30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Torrance
Best Tacos in Torrance
Best Burritos in Torrance
Best Late Night Tacos in Torrance
Best Cheap Eats in Torrance
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Torrance
Best Cheap Tacos in Torrance
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Torrance
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Torrance
Master Critic Review
Mexican Riviera Restaurant
8.0
Mexican Riviera is a family-owned PCH staple with over three decades of service, turning out big plates of combo-style Mexican food in a casual strip-mall dining room. Locals use it for everything from breakfast burritos to carnitas dinners when they want familiar flavors, chips and salsa, and plenty of parking right off Anza and Pacific Coast Highway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super special wet burrito, Carnitas taco and enchilada combo, Potato tacos with rice and beans
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Long-running South Bay institution for hearty Mexican combo plates.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting relaxed, sit-down Mexican
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before the busiest evening rush
What to order: Super wet burrito, carnitas combo, potato tacos
Insider tip: Portions are large—splitting a burrito or combo still fills two people.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the shared strip-mall lot off PCH and Anza; rarely fills except peak weekend dinners.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans and a tee to relaxed weekend wear fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation easily, though larger groups and peak hours raise the volume slightly.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during prime hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable enchiladas, chile rellenos, bean tostadas, and customizable burritos.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — bean tacos, veggie burritos (ask for no cheese/sour cream), and salsa-forward plates.
Gluten-free options: Many corn-based items are naturally gluten-free; enchiladas, tacos, and carnitas plates are safer picks. Ask staff to confirm preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than a romantic first date. The vibe is friendly and relaxed rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a walk-in model. Arrive a bit earlier on weekends to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High-chairs, simple kid-friendly dishes, and fast service make it easy for families with toddlers through teens.
Best For
Better for: Larger portions, approachable pricing, and a familiar, old-school Mexican comfort experience that works well for groups and families.
Skip if: You want modern Mexican dishes, craft cocktails, aesthetic interiors, or a date-night ambiance — this spot leans classic and casual.
Hours
Monday10am - 8pm
Tuesday10am - 8pm
Wednesday10am - 8pm
Thursday9am - 8:30pm
Friday9am - 8:30pm
Saturday9am - 8:30pm
Sunday9am - 3pm