Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Pacific Beach

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2122)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 52 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.”

2. El Agave

4.7

Exceptional(2473)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 17 times today

El Agave in Old Town, San Diego, is a beacon of Contemporary Mexican cuisine, delighting patrons with its authentic and upscale offerings since 1996. Celebrated for housing the largest tequila museum in the U.S., this restaurant offers more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience. Diners rave about the "top tier authentic Mexican food" and the unbeatable atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. Favorite dishes like the ribeye tacos, tequila shrimp, and sopecitos are consistently praised for their excellence. As described by a satisfied guest, "the food, service, and drinks were phenomenal!" El Agave's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for those seeking the best in Mexican cuisine.

3. Tahona Bar

4.5

Awesome(625)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 4 times today

Tahona Bar, nestled in the historic Old Town of San Diego, is a beacon of Latin American culinary excellence, particularly celebrated for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine and its extensive mezcal offerings. The restaurant transports diners to a modern Mexican hacienda, complete with traditionally crafted décor and a vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the authenticity and creativity of the dishes, with one patron exclaiming, "The food here is amazing! All of the tacos are so creative and delicious" and another highlighting the "incredible flavors" that make Tahona a must-visit. The mezcal cocktails, described as "unique, complex, and delicious," along with their award-winning mixologists, ensure that every visit is both memorable and delightful. Tahona Bar stands out not just for its food but for an all-encompassing Latin American dining experience that is both intimate and exhilarating.

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

4. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

3.8

Excellent(1142)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 10 times today

Nestled in the historic heart of Old Town, San Diego, Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina offers a spectacular blend of contemporary Mexican cuisine and panoramic views. Praised for its "stellar taco bar" and "delicious authentic Mexican food," this charming rooftop venue serves dishes crafted from "old world recipes" that promise authenticity and flavor. Guests rave about the "fantastic food and drinks" and highlight the ambiance, with one noting the experience as "like the ultimate beach vacation." Whether it's enjoying a Sunday Champagne brunch or a sunset dinner, the Old Town Tequila Factory provides a vibrant setting perfect for any gathering, complemented by attentive service and "the best happy hour deals." This spot is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of contemporary Mexican cuisine in a picturesque setting.

A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant

5. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

4.5

Awesome(29)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 15 times today

Miguel's Cocina in Old Town, San Diego, is a treasure trove of Contemporary Mexican cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that blends tradition with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "best Mexican style meal I have ever had," highlighting dishes like the trio burrito combo and the creamy jalapeno white sauce that have become crowd favorites. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its handmade tortillas and mouthwatering salsas, which are often mentioned in glowing reviews. Guests particularly enjoy the "spicy hot salsa" and "passion fruit margarita," which exemplify the restaurant's flair for combining authentic Mexican flavors with California-inspired creativity. Whether it's the friendly service or the vibrant atmosphere of Old Town, Miguel's Cocina consistently delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

6. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3527)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 148 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

7. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2687)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 31 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.

8. Camino Riviera

4.8

Exceptional(33)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 2 times today

At Camino Riviera in Little Italy, San Diego, diners are transported on a full sensory journey through the flavors of Yucatán, perfectly blending traditional Latin American essence with a modern twist. The culinary expertise of SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski, shines through an eclectic menu that is both avant-garde and authentically Mexican. Celebrated for its unique atmosphere, Camino Riviera is not just a dining experience but a vibrant social hub. Reviewers rave about the "amazing food" and "exceptional drinks," with cocktails like "Tupac's Revenge" being a crowd favorite. The ambiance is described as "sultry," perfect for an unforgettable evening, with a bar program that honors Latin America's rich spirit heritage, featuring rare mezcal and tequila. Whether it's for the gourmet cuisine, the crafted drinks, or the dance floor vibes, Camino Riviera stands out as a top destination for Latin American culinary excellence in San Diego.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

9. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1991)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 29 times today

Puesto Mission Valley in San Diego epitomizes the essence of authentic, innovative Mexican cuisine, delighting diners with its fresh, non-GMO organic ingredients and heirloom Masienda blue corn tortillas. Celebrated for its "Mexico City-inspired tacos," each dish is a burst of flavor and tradition, with "the filet mignon tacos" often hailed as a must-try. The restaurant prides itself on its vibrant ambiance and exceptional service, making every dining experience memorable. Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," noting that the coconut margarita and pozole taco are standout choices. Puesto consistently exceeds expectations, offering a culinary journey that is both genuine and extraordinary, right in the heart of Mission Valley.

A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant

10. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3503)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

At Puesto at the Headquarters in Downtown San Diego, the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine is exquisitely captured through an innovative culinary approach. This family-operated gem is renowned for its "Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos" and handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. Patrons rave about the "fantastic food" with standout items like the shrimp taco and the "divine" Horchata. The ambiance is equally praised, described as "perfect for big group celebrations," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Puesto has not only captured the hearts of its guests but also garnered attention from prestigious media outlets, including National Geographic and the LA Times, ensuring a dining experience that’s both authentic and memorable.

‘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

A
Ann
Denver / Colorado •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Just fantastic. Went for a late lunch. Had the trio ceviche (loved the octopus the most) and sea bass tacos which were excellent.Highly recommened!
More info
El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.7
G
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
M
Mary b
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Reliably good food and margaritas at reasonable prices especially for Old Town. We had a table opposite a fireplace on the patio, which was special. Server was attentive and food arrived quickly. There is a small parking lot in the back.
More info
Miguel's Cocina - Old TownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.5
A
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)
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Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.6
J
Julie
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
I feel adding more breakfast items to your Sunday brunch would help boost business. Only offering one breakfast item doesn’t make much sense to me.
More info
Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
3.8

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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Pacific Beach

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto La Jolla

2. El Agave

3. Tahona Bar

4. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

5. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

6. Javier's - La Jolla

7. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

8. Camino Riviera

9. Puesto Mission Valley

10. Puesto at the Headquarters

See what locals rave about

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