Tortilla Mia Mexican Restaurant

Popped in for a margarita and some chips and salsa while waiting for friends at the farmers market. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious, and the margaritas hit the spot! We grabbed seats at the outdoor bar that faces inside — great setup. The bartender was friendly and made us feel welcome. Perfect little break in the day!

We visited Tio Ernie’s Tortillamia with a party of five. It took about 5–10 minutes for a server to greet us, but once they did, service picked up. They brought out plenty of chips and salsa to start—good flavor overall. We asked for a spicier salsa and were given two: Diablo and Pineapple Habanero. The pineapple habanero was the standout—flavorful and had a great kick. The diablo had heat, but lacked flavor. Our bill came out to $75 before tip, which felt fair for five people. Everyone rated their experience on a scale of 1–10 and our group averaged a 7.6 rating with the salsas were definitely a highlight.

Got seated right away, there were 5 of us. Food was okay and we were never offered drink refills. Staff is very friendly. Reply to owner: I saw that you were voted 2025 Best Mexican Restaurant; that was one of the reasons we went there, also the fresh churros. I may just be picky because I'm from SoCal and I'm Mexican, but I am willing to give you guys another try next time I'm in the area.

The food was pretty good. Birria flautas were BOMB.. Carne asada taco was pretty decent (nothing special). Melanie was our waitress, she was SO sweet. Really good server. I’ll be back for the flautas that she recommended 😋

The food has been our favorite so far on our trip. Javier is attentive and the “mom margarita” did not disappoint. The only place that could use improvement is the cleanliness of the bathroom. Overall, I wound for sure recommend.

Definitely not 100% authentic Mexican food, however it is still pretty bomb if you're really hungry.... we had the machaca (delicious!) And the burrito with added chorizo💯

We stopped by to enjoy a few drinks, an appetizer, and some ice cream for our 3-year-old. While the food and drinks were great, the service was a major letdown. Our server, Alonso, gave us noticeable attitude simply because we didn’t order full meals. The way we were treated made us feel unwelcome, and unfortunately, that overshadows the quality of the food. Sadly, we won’t be coming back.

Decent place but a bit lacking in a few areas. Food was overall pretty bland - not bad but just lacking any real flavor. Margarita flight was a bit too sweet. Service was pretty slow but seemed potentially understaffed so maybe understandable.

I visited the restaurant during the weekday. It was nice because it was not busy and was seated right away. Whenever I'm passing by this place it is packed. I was greeted right away and was able to select where I wanted to sit. I opted to sit in the covered patio in front. The patio is shielded with acrylic panels which is nice since you are next to the main and busy road. My food order: Fish taco (battered) with corn tortilla Bowl of albondigas soup Lemon drop martini w/sugared rim To Go order: 2 orders of 6 handmade tortilla I love the decor vibe going on in the restaurant very spacious and a pretty good size bar. The restaurant has an open space feel with a good breeze. The lemon martini was good, strong which I like, with great lemon flavor, goes well with the sugared rim. Before my food arrived I was served a bowl of tortilla chips with some salsa. The chips were good, light and crunchy. First my cup of albondigas arrived. It was a pretty good serving size with 2 meatballs and light on the veggies. Flavorful, but I should've asked for some cilantro to add in. The fish taco arrived and the presentation didn't grab my attention. You're probably thinking fish taco presentation ? I have ordered fish tacos and when they arrived to the table, I could say, that looks delicious. So this taco was ok. I wasn't a fan of the quartered cherry tomatoes. I think I would try something else on the menu on my next visit My to go orders of fresh tortillas were ok. I will pass on ordering next time. Customer service was excellent. Christian was very help and kind. We need more customer service like that! I would definitely return and try some other dishes.

Nice location , good service but horrible food. We ordered hot bean dip with queso that was a joke . Small portion of refried beans, no queso, no flavor . The carne asada burrito was dry and tasteless, filled with cold French fries. We were the only people in the place and it was 1:30pm on a holiday weekend. Needless to say we won't be back. Sad because they have a great location. Find another spot .

