Handmade empanadas and a burrito mojado with fresh enchilada sauce from La Cabaña de Raya in Astoria.

Runner-up: El Catrin Mexican Restaurant, Warrenton

Honorable mention: The Stand, Seaside

The only thing that rivals the fresh, authentic Mexican food at La Cabaña de Raya, situated on U.S. Highway 101 Business, is the restaurant’s breathtaking view of Youngs Bay.

The restaurant, established in 2011, has been awarded Best Mexican Restaurant the past two years and Best Latin Food in 2015.

Alex Raya, the son of owners Miguel and Leticia Raya, said the continued recognition and support from the community is rewarding for the family-owned restaurant.

“It makes the hard work of being here every day worth it,” he added.

He and his wife, Trina Edwin, manage day-to-day operations at the restaurant, where all the dishes are made to order and feature fresh ingredients, including homemade corn tortillas. With a limited menu, the staff can focus on quality over quantity, to ensure they are serving the most authentic, delicious cuisine on a daily basis, Raya said.