Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

1. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(616)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Del Mar

Booked 42 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.

2. Urbana Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(152)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Carmel Valley

Booked 2 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 Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

3. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(125)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Encinitas

Booked 17 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 Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

4. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3530)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 96 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

5. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2688)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 20 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.

6. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2124)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 28 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 Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

4.2

Awesome(157)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Carlsbad

Booked 14 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.

‘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
DaraVIP
San Diego •87 reviews
5.0
Dined today
South of Nick’s for Christmas Eve was excellent as it usually is throughout the year. Food was delicious, and service was outstanding from start to finish. It is one of San Diego’s finest Mexican restaurants!
More info
South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
J
Jan
Minneapolis - St. Paul •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Best guacamole ever--made table-side! A happy place to have a delicious meal.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7
D
DianeVIP
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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
•
4.4
A
AlexVIP
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
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
J
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

Explore OpenTable

Sorrento Valley

Contemporary mexican

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

7 restaurants available nearby

1. South of Nick's - Del Mar

2. Urbana Del Mar

3. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4. Javier's - La Jolla

5. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

6. Puesto La Jolla

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable