Best Latin American Restaurants in Serra Mesa

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Flama Llama

4.3

Awesome(58)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Kearny Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Welcome to Flama Llama, where we strive to celebrate classic Latin dishes while bringing a uniquely Asian twist to them. Using the freshest ingredients and original recipes, every single one of our recipes are a labor of love (and the result of lots and lots of taste-testing). The team behind Flama Llama is proud to now call San Diego home, originally hailing from South America with roots Asia as well. We can't wait for you to join us in this celebration of Latin and Asian cuisines, and we hope you'll enjoy eating them just as much as we've enjoyed creating them. (You may also know us from sister restaurants Steamy Piggy and formoosa)

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

2. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2007)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Mission Valley

Booked 63 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.

3. Tahona Bar

4.5

Awesome(633)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Old Town

Booked 7 times today

Tahona Bar in Old Town, San Diego is a gem for lovers of authentic Latin American cuisine, specializing in "contemporary Mexican delights with a focus on Oaxacan bites." This first-of-its-kind mezcal bar in the area promises an unforgettable dining experience, with craft cocktails and a mezcal tasting room that evoke the rich traditions of Mexico. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by "hand-clayed walls and traditionally crafted Oaxacan fabrics," creates a truly immersive experience. Glowing reviews commend the "innovative tacos" and "excellent fresh Mexican food," ensuring that each visit is "not your typical Mexican food" but a delightful journey to the heart of Latin America.

4. Cocina de Barrio

4.8

Exceptional(425)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Hillcrest

Booked 10 times today

Cocina de Barrio in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a vibrant culinary destination that brings the rich flavors of Oaxaca and other Mexican regions to life. Chef Jose J. Flores crafts dishes that are both authentic and innovative, earning rave reviews for their "amazing moles, ceviches, and an array of tequila and mezcal drinks." Diners praise the "delicious and fresh" offerings, from the seafood soup to the unique barbacoa. With a lively atmosphere and attentive service, Cocina de Barrio is a "must-visit for any Mexican food enthusiast," offering a genuine taste of Latin American cuisine that will leave you eager to return.

5. Puesto La Jolla

4.7

Exceptional(2136)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • La Jolla

Booked 58 times today

Puesto La Jolla is a culinary gem in the heart of La Jolla, San Diego, celebrated for its exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine. This Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar delivers "incredible tacos" that leave a lasting impression, especially the renowned filet mignon and shrimp tacos. Puesto's innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors is evident in the crispy melted cheese tacos, crafted on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. Guests rave about the "artistic, creative, and delicious" dishes, complemented by a stellar bar program featuring handcrafted cocktails and unique Mexican spirits. With accolades from the Michelin Guide and rave reviews, Puesto promises a "fantastic vibe" and an unforgettable dining experience.

6. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(768)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • La Mesa

Booked 33 times today

Casa Gabriela in Downtown La Mesa is a breakfast haven that seamlessly blends authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Chef Gabriela Lopez masterfully infuses her Guadalajara roots with Tijuana influences, offering a breakfast menu that stands out for its quality and creativity. Guests rave about the "best brunches in SD," highlighting dishes like the scrumptious breakfast burrito and the delightful chilaquiles with salsa verde. The ambiance is equally enticing, with a charming garden patio that enhances the dining experience. Casa Gabriela's breakfast offerings are a symphony of flavors that promise to transport you to the heart of Mexico with every bite.

7. Camino Riviera

4.7

Exceptional(34)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Little Italy

Booked 19 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 Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

8. Zama Restaurant & Bar

4.0

Excellent(297)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Downtown

Booked 24 times today

Zama Restaurant & Bar in downtown San Diego offers an exceptional Asian dining experience with a vibrant twist of Latin American flavors. The restaurant's unique fusion cuisine, crafted by Chef Tayuka Kudo, blends Peruvian, Mexican, and Japanese influences, resulting in standout dishes like their sushi rolls and Agua Chile. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "delicious sushi," praising the vibrant atmosphere that echoes the lush Amazonian jungle. The lively ambiance, complete with a DJ on select nights, creates a "fun and energetic" setting, perfect for celebrations or a memorable night out. With attentive service and creative cocktails, Zama promises a dining experience like no other.

9. Barrio Star

4.6

Exceptional(1095)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Banker's Hill

Booked 2 times 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!

A photo of Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant restaurant

10. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(3)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • La Mesa

We are a family owned restaurant. We take pride in the preparation of our foods & used only fresh ingredients. We personally select the ingredients to prepare our sauces & dressings daily from our family recipes that originated in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Aĺ our dishes are plentiful and delicious. Allow our family the pleasure of providing you with a delicious dining experience.

‘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

C
CarolineVIP
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A lovely lunch celebrating 2 birthdays- thank you for the sweet cards, taco coupons and bday cake!
More info
Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
A
Alessandra
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Yummmy. The food was delicious. Margarita was solid. We sat outside so it was lovely - there was music inside so it wasn’t too loud outside. A perfect sunset taco meal and thankfully it was pretty causal because I had my kids with me (their kids tacos were delicious).
More info
Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.7
J
Jessie
Chicago / Illinois •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
Probably the best taco I’ve ever had. Our server was knowledgeable and passionate. They accommodated us moving up our reservation. The drinks were amazing and I still dream about the carne asada taco. 11/10 would go back in a heartbeat.
More info
Tahona BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.5
I
Indra
Mexico City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
The food at Cosina de Barrio was incredible—each dish was packed with authentic, rich flavors that truly felt like a taste of home. The ingredients were fresh, and the preparation was spot on. Every bite was a celebration of traditional flavors. The drinks, though, were a bit too inflexible for my taste; they lacked the creativity and variety I was hoping for.
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Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.8
G
Gerald
San Diego •24 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Maybe it’s because it was a Sunday but we waited about 20 minutes to be seated even though the restaurant was about 25% full. Once seated, the service was good and four of the five dishes we ordered were very good and reasonably priced. Interesting food combinations but not the place to go to if you want a salad.
More info
Flama LlamaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Kearny Mesa
•
4.3

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Serra Mesa

Latin american

Best Latin American Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Flama Llama

2. Puesto Mission Valley

3. Tahona Bar

4. Cocina de Barrio

5. Puesto La Jolla

6. Casa Gabriela

7. Camino Riviera

8. Zama Restaurant & Bar

9. Barrio Star

10. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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