Family recipes passed down through generations offer the comforts of Mexican home cooking in the heart of Huntington Beach
Created for community as a place that welcomes families through the comforts of Mexican home cooking, Marila’s Mexican is inspired by the Huntington Beach values and commitment to integrity on which its founding family prides itself.
“Marila’s was built to serve up the nostalgia of home,” says Eric Adler, Co-Owner and first generation Mexican-American. He and his brothers, Alan and Alexander Adler, and cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo, named the restaurant after their abuela, Marila: the matriarch responsible for crafting a love and passion around traditional and authentic cooking.
Offering award-winning fajitas, tacos, marinades, and fresh fish dishes, the new establishment operates under a focal point of sharable, sizzling fare.
On a recent night out with friends who are also fellow fledgling foodies, we indulged in an array of delectable delights (the beauty of shareable plates was certainly not lost on our group this night).
We couldn’t decide between the classic guacamole, the signature Puesto “perfect” guacamole that starts with the classic and adds Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the inventive Nogada enhanced with pomegranate, mango pico and candied walnuts. So we opted to sample all three – each uniquely flavorful and coupled them with an appetizer of line-caught fresh fish ceviche … a combo worth a return trip.
Taco options were equally delicious. The Al Pastor with crispy melted cheese, tender braised chicken, marinated filet mignon with a spicy serrano pistachio salsa and short rib quesabirria and Jalisco salsa all arrived atop handmade tortillas.
After including in so many mouthwatering appetizers and entrees (not to mention the Puesto Perfect Margarita that truly lives up to its name), we lamented not saving enough space to finish the delectable desserts (horchata flan, pina colada cake and chocolate canela cake).
Sidle up to the bar for a curated list of agave spirits like tequila and mezcal, and some lesser-known sotols, bacanoras, and raicillas sourced throughout Mexico. No matter what you order, you’re sure to share in history, home, and a piece of Marila’s heart.
