El Naranjo - South Lamar

4.7

549 Reviews

$31 to $50

Traditional Mexican

Top Tags:

El Naranjo is an Austin, TX restaurant that is proud to serve up high quality, fresh Mexican cuisine that has an authentic traditional favor. You can always find something interesting on the menu and those who visit often will find that it changes regularly.

Some of the typical items you will find on the menu at El Naranjo include guacamole, empanadas, ceviche and camarones enchipotlados. In addition, you can enjoy the homemade moles, all of which are made from scratch. El Naranjo is the place to dine for authentic flavor.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 10, 2022

9:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(512) 520-5750

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Traditional Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(512) 520-5750
Website
http://elnaranjorestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Iliana de la Vega

Location
2717 S Lamar Blvd, STE 1085, Austin, TX 78704
Neighborhood
South Austin
Cross street
Menchaca Road
Parking details
Outside retail parking and additional retail parking inside the garaje behind the restaurant.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Austin

Popular dishes

Ceviche de la Semana*$18.00
Selection of weekly ceviche, please ask your server
Tostaditas de Atún al Chintextle*$14.00
Tuna marinated in Chile pasilla mixe and sesame seed oil, mayo, and avocado on 3 small tostadas
Guacamole$12.00
Freshly made to order tomato, onion, Chile serrano and cilantro topped with panela cheese
- With Corn Tortillas$15.00
Empanadas de Huitlacoche y Queso$14.00
Two corn masa turnovers
Gorditas de Chicharron$14.00
Two rich gorditas of corn masa, stuffed with meaty chicharron and fried. Topped with crema and salsa mexicana
Camarones Enchipotlados$18.00
Mini shrimp reduced in a salsa made of heavy cream and chipotle. Served with corn tortillas
Queso Oaxaca Fundido$14.00
Melted queso oaxaca
- With Your Choice of Mushroom, Homemade Oaxaca Style Chorizo or Huitlacoche$17.00
- 2 or More Options for$19.00
Ensalada a la Jamaica$12.00
Mixed baby greens, jícama, sesame seeds, and hibiscus vinaigrette
Pulpo y Papas$10.00
Sous vide octopus sliced then tossed in an achiote-infused oil with diced potato

Antojitos / Street Food

Pastel Azteca$24.00
Corn tortillas layered and filled with spinach, almonds, raisins and goat cheese covered with a tomato chipotle sauce, crema mexicana and cheese au gratin
Enchiladas Verdes$21.00
Three enchiladas filled with shredded chicken, covered with salsa verde, queso panela and cream
Cochinita Pibil$25.00
Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote, orange juice and spices, served with pickled red onions, refried black beans and tortillas
Weekly Taco Special$14.00
2 tacos, call to inquire about this weeks flavor!
Tlayuda Oaxaquena$19.00
A large 10-inch tortilla, crisp yet pliable, topped with beans, queso, tomato, onions, lettuce and salsa pasilla
Tacos Pescados$19.00
2 fried beer-battered red snapper fillets, served over flour tortillas with cabbage, chipotle mayo and salsa mexicana

Platos Fuertes

Our moles are carefully made from scratch in house, are vegetable based and gluten free all moles are served with white rice and hand-made corn tortillas

Mole Negro de Oaxaca with Duck Breast*$31.00
This spectacular mole from oaxaca known as the king of the moles is made with more than 30 ingredients, including the rare Chile chilhuacle, almonds, pecans, sesame seeds, peanuts and a hint of chocolate
Mole Amarillo*$29.00
A light mole made from tomatillo, with hints of smokey Chile guajillo, and fresh epazote. Served with pickled spring onions with Chile Anaheim and Mexican oregano, sautéed calabaza squash, green beans, and rice
Camarones y Hongos a la Macha$29.00
Sauteed shrimp, mushrooms and potatoes in our 7 chiles salsa macha
Verduras a La Macha$19.00
Mushrooms, potatoes, garbanzos, ayacote beans, carrots, and veggies sautéed in our salsa macha, made with 7 roasted dried chiles
Filete de Res al Chintextle*$46.00
Certified Angus prime 8oz beef tenderloin covered with a creamy chintextle and tequila sauce, served with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus
Chuletas de Cordero*$45.00
Cocoa and dry Chile rub lamb chops over a sweet orange rind reduction and served with papas annas and grilled asparagus
Costillas de Res a los Dos Chiles NGF$30.00
Niman ranch boneless beef short ribs, braised in a beer, Chile pasilla and Chile mulato sauce served with goat cheese mashed potato and a mixed greens salad
Pollo Asado Adobado$27.00
Cooks venture bone-in chicken, halved, marinated in adobo, then roasted to a crisp. Served with a poblano rice, creamy rajas poblanas, and charred spring onions
Chamorro$28.00
Bone-in pork shank slow cooked in brine for 24-hours, slathered in a thick, tangy ancho-pasilla and piloncillo sauce. Placed over a spicy slaw of carrots, red onion, cabbage and chiles

