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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Solana Beach

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
1. South of Nick's - Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(585)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Del Mar
Booked 61 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 Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
2. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas
4.6
Exceptional(115)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Encinitas
Booked 30 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 Urbana Del Mar restaurant
3. Urbana Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(151)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Carmel Valley
Booked 10 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. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3490)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla
Booked 147 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 Puesto La Jolla restaurant
5. Puesto La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(2107)
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 RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
6. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.3
Awesome(2669)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla
Booked 45 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 Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant
7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
4.3
Awesome(155)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Carlsbad
Booked 4 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.
A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Carlsbad restaurant
8. Miguel's Cocina - Carlsbad
4.4
Awesome(22)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Carlsbad
Booked 11 times today
Miguel's Cocina in Carlsbad is a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, celebrated for its dedication to traditional, handcrafted dishes. Since its opening in 1982, this vibrant cantina has promised a menu that mirrors what you might find south of the border, featuring hand-made tortillas, freshly prepared salsas, and a variety of unique dishes such as pork belly quesadillas and carinta flautas. Guests rave about the quality and authenticity, with one noting, "the food was very delicious and my wife and I were treated like family." Another highlighted the "great Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad," praising the "absolutely delicious" food and "friendly and personalized" service. With such glowing testimonials and a commitment to genuine Mexican flavors, Miguel's Cocina stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexico.
‘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.

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