Fantastic food, I cannot understate that. Service is amazing. Sheramy is outstanding. The price is very reasonable. The atmosphere is fantastic. I love this place.

Stopped in for lunch. We use to come here when it was Las Olas and didn't realize they changed. Took a quick minute for someone to greet us and we were seated quickly. The place wasn't busy so service was attentive. My tacos were better than I expected and hubby enjoyed his burrito. Their tamarind and house margaritas weren't bad either. Not sure why this place wasn't more busy on a weekend lunch day since location is prime and it was a beautiful day. Hubby & I enjoyed it here. We'll be back.

Our family of 4 went Sunday evening for my husband's late bday dinner. We were greeted & seated promptly. Our waitress was fantastic. I wish I had gotten her name, but she was younger and very attentive & personable. Fajitas, birria flautas, carne asada plate, shrimp taco, and al pastor taco were all 5/5. So good! Coconut pineapple margarita is one of the best I've had. Can't wait to come back!

We actually got served quickly and the food was delicious. The pastor tacos and the chicken enchiladas were great. And the food came out hot, quickly. I really recommend the mango margarita. Mangonada

The food was good and the service was great. Got quickly seated and our waiter was very efficient with our order. Live music playing which added a nice touch! No long wait for him to get our order! The ambiance was cool; mostly an outdoor seating with some indoor seating. Definitely would go again.

We stopped in to have a few HH items. We ordered the fried artichoke hearts anything fried is usually pretty good. These were just ok and the portion size was on the small side. We also tried the steak nachos. If you love beans and cheese, you will enjoy the nachos. Sadly, not much steak on the nachos. The pieces of steak we did get tasted like pieces of trimmings that were small and overcooked. The portion size of the nachos was big, just not much steak. Overall, just ok for me. I'm not racing back.

OMG!!!! This food is delicious. You can tell that it's homemade, because you can taste the love. The chile relleno's sauce was covered in a deep rich chile sauce that tasted like it had cooked all day on the stove. The flour tortillas are hand made and it's a must. Don't try the chips and salsa, because they will ruin your dinner. And then there's the house margarita which is also yummy. Let's just say tonight's dinner was on FIRE!!! This place is a must!

Had a great time. Food was good, service was wonderful, didn't have to wait for a table. I loved our server. He clearly gets how difficult it can be to eat with kids and immediately came over to take their food order and put it in first thing for us and then got us our Margs while we waited for food. The food came out pretty quick and it was soooo good.

Great service, the owner and staff are nice and welcoming. The resturant is open and has plenty of seating (can accommodate large groups). Food was just okay. All of our dishes were very bland. The chips were warm but the salsa tastes more like enchilada sauce than authentic salsa. Margaritas were watered down. I enjoyed the live Caribbean music. The main item that stood out was my taco shell (it appeared to be homemade with a light crisp). fyi: *the bathrooms were clean *street parking in front *prepaid parking in back (you can enter restaurant from back parking lot *valet parking nearby *resturant within walking distance from beach

Went to this spot after a nice walk in Carlsbad! We were seated quickly on the patio. Chips were fresh and warm. Salsa was good and fresh. We ordered the nachos and ceviche. Both were great! The steak on the nachos was so tender and flavorful! The ceviche was serviced with an odd sauce that I wasn't a fan of, I wish it was more of a citrus based sauce. The nachos were definitely the star of the show and I'd order them again! I'd come here and see what else they have to offer.

