Moreno Valley has its charms. We’re blessed with year-round sunshine, parking is rarely a nightmare, and you can still find a decent slice of avocado toast without mortgaging your future. That being said, we’re still in the Inland Empire—which means when the taco craving hits, you’d better know where to look.
Tacos Bahia Fish
$ | (951) 243-2823 | WEBSITE
You’re not coming to this cozy family spot for delicate fusion tacos with microgreens and edible flowers. You’re at Tacos Bahia Fish for generous portions of fresh seafood served with hearty homemade salsas on the side. This place has been a local favorite for years, and the interior feels like your abuela’s kitchen. There’s a simple counter, family photos on the walls, and just three tables that look like they’ve hosted countless family meals.
If you’ve ever wanted to try that legendary coctel de camaron grande piled high with shrimp, you can do it here (it’s called the grande for good reason). Good luck finding a seat during peak hours.
Keke’s International food spot
$ | (951) 455-4155 | WEBSITE
Keke’s International Food Spot in Moreno Valley is the best version of a community-focused California taco spot. Meaning this place is vibrant, with upbeat music and spacious outdoor seating. Plus, it has great food, including standout BBQ Tri-Tip and a Moreno Valley-sized (i.e. very generous) Fried Fish plate.
It’s the perfect spot for someone who frequents chain restaurants in the Inland Empire – they’ll feel like they’re in a backyard cookout, and you’ll be entertained by watching them navigate the family-style portions while trying complimentary hot sauce and wings.
FryNot?
$ | (951) 577-8087 | WEBSITE
FryNot? doesn’t serve the only destination-worthy fries in this city. We also have this small counter-service place in Moreno Valley. On first glance, these fries are unassuming – the loaded variations seem overwhelming, and appear excessive. But that’s only because the potatoes have been fried to perfection, creating delicious, crispy golden edges. Include some street tacos in your order, along with those chili cheese fries.
Not a bad candidate for helping someone finally let go of an obsession with traditional fast-food fries (although realistically, good luck with that).
Green Onion
$ | (951) 683-3363 | WEBSITE
This relaxed spot in Moreno Valley makes the list for two reasons. One, it’s a consistently excellent Mexican restaurant – you can’t go wrong with anything from the generous menu. Two, it’s got a full-service bar. This is something many of us in Southern California appreciate (we have plenty of bar options), but it will probably make your friends from less bar-happy towns envious.
Taco’s Arandas
$ | (951) 485-6699 | WEBSITE
Your friend from Los Angeles is visiting, and you’re craving authentic tacos. Head to Taco’s Arandas. This spot serves the kind of food that someone who grew up with family recipes – or at least knows where to find them – would make. Come for the heart tacos, vegetarian wet burritos, and the celebrated birria. At this Moreno Valley location, you can even sit outside. Just tell your pal to imagine that the freeway traffic is mariachi music.
Jack In The Box
$ | (951) 242-0232 | WEBSITE
This Moreno Valley spot makes classic fast-food staples like breakfast burritos into reliable go-tos, and turns iced coffee into a clever excuse for a quick boost. In other words, it delivers everything convenient and satisfying. The less-fried items (for example, the service) are also great, and overall, we have yet to find something we don’t appreciate. The casual space has lots of friendly energy, and the kid-friendly setup is perfect for a small family during a late-night run.
Tortas de Sinaloa
$ | (951) 571-7758 | WEBSITE
Head to Tortas de Sinaloa in Moreno Valley for a genuine taste of Mexican street food. The space feels like it’s been serving families for years, with simple, clean tables and friendly staff who bring out your order quickly. The tacos feature real arrachera cut meat that’s full of flavor. Don’t miss the Cubana torta, packed with ingredients. This spot couldn’t be any more authentic if it played mariachi music.
Birrieria El Tijuanazo
$ | (951) 363-8733 | WEBSITE
Your friend who just got back from a road trip through Mexico has been craving something authentic. The first thing he did when he got home was microwave some frozen taquitos, but now he wants something birria-adjacent for dinner. Put Birrieria El Tijuanazo on the list. There’s a lively buzz in the dining room, and a hearty menu with quesabirrias, birria packs, and plenty of consomme. He can always grab a beer from the bar once the taquito craving has worn off.
Los Reyes Mexican Food
$ | (951) 485-0350 | WEBSITE
Impressing Southern Californians with a Mexican restaurant is hard. But you can take them to Los Reyes Mexican Food in Moreno Valley with confidence. Every burrito here is fantastic – in particular the carne asada burrito, which is a menu staple. But the non-burrito is great, too (try the shrimp cocktail appetizer or the chile relleno). It’s the kind of place that might make someone (briefly) stop talking about their favorite spot in Los Angeles.
Birrieria Tacos Mi Negra
$ | (951) 247-1055 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want to take your family somewhere that feels genuinely welcoming. When that’s the case, head to Birrieria Tacos Mi Negra in Moreno Valley. It’s a warm, family-friendly Mexican spot with a cozy dining room, and it serves some of the best birria in the area. The star here is the incredible tacos de birria dorados de res with consomé, but anything that features their rich, slow-cooked birria is worth trying – so order the 3 cheese tacos with birria and the tacos de asada too.
If you’re feeling adventurous, customize your lemonade while you share stories about that one time you tried to make birria at home.
The Taco Machine Mobile Catering Co
At some point, a host in Moreno Valley might get overwhelmed by event planning and want a solution – a steady stream of guests and logistical headaches can inspire this type of thing, or so we’ve heard. Take care of this with a booking from The Taco Machine Mobile Catering Co. Their delightful tacos are fresh and satisfying, and the service has enough professionalism and warmth to make your guests feel like they’re at a restaurant, where there isn’t quite so much stress.
Angie’s Mexican Food
$ | (951) 379-1700 | WEBSITE
Angie’s Mexican Food has the best tacos in Moreno Valley (maybe even the region). This makes it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine, no matter where they’re coming from. Just plan on a simple setting in a mini-mall, but assure everyone that it’s worth it. Especially that friend from Riverside who already tried to find homemade Mexican dishes elsewhere but was too skeptical.
Mrs Taco’s
$ | (951) 653-6000 | WEBSITE
It’s practically mandatory that you bring anyone visiting Moreno Valley to a proper taco spot. And when you’re dealing with someone who doubts the local scene, you’ve got to choose wisely. There are plenty of options around, but Mrs Taco’s is the one. The food here is made-to-order (so you don’t get the generic, pre-made taste of some chain places), and the highlight is the carne asada taco. Bring napkins for when the salsa inevitably drips down your guest’s chin.