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El Naranjo Reviews List

El Naranjo

At El Naranjo, restaurant & bar, we are dedicated to serving delicious traditional Mexican food. We create savory salsas and moles, well-seasoned food, with great concern for finding a pleasing balance of flavors. We bake our own bread, make our own corn tortillas, and use fresh vegetables and herbs. While the food has a strong culinary resemblance to our former internationally acclaimed restaurant in Oaxaca, we draw from the many rich traditions of Mexican cooking. Join us for dinner, or come enjoy a margarita at our bar, ¡Buen apetito!
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101 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(101 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 101 reviews
5 stars
(51)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(63)
  • neighborhood gem(46)
  • special occasion(37)
  • hot spot(25)
  • romantic(23)
  • good for groups(21)
El Naranjo Reviews List
Review 1 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Pretty Impressive

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had brunch and I found the food near flawless but a little on the bland side. I suspect dinner might be more exciting and I'll definitely be back to find out.
Dishes
Seafood cocktail with pulpo - outstanding
Lamb bbq tacos -very good
Quesadillas - good with bonus pts for offering juitlacoche
Deserts - very good
"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 2 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mother's Day Brunch

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was the perfect place for Mother's Day brunch. The ambiance was upbeat and the decor aesthetically pleasing. The rancheros with masa tortillas were absolutely delicious! The flavors played off of one another so well and I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying dish. I also appreciated all of the gluten free and dairy free options available to us."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

What a great find!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Brunch was fabulous at this beautiful and inviting restaurant. Authentic mexican food, great service, and easy to have a conversation. Fabulous tequila selection that we'll definitely be back to try!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Mother's Day brunch

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Walked in the place and no one was there to greet us. Felt like there was no one in charge or that they cared were were there. Finally seated outside in back and the table was directly in the sun and they made no effort to consider even moving the table, yet there was ample space. I moved the table myself as the other diners said we could. The brunch menu is different than the main menu. The food was good, the waiter named Alex was really good, but the place just feels incomplete. I don't know what it is because I had read and heard many great things about the place, but just sort of got a feeling of "meh"."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A most delightful experience.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The care and attention given to the food and service is apparent. This restaurant is a treasure in a city rich with excellent places for dining. Make it a must!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

WOW! My fav. place in Austin

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"If you are an Austinite, or visiting Austin, don't miss this gem! The food is beyond fabulous. Wait till you try their mole sauces (they have 3-4 different kinds each day). Love this place!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Very Good FOOD - Very Bad SERVICE

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The drinks and the food were quite notably good. Some dishes proved a tad too salty - but overall the food was excellent. The SERVICE, however, was exceedingly bad. Our waiter was smug, uninformative, rude. We had to ask him to be more expansive and informative about the menu (this was all four of us diner's first foray to this restaurant) and as well, he had no manners - he stood and stared at all of us after he walked up to our table while one of us was in the last throes of a story she was telling us - and he just stood there and glared at all of us while we were needing a wee bit of time for our dinner partner to finish her story! We would all go back again but would make sure we had a different server than the one we had here."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2009
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Review 8 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was fine, but overpriced

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was fine, but overpriced for what it was. The mole was the best dish we had."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
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Review 9 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Expensive, but delicious food.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Expensive, but delicious food. Price keeps most of the annoying hipsters out. Multi-chile sauce is heavenly. Flan is the dessert to get."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was the first time our

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was the first time our group ordered margaritas. We were disappointed in the size and quality, especially for the price."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food. Very inventive.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food. Very inventive. With the traditional Mexican food in the background, they elaborate their own dish. The salsas-dips are exquisite."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 12 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yummy.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We really enjoyed our time at El Naranjo. Food was excellent, service was great. WE loved the ceviche. the only thing I would change would be the noise that was due to being seated next to a large group of women who were having fun, but due to the hard surfaces in the room it was very loud and hard to hear each other at our table of four."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 13 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We have been 3 times and all

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We have been 3 times and all but the last has been outstanding...........This past dinner was disappointing because the entries were not cooked properly.....Hard to believe because past experiences have been outstanding........Must have been a bad night in the kitchen."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 14 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food was excellent. My

