More than just a grocery store, Mercado Gonzalez celebrates Mexican heritage, pays tribute to Orange County’s vibrant Latino community, and showcases California-grown ingredients.
If you’ve ever wandered among the produce stalls in a bustling mercado in Mexico, alive with brightly colored tropical fruits and vegetables, and the scent of fresh tortillas, you’ll feel at home at Mercado Gonzalez.
Learn more about things to do in Orange County for food lovers here.
More than just a grocery store, Mercado Gonzalez celebrates Mexican heritage, pays tribute to Orange County’s vibrant Latino community, and showcases California-grown ingredients.
If you’ve ever wandered among the produce stalls in a bustling mercado in Mexico, alive with brightly colored tropical fruits and vegetables, and the scent of fresh tortillas, you’ll feel at home at Mercado Gonzalez.
The California Grown team recently visited Mercado Gonzalez to meet with the Northgate Market team and explore this unique destination.
From tasting fresh-made aguas frescas to buying local fruit and wine, we saw firsthand how Mercado Gonzalez connects community, cuisine, and agriculture in a way only a California business could.
A Family Legacy Rooted in California Soil
To understand the significance of Mercado Gonzalez, you have to know the story of its mother company, Northgate Gonzalez Markets. Founded in 1980 by Miguel Gonzalez Sr., a Mexican immigrant and father of 13, the company began as a single grocery store in Anaheim.
It was born from a dream of serving the Latino community with culturally relevant, high-quality foods. The Gonzalez family sold their home to buy the business, putting everything on the line for a better future.
Over four decades, Northgate Gonzalez Markets has grown into one of California’s most beloved Latino-owned supermarket chains, with over 40 locations across Southern California. Still family-run today, the company is guided by a new generation of siblings who remain committed to honoring their roots and investing in the communities they serve.
That dedication led to the creation of Mercado Gonzalez. This next-generation retail experience combines a full-service grocery store and a Mexican food hall. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a place to gather, learn, and taste the richness of Mexican-American identity.
Mercado Gonzalez Is a Love Letter to Mexican Cuisine and California Farms
The first thing you notice when you walk into Mercado Gonzalez is the energy. Colorful papel picado flags flutter from the ceilings, mariachi music plays softly, and roasted chiles and fresh tortillas fill the air.
Designed to evoke the feel of a traditional Mexican mercado, the space is equal parts grocery store, restaurant, and community hub. At the heart of the Mercado is a vibrant food hall that showcases beloved Mexican dishes from across the country.
Standouts include:
- La Frutería for colorful aguas frescas (we’re partial to the cucumber chia!), fresh-cut fruit, and chamoy-laced snacks
- La Taquería for flame-grilled carne asada and tender adobada tacos
- El Fuego for handmade tortillas hot off the comal
- Panadería Gonzalez for traditional pan dulce and fresh bolillos
What truly sets this apart is the commitment to fresh ingredients. Northgate Gonzalez Markets has long-standing relationships with regional farms, and their produce is featured in the Mercado and food hall.
These ingredients appear throughout the market’s prepared foods and grocery selection, reinforcing Northgate’s goal of blending cultural authenticity with regional sustainability.
Supporting Health and Equity with ¡Más Fresco! More Fresh
One of the standout programs at Mercado Gonzalez is the ¡Más Fresco! More Fresh, a nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families access more fruits and vegetables.
Funded by the USDA and run in partnership with UC San Diego’s Center for Community Health, the program provides CalFresh/EBT participants up to $60 monthly in matching dollars when they use their benefits to buy fresh produce.
The program supports Northgate’s mission to make healthy, fresh, California-grown food more affordable and accessible. Whether it’s Ventura strawberries, heirloom tomatoes from the Central Valley, or locally grown avocados, customers can stretch their food dollars while enjoying the bounty of California agriculture.
It’s one more way Mercado Gonzalez goes beyond the grocery aisle to invest in the well-being of its community.
What to Do When You Visit Mercado Gonzalez
Whether going for your weekly grocery haul or planning a culinary day trip, Mercado Gonzalez is well worth the stop. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Taste your way through the food hall. Come hungry and try everything from birria tacos to elote.
- Shop seasonal produce. Look for fresh strawberries, citrus, avocados, and tomatoes from the field.
- Explore the bakery and panadería. Try their famous conchas or seasonal empanadas, made daily.
- Attend a cultural event. Check the event calendar for cooking demos to Día de los Muertos celebrations.
More to Explore Nearby in Orange County
A visit to Mercado Gonzalez is just the beginning of what you can experience in Orange County. From u-pick farms to farm-to-table restaurants and bustling farmers markets, the region is rich with California Grown experiences. Here are a few more stops to consider:
- Tanaka Farms (Irvine): Known for its family-friendly u-pick strawberry fields and educational farm tours.
- The Ecology Center (San Juan Capistrano): A regenerative farm and learning center with seasonal farm dinners and organic produce boxes.
- OC Fairgrounds Centennial Farm (Costa Mesa): A Thursday staple for local fruits, vegetables, and global street food.
- Old Towne Orange: A historic neighborhood filled with antiques, indie cafes, and brunch favorites.
Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite lunch spot or a traveler seeking to understand the flavor of California, Mercado Gonzalez is a can’t-miss stop. Come hungry, leave inspired, and don’t forget to pick up a basket of local strawberries or some fresh tortillas for the road.
Find more Only in California stories like this one!
Article by Aida Mollenkamp. Photos by James Collier.