Maizano Cocina – Closed

Previously our favorite Mexican restaurant in Orange County, this small but beautiful space within Costa Mesa’s Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market treated guests to the diverse moles, fresh produce, and wider range of proteins that define elevated Mexican cuisine. As its name suggested, Maizano spotlighted the many ways corn (“maiz”) can be used in savory and sweet dishes, generally to great effect. In addition to constants including shrimp aguachile, tender octopus, lobster enchiladas, and braised pork, frequent menu evolutions and weekend specials kept lunches and dinners surprising – but consistently excellent.

Combined with superb table service, Chef Alan Sanz’s incredible skill at coaxing compelling flavors and textures from corn (maiz) elevated Mexican dining to levels that hadn’t been seen in Orange County since the Taco Maria days. Those unfamiliar with actual Mexican cooking could discover at Maizano a more authentic alternative to old El Torito Grill or newer Sol Mexican Cocina restaurants – a special treat for diners who already appreciate dishes such as black aguachile, green pumpkin seed mole, and octopus.