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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Del Mar

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(612)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Del Mar
Booked 94 times today
South of Nick's in Del Mar, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a Southern California twist. Renowned for its seamless blend of classic Mexican flavors with prime steaks and seafood, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and wonderful service," with dishes like the steak salad and seafood enchiladas receiving high praise. The ambiance is consistently described as great, with a "beautiful decor" that complements the high-quality meals. Whether it's the complimentary chips and salsa, the finely crafted margaritas, or the attentive service, South of Nick's stands out as a top choice for both locals and visitors. It's no wonder guests are eager to return, making it a "new favorite" in the vibrant San Diego dining scene.
A photo of Urbana Del Mar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(152)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Carmel Valley
Booked 3 times today
Urbana Del Mar in Carmel Valley, San Diego, truly stands out as a premier Steakhouse destination, delivering an unmatched dining experience. Patrons rave about the restaurant’s authentic Steakhouse offerings, highlighting dishes like the "cooked to perfection ribeye" that leave a lasting impression. One diner celebrated Urbana as the "BEST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN restaurant in San Diego County," emphasizing the exceptional quality of both food and drinks. The vibrant ambiance, coupled with top-notch service, ensures every meal is a delightful experience. Urbana Del Mar's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for steak lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike.
A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3526)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla
Booked 154 times today
Javier's in La Jolla stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, delighting patrons with its vibrant atmosphere and a rich heritage of elevated dishes. Located in the scenic area of San Diego, the restaurant offers a captivating ambiance, perfect for enjoying their hand-shaken margaritas and a wide selection of rare tequilas. Patrons rave about the quality of the meals, with reviews highlighting the "spectacular" carne asada and the "mouth-watering" lobster enchiladas. As one diner puts it, "Absolutely loved the food and experience." Javier's consistently provides not just a meal but a delightful culinary journey steeped in Mexican tradition, making it a must-visit location for both locals and visitors.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2687)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
Experience the vibrant heart of contemporary Mexican cuisine at RED O Taste of Mexico in La Jolla, San Diego. Known for its unique blend of prime steak and seafood with the authentic, rich flavors of Mexico, courtesy of Rick Bayless' culinary influence, RED O stands out for its high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and artful presentations. Guests rave about the "smoky chipotle crema & cotija mashed potatoes" and the "passion fruit butter cake," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to elevating traditional Mexican dishes. The luxurious resort-like interior and impeccable service, including a "table side tequila cart," make dining here a memorable affair. Whether it's for the innovative dishes or the specialty cocktails, RED O brings an exceptional Mexican dining experience to the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2122)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla
Booked 49 times today
Puesto La Jolla is a gem in La Jolla, San Diego, renowned for its exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine. This award-winning restaurant, celebrated by outlets like National Geographic and the Michelin Guide, offers a unique culinary experience with its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos on non-GMO, organic maíz azul tortillas. Chef Luisteen Gonzales crafts vibrant dishes, from fresh ceviches to inventive tacos, praised for their “amazing flavors” and described as “the best tacos ever!” by satisfied diners. The lively ambiance, complemented by an innovative bar program featuring hand-crafted cocktails and exclusive Mexican wines, ensures every visit is memorable. As one review raves, it's “an absolute must-try!” with “outstanding service and food.”
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(124)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Encinitas
Booked 15 times today
Welcome to Cocina de Barrio, a vibrant gem tucked away in Encinitas, CA, where the essence of Oaxaca blends seamlessly with modern culinary artistry. This restaurant stands out for its "first-rate experience" as noted by diners who rave about everything from the "comfortable seating" to the "excellent service" and the "wonderfully presented" food and drinks. The menu at Cocina de Barrio goes beyond the ordinary, offering dishes that are both authentic and innovative, with special mentions to the "knockout" tableside guacamole and the "super tender and flavorful" lamb birria. Patrons particularly commend the brunch and happy hour, highlighting the "amazing customer service" and "one of a kind menu and cocktails." Whether you're a local or just passing through, Cocina de Barrio promises a culinary journey that's as authentic as it is unforgettable. Come for the food, stay for the "magical experience" of innovative mixology, and enjoy a taste of contemporary Mexico right in the heart of Encinitas.
A photo of Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant
4.2
Awesome(157)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Carlsbad
Booked 32 times today
At Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Nestled in a picturesque setting with breathtaking views over lush golf courses, Vue offers a dining experience where flavor and culture blend seamlessly. Guests rave about the "outstanding" Mexican selections, such as the corned beef hash with Brussels sprouts and the chimichurri sauce-draped short ribs, which are described as "outstanding." The coconut curry chicken is another highlight, noted for its authenticity and rich flavors. Diners consistently praise the culinary craftsmanship, with comments like "the Chilean sea bass was perfectly prepared" and the papaya salad being "sooo good." Vue's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Mexican meal in Carlsbad.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Giovanna
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    we always love our time at Puesto, the food is very good and we very much appreciate their attention to food allergies! Everyone in the family can always find something delicious to eat! Often it is very energetic, so not the serious conversation type of place. Staff is very friendly and goes out of the way to ensure you have a great meal. Looking forward to going back!
    More info
    Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    4.6
  • DianeVIP
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Manager Lisa was the best, most service-oriented manager I have ever seen. She kicked in when service was a bit slow, checked in on us every so often, comped us a drink when we waited a bit too long for our order, and just made a slow evening into a spectacular one. A great manager. Well done Lisa!
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    4.3
  • Kristin
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Best high end Mexican food we’ve in San Diego! We had the filet mignon ranchero and the El Vaquero plate. The meat was cooked perfectly on both plates and the flavors were delicious! Kudos to the Chef. The service was outstanding and our server was extremely knowledgeable for our child’s food allergies. Can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
    4.7
  • AlexVIP
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food here at Javier’s is unmatched, hands down the best high end Mexican restaurant. Atmosphere is great with DJ music and excellent service. On of our favorite restaurants, but more on expensive side (think high end steakhouse pricing)
    More info
    Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Jaynee
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    We Love everything!!!! One of our favorite places!
    More info
    Urbana Del MarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Carmel Valley
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Mexican restaurants in Del Mar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary landscape of Del Mar, San Diego, where contemporary Mexican cuisine takes center stage. The restaurants in this area skillfully blend traditional Mexican flavors with innovative Southern Californian twists, creating a unique dining experience that caters to both locals and visitors alike. Each establishment boasts a commitment to quality, using only the freshest local ingredients to craft dishes that are both visually appealing and delicious. The atmosphere in these dining spots varies from casual and cozy to sophisticated and elegant, ensuring an ambiance that compleates the gastronomic experience. Patrons frequently praise the exceptional service, and the seafood dishes, in particular, are noted for their freshness and flavor. Del Mar's dining scene is a testament to its ability to offer memorable meals that reflect both the heritage and the progression of Mexican cuisine.

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