Taqueria El Paisa — Restaurant in Oakland

El Paisa in Oakland truly deserves the highest accolades for delivering an exceptional Mexican dining experience. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Let's talk about the food—it's nothing short of phenomenal! El Paisa boasts an extensive menu that showcases the rich tapestry of flavors found in traditional Mexican cuisine. Each dish is crafted with utmost care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients that result in a burst of authentic flavors.

The moment I took my first bite, I could taste the passion and expertise that goes into every dish. The sizzling fajitas were a delight to the senses, with tender, juicy meat perfectly seasoned and accompanied by vibrant, colorful bell peppers and onions. The enchiladas were a revelation, with their savory fillings and a tantalizing sauce that danced on my taste buds.

One standout dish that I simply cannot recommend enough is their signature carne asada tacos. The grilled steak was tender and succulent, complemented by the perfect balance of spices and wrapped in soft, homemade tortillas. It was a symphony of flavors that left me craving more.

The attention to detail at El Paisa extends beyond the food. The friendly and attentive staff made the dining experience even more enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations, ensuring that every visit feels personalized and memorable.

The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, with lively music and colorful decor, adds to the overall charm. Whether you're having a casual meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, El Paisa is the perfect setting for any dining experience.

In addition to the exceptional food and service, El Paisa also offers reasonable prices, making it accessible to everyone who craves authentic Mexican cuisine. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied and eager to return for more.

Overall, El Paisa in Oakland has truly captured the essence of Mexican cuisine, delivering an outstanding dining experience that will transport your taste buds south of the border. With their dedication to quality, impeccable service, and an inviting atmosphere, El Paisa has rightfully earned its reputation as a five-star Mexican culinary gem. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on a flavorsome journey and indulge in the best Mexican food around!

Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects my honest opinion of El...

Review update 2/17/27: ordered a torta (sandwich) for the first time here, thought I'd try to incorporate some veggies into my body this visit with the lettuce, tomato and avocado that comes with the torta! It's a big, messy sandwich that gave me instant food coma. Verdict? 8.9 outta 10! Nothing takes the place of their tacos, but the torta is a solid choice and big enough to split with someone! They slather both sides of a big bun with mayo, lay it on the flattop to heat up and 'toast' up while they chop your protein choice and slice up your avocado. A mild, slightly nondescript slice of cheese gets slapped on the bread before everything else goes on: lettuce, tomato, onions if you want, then the meat. Into a box with chips, those lovely griddled baby onions and My favorite, some slabs of cooked nopales (cactus paddles) and you have yourself a crazy fulfilling meal, and then some!

My favorite taqueria Oakland! I love the variety of meats you can choose from, the slices of nopales and little onions you get as accoutrements, and their salsa/condiment bar is pretty spectacular! Carrots and pineapple in a cinnamony sweet/tart brine, carrots and jalapeños in a light brine, two types of fiery salsa, refreshing sliced radishes, a mini mountain of limes; the list goes on. The tacos and burritos are unapologetically simple but flavorful, filling, and delicious. Burritos have meat, beans and rice plus they come with chips, so don't order a side of chips unless you want a carb coma later. They have a crazy spicy (but flavorful) salsa in a molcajete behind the counter, if you're brave enough ask for some (I'm a wimp and it burned my face off after a tiny dab).

If you get the suadero, skip the tripe taco unless you want mostly fatty stuff hanging out in your belly for a few hours. I love both but only made that mistake once, forgetting how juicy and rich suadero is. Everyone I've brought here loves it and even my kid who isn't fond of Mexican food,...

El Paisa is located at the intersection of E14th and 46th.

When I drove up to the venue I knew I was in for something special. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not, it's just old fashioned taco's served up like you'd expect to see it in Mexico.

Perhaps I'm just jaded by all the hipster spots in San Francisco, but I was grinning ear to ear when I hopped in here.

Order the number of taco's you want at the cashier and the slide on down to the cook's who then take care of your order. Flavorful flavorful taco's even without the salsa's which is a tell tale sign for me.

Don't be turned off by the rough exterior just like your mother told you as a kid "don't judge a book by it's cover".

One of my new favorite taco spots in the bay..bay ..bay.

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Rod's Review grading scale explained. Essentially I personally base it on the likelihood of a return visit and I try to be stingy with 5 star reviews since they should be "special" in my eyes. Price/Value also play a role. Just because a steak is $75 doesn't make it a 4 or 5 star venue nor does a $1 taco unless it's delicious.

5 stars - "I'll go out of my way" (approx 6 % of my reviews) 4 stars- "If I was in the area I'd go here and would recommend", (approx 38% of my reviews) 3 stars "Maybe if was nearby", (approx 37% of my reviews) 2 stars -"Would likely not return, Only if you want to go", (approx 16% of my reviews) 1 star -"No thanks, even if I was hungry", (approx. 3 %...