It was our first time at this restaurant, there's a problem with parking because this area is Carlsbad downtown. If you are in a hurry don't go there. When we finally found parking, and getting inside the place is so cool, Is a Mexican restaurant. I like the decoration and they have tables outside also, and other room besides the main one to eat. Pictures of Mexican celebrities. The waiter Adam was so friendly and kind, we mentioned, we were celebrating 2 bdays he stated I got you covered. The food is very good and with a lot of options to choose from since my daughter is vegan, they gave her something she can eat. Music not loud, so you can talk and have a great time. Affordable prices, the drinks very good and strong, the right amount in a drink. After we ate, the waiter came and surprised the 2 bday girl's with a desert, that was a very kind action from him. He was singing happy bday and us. Five stars to Adam. I don't know if he was the owner, manager, but he was taking care of us seriously and professional. I'll come back for sure for another round. I highly recommend this restaurant. You can take fotos at the entrance and put your face on a vinyl folklore art.

​first of all happy hour for 2 hours are you kidding me ? Food is expensive they give you one tiny little bowl of chips and my Carnitas Taco was mostly fat and the fish taco was mostly better so no I'm not happy with it I don't think I'll go there again you're better off going another half a block to Norte and getting a whole basket of chips and a Carnitas that is not all fat

We stopped in for drinks and appetizers only. Amazing setting, very fun inside, food and service were both good. I would come back to try more for sure.

Stopped by for lunch with friends when we were in Carlsbad. It is located a block away from the beach. It's a casual Mexican Spot with good food and drinks. My husband and I shared the Carlsbad Carne Asada Burrito, Wet, but couldn't decide between green or red salsa so the waiter recommended doing half and half. It was delicious! Everything I love all in a burrito! We also ordered Ernie's Caesar Salad and I expected an ordinary Caesar salad but this one was really good! The dressing was delicious and I think they had different cheese that made it flavorful! What a nice surprise. The staff is very friendly and attentive and we enjoyed this place!

Wow, stopped here randomly and what a surprise. Food was amazing , Al was our waiter and he had us entertained the entire time. He had a response for every one of my 12 yr olds remarks. My food was amazing and believe me im a serious critic on my mexican food. Shrimp taco with a pineapple habnero sauce was my favorite. Then the churos, I dont eat churros but these were hands down one of the best ones yet. Only down point is it's so far from where we live. If it was closer it would be a weekly visit

Yummy food at a great location! Conveniently located right downtown. Stopped in on a walk and enjoyed an excellent margarita! Will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

I highly recommend the birria flautuas off the appetizer menu - so good! My kids enjoyed a carne asada quesadilla and fish tacos. Chile Verde was ok but not great. They refilled chips and salsa, which was nice. The cocktails are big but not that flavorful. Service to seat us was slow they seemed short-handed but they were friendly and accommodating to our family

My son lost his ball in the roof and the owner got a ladder and climbed up to save the ball. Thank you for the effort.

Ohhhhh how i wanted to like this place. We loved coming here when it was Los Olas- was hoping it would be the same- it wasn't. Food was alright. Not great, not bad. Service wasn't very good. The hostess actually had to come take our order because our waitress never came by, but i guess there was a big party she had. DO NOT, and i repeat DO NOT come on a Thursday- Karaoke takes place and it is horrible. Not necessarily the singing but having it blasts throughout the restaurant and not just the bar. Will find some other place to go to when wanting Mexican food.

Their tacos are really good and so is the service. The outside seating is nice and it's near the beach. Lots of things to do around the area.

The tacos with freshly made tortillas are the best! I really liked the asada tacos and the fresh churros with caramel delicious. Highly recommend.

We have been coming to Tortilla Mia for a while now and the service/experience is always amazing! Today was my birthday and our server Sheramy brought me the churros and omg they are fresh and delicious!! Sheramy always takes great care of us and today was no exception. The food is so good we come at least a few times a month.

Very good service, food and drinks The chips with beans is so good like Appetizers ( bean Dip ) so good , and they have hand made tortillas, corn and flour

Ambiance first (walking in), Service next (greeted with love), then Food (amazing). Highly recommend. Music is great and everyone loved it.