Al Lado / Sides

Coliflor al Pastor$9.00
Roasted cauliflower with al pastor sauce
Papas con Chorizo$9.00
Our home-made chorizo sauteed with potato
Tortillas de Maíz$4.00
An order of 4 hand-made tortillas
Frijoles Refritos$5.00
Refried black beans
Arroz Blanco$5.00
White rice

Postres / Desserts

Postres / Desserts
Please ask your server about our daily selection of desserts

What 549 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Austin
Fit for Foodies
Austin
Fit for Foodies

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CT
CarlosT
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious meal with great service! The Mole was epico!
BD
BethD
New Orleans
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
So thrilled to have experienced El Naranjo while visiting friends in Austin. Chef Iliana de la Vega's Oaxacan-inspired menu just earned a well-deserved James Beard award - we were lucky to get in for Sunday brunch. Terrific bloody mary's, outstanding fundido with mushrooms, guac and fish tacos - really everything was special. Chocolate flan for dessert? Yes please! New Orleans could use a satellite restaurant - what do you say chef Iliana!
MI
MICHAELS
Austin
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food2service2ambience2
First of all I really hate being negative but my wife and I were expecting a lot more from El Naranjo considering the chef just won a James Beard award. We were disappointed with the entire meal and the service. None of the food was impressive. The service was just sort of ok. The cocktails we had were the best part. We just felt really let down by the whole experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delish. The traditional mole was Sooooo good - all the many flavors! We will be back to try more things.
R
Rocdoc
Austin
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food lived up to the hype. Delicious.
L
Lane
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always a pleasure to dine at El Naranjo! The guacamole is the best I've ever had, and it is consistent. In fact, everything is consistently good. I've tried various dishes, but for me the Duck with dark mole is sublime and never disappoints. I also appreciate the quality of the margaritas, and the wine list. Viva!
DB
DavidB
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience2
The food was incredible and we will be coming back. The space was adequate but I think there is so much potential with this chef and his food that they deserve a better space.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Two birthdays being celebrated.
J
Jeff
Austin
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing, from drinks to dessert.
MC
MichaelC
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We'd return for the Pulpo y Papas alone but we also enjoyed the Empanadas de Huitlacoche and the Mole Amarillo. We're just beginning our love affair with this restaurant so we'll have conquered the entire menu before too long. The service was excellent and the prices affordable.
s
smfoodie
Austin
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Fantastic food! Took a while to get service, but then it was great! Can’t wait to go back!
WS
WesS
Austin
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Absolutely amazing food and good service. Weird location but will be back.
FF
FoodFan
Austin
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food presented by great service (by Jammie). Good margaritas. Highly recommended.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Accommodated our group of 9.
EM
EnriqueM
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful people working there. Wonderful disposition.
JG
JeffG
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Made a reservation for my wifes B-Day for Sunday Brunch. Was seated on time. Service was very quick and friendly. Food was very good. They comped our shared desert which was their cheesecake. The best we've had! Overall a real nice experience!
GM
GregM
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Menu was expansive, service was great, drinks were fantastic. Food was fantastic and they even made a variety of mocktails for my boyfriend that mimic'd their cocktails. Most places you get a variation of a Shirley Temple, but they were actually able to replicate their own cocktails. And again, because it's worth repeating, their food was delicious, fresh and hearty, but not heavy. So authentic. Would recommend.
R
Robinhood
Austin
79 reviews
vip
4.0
79 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Given the James Beard award, I had expectations that exceeded the food we ate. It was good, but not mind blowing. The service was excellent.
m
melim
Nashville
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
I was very excited to eat here, James Beard Award winner. Disappointed in the over cooked duck and the lack of depth in the mole. Other dishes were excellent, but when we were chased off our table (with open tables in the restaurant) I really felt my $350.00 experience was ruined. I understand limits and reservations but we weren’t told we needed to be off our reserved table in a timeframe. Very embarrassed for the rest of my party that were finishing their drinks.
LM
LindsayM
Austin
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food. Fresh, inspired and very easy to accommodate my allergy and intolerances to gluten, soy and tomatoes. Excellent service too.
JS
JenniferS
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The CAMARONES ENCHIPOTLADOS (shrimp in a chipotle cream sauce) appetizer was absolutely amazing. This is one of the best things I've ever eaten. So good. We also go the guacamole which was good. I had the COSTILLAS DE RES A LOS DOS CHILES (short rib with goat cheese mashed potatoes) which was also very yummy. The margaritas were delicious. I will definitely be going back to try some of the other menu items.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
We had high expectations since the restaurant was a James Beard award winner. Nothing blew our minds...good, but not extraordinary.
DP
DevinP
Austin
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was interesting but not particularly special, considering this restaurant just wont a James Beard award. Service was the best part of the meal. Cocktails were all spectacular. All things considered, I'll definitely be going back
C
Coolchange
Austin
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was delicious, fresh and authentic. Best fish tacos I have had in my life! Mole was excellent. Extensive tequila menu.
GM
GilbertM
Austin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience2
This was a great find overall, the food and service were amazing. Highly recommend. The reason why this is not 5 stars is the acoustics in the space were very bad. It was very loud and at times made it hard to have a conversation with our friends.
a
agw1
Austin
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommended. The only improvement I would make would be parking; but I don't see how that would be possible on that site.
c
cindyf
Atlanta
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous brunch! Great selection of dishes and cocktails and you absolutely must try the pan dulce- best we've ever had!
CB
CBeats
Central Texas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience3
Service was phenomenal, but the food was just okay
C
Coug
Austin
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Congratulations being the best!! We try a different menu item every week. Never disappointed. Love the lamb chops, pork shank, and everything. Dine at one of the finest locally owned restaurants in ATX.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jackson Hole
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The flavors here are little treasures for discovery.
DW
DWALK
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great restaurant and vibe. Chef who just won James Beard for Best Chef in Texas was behind bar cleaning glasses and mingling with guests, this was great and humbling to see. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes great food.
S
Stace
Austin
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love love love El Naranjo! Food was exceptional from apps to dinner to desert! Drinks were top notch & our waiter was excellent! Highly recommend this south ATX gem!
G
Gabo1981
Austin
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good food and friendly service. Nice mix or traditional and modern recipes.
c
cindyf
Atlanta
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were seated promptly and taken care of by friendly, attentive staff. The cocktails are a must, as is the ceviche! My husband had the mole fish with ahi tuna, and it was exquisite! It's a high energy environment, but we didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed with noise and activity. Can't wait to return!
MC
MarisaC
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food was phenomenal! Chef came out to greet tables and was very friendly and genuine. Service was good, our drinks took longer than usual to come from the bar, but no big deal. We were running 10 mins late and called as soon as the restaurant opened to notify them, we were still within the 15 min grace period when we arrived but the host did firmly remind us that we had to be done and out by a certain time. Emme was our waitress and she was very nice and helpful with recommendations. The ceviche was so great! Huge chunks of ahi tuna, and so flavorful. I had the chamorro (pork shank) and it was amazing! The meat fell off the bone by just touching it with a fork. My husband had the lamb chops and those were equally as amazing. El Naranjo is one of our new favorites!
K
jeffK
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unique food selection. Fabulous flavors. Great service.
FD
FredD
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and drinks were excellent. We sat at the bar.
LM
LynnM
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So awesome!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food. Great value.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious meal, good cocktails, great evening out.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

