Puerto Madero

Overview

Puerto Madero in Santa Ana, CA, is a hidden gem for anyone seeking an authentic dining experience that blends modern elegance with rich, bold flavors. Situated at 1225 W 17th St, this charming restaurant brings a taste of Argentine cuisine right to the heart of Orange County. Whether you're a local or visiting, Puerto Madero offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with carefully crafted dishes that showcase the best of South American flavors.

The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy yet upscale, making it perfect for a casual night out or a special celebration. The rustic yet contemporary design features warm wooden accents, large windows letting in natural light, and comfortable seating arrangements that encourage a relaxed dining experience. As soon as you step through the door, you're greeted by the rich aroma of grilled meats and freshly prepared dishes, setting the tone for what is sure to be a satisfying meal.

The menu at Puerto Madero is a celebration of Argentina's renowned culinary traditions, offering a variety of meat-centric dishes, fresh seafood, and hearty sides. One of their standout dishes is the Asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue that's cooked to perfection. Tender cuts of beef, sausages, and lamb are grilled over an open flame, providing a smoky depth of flavor that is characteristic of the region’s cuisine. Whether you opt for a classic bife de chorizo or a succulent entraña, the quality of the meat and the expert grilling technique shine through in every bite.

In addition to the grilled meats, the restaurant offers a selection of fresh seafood dishes, such as empanadas de mariscos, which are crispy pockets filled with a flavorful seafood mix, and parrillada de mariscos, a grilled seafood platter that's perfect for sharing. Each dish is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor and texture.

For those who enjoy pasta, Puerto Madero offers several Italian-inspired dishes, like fettuccine alfredo and ravioli de carne, which are as delightful as the Argentine specialties. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s ability to merge Argentine and Italian culinary traditions, a fusion that works beautifully, thanks to the rich flavors and quality ingredients.

Side dishes at Puerto Madero are a perfect complement to the main course, with options like papas a la crema (creamy mashed potatoes) and ensalada de hojas verdes (mixed green salad) available to round out your meal. These sides are flavorful, fresh, and generous, ensuring that you won't leave hungry.

One of the highlights of dining at Puerto Madero is their exceptional service. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend the perfect wine pairing or offer insights into the menu. Their knowledge of the food and wine options adds an extra layer of depth to the experience, making every visit feel personalized.

For dessert, Puerto Madero doesn’t disappoint. Indulge in their homemade flan con dulce de leche, a traditional Argentine treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The dessert is rich, creamy, and sweet, providing a satisfying end to a meal that’s both filling and memorable.

If you're wondering where to enjoy a special meal in Santa Ana, Puerto Madero stands out not just for its excellent food, but also for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where guests are treated like family, and every detail, from the food to the service, reflects a deep commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal with friends or celebrating a milestone event, this restaurant promises to deliver an exceptional dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ Delivery

Highlights

âś“ Serves local specialty

Popular for

âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates

Dining options

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert

Amenities

âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet

Crowd

âś“ Groups

Planning

âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ Good for kids

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 261 reviews
Amazing 204
Great 45
Okay 14
Not Great 3
Terrible 7
Jessica Palacios

Sanduche de Lomito with spicy chimichurri…..delicious!!!! Always hits the spot!! Freshly made, always cooked to perfection. I forgot to add, the location looks a little sketchy. Windows are boarded up, but, don’t be afraid. Walk inside and you’ll see a small market filled with Colombian, Peruvian, and Argentinian imported food products and the small restaurant to the side.

Jared Cohee

???????? ARGENTINA ???????? URUGUAY Excerpt from Eat the World Los Angeles: Puerto Madero presents itself as a mercado latino & carniceria, and delivers on both. There are shelves organized by country with products from Colombia, Spain, and of course Argentina, among others. In the back a small meat market has the many cuts of cow and sausages necessary to make your very own home parrillada. One shelf is entirely devoted to different types of yerba mate, the strong preference of most in Argentina for their caffeinated morning beverage. In the back a few cases display freshly baked breads and sweets. At the top of the sandwich list is a slightly odd choice for an Argentinean market. The chivito ($9.99, above and below) is the unmistakable national dish of Uruguay, an always impressive stack of foods caught between bread.

Javier Marquez

I'm so glad that, as an Argentine-American, I was able to find this place! Also, the sandwiches de miga are so good, plus I was actually able to find dulce de membrillo/batata!!

David Pak

The civito is the sandwich to get! So delicious. Also empanadas are good with the chimichuri sauce!

Kurt Snyder

Love this spot. Great food, great selection. With a small investment on the interior design it would be killer!

Miguel Angel

Best sandwich ever. Specially the chivito and pizza

Write a review