Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Kensington

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

1. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1998)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 38 times today

Puesto Mission Valley is a vibrant gem in the heart of San Diego, delivering exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Family-owned and operated, Puesto stands out with its commitment to authenticity and innovation. Diners rave about the "amazingly tasty and flavorful" tacos crafted from non-GMO, organic, heirloom blue corn tortillas, perfectly complemented by their scratch salsas. The restaurant is well-known for its "outstanding food and service," with patrons frequently praising the "superb" filet mignon tacos and "show-stopping" guacamole. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying Taco Tuesday, Puesto promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back.

2. Camino Riviera

4.8

Exceptional(33)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 12 times today

Camino Riviera in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Cocktail Bar experience that is both authentic and innovative. The bar program is anchored in classic cocktails but shines with its diverse selection of rare mezcal and tequila, celebrating the rich spirits and flavors of Latin America. Patrons rave about the "incredibly well-crafted drinks" and the knowledgeable staff, who provide insightful recommendations and elevate the entire cocktail experience. The ambiance, described as "inviting and beautifully decorated," perfectly complements the exquisite drinks. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or new to the scene, Camino Riviera promises a memorable and delightful evening.

A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant

3. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

4.6

Exceptional(177)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 11 times today

Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional seafood dining experience that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant coasts of Baja. Revered for its "excellent fresh fish" and "super fresh oysters," this culinary gem crafts each dish with quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Diners rave about the "creative crudo, ceviche, and aguachile," each plate a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and flavor. The unique tostadas are described as "a work of art," adding a visual feast to the already irresistible flavors. Crudo promises a seafood adventure that is "worth several visits."

A photo of Cocina de Barrio North Park restaurant

4. Cocina de Barrio North Park

new

4.5

Awesome(1)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • North Park

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in North Park! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

5. Baja Betty's

4.9

Exceptional(342)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 9 times today

Baja Betty's in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a vibrant destination for Contemporary Mexican cuisine that delights the senses with its creative Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Known for its energetic atmosphere and "scrumptious" food, Baja Betty's offers an authentic dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. The menu showcases fresh ingredients in dishes like the "incredible" chicken mole and allows diners to personalize their meals with build-your-own burritos or bowls. Signature margaritas and a wide selection of tequilas perfectly complement the flavorful fare. "Always a fun time at Betty's," the exceptional service and lively environment make it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a memorable meal.

6. Blind Burro

4.6

Exceptional(672)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego. Come in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet over a carafe of spicy margaritas or on tap house sangria. . Or try us for lunch with clients while enjoying steak tacos and a quinoa mixed green salad. Hope to see you soon in the unique, airy and comfortable environment we have created for you in downtown San Diego. **All checks will have a 4% pandemic recovery surcharge due to the additional costs associated with the impact on our business and operations. This is not a gratuity and will be used to help us offset the additional product, labor, overhead and other costs.**

7. Barrio Star

4.6

Exceptional(1094)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Banker's Hill

Booked 1 time today

The sky’s the limit at Barrio Star--presenting San Diego with modern Mexican Soul Food woven with bold Latin flavors and clever Asian touches. As one of several restaurants created by award-winning chef and restaurateur Isabel Cruz, Barrio Star’s bright and lively décor is a metaphor for what we proudly serve. Our vibrant flavors and healthier renditions of classic Mexican dishes reveal thoughtfully presented menu items that are sure to please every palate. Pairing with our well-prepared food is a mouthwatering beer and cocktail menu. Besides serving standard Mexican beers, we also offer rotating drafts as well as an extensive tequila menu. Kickstart the evening with our roasted jalapeno blackberry margarita and let the fiesta begin!

8. Fisher's

4.2

Awesome(136)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Fisher's in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a seafood dining experience that's both authentic and exquisite. Renowned for its “unique and very tasty” dishes, Fisher's ensures every bite is a testament to the freshness of its offerings. The Seafood Rice, bursting with perfectly cooked varieties, and the Sea Bass with its “wonderful crispy crust” are standout dishes that have diners raving. Guests have lauded Fisher's for its “excellent service and food,” describing the seafood as “fresh, savory, tasty, and well-prepared.” With a legacy rooted in Mexico City flavors, Fisher's promises an unforgettable seafood journey that keeps patrons coming back for more.

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

9. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3542)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 90 times today

Javier's - La Jolla is a beacon of Contemporary Mexican excellence, captivating diners with its "amazing food" and "beautiful setting." Nestled in the scenic neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends authentic flavors with modern flair. Guests rave about the "exceptionally good food" and "best chips and salsa in town," a testament to the quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. The vibrant ambiance, often described as both "classy and hip," perfectly complements the exquisite offerings like the shrimp ceviche and specialty tacos. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, Javier's promises a "fantastic meal" every time.

A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant

10. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3507)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 46 times today

Puesto at the Headquarters in Downtown San Diego serves up an exceptional Traditional Mexican experience that is both authentic and innovative. Known for their acclaimed Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, each bite is a celebration of flavor on handmade, non-GMO, organic maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. "The tacos are fabulous and unique," praise diners, emphasizing the filet mignon and shrimp as standout choices. The vibrant atmosphere complements their culinary delights, with handcrafted cocktails and a curated selection of tequilas and mezcals enhancing the experience. For those seeking genuine Mexican flavors with a modern twist, Puesto is "100% a must go."

‘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

D
Daniel
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Awesome restaurant! Great food and great service.
More info
Baja Betty'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.9
D
Dr . SamVIP
San Diego •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Been before and loved it, so we took our brother for his birthday. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees, sharing all the dishes. Outstanding service (thank you Paolo) and off the charts delicious. The flavors of some the dishes were so brilliant that it's memorable. Try the cheesecake dessert. They make it fresh. Love, love, love.
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Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
ChristenVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Cadillac Margarita is a classic yum fest. We enjoyed guacamole, tacos and suiza enchiladas. The foods are a la cart. Our server Danica was patient with the elders in my family and friendly. She made sure we received all of our food and drinks. She is a sharp server. I hope to dine with her again.
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Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
D
dania
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Food was delicious and service was nice and polite.
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Cocina de Barrio North ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• North Park
•
4.5
J
John Paul
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Found this restaurant on OpenTable and was not disappointed. The ambiance is incredible and the food matches it perfectly. However, I think the service, at least our server in particular, was extremely helpful and that really made the whole experience that much better for us.
More info
Camino RivieraPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Little Italy
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Kensington

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto Mission Valley

2. Camino Riviera

3. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

4. Cocina de Barrio North Park

5. Baja Betty's

6. Blind Burro

7. Barrio Star

8. Fisher's

9. Javier's - La Jolla

10. Puesto at the Headquarters

See what locals rave about

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