El Naranjo - South Lamar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (512) 520-5750.

El Naranjo - South Lamar is rated 4.7 stars by 549 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 10, 2022

9:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(512) 520-5750

2717 S Lamar Blvd, STE 1085, Austin, TX 78704

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Menchaca Road
Neighborhood
South Austin
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Traditional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Outside retail parking and additional retail parking inside the garaje behind the restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Iliana de la Vega
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://elnaranjorestaurant.com/
Phone number
(512) 520-5750

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Austin

El Naranjo - South Lamar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Austin

Queso Oaxaca Fundido

Mole Amarillo

Guacamole

Botanas / Appetizers

Ceviche de la Semana*$18.00

Tostaditas de Atún al Chintextle*$14.00

Guacamole$12.00

Empanadas de Huitlacoche y Queso$14.00

Gorditas de Chicharron$14.00

Camarones Enchipotlados$18.00

Queso Oaxaca Fundido$14.00

Ensalada a la Jamaica$12.00

Pulpo y Papas$10.00

Antojitos / Street Food

Pastel Azteca$24.00

Enchiladas Verdes$21.00

Cochinita Pibil$25.00

Weekly Taco Special$14.00

Tlayuda Oaxaquena$19.00

Tacos Pescados$19.00

Platos Fuertes

Mole Negro de Oaxaca with Duck Breast*$31.00

Mole Amarillo*$29.00

Camarones y Hongos a la Macha$29.00

Verduras a La Macha$19.00

Filete de Res al Chintextle*$46.00

Chuletas de Cordero*$45.00

Costillas de Res a los Dos Chiles NGF$30.00

Pollo Asado Adobado$27.00

Chamorro$28.00

Al Lado / Sides

Coliflor al Pastor$9.00

Papas con Chorizo$9.00

Tortillas de Maíz$4.00

Frijoles Refritos$5.00

Arroz Blanco$5.00

Postres / Desserts

Postres / Desserts

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does El Naranjo - South Lamar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Naranjo - South Lamar restaurant rated?

Is El Naranjo - South Lamar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Austin