San Diego / California / United States
ORTEGAS Bistro has been recognized by Fodors Travel, the foremost name in travel publishing, as a 2010 Fodors Choice selection. This distinction represents a remarkable achievement and recognizes ORTEGAS as a leader in its field for service, quality, and value in the 2010 year. Restaurant Critic "Ortegas brings a lifetime of experience to this two-story restaurant, which is warm and modern. The creative menu runs the gamut from enchiladas and tacos to Kobe beef burritos and chicken mole. Everything Ortegas serves has a fresh and clean flavor." Maria C. Hunt Californians long have flocked to Puerto Nuevo, the "lobster village" south of San Diego in Baja California. When a member of the family that operates several Puerto Nuevo restaurants opened Ortegas, it became an instant sensation, since it brought no-nonsense, authentic Mexican fare straight to the heart of Hillcrest. The specialty of choice is a whole lobster prepared Baja-style and served with superb beans, rice, and made-to-order tortillas, but there are other fine options, including melt-in-the-mouth carnitas (slowly cooked pork), made-at-the-table guacamole, and grilled tacos filled with huitlacochecorn mushrooms and Mexican herbs. If you like authentic spice, ask for the special red salsa. EPICURIOUS EATING: Ortegas BISTRO "Freshly made tortillas emitting their moisture from steel serving pots merely added to the bakery-like redolence in the room." Frank Sabatini Jr.
