El Yaqui Tacos y Mariscos

Just as Orange County’s Little Saigon is home to numerous Vietnamese seafood specialists, the cities of Santa Ana and Orange are great places to find deluxe Mexican mariscos shops that go well past ceviches with stylish stacks of seafood. While we’ve loved the over-the-top presentation of plates at Orange’s Emporio, we’ve also had multiple great meals at a less flashy restaurant: El Yaqui Tacos y Mariscos. As the brick-and-mortar version of a food truck named Mariscos el Yaqui, the El Yaqui restaurant offers zero frills in interior decor but a consistent combination of great food and friendly service.

At El Yaqui, you can choose from giant-sized plates of chilled shrimp, fish, octopus, crab, or mixed seafood, served with large tostadas underneath or on the side. Ceviches and cooked options are available, each powerfully flavored with a mix of fresh peppers, citrus and sauces. Tacos with the same proteins – all cooked, sometimes battered and/or fried – are available with or without cheese, as are a handful of soups and drinks.