Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in South Park

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Camino Riviera

4.8

Exceptional(33)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 10 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 at the Headquarters restaurant

2. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3506)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 83 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.

A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant

3. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

4.6

Exceptional(176)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 26 times today

Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar in Little Italy, San Diego, stands as a beacon of Contemporary Mexican cuisine with its innovative approach to seafood. Patrons rave about the "best not Italian restaurant in little Italy" where "every piece of fish and seafood is tremendously fresh, tasty, and plenty!" The restaurant’s unique blend of Baja-inspired dishes like the snow crab claws and octopus carpaccio receive glowing accolades for their freshness and beautiful presentation. The ambiance is equally praised, described as "hip, warm" with an "awesome atmosphere." The combination of finely crafted cocktails, attentive service, and an eclectic menu ensures that Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar is a must-visit for an authentic and memorable dining experience.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

4. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1996)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 57 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.

5. El Agave

4.7

Exceptional(2479)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 24 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.

6. Blind Burro

4.6

Exceptional(672)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

At The Blind Burro in Downtown San Diego, the spirit and flavors of contemporary Mexican cuisine come alive. Nestled in the vibrant East Village, this restaurant stands out for its fresh, coastal Baja-inspired dishes, which guests adore for their authenticity and creativity. Praised for its exceptional service and lively atmosphere, The Blind Burro offers an array of standout dishes, from sizzling surf & turf tacos to the beloved carne asada chimichangas, described by a patron as "phenomenal." Another diner raved, "The best chips and variety of salsas. Delicious drinks such as the sangria and Margarita on the rocks. Highly recommend the lobster tacos. To die for!" It's clear why this spot is a local favorite, perfect for a pre-game meal or a casual meetup, making every visit a delightful culinary adventure.

7. Baja Betty's

4.9

Exceptional(342)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 14 times today

At Baja Betty's in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, the bar scene truly comes alive! Renowned for its exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, this hotspot dazzles with its extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, and signature margaritas that patrons describe as "strong" and "amazing." The atmosphere is consistently lively and inclusive, making it a perfect destination for both fun-filled evenings and relaxed afternoons. Reviewers rave about the "fun drinks" and the service that goes "above and beyond," making every visit memorable. Whether it's Taco Tuesday or a casual weekend outing, Baja Betty's ensures a spirited and delightful experience with every sip and encounter.

8. Fisher's

4.3

Awesome(136)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Nestled in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Fisher's stands out for its exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine, masterfully blending traditional flavors with innovative seafood creations. Since its humble beginnings in 1989, Fisher's has captivated diners with dishes that are both "authentic from Mexico City and great spice!” as per one ecstatic review. Guests rave about the "unique flavors" and consider the ceviche among the "best ever had." Fisher's not only promises an unforgettable dining experience with its friendly ambiance and "excellent cocktails," but it also delights with attentive service and a menu that makes every visit a culinary discovery. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Fisher's is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy top-notch Contemporary Mexican cuisine right in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Cocina de Barrio North Park restaurant

9. 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!

10. Barrio Star

4.6

Exceptional(1094)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Banker's Hill

Booked 5 times today

Barrio Star in Banker's Hill, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking an authentic Latin American experience with a modern twist. This vibrant eatery offers a delightful mix of Mexican soul food and bold Latin flavors, perfectly complemented by clever Asian touches. Chef Isabel Cruz, an award-winning visionary, ensures each dish is not only flavorful but also presented with care. Patrons rave about the "best tacos" and the "fresh fruit margaritas," highlighting the use of fresh ingredients and house-made tequila. The lively atmosphere and excellent service only enhance the dining experience, making Barrio Star a must-visit for anyone craving a unique and delicious Latin American meal.

‘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
Dr . SamVIP
San Diego •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 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 2 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
S
SusanVIP
Atlanta Metro •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
So happy to be back & satisfy my craving for their mole! I love the trio so I get to taste all three side-by-side. As always service was amazing! Beto (Alberto) even tried to fix the wobbly table.
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El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.7
C
CatherineVIP
London •12 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Service at the bar was terrific! The bartender, Ruben, I think was his name, was friendly and made a great mocktail and terrific drinks. We each ordered three different tacos, which were excellent, but they took a little while to arrive… perhaps that’s because we had appetizers at the bar beforehand so I guess we expected the food to arrive a little quickly. Overall, a great experience with Mexican food.
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Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
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 South Park

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Camino Riviera

2. Puesto at the Headquarters

3. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

4. Puesto Mission Valley

5. El Agave

6. Blind Burro

7. Baja Betty's

8. Fisher's

9. Cocina de Barrio North Park

10. Barrio Star

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