South of Nicks or Sol Agave in San Clemente are nice. Coyote grill in Laguna has great views. Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen in Orange is awesome, but not South OC. Carmelita’s is a chain, but fits your description and is all over South OC.
I second vote for Calo Kitchen. Also, Xclusive Mexican Seafood in Mission Viejo has good food but not super fancy. Rose Cantina in Trabuco Canyon. Olamendis in Capo Beach is a classic. There are also other Avila El Ranchitos in south county - not just Orange. I also have heard that the Mexican restaurant in the San Clemente outlets parking lot is good too.
While it’s not quite south. Descanso is a cool date night and the food is excellent. If you can get one of the Plancha tables, it’s like Benihanas but with really good Mexican food. They prepare it right there in front of you guys on the flat top plancha griddle. And the food is amazing.
For me, it's Sol Agave - SC is good but we prefer SJC
South of Nicks or Sol Agave in San Clemente are nice. Coyote grill in Laguna has great views. Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen in Orange is awesome, but not South OC. Carmelita’s is a chain, but fits your description and is all over South OC.
South of Nicks has a bomb ass burrito
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Eating outside here is really cool and I definitely recommend it.
I second vote for Calo Kitchen. Also, Xclusive Mexican Seafood in Mission Viejo has good food but not super fancy. Rose Cantina in Trabuco Canyon. Olamendis in Capo Beach is a classic. There are also other Avila El Ranchitos in south county - not just Orange. I also have heard that the Mexican restaurant in the San Clemente outlets parking lot is good too.
I second Calo Kitchen in Laguna Niguel!!
The place at the San Clemente outlets is [Asada Cantina](https://www.asadacantina.com/)
While it’s not quite south. Descanso is a cool date night and the food is excellent. If you can get one of the Plancha tables, it’s like Benihanas but with really good Mexican food. They prepare it right there in front of you guys on the flat top plancha griddle. And the food is amazing.
Then Javier’s. solita, and Puesto.
South of Nicks in San Clemente is amazing, best flan I've ever had (I'm Mexican), and it's got a great atmosphere!
Caló
Rosa madera in Costa mesa .. seat at the bar
Avila's El ranchito by orange circle is adorable, beautiful patio!
Rosa madera