Recent social media posts
07/22/2026
Adiós Austin, We Love You!
We want to thank our guests, our dedicated team, and everyone who contributed to the story of El Naranjo in Austin, from our beginnings as a food truck, to our brick-and-mortar restaurant, to our final South Lamar location. We are also deeply grateful to the James Beard Foundation for recognizing us with the Best Chef: Texas award in 2022. It was a wonderful 16-year run, and we poured our hearts and souls into it.
Thank you to everyone who came by for one last meal, many of you more than once, some of you even took a trip to Austin just for us. Thanks for sharing your stories and what our restaurant and food meant to you, and for giving us such a beautiful and heartfelt goodbye. We are so grateful, and you will remain forever in our hearts. We hope we helped spread the love and appreciation for Mexico, its people, its culture, and its traditions. Thank you, truly, to all.
Our story isn’t over. Please continue to follow us, our work, and our journey at Culinary Traditions and/or Iliana de la Vega on Instagram and Facebook.
El Naranjo is now officially closed. Thank you, Austin, for being part of our story.
07/18/2026
Tonight is our last day of service, and we wanted to showcase a couple of the most requested items, so we are baking the last batch of conchas and prepare Chiles en Nogada, don’t forget to order yours! See you tonight 🩵🩵
07/06/2026
Chiles en Nogada
Return to our Menu
By request, one final time, we will be preparing Chiles en Nogada from July 7 through our final night, July 18.
This iconic dish, a roasted poblano chile filled with a savory-sweet picadillo, draped in a walnut sauce, and crowned with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, is as close to Mexico on a plate as it gets.
06/12/2026
El Naranjo is not a building, it is not just a restaurant, but to me it is a community where we have all shared food, memories and love. I am so grateful and moved by all the messages, notes, calls, and emails I’ve received in the past couple of days. From former team members that with their hard work helped us bring our dreams to reality , to people that dined with us only once or those who followed us from our days in Oaxaca, thank you for sharing how much the restaurant has meant to you. I was brought to tears to know that all the hard work we poured into El Naranjo meant so much to so many of you.
To us, El Naranjo is a living creature, another member of the family. My daughters grew up in the restaurant and it has been our reality and life for almost 30 years. I will always cherish the memories of the good times, and even the not so good time, that we have shared at El Naranjo throughout the years.
Gracias, thank you so much. I will be at the restaurant every night until the very last evening of service on July 18. I hope to see you there to say good bye to you at our beloved El Naranjo. If you can, please come show us your love and support one last time before we leave. And please, stay in touch, join me in Mexico in a culinary trip so I can show you my love to my country , and keep an eye out for our next chapter. Gracias de corazón.
06/11/2026
It is with deep emotion that I share with you the news that El Naranjo will be closing its doors. The restaurant has been one of the greatest journeys of our lives: a family business born out of love and a passion for cooking, built through struggle and hard work, and sustained by your loyalty and support.
Our last day of service will be Saturday, July 18, 2026. We are preparing farewell specials until then to celebrate the dishes you have loved most over the years. Please stop by and say goodbye. I will be at the restaurant as much as I possibly can between now and our final day, and it would mean the world to me to see your face, share a memory, and thank you in person.
Gracias, gracias to each one of you and to the city of Austin for opening your arms to us. Thank you for welcoming our whole family when we had nothing but our recipes and hope. And for returning, again and again, to enjoy our history, traditions, culture, and the food of our family, with us.
With all our
Iliana de la Vega and Ernesto Torrealba El Naranjo
05/31/2026
Here’s an idea for your next night out: treat yourself to tender beef filet finished with creamy chintextle and tequila sauce, served with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Which side would you pair with this dish? 🥩🥔
05/30/2026
Discover the rich layers of this Mexican dish topped with fresh cheese and vibrant veggies. 🌿
05/29/2026
Ready for some fun? Delight in our with tasty food and drinks. Stop by and see what we’re all about! 🌟🍴
05/29/2026
Father’s Day is all about time together and plenty of good stories. Let him enjoy the moment with a curated menu, craft drinks, and a cozy space. Reserve your table for an easy celebration. 🥂🧡
Address
2717 South Lamar Unit 1085
Austin, TX
78704
To get to the location on South Lamar in Austin, you have a couple of options:
Public Transport:
1. Take the bus: Check the local bus schedule and find a route that stops near South Lamar. Get off at the nearest bus stop and walk to your destination.
Driving/Parking:
1. From downtown Austin: Head south on Congress Avenue until you reach Barton Springs Road. Turn right onto Barton Springs Road and continue for about 2 miles. Turn left onto South Lamar Boulevard, and you will find parking options along the street or in nearby parking lots.
2. From Highway 360: Take the exit for Barton Skyway/Bee Caves Road and head east on Bee Caves Road. After about 2 miles, turn right onto South Lamar Boulevard. Look for parking spaces along the street or in nearby parking lots.
Remember to check for any parking restrictions or fees before leaving your vehicle.
Please note that these directions are provided without mentioning El Naranjo specifically, but they should help you reach your destination on South Lamar in Austin.
Alerts
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What people say
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and rich culinary traditions. El Naranjo, located in South Lamar, Austin, is a Mexican restaurant that truly embodies these qualities.
At El Naranjo, they take pride in serving traditional Mexican dishes with exceptional ingredients and unique flavors. Their commitment to using seasonal ingredients and high-quality humanely raised meats sets them apart from other Mexican restaurants. Each dish is carefully crafted and beautifully presented, showcasing the attention to detail that goes into every plate.
One of the standout dishes at El Naranjo is their famous ceviche de la semana (of the week). This refreshing and flavorful dish highlights the freshness of the seafood and perfectly balances the tangy citrus marinade. Another must-try is their housemade moles, which are rich and complex in flavor, showcasing the depth of Oaxacan Mexican cuisine.
The modern interior of El Naranjo blends seamlessly with its location on South Lamar. The ambiance is inviting and comfortable, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The servers at El Naranjo are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, offering guidance and explanations if needed.
What sets El Naranjo apart is their genuine enthusiasm for every dish they serve. The passion for Mexican cuisine shines through in each bite, creating an exceptional culinary experience for their guests. Whether you're a fan of traditional Mexican food or looking to explore new flavors, El Naranjo will take your taste buds on a journey you won't forget.
In conclusion, El Naranjo is a gem among Mexican restaurants in Austin. With their dedication to traditional flavors, exceptional ingredients, and warm hospitality, they have created a dining experience that celebrates the best of Oaxacan Mexican cuisine. Visit El Naranjo on South Lamar today and indulge in an unforgettable culinary adventure.
