Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Central Austin

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Este

4.8

Exceptional(99)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • East Austin

Booked 87 times today

Este in East Austin is a seafood lover's paradise, where the ocean’s bounty meets Mexican culinary tradition with finesse. Este’s seafood dishes, such as their standout ceviches and oysters, are celebrated for their freshness and flavor, transporting diners to "the playas of Mexico" with every bite. The restaurant's "pescado zarandeado" and "este ceviche" have been hailed as "must-try" delights, praised for their bold, unique flavors. Este’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, makes dining here not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience. Este is where seafood cuisine is both an art and an adventure, ensuring a memorable visit every time.

2. ATX Cocina

4.8

Exceptional(2658)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 71 times today

ATX Cocina in Downtown Austin elevates traditional Mexican cuisine through modern techniques, creating an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of authentic flavors. With a focus on masa, processed in-house from heirloom corn sourced from Mexican family farms, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality. Diners rave about the "incredible food" and "phenomenal service," with standout dishes like Crab Relleno and Machete tacos leaving a lasting impression. The vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, such as "awesome margaritas," further enhance the experience. Whether a local or a visitor, ATX Cocina promises a memorable Mexican culinary journey.

3. Suerte

4.8

Exceptional(70)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • East Austin

Booked 95 times today

Suerte in East Austin is a beacon of exceptional Mexican cuisine, where "every dish is delicious and unique," capturing the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Mexico. Under the expert guidance of nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez, Suerte uses local ingredients to create a culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "phenomenal suadero tacos," while the "kind and fun service" adds to the delightful dining atmosphere. Whether it's the "complex and balanced flavors" or the "inventive drinks," Suerte consistently offers a remarkable dining experience, earning praise as "the best Mexican restaurant in the country."

4. Verbena

4.5

Awesome(426)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, Verbena's Cocktail Bar is a beacon of mixology excellence. The bar, part of the award-winning Canopy by Hilton Hotel, is renowned for its "delicious" and "fantastic" cocktails that captivate the senses. With a 36-seat setup, it offers an intimate yet lively atmosphere, perfect for both casual meet-ups and special occasions. Guests rave about the creative concoctions, such as the off-menu gin/cucumber cocktail and the Coconut Margarita, described as "delicious." Verbena's talented bartenders craft each drink with precision and flair, ensuring a memorable experience that beckons patrons to return time and again.

A photo of La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas restaurant

5. La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas

4.9

Exceptional(735)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

Located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas is a convivial poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine. The vibrant, open space overlooks the downtown Austin bustle as groups convene over family-style platters, ceviches and table-top sizzling fajitas, with fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire and house-made tortillas from an open comal. The bar provides an accompanying selection of frozen margaritas, native Mexican spirits, small-batch tequila and mezcal as well as an assortment of outdoor-friendly snacks.

6. Nômade

4.6

Exceptional(471)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Austin

Booked 20 times today

Nômade is a standout destination for seafood aficionados, nestled in the vibrant South 1st district of Austin. Celebrated for its fresh coastal seafood, the restaurant crafts dishes that exude authenticity and flavor, thanks to its use of sustainably caught seafood and artisanal spices from Merida. Patrons rave about the "incredible flavor & ambience," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its contemporary take on Yucatecan cuisine, Nômade has earned accolades such as the 2024 Open Table Diners' Choice Award. From the charred pulpo to striped bass, the seafood creations here are "crafted with details to make your stay something out of the limits of your imagination."

7. La Condesa

4.6

Exceptional(2252)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

La Condesa in Austin's 2nd Street District is a shining beacon of authentic Regional Mexican cuisine. This James Beard-nominated restaurant, led by Executive Chef Rick Lopez, captivates diners with its vibrant menu crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. "Dining here was like a big hug," one review exclaims, showcasing its warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu's standout dishes, such as the pollo con mole and cochinita pibil, are praised for their "layers and layers of flavors and beautiful presentations." With one of the largest tequila and mezcal collections in the city, La Condesa offers an unparalleled culinary journey that is both "creative and comforting."

8. Tomalo

4.1

Excellent(134)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Tomalo in Downtown Austin is a beacon of authentic Regional Mexican cuisine, drawing inspiration from diverse areas of Mexico. Located at the vibrant intersection of East Ave and Rainey St, this restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite culinary offerings. Reviews laud Tomalo for its "amazing food" and "perfect service," with standout dishes like the cochinita pibil and the Sikil Pak & Guacamole. Diners are enchanted by the "elevated, unique Mexican dining experience" that the restaurant provides. With a focus on local ingredients and community, Tomalo guarantees an unforgettable taste journey that resonates with the rich flavors of Regional Mexican cuisine.

A photo of Ma'Coco - East Austin restaurant

9. Ma'Coco - East Austin

4.5

Awesome(177)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • East Austin

Booked 5 times today

A fresh approach to Mexican cuisine. We emphasize scratch ingredients to serve colorful, tasty & traditional bites. From tacos & enchiladas to fresh fruit frescas & cocktails, you’ll find an antojito just for you!

A photo of Mour Cocina | Bodega restaurant

10. Mour Cocina | Bodega

4.5

Awesome(330)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • East Austin

Booked 1 time today

Mour Cocina | Bodega in East Austin is a delightful haven for lovers of Traditional Mexican cuisine. The vibrant flavors of Mexico are authentically captured using locally-sourced, planet-friendly ingredients, ensuring each dish is as sustainable as it is delicious. Diners rave about the "best chilaquiles in Austin" and the "amazing" Tlayuda, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to genuine Mexican culinary traditions. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with super friendly staff who go "above and beyond" to deliver exceptional service. Whether indulging in the delectable duck carnitas or sipping on organic wines, Mour Cocina guarantees a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LanaVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a great experience going to Sunday Morning Brunch. The food and service were excellent. We are definitely going back!
More info
SuertePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
•
4.8
D
DebbieVIP
Austin •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was excellent. Had to move tables as first one was in a cold spot with A/C blowing in January. Otherwise the experience was great. Excellent service. Very good specialty margaritas. Loved the tuna taradito starter with their homemade masa chips. We shared the pescado a la crema ( pan seared black cod with a delicious cream sauce) and the vegan tamal de Camote for a nice sweet potato mole. Also had a few fresh oysters. Everything was great! Highly recommend Este!
More info
EstePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
•
4.8
G
GingerVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was amazing I had the snapper tacos, the fish was fresh and the toppings were great. Margaritas were fresh and not sugary and had a good amount of alcohol.
More info
La Piscina Ceviches & FajitasPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
•
4.9
G
GeorgiaVIP
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I wish you’d bring back the entree Salmon the way they used to make it with the rice and ponzu sauce
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ATX CocinaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
•
4.8
B
Barry
Austin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 30, 2024
We went to Verbena for our anniversary and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had let them know that we would be bringing our own bottle of champagne and the table was set accordingly. The appetizers were delicious including a very inventive take on ceviche. We both ordered the chile relleno which was a tad too spicy for my taste but perfect for my wife. The tres leches cake was wonderful as was the service.
More info
VerbenaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
•
4.5

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Central Austin

Contemporary mexican

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Central Austin

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Este

2. ATX Cocina

3. Suerte

4. Verbena

5. La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas

6. Nômade

7. La Condesa

8. Tomalo

9. Ma'Coco - East Austin

10. Mour Cocina | Bodega

See what locals rave about

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