Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in La Jolla

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2122)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • La Jolla

Booked 56 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(2472)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Old Town

Booked 31 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.

A photo of Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar restaurant

3. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(908)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Del Mar

Booked 40 times today

Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar is a gem in Del Mar for authentic and exquisite Mexican cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere paired with "amazing" food and "excellent service" makes this spot a must-visit. Patrons rave about the "best guacamole and tortilla soup" and the "delicious sea bass special." Not to be missed are the "watermelon marg & mahi mahi tacos," which are a hit among locals. Reviews consistently highlight the "fantastic cocktails and food," with special mentions of the "delicious house marg and the carne asada plate." Tamarindo is praised for its quality and authenticity, making every meal a delightful experience that resonates with the true flavors of Mexico.

A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant

4. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

4.7

Exceptional(16)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 44 times today

Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.

A photo of Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley restaurant

5. Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(559)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 10 times today

Blanco Cocina + Cantina in Mission Valley, San Diego is a vibrant oasis for cocktail lovers seeking a blend of creativity and tradition. Known for its exceptional Cocktail Bar, Blanco transforms every visit into a mini-vacation with its delightful concoctions. Guests rave about the "spicy skinny margaritas" and the "mango margarita," which is described as "refreshing" with a "smoky salt rim" that adds a unique twist. The atmosphere is consistently praised, with diners highlighting the upbeat and welcoming vibe perfect for "a great date night spot" or a "fun gathering with friends." Blanco's ability to merge a lively environment with meticulously crafted cocktails ensures an unforgettable experience for all its visitors.

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

6. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

3.7

Very Good(1142)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Old Town

Booked 4 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.

7. Urbana Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(152)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Carmel Valley

Booked 3 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 Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant

8. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

4.4

Awesome(320)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Old Town

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in the heart of Old Town, San Diego, Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila offers a vibrant slice of Tex-Mex heaven. Since 2001, this festive spot has been a favorite for both locals and visitors, praised for its "amazing" molcajete and "best burritos in town!" The authentic Baja-infused menu shines with high-quality ingredients that bring out the bold and savory flavors typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. Diners rave about the "outstanding" tacos and the freshness of the margaritas, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Tex-Mex in San Diego. With a dog-friendly patio and a festive atmosphere, Casa de Freds is the perfect spot to enjoy great food and great times.

‘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

P
PattiVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •13 reviews
4.0
Dined today
The food and service were excellent! The chicken flautas are a must order. However, I do feel like they are incredibly overpriced for the amount of food you receive. Unfortunate, because I feel we won’t be back because of this.
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Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
D
David
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Family dinner with my daughter for birthday. Francisco's service was outstanding. The drinks were excellent and thoughtfully put together: mezcal negroni, tamarind margarita. Don't miss the pork mole and the mole sampler. Sea bass was excellent as well. All around enjoyable experience and will return again.
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El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.7
T
tina
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Good plentiful food and attentive service. A little noisy but it was a Friday night…
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Miguel's Cocina - CarlsbadPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Carlsbad
•
4.4
J
Jeff
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had our end of the year dinner with Dr and staff and we all had a great 1st experience there. Our waiter was Amazing did an awesome job was very nice and on top of it. The food and drinks were delicious!
More info
Fresco CocinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Carlsbad
•
4.6

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La Jolla

Traditional mexican

Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in La Jolla

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto La Jolla

2. El Agave

3. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar

4. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

5. Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley

6. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

7. Urbana Del Mar

8. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

See what locals rave about

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