Their Ceviche is spectacular. The Birria Flautas recommended by Angel were outstanding. Excellent sauces and salsa. Cool music too! Tio Ernie has real local gem for Carlsbad!

Alonso gave us the best service. Food was great and very authentic. And it's very down to earth.

Excellent service, good and drinks! Not to mention the location, it's a perfect little spot in the heart of wonderful Carlsbad.

Pleasantly surprised ! My husband & I stopped in after strolling the village, and I'm always down for chips and salsa, so we stopped in on Fathers Day. We were seated right away & we shared the Nachos with Carne Asada. Ummm is your carne asada always that good ?! It was tender, full of the flavor you want from bomb carne asada, pico de gallo was fresh & declious and the refried beans were pretty darn good too ! Chips & Salsa also super good ! Server was attentive & kind ! Owner was actively helping guests too. We'll be back !

A delicious Mexican restaurant. We showed up late on a Saturday and were quickly seated at the bar. That's when the fun began. Enter Austin...a manager and all around great person. Even though they were busy, Austin acknowledged us and made us feel welcome. Our meal began with some of the best chips and salsa around. We ordered the mushroom enchiladas and they were AMAZING! By the way, that is Austin's mom's favorite dish. Because of the combination of great food and amazing service, we became fans. If you want great Mexican fare, coupled with friendly service, don't miss a visit to Tortilla Mia!

Food is amazing! Salsa has just enough kick but not too spicy. Guacamole was delicious as well. The waiter recommended shrimp tacos and they did not disappoint. Service was good and friendly. We would definitely come back.

We haven't been to this new place since it was Las Olas. We were unexpectedly surprised at how good the food was burritos and tacos on point! The staff was super friendly and checked on us often. We were never without a full drink or chips and salsa. And speaking of drinks, GREAT margaritas. Super clean, fresh and not syrupy.

We love this place. The food is amazing!! My husband had the birria plate. I had birria flautas. The kids had a kids bean and cheese burrito and kids rolled tacos. The margaritas were great. The wait staff was very friendly. It gets busy since it's in the village and there are tourists. But they were so nice there and we are locals who keep coming back!

This is our 4th or 5th time. Honestly, I have found it hit or miss, either very good or not great, (not truly bad but not great). This time the portions were small, the shrimp taco was a disappointment compared to the previous time. The chile verde plate was a joke - bland and extremely small portions. On the plus side, service was warm and friendly, and the chips and salsa were good. Drinks were good, (but not as good as the previous time) If they need to raise prices to maintain quality and not skimp- they really should. Locals are the bread and butter during the off season. I really want to see this restaurant succeed!

First time coming here, but we are hardcore foodies, and picky about the authenticity of our Mexican food. Spectacular food and service. I had the carne asada plate. Authentic. Delicious. Tons of food. The owner brought out some house salsas for my family to try; if you like it hot like we do, definitely ask, they were all delicious, unique from each other, and full of great flavors. The house jalapeño margarita was great too. There was live music that wasn't too loud to have a normal conversation, and it added to the great ambience. Even though it was a lot of food, we cleared every plate, because it was that good. Would definitely recommend.

Great Mexican place located in downtown Carlsbad. Nice open patio to eat and watch people go by. Staff was very attentive and friendly. Some TVs with games were on to sit and relax and watch Ordered the carne asada plate and it was delicious. Carne Asada meat was thin and favorable. 2 pieces of Carna Asada meat. Came with tortillas and rice and beans. Chips and salsa is provided while you wait which were very nice.

Great authentic Mexican flavors and fun and funky decor make this place a hit. The chicken enchiladas had tremendous depth of flavor and hit the spot. The beans and rice had delectable flavor and complemented the enchiladas well. The shrimp burrito was delicious and the chips and salsa were a hit at the table. The great music vibes, Mexican food aroma and entertaining decor made this a must return soon spot!

