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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in South Waterfront

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of República restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(893)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Booked 2 times today
Nestled in the Pearl District of Portland, República stands out as a culinary gem renowned for its authentic farm-to-table cuisine. This James Beard-nominated restaurant offers a unique Chef's Prix Fixe Tasting Experience by Executive Chef Jose Camarena that recontextualizes Mexican cuisine with a deep narrative flair. Diners rave about the "fabulous dinner" and the "incredible, every dish had me scraping the plate" experiences. With menu options that change daily, República ensures each dish showcases the freshest local ingredients, telling the "stories of Mexico" through each course. Whether opting for the 7-course or the more indulgent 10-course menu, guests are treated to a vibrant and educational dining experience that is both "thoughtful" and "memorable", making it a must-visit for those seeking to explore the true essence of farm-to-table dining in an upscale setting.
A photo of Lilia Comedor restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(348)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Southwest Portland
Booked 7 times today
Lilia Comedor, nestled in the vibrant South Waterfront of Southwest Portland, is a treasure trove of American cuisine with a unique twist. Under the helm of award-winning Chef Juan Gomez, the restaurant offers an exemplary dining experience that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Praised as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the Country by the New York Times, Lilia showcases a menu that is deeply rooted in Chef Juan's Mexican-American heritage, utilizing hyper-seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Guests rave about their experiences, with one noting, "The VERY BEST that Portland has to offer...originality with superb flavor." Another guest recommends, "Definitely go for the chef's counter. It’s an amazing experience and well worth the money." With its unpretentious space and delightful patio, Lilia Comedor stands out as a must-visit for those seeking authentically inventive American dishes in Portland.
A photo of De Noche restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(172)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Booked 5 times today
De Noche, nestled in the vibrant Pearl District of Portland, is a gem of Latin American cuisine, serving dishes that are as authentic as they are innovative. Executive Chef Dani Morales skillfully marries traditional Mexican recipes with modern culinary techniques, creating a dining experience that’s both familiar and novel. Guests rave about the "surprisingly wonderful flavors" and the "beautiful complexity" of dishes like the mole and the tlayuda. The intimate setting and thoughtful service complement the meticulously crafted menu, which includes options for various dietary preferences. Reviewers consistently praise De Noche, noting it as "worthy of a Michelin star" and celebrating its "genius twist on traditional ingredients." Whether opting for the full tasting menu or a la carte, De Noche is celebrated for delivering a top-tier dining experience with every visit.
A photo of Toro restaurant
4.0
Excellent(81)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Toro, nestled in the vibrant Pearl District of Portland, stands out as a beacon of modern Mexican cuisine. With its dynamic atmosphere and a focus on bold Mexican flavors, diners are consistently impressed by the quality and authenticity of its offerings. Reviewers rave about the "exceptional" food and "off the chart good" margaritas, highlighting dishes like the "fluffy and flavorful" shrimp rice and the "super delicious" barbacoa tacos. The restaurant also offers an enticing Happy Hour that guests like Dr. LeBlanc find irresistible, praising the "delicious Lime Chicken Nachos." Toro's commitment to quality and its vibrant setting make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Latin American culinary experience in Portland.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Kimberlee
    Portland / Oregon •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was stellar! Each course a master class in the indigenous and trade route history of Mexico. The flavors danced, and flirted, and then married into deliciousness on the tongue. I cannot tell you all the courses. Though I did get a lovely gift of the evening's menu, so perhaps I will later amend this for a description of each. It is unlikely you will ever get this specific menu again. It had been a long time since my last prix fixe chef's menu. Especially one this large And then adding the wine flight. The wine flight was perfectly paired and delicious. It brought very fresh fruit flavors and deeper Pinot Noir roundness to absolutely delicious food. I might suggest pacing oneself better than I did. I was a tad inebriated. Then again it was our anniversary, so why not? Come enjoy this the moment you can. It is a treasure of warmth and comfort, as well as quite informative. They explain each dish's origins as they serve you. But come for the food. It is transcendent!!
    More info
    RepúblicaPrice: Very Expensive• Mexican• Pearl District
    4.8
  • KarenVIP
    Portland / Oregon •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    One of the best meals in Portland! Menu stiles a nice balance of new ideas and familiar dishes. All super flavorful. Also great cocktails as well. Staff were all wonderful
    More info
    De NochePrice: Very Expensive• Mexican• Pearl District
    4.7
  • Sally
    Portland / Oregon •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Fabulous food - every dish! Service was perfectly timed and the recommended water be pairings were spot on
    More info
    Lilia ComedorPrice: Very Expensive• Farm-to-table• Southwest Portland
    4.8
  • Chris
    Los Angeles •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great food, delicious & large margaritas. The service was excellent.
    More info
    Margarita Factory - Mill PlainPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Vancouver
    5
  • Jason
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 9, 2024
    The place has a good atmosphere. The service is great, They are attentive without being obtrusive a hard balance to strike. The food is good. The value at happy hour was quite good. Really do my wife and I finish dinner at around $50 and that was with 2 ciders. It was a perfect place to have dinner being only a mile from the Moda center where we saw a concert that night. If you are looking for a place to eat that is close to event centers this is a great option.
    More info
    ToroPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pearl District
    4
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