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El Naranjo

Mexican Restaurant$$$$

Downtown Austin, Austin

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El Naranjo

8.0^/10

159

ratings

Ranked #1 for mole in Austin
The experts at Serious Eats and Austin Chronicle recommend this place
"3 different types of mole and the tres leches is excellent!"(14 Tips)
"Highly recommend the Chile Poblano Relleno de Picadillo Oaxaqueño."(2 Tips)
"The best traditional mexican restaurant in town."(2 Tips)
"... had Huevos Benedictos, Tacos Dorados w/ potato & goat cheese, Enchiladas..."(3 Tips)

51 Tips and reviews

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Mexican food
oaxaqueno
good for dates
tres leches cake
huevos rancheros
margaritas
trendy
brunch food
healthy food
big portions
tequila
pork
breakfast food
potatoes
meats
bar
cheese
chefs
chilaquiles
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Austin ChronicleJune 17, 2013
Chef Iliana de la Vega operated a world-famous restaurant in Oaxaca. Lucky for us, she made the move to Austin, where her classically modern restaurant and traditional Mexican cuisine are a huge hit.
Kingsley YoungerNovember 25, 2014
Featured on Eat St. The best Mexican food in Austin (maybe even in the US) and it's in a truck. Her name is the Iliana De La Vega and she is not just an expert but the expert in Mexican cuisine.
Serious EatsFebruary 22, 2013
El Naranja has impressive tequila and mescal collection; all can be shaken into margaritas (though choosing an ultra high-end one may make the bartender cringe). Start with the $7 house margarita.
Chris RoseJuly 30, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Some of the best Mexican food around from one of Oaxaca's best chefs. There's a different mole every month--check for special menus too!
Kingsley YoungerNovember 25, 2014
Apparently the mole sauce could be made out of 100 ingredients. Illiana says forget what you know about Mexican food because it is natural, lots of vegetables and fresh.
Kristen AMay 5, 2019
Incredible food and margaritas. Get a coveted front patio table if you can.
Erika LoyaSeptember 11, 2016
We've had Huevos Benedictos, Tacos Dorados w/ potato & goat cheese, Enchiladas Granatizadas, & Enfrijoladas. Pan Dulce made daily Everything is Delicious!!!
Cooking ChannelFebruary 28, 2012
Acclaimed chef Iliana de la Vega serves up authentic Oaxacan cuisine at her El Naranjo mobile trailer in Austin, Texas. We suggest the Mole Rojo.
Erika LoyaSeptember 11, 2016
Huevos Benedictos, Tacos Dorados w/potato & Goat Cheese, Enfrijoladas, Enchiladas Granatizadas. Pan Dulce made daily! Everything is Delicious
Crystal M.September 22, 2012
¡Excelente! This former food truck (only in Austin !?!)i is now a fantastic traditional Mexican restaurant. Highly recommend the Chile Poblano Relleno de Picadillo Oaxaqueño.
Ricardo GuerreroApril 6, 2013
Try the Enchiladas Verdes - #NOM! Veggie-stuffed enchiladas with salsa verde & avocados to replace the cheese & cream. Gluten & dairy free. That's how I roll!
KlaMay 1, 2013
Try "Chiles pasilla oaxaqueños relleno de quesillo". OMG is a very pleasent and spicy explosion in your mouth. The best traditional mexican restaurant in town.
Kristy RosenackerAugust 21, 2018
Awesome ceviche and the Mexican style filet (I can’t pronounce it, let alone spell it) is amazing!
Tinker BellJuly 26, 2017
The mole, the Angus beef steak is omg amazing. The queso and chips mmmmm and the quac us fantastic.
DanJuly 19, 2015
Definitely a place that you must to visit if you want to breakfast on Sunday morning here in Austin Tx
Jess PendletonDecember 31, 2013
Try the special fungus quesadillas. "The Truffle of Mexico" it may not be, but it is delicious nonetheless.
Nathan ChurchFebruary 27, 2016
We tried several dishes and all were amazing. Second orders of guac and apps.
ptFebruary 26, 2018
Must order the Mole Negro (we would recommend it paired with the duck)!!
Christina XuMarch 13, 2013
Get the duck as your mole protein. It is perfectly cooked!!
Jennifer StaciokasAugust 28, 2013
Try the pork with mole amarillo...delicious! And ask for CT John as your server...you won't be disappointed!
Ricardo GuerreroApril 6, 2013
Try the Flourless Chocolate Torte with Vanilla Sorbet - Dark chocolate &, again, no gluten or dairy FTW! #NOM!
Charles ShermanFebruary 9, 2018
Been here 5+ times
The eggs Benedict are wonderful. Service is slow so have a drink and relax
Melody FuryMay 15, 2013
Been here 25+ times
It's hard to go wrong with anything here but their molé with duck and sea bass are wickedly good.
ben robbinsJune 21, 2015
Ceviche and mole negro are amazing. The cocktails are great too.
Annie ParkFebruary 23, 2017
Good quality food and surprisingly huge portions. Do not overorder!
Alencia JohnsonJuly 13, 2013
Amazing!! Gazpacho was perfection and its a great place for large parties.
Gregg AndersonApril 3, 2019
3 different types of mole and the tres leches is excellent!
sheldonMarch 10, 2013
Get the guacamole and mix with the salsa mâcha!!
Michael SporerMay 9, 2015
Amazing mole, especially with pork chop. Everything else.
Chrystal PaulosMay 12, 2018
Mole was very good but I’ve had better. Staff was nice and food ok. I like the Indian food down the street better and it’s cheaper than El Naranjo...
Casey DukeFebruary 4, 2015
The soup of the day was fabulous. Excellent service!
😀September 5, 2016
Get the molé!! It's the chefs specialty
Marina K.March 15, 2011
Mix & match both the tacos and tacos dorados. The portion size is just right for trying them all.
Ruchita MehtaAugust 24, 2018
Yum is an understatement!
Anna CatherineApril 6, 2014
Try the fundido with mushrooms!
Johnny TijerinaJuly 26, 2013
Request Alex! He is an amazing waiter!
Maria RiofrioAugust 18, 2013
Try the Pan Dulce. Amazing!!
Will McKennaJuly 29, 2012
Cochinita pibil - great!
Teresa Carbajal RavetJuly 29, 2011
Loving this trailer kitchen / cottage remodel Oaxacan treat! Read more
TV Food MapsSeptember 2, 2014
Check out El Naranjo as seen on Eat Street Read more
KatherineAugust 27, 2012
It's a restaurant now, not a trailer anymore, and it's beautiful.
Chase Van BibberAugust 16, 2015
Skirt steak was amazing
E PMay 15, 2013
Try Chuletas de Cordero. Heavenly!
Paul BradleyJanuary 20, 2013
Food is only mediocre, especially for the price. Service could be better. "Specially" drinks are around $11.
Kenneth SaundersOctober 5, 2013
I love this place so much
Carlos VillaviejaJuly 27, 2013
Real espresso coffee
Prashant 🚀 AgarwalMarch 13, 2013
Amazing guac!
Lauren KahnJune 30, 2012
The tres leches is more like angel food cake with pretty icing over it. Skip it.
Michelle WilesJuly 9, 2018
Vegetarian options are meh
Jarred WilsonApril 25, 2013
food is really tasty, but the service was weird (bad? no; just slow)

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