We walked around the area as we came back from the beach. We saw they had happy hour and it was exactly 3pm. I ordered the chicken asada and mahi mahi taco, my husband ordered the pozole as well as two margaritas passion fruit and watermelon. When I got my food I got the asada taco instead. I wasn't upset they got the order wrong. The asada taco was 11/10 it was so tender. Which originally was the reason I didn't want to get it, because at other places it's usually dry and rough. But not here I recommend the asada taco, the other taco lacked a little flavor but overall was a good portion of mahi mahi, my husband got the pozole and it was sooo good!. The passion fruit margarita was sweeter than the watermelon but both were good. We came from point loma and definitely plan to come back when we're in the area. I'm surprised they weren't busier during the time we went because this place is a hit in my book! The place and restroom were very clean! If you're visiting Carlsbad I recommend comig here!

I almost went to Senior Grubby's... I'm so glad I chose Tio Ernie's Tortilla Mia in Carlsbad instead. We ordered 3 items. All were delicious but if I had to pick one thing I liked most it would be the lightly fried artichoke hearts with garlic aioli dip that was to die for. My second choice would be the shredded beef enchiladas with red sauce. The corn tortillas were so fresh, the meat seasoned perfectly and not spicy at all. The enchiladas came with rice and beans which were also flavorful. And last but not least were the two big, fat, crunchy shredded beef tacos with the perfect amount of cheese and lettuce and a mild tomato topping. The portions are very big and even though I just went yesterday, I'm going again tomorrow! Austin was also very friendly and made me feel welcome and appreciated. He also threw in some chips and salsa and it was delicious! You won't be disappointed.

The waitress who helped us was very kind and welcoming. Since it was hot, we asked to move and she accommodated our request. The food was delicious and served fast. We cant wait to visit again.

Amazing food!!! Adam was our waiter and he was so kind to us, fast at bringing our food and drinks very friendly and absolutely deserves a raise! Will definitely come back again. Highly recommend this place. Very memorable.

Great food, good prices, very attentive service staff and live music that fits the ambiance and a full bar. Pitcher of margaritas were great! I'll be back!

We stopped for a quick bite and ordered the carne asada torta to share with guacamole and chips. Best torta I've ever had. Meat was tender and the bun was soft and buttery. Delicious!! Service was great and refilled our waters often. Guac was good and the hot sauces were solid. Fun place. Definitely will be back soon!

Great location, nice atmosphere but the worse so called Mexican food we've ever had. To be honest the only thing good here was the salsa flour tortillas and the sprite. I ordered chile verde, rice & beans. Chile verde had tiny pieces of pork meat with lot's of fat on it and bland I kept adding salt and salsa for flavor. And the worst carne asada burrito EVER! a few pieces of meat and GET THIS, it had French fries in the burrito. Yeah this place is a joke! Real Hispanics know good authentic Mexican food, this is nowhere near authentic.

Great atmosphere, great service, and food was even better! Cocktails were yummy too. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town

Wow, awesome fish tacos on homemade tortillas, and the best homemade churros I've ever had! We experienced great service, thank you to our server Sheramy! This is my new go to restaurant for Mexican food, it is a must try!

Excellent service! All the staff were genuinely kind, especially Justine. We even got to meet the owner, Ernie! Ernie graced us with free slices of his wife's Kringle. How do you beat that?! Overall, the food was terrific. I had the spinach/mushroom enchiladas, hubby had the camaron padilla burrito (that was huge), family ordered rolled taquitos, and the birria ramen. Have to say the ramen was a surprise, definite twist for fusion with a savory broth. Very tasty!

Came here at 1000a for the Birria Ramen. I love soup for breakfast and saw this when passing through online searching somewhere to eat. What a happy find! The fish and shrimp ceviche were on point; not grainy or chewy. My kiddo got the pancakes and devoured them. Mom tax deemed I had a bite and enjoyed the tastiness. Want to come back for dinner to try the pizole and birria platter!