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was excellent. My husband had a ceviche that was exceptionally different and tastefully surprising. I had the poblanno mole which was not as good as my own but nonetheless better than your local average offerings. I would still recommend it. The condiments served up were dynamite, our favorite was the Salsa Macha....yummmm. We also had a starter which consisted of cheese and peppers. i believe it was called Rajas.... anyway....i highly recommend El Naranjo to anyone wanting the real taste of Mexico lindo."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Muy Sabrosa.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The special black bean soup Friday night, along with the Jamaica salad was superb for me, a vegan, while the Chile Poblano Relleno de picadillo Oaxaqueño, a Mole with pork and another Mole with shrimp pleased my omnivore husband and friends too. Everyone liked their drinks, but I particularly loved my Mexican Martini made with a muddled jalepeno pepper, because the bartender listened to my likes and knew exactly what to create for me."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Outstanding Food in fun locacation

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great interior Mexican in a very cool location. Nice from the very first start. Greeted at the door by one of the owners. Given a choice of tables. Very knowledgeable server. Outstanding food....from start to finish. Speaking of finish, the tres leches cake was fabulous."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We loved El Naranjo. I'd recommend

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We loved El Naranjo. I'd recommend the mole (I don't like traditional mole, but there mole was from a different region, tomato-based and amazing) and the margaritas."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

the space and service were

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"the space and service were excellent.....the food was underwhelming."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 19 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Authentic Mexican High End Cuisine

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"One of the best REAL AND AUTHENTIC Mexican high end cuisine.
Pricing is right on the quality and level of service and food.
Go there if you want to understand what real authentic Oaxaca State food is about...
congratulations !!!!
"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Amazing food. My husband lived in San Miguel de Allende for years and he was blown away. We had the sea bass and some chiles rellenos--outstanding. Our rajas con crema was superb. Fantastic service....crowded tables but we ended up having conversations with people on both sides of us! beautiful setting. Look forward to our next visit"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 21 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fresh and vibrant flavors.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fresh and vibrant flavors. Fantastic moles."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was excellent. Service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was excellent. Service was fast, just a little awkward at times."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

best new spot in town

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"we've eaten 3 time in 2 weeks and each time the experience has been amazing; the guacamole, pibil, and any of the moles are a must. Ritas are splendid and there's a nice selection of mescal. Iliana walks through the restaurant and is very appreciative of the customers. Found out last night that her daughter makes all the deserts. There's a deck too; just ready for the warmer weather. We're going back this coming Saturday again. been introducing all our friends and their all blown away by the quality of the food. Skip the driving around looking for parking and hit the parking lot at the end of the street; $10's but worth it. Enjoy."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Came in for brunch on a Sunday

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Came in for brunch on a Sunday afternoon and had a few grapefruit mimosas (not on the menu but they still serve them). I had the Tacos Dorados with potatoes and they were delicious! I loved how the potatoes were flavored with herbs and the tacos were topped with this amazing "avocado green salsa". I even asked for a little extra on the side because I could not get enough of it. The service was great and we were overall very happy with our experience. I do think parking would be an issue but since we biked we were able to avoid that mess."
Dined on 02/24/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 25 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

New Favorite Place

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was our second visit. The first was a family brunch. It was extremly good and really loved by all, including by foodie brother and my vegetarian grand daughter. So for Valentines Day, my wife and I tried it again. Actually exceeded our first experience. Except for very poor parking, this is our new favorite place."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Extraordinary food. I think

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Extraordinary food. I think we had a new waiter, a bit hostile in attitude, but overall, a spectacular dining experience."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Creatively, well prepared,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Creatively, well prepared, and beautifully presented food. Excellent service!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food is very authentic

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food is very authentic Oaxacan food, delicious, and beautifully presented. The service was very attentive. At times the noise level in the restaurant made a quiet conversation difficult. Everything we ordered was very good, but the tuna ceviche may have been the highlight of the evening. The one downside is parking can be a real challenge in the Rainey street neighborhood."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely delicious! Loved

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Absolutely delicious! Loved the menu."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 30 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fabulous experience. Chef/Owner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Fabulous experience. Chef/Owner Iliana del a Vega is a master of Oaxacan
regional cusine.
"
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 31 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything was wonderful here

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything was wonderful here as it always is. The owner, whose face I remember from her food trailer days, came out to greet us, which is always a nice touch, especially for a Sunday brunch. The chilaquiles were wonderful and tacos dorados were awesome. The prosecco drink with grapefruit and St Germaine was also quite good and our service couldn't be beat."
Dined on 02/10/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 32 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great, creative food, wonderful

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great, creative food, wonderful atmosphere and very knowledgable waitstaff. It did get a little loud as the restaurant
Filled up, but that was a minor inconvenience. I'd go back to Austin just to go there!
"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Don't even know where to begin. From the moment we walked into El Naranjo until the second we left, absolutely everything was excellent. Our waiter was outstanding and Iliana's menu was smart and perfectly complemented with daily specials. Love the ambiance and simplicity of the spaces and absolutely EVERY bite of each dish was a sensory experience in freshness and the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
So very lucky to have El Naranja in Austin.
"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Holy Mole...I had the Mole

