Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro

Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro Ortega's Bistro, a Mexican restaurant located on University Avenue in Hillcrest, serves up authentic Puerto Nuevo cuisine that keeps people coming back. From tableside guacamole to banana crusted Huachinango and $6 margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, Ortega's offers a unique dining experience with top-notch service and ambiance. Don't miss out on their delicious steak and lobster or the famous churros for dessert! Make your reservation now or order online for delivery.
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Recent social media posts

Pick your poison.Three margaritas, one table, zero wrong choices. Come find your favorite at Ortega’s Hillcrest.        ...
11/05/2026

Pick your poison.

Three margaritas, one table, zero wrong choices. Come find your favorite at Ortega’s Hillcrest.

Fresh, bold, and full of flavor.Shrimp cured in lime and serrano chile, avocado, cucumber, red onion, radish, cilantro a...
11/02/2026

Fresh, bold, and full of flavor.

Shrimp cured in lime and serrano chile, avocado, cucumber, red onion, radish, cilantro and tostadas. The Aguachile at Ortega’s is one of those dishes that reminds you why you love Mexican food in the first place.

Come try it.

10/30/2026

The altar is set. The coffin photo op is ready. And tacos, margs, and Coronas are only $3.

Día de los Mu***os weekend at Ortega’s is going to be wild. Come celebrate with us in Hillcrest.

Oct 30, Oct 31 + Nov 1

IT’S DÍA DE LOS MU***OS WEEKEND AND WE ARE GOING ALL OUT! 💀🌺🎉Three days. Three deals. Zero reasons to stay home.🌮 $3 str...
10/29/2026

IT’S DÍA DE LOS MU***OS WEEKEND AND WE ARE GOING ALL OUT! 💀🌺🎉
Three days. Three deals. Zero reasons to stay home.
🌮 $3 street tacos
🍹 $3 mini margs
🍺 $3 Coronas

Friday Oct. 30, Saturday Oct. 31 and Sunday Nov. 1 in Hillcrest. Plus a festive photo station, so grab your whole crew, dress up, and snap the pics you’ll be posting all week. 📸

Tag Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro in your photos and we may share our favorites!
21+ for drinks. Come hungry. Come thirsty. Come celebrate! 💃

***osWeekend

Cheers to that.Whatever you are celebrating, whatever brought you to Hillcrest today, there is a margarita at Ortega’s w...
10/27/2026

Cheers to that.

Whatever you are celebrating, whatever brought you to Hillcrest today, there is a margarita at Ortega’s with your name on it. Come raise a glass.

Saturday morning, sorted.The mimosa flight is here, the chilaquiles are ready, and the only thing missing is you. Weeken...
10/25/2026

Saturday morning, sorted.

The mimosa flight is here, the chilaquiles are ready, and the only thing missing is you. Weekend brunch at Ortega’s is the kind of morning that makes you forget you ever had plans to do anything else.

Saturday and Sunday, 9AM to 2PM.

There is something special about a place that just feels like home.Ortega’s has been a part of the Hillcrest community f...
10/23/2026

There is something special about a place that just feels like home.

Ortega’s has been a part of the Hillcrest community for years, and we would not have it any other way. Chips, guac, margaritas, and a room full of familiar faces. The kind of neighborhood energy that makes every visit feel like catching up with old friends.

This is our corner of Hillcrest. Come be a part of it.

Your pup has a reservation. 🐾Yappy Hour at Ortega’s Hillcrest is made for the four-legged guests too. Bring your pup, gr...
10/15/2026

Your pup has a reservation. 🐾

Yappy Hour at Ortega’s Hillcrest is made for the four-legged guests too. Bring your pup, grab a table on the patio, and let them get in on the fun with chicken on the menu while you enjoy your Ortega’s favorites.

To our Hillcrest family,Due to a maintenance issue we will be closed today, Tuesday October 13th. We are sorry for any i...
10/13/2026

To our Hillcrest family,

Due to a maintenance issue we will be closed today, Tuesday October 13th. We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

We will be back and ready to see you tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support.

When life gives you limes, you know what to do. 🍋‍🟩Margaritas at Ortega’s come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of commi...
10/12/2026

When life gives you limes, you know what to do. 🍋‍🟩

Margaritas at Ortega’s come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of commitment. From the classics to the kind of cocktail that deserves its own moment, there’s always something worth raising a glass to in Hillcrest.

Address

141 University Avenue, # 4
San Diego, CA
92103

To get to this Mexican restaurant on University Avenue in San Diego, you can take the Green Line trolley and get off at the 54th Street station. From there, walk south on 54th Street for two blocks until you reach University Avenue. Turn right and walk for about a minute and you should see the restaurant on your left.

If you prefer to drive, from Interstate 805, take the University Avenue exit and head east for about two miles. The restaurant will be on your left-hand side just past the intersection with 54th Street. There is a parking lot behind the building accessible from 55th street or free street parking in the surrounding area.

Opening Hours

Monday 11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday 11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday 11:30am - 9pm
Thursday 11:30am - 9pm
Friday 11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday 11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday 10am - 9pm

Telephone

+1 619-692-4200

Alerts

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their vibrant flavors, colorful presentations, and warm hospitality. Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro on University Avenue in San Diego embodies all of these qualities and more. With a prime location in Hillcrest, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine.

One of the standout features of Ortega's is their tableside guacamole, made fresh to order. This attention to detail extends to all of their dishes, from the shrimp enchiladas to the chicken verde enchiladas. Customers rave about the quality of the food and the delicious tortillas that accompany each dish.

But it's not just the food that makes Ortega's special - it's also the atmosphere. The service is top-notch, with friendly staff who go out of their way to make diners feel welcome. And with beautiful presentation and a lovely ambiance, every meal at Ortega's feels like a special occasion.

Whether you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just looking for a great meal any day of the week, Ortega's has something for everyone. And with options for delivery or online ordering, it's never been easier to enjoy their incredible menu from the comfort of your own home. Don't miss out on this San Diego gem - make your reservation today!

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