Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

1. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3532)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 75 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

2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2688)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 11 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.

3. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2124)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • La Jolla

Booked 22 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 South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

4. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(616)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Del Mar

Booked 16 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.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

5. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1991)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 7 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.

6. El Agave

4.7

Exceptional(2475)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 29 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.

7. Urbana Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(152)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Carmel Valley

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.

8. Tahona Bar

4.5

Awesome(625)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 2 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

9. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

3.8

Excellent(1145)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 19 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

10. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

4.5

Awesome(29)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 2 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.

‘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 1 day ago
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!
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South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
F
FrankVIP
Los Angeles •564 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A very cool looking restaurant with perfect ambiance. All the staff were friendly and attentive. The food was pretty good too. I’d definitely return. Thank you.
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Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.6
L
Lynn
Pittsburgh •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great cocktails and the guacamole and chips is fantastic. Tacos are very good although some are much better than others. Shrimp tamarind is a star for our table.
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Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.6
J
Jasmin
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is our second Holiday luncheon. Service and food were delicious with a pleasant atmosphere. Definitely enjoyable.
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Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
D
DianeVIP
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 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

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University City/Golden Triangle

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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Javier's - La Jolla

2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

3. Puesto La Jolla

4. South of Nick's - Del Mar

5. Puesto Mission Valley

6. El Agave

7. Urbana Del Mar

8. Tahona Bar

9. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

10. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

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