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Holy Mole...I had the Mole of the week and it was a pumpkin seed mole with duck breast and it was incredible."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 35 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is a very nice restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is a very nice restaurant in a popular part of Austin and we enjoyed our dinner. It has a nice ambiance,is well appointed and our service was done well and pleasantly. It's located on a narrow snd crowded street with limited parking unless you opt to pay to park in someone's private yard or to walk a reasonable distance from a city parking garage. The latter might be the best choice and I would also suggest you plan to arrive in plenty of time to make your reservation."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 36 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love this place!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Really loved this place! It's truly interior (very authentic) Mexican cuisine and each plate offers it's own unique taste - the homemade sauces are absolutely delicious - very intense so a little goes a long way. Great service and ambience. However, the rooms tend to get a little loud at times where we found it hard to hear each other (we were a party of four) but other than that everything was amazing! We will definitely be back soon."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 37 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of the best Mexican food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"One of the best Mexican food ever in Austin, Tx."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 38 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great dining experience and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great dining experience and excellent service. I always love when the chef/owner takes time to visit the tables. Great presentation - We had the chuelas (lamb chops), shrimp mole (de semana) the queso fundido Oaxacan style, and chocolate torte. Queso fundido was the show stopper. Overall very positive experience in a great setting. We will be back."
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 39 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The only complaint I have

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The only complaint I have is that, although the dining room was less than half full, we were seated between two other occupied two-top tables which were extremely close to one another. Therefore, we all could hear every single word of each other's conversation which would have not been the case had the room been filled."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2009
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Review 40 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Even though we had reservations,

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Even though we had reservations, once we were seated we had a long wait. The tables were so close that it felt as though the people next to us were at our table. The noise was intolerable. My husband and I could not have a conversation. After a very long wait our food came and my sea bass was not hot--as if it had been sitting in the kitchen waiting to be served for a long time. Our waiter was inattentive. We asked for more rolls and did not get them until we "caught" him again--probably 20 minutes later. In the end we had to get up to find him to get our bill. Instead of a relaxing experience that a good meal should be, it was anxiety provoking; we wondered if we'd ever get out of there."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2011
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Review 41 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was our first visit and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was our first visit and everything was quite good, in fact excellent in most cases. We had a group of six and were seated in a corner. However, as an age group of plus 60, it was somewhat difficult to carry on a conversation except for those next to you or right across from you. Our other complaint involved the signage out front at night time. With cars parked everywhere and lighting somewhat limited, we could not see the sign as we drove by looking for the restaurant. The sign is not lighted as our nearly all the others signage on Rainey. Additionally, the signage is hidden at ground level rather than elevated above car tops. We will certainly recommend the restaurant to others, but these changes will add even more."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Kind of expensive. Service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Kind of expensive. Service not spectacular."
Dined on 01/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 43 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Table NOT open

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was very good. Server was learning and tried hard but somewhat inattentive. We had an Open Table reservation that was IGNORED by the staff. We were told all tables were filled due to computer error and we were seated outside, in the back, with the families and walk ins. Noisy and chilly even with heaters. I checked, tables inside were OPEN at our reservation time and after."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 44 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

good but needs some work

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Noisy spot especially with loud children sitting close by. Waiter was a little apethetic."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 45 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Total Disaster!

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Unfortunately, there were multiple service issues and despite the staff's knowledge of these issues, nothing was corrected. They even placed the wrong entree on our table, left it there for a few minutes (luckily we didn't eat off of it) and then took it and placed it on another table after we brought it to their attention!!!! We ended up speaking to the manager at the end because our server gave us misinformation about the TravelZoo certificate and what it could be used for - he told us, oops I was wrong so you have to pay more. The manager comped the rest if our meal (wasn't much after certificate applied) but to be honest, the food wasn't great and this was my second visit...the experience totally ruined it and I won't be back anyway."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2007
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Review 46 for El Naranjo
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Truly inventive cuisine with

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Truly inventive cuisine with wonderful combinations of spices and ingredients I'd never seen anywhere else. The innovation is not just to "show off" -- the chef puts things together in ways that are suprising but absolutely delicious. The server was charming, informative, and attentive but unobtrusive. Plus the decor is lovely in a simple elegant way."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Naranjo
Based on the average of (55) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic