Playa Amor Mexican Cocina

Playa Amor Review - Long Beach - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Playa Amor sits in the middle of a never-ending shopping center in the Marina Pacifica neighborhood and, from the outside, looks like a knockoff On The Border. But Playa Amor is much more than that. This modern spot serves fantastic Mexican/Southwestern food in a low-key party atmosphere that’s great for anything from a low-key date to one-too-many margaritas with your friends. There’s a wrap-around patio facing a not-sad pond, live music on the weekends, and mole tater tots you’re going to want to get involved with." - Brant Cox

The 19 Essential Sit-Down Mexican Restaurants in LA - Eater LA

"Make a day of it when dining at Playa Amor Mexican Cocina. Open since 2016, this Long Beach restaurant is a block away from the Long Beach Marina with Mexican dishes that bear a slight twist. Try the ceviches, Mexican clam chowder with roasted pasilla chiles, a mole tot poutine, and a mayan hummus made with pumpkin seed" - Eater Staff

Where To Eat With Someone Who Says They Want Something Different, But You Know They’re Lying

"Playa Amor is inside of a never-ending shopping center in Long Beach and, from the outside, looks like a knockoff Chevy’s. But Playa Amor is much more than just sizzling fajitas and whisky limeades. This modern spot serves fantastic Mexican/Southwestern food in a low-key party atmosphere that’s great for having one-too-many margaritas with your friends. There’s a wrap-around patio facing a not-sad pond, live music on the weekends, and mole tater tots you’re going to want to get involved with." - brant cox

Some of San Gabriel Valley’s Most Prominent Restaurants Reopen Today - Eater LA

"Chef Thomas Ortega is reopening all three of his restaurants in time for Cinco de Mayo next week: Amorcito, Amor y Tacos, and Playa Amor." - Farley Elliott

Eater Staffers’ Favorite Los Angeles Restaurant Cookbooks - Eater LA

"Playa Amor is known for its Puerto Nuevo lobster, featured in a cookbook discussing Alta California cuisine and street food." - Eater Staff

Carla G.

Google

What a great find! Literally we had to change plans lasr minute since ballast point brewery is not dog patio friendly. From the start greeted with kindness and smiles, chips salsa and guacamole to start so so good. Oh and it was Happy hour! We ordered the octopus, at one point I swear they brought some chilaquile chips mmmmm, we ordered Carne asada enchiladas, salmon tacos a la plancha, the half chicken, fish tacos. All so so good. Drinks were great, beers nice and cold. You can even them to male a custom one like I did, I wanted a spicy margarita, they had a picosa, but I needed more spice and he nailed it! They're a Lil hidden but ots a hidden gem.

Nick B

Google

This place was reservations out that night but they made room for me at the bar. Service was really good and friendly. You must get the tots. I ate it even before taking a pic. 🔥. The red sauce for enchilada was really excellent. Ohh. And the fluffy Mexican rice is bomb. And they make the tortillas fresh. I have evidence

Daisy Thompson

Google

Playa Amor is another one of our go-to spots in Long Beach. The staff are always so welcoming and friendly. We love to seat at the bar, but the covered patio is great too. The food is a mix of classic and new Mexican cuisine. Our favorites include the ribs with the fabulous corn, short rib Burris, and the Hatch Chile Spaghetti. Cocktails are great too. For those who are gluten-free, many dishes are gluten-free and marked on the menu.

Yesenia M

Google

Food is delicious! Fair prices. I love the hand made corn tortillas. They also have a kids menu which is ideal if you want to go to lunch with your family on weekends. It’s perfect for a date night with very delicious drinks. We went here on a cold day...the outside seating was a bit cold for us, but they do have heaters and the manager offered us blankets, which was super nice to have as an option. Definitely planning to come back on a sunnier day.

Erick Gonzalez

Google

Great Mexican food, but what I liked the most was the service. These employees make you feel at home, friendly, respectful and talk able . It was my first time and I think its great for a first date upstairs or outside since they have a guitar men playing music at your own request with a shot of Tequila to conquer her along with some good as Tacos.

Melina Z

Google

Enjoyed the service , really good food and the drink was strong for me but it was great! If you get cold easily bring warm clothes due to it being by the beach it’s cold although they do provide blankets !! I will be looking to come again before I move out of state . I ordered the asada nachos and the tortillas were crispy! I also ordered a grilled shrimp taco it was amazing! My daughter ordered butter noddles with rice and beans , and husband ordered fish tacos and as our appetizer we got the mole tots ! Again I will be back!

Layne Kennedy

Google

This place is a neighborhood favorite. We have lived in the area for over a year and only just found it. They make great margaritas that are fresh and homeade, not made with a mix or over sweet/soured and the guacamole is to die for. They have an awesome happy hour that is 12-4 M-F but Tuesday ALL DAY. You can sidle up at the bar or sit out on the patio, the whole place is open and airy and bright with cool decor. They have a lady making fresh traditional tortillas in the corner for their chips, the elote is delicious, the pork carnitas and the braised short rib were both melt in your mouth..delicious churros with dip! Now we've been here multiple times and there has never been a wait, the service is always fast and friendly and the margaritas are flowing. Highly recommend! We conveniently use the Tesla superchargers in the parking lot as an excuse for Taco Tuesdays :)

Sara Matulich

Google

AMAZING. Happen to find our way here on a Thursday right when they opened. We were greeted by Eddie,the manager ,with open arms. Great place, considering it’s surrounded by a big remodel going on in the center. Kevin was our waiter and knew everything about the food. Started with the Chilaquiles appetizer, which was so flavorful and soft and crispy at the same time. The chicken pineapple tacos were out of this world. The tortillas are made right in plain sight and the were awesome. We only dented our short rib burrito but it was packed with delicious beef. Please take the time to find this place. It will be worth your effort.

Playa Amor Review - Long Beach - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

The 19 Essential Sit-Down Mexican Restaurants in LA - Eater LA

Where To Eat With Someone Who Says They Want Something Different, But You Know They’re Lying

Some of San Gabriel Valley’s Most Prominent Restaurants Reopen Today - Eater LA

"Chef Thomas Ortega is reopening all three of his restaurants in time for Cinco de Mayo next week: Amorcito, Amor y Tacos, and Playa Amor." - Farley Elliott

Eater Staffers’ Favorite Los Angeles Restaurant Cookbooks - Eater LA

"Playa Amor is known for its Puerto Nuevo lobster, featured in a cookbook discussing Alta California cuisine and street food." - Eater Staff