our ten year mark and the end of our lease–was the right time to find a new home for what we do. 

We never could have imagined, ten years ago, the connections we would make in that small space: with our loyal guests, with our immensely talented colleagues, with the farmers, importers, and artisans we have grown up alongside. Now it’s time to plan for the next chapter.

As we look ahead, we want to thank our 2023 team, one of the strongest we’ve ever had, for their commitment to one another and support through a time of transition. And thank you to our guests and our community for the first ten years of memorable evenings, milestones, and conversations sobre mesa. This is not goodbye, but instead a pause, and a moment of gratitude. 


James Beard Nominee, Best Chef: California, 2023 - James Beard Foundation

Michelin Star 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 - Michelin Guide California

Winner of the Golden Tortilla 2023, 2019 - Gustavo’s Great Tortilla Tournament - KCRW

Semi-Finalist, Best Chef: California - 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016James Beard Foundation

101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, 2022, 2021, 2020 - Los Angeles Times

Most Important Restaurants of the Decade, 2010-2019 - Esquire

#3, 101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles 2019 - Los Angeles Times

Restaurant of the Year 2018Los Angeles Times

Top 5 on Jonathan Gold's 101 Best Restaurants List 2017, 2016, 2015Los Angeles Times

Best Restaurant 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 - OC Weekly                      

Best Restaurant 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 - OC Register

Best New Chef 2015Food & Wine Magazine

Best Mexican Restaurant 2015 - OC Weekly                             

Best New Restaurants 2013 - OC Register