Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in National City

Price

££
£££
££££

Regions

East CountySan DiegoTijuana

Areas

Banker's HillChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown / GaslampLa MesaMission Valley

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for happy hourHot spot

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kalaveras - Chula Vista restaurant

1. Kalaveras - Chula Vista

4.4

Awesome(113)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 10 times today

Kalaveras - Chula Vista offers an exhilarating dive into Contemporary Latin cuisine with its fusion of traditional and modern Mexican ingredients. Located in the vibrant Chula Vista, this restaurant excels by "elevating bold, authentic flavors" through chef-driven dishes that reflect a commitment to quality. Guests consistently rave about the "phenomenal food" and "amazing service," making it a standout destination for those seeking an authentic and innovative Latin dining experience. With a lively atmosphere and an impressive selection of over 90 tequilas and Mezcal spirits, Kalaveras provides a perfect setting for celebrations, offering a "delicious brunch" and "fantastic happy hour."

A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant

2. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3532)

££££Price: Expensive

• Traditional mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 66 times today

Puesto at the Headquarters in Downtown San Diego serves up an exceptional Traditional Mexican experience that is both authentic and innovative. Known for their acclaimed Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, each bite is a celebration of flavor on handmade, non-GMO, organic maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. "The tacos are fabulous and unique," praise diners, emphasizing the filet mignon and shrimp as standout choices. The vibrant atmosphere complements their culinary delights, with handcrafted cocktails and a curated selection of tequilas and mezcals enhancing the experience. For those seeking genuine Mexican flavors with a modern twist, Puesto is "100% a must go."

A photo of Cocina 35 Coronado restaurant

3. Cocina 35 Coronado

4.6

Exceptional(90)

££££Price: Expensive

• Traditional mexican • Coronado

Booked 159 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.#BESTCHILAQUILESINTOWN

4. El Agave

4.8

Exceptional(2494)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Old Town

Booked 40 times today

El Agave in Old Town, San Diego, is a beacon of Traditional Mexican cuisine that captures the heart and soul of Mexico with every dish. Established in 1996, this restaurant not only offers "delicious Margie and food" but also boasts the largest tequila museum in the United States, with over 3,000 tequilas on display. Renowned for its impeccable service and "unique and beautiful" decor, El Agave is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Guests rave about its "authentic, no refried beans" dishes and the "best mole in town," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine Mexican culinary experience.

A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant

5. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

4.7

Exceptional(60)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 73 times today

6. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(798)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • La Mesa

Booked 31 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.

A photo of Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley restaurant

7. Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(569)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 12 times today

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley is a standout destination in Mission Valley, San Diego for those seeking an exceptional cocktail bar experience. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and refreshing drinks, Blanco’s cocktail bar is a "perfect spot for sipping margaritas," as delighted patrons often rave. The spicy skinny margaritas are a particular highlight, earning consistent praise for their bold flavors and delightful presentation. With an inviting outdoor area featuring comfortable seating and heat lamps, it’s an ideal place to unwind. Whether you're enjoying a casual hangout or celebrating a special occasion, Blanco ensures your cocktail experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

8. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

4.2

Awesome(1151)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Old Town

Booked 11 times today

Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina is an exceptional spot for authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful experience in the heart of San Diego’s historic Old Town. Diners rave about the "great service" and "fantastic views," making it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors. The rooftop setting adds a unique charm, perfect for a sunset dinner. The Sunday Champagne brunch is a standout, described as "excellent" with "lots to choose from." Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, the "impeccable service" and delicious food ensure a memorable dining experience.

9. Barrio Star

4.6

Exceptional(1099)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Banker's Hill

Booked 6 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!

10. Karina’s Cantina

4.8

Exceptional(40)

££££Price: Moderate

• Traditional mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 3 times today

Simply entering a Karina’s establishment can be a sensory overload. Images, color, music, exquisite aromas and warm hospitality are surrounded by traditional Mexican figures, art and culture. Specially commissioned portraits of Frida Khalo and many of the superstars of classic Mexican cinema grace the walls of Karina’s. The sounds of Mexico with our engaging Mariachi, especially when singing of lost love, are a portrait of Mexico that our Mexican and American clientele alike delight in. Karina’s was founded on the idea of offering traditional Mexican style family cuisine made with the passion of the founding family to make everyone feel like familia.For three generations, each member of the Contreras Curiel Family has passionately and diligently worked year round for over three decades to offer a personalized services that make each guest feel at home.Wherever a Karina’s establishment is found, there will always be a piece of Mexico

‘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

M
Michael
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Alberto took very good care of us and since we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, he made sure to focus on her and had a nice birthday cheesecake to help celebrate the occasion. Everything is top shelp at this fine restaurant and we highly recommend even if you’re not a tequila connoisseur.
More info
El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.8
L
LauraVIP
San Diego •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
What a fabulous restaurant! The food was inventive and delicious! The service was friendly, professional and ‘chill’’ . Best ever and we are recommending it to friends and will be back for sure!
More info
Fresco CocinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Carlsbad
•
4.6
V
VanessaVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 Jan 2025
Filet mignon tacos are amazing! Passion fruit agua and Horchata are a must!!
More info
Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
F
FoodieintrainingVIP
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Jan 2023
We increased our party size from 4 to 6 people. The staff accommodated our request. The selection of food and beverages was fantastic but the taste was even better. The servers were engaging and polite and professional. Everything was served in a timely manner. Even after we left, it was down pouring and two of the employees opened the door and beckoned for us to come inside and wait out of the rain. We 6 were very pleased and highly recommend this fine establishment.
More info
Piedra SantaPrice: Expensive• Mexican / Southwestern• Tijuana
•
4.4

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Traditional mexican cuisine

National City

Traditional mexican

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Banker's Hill
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Coronado
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