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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in South Waterfront

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of República restaurant
1. República
4.8
Exceptional(882)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the Pearl District of Portland, República stands out as a culinary gem renowned for its authentic farm-to-table cuisine. This James Beard-nominated restaurant offers a unique Chef's Prix Fixe Tasting Experience by Executive Chef Jose Camarena that recontextualizes Mexican cuisine with a deep narrative flair. Diners rave about the "fabulous dinner" and the "incredible, every dish had me scraping the plate" experiences. With menu options that change daily, República ensures each dish showcases the freshest local ingredients, telling the "stories of Mexico" through each course. Whether opting for the 7-course or the more indulgent 10-course menu, guests are treated to a vibrant and educational dining experience that is both "thoughtful" and "memorable", making it a must-visit for those seeking to explore the true essence of farm-to-table dining in an upscale setting.
A photo of Lilia Comedor restaurant
2. Lilia Comedor
4.8
Exceptional(328)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • SW Portland
Booked 20 times today
Lilia Comedor, nestled in the vibrant South Waterfront of Southwest Portland, is a treasure trove of American cuisine with a unique twist. Under the helm of award-winning Chef Juan Gomez, the restaurant offers an exemplary dining experience that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Praised as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the Country by the New York Times, Lilia showcases a menu that is deeply rooted in Chef Juan's Mexican-American heritage, utilizing hyper-seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Guests rave about their experiences, with one noting, "The VERY BEST that Portland has to offer...originality with superb flavor." Another guest recommends, "Definitely go for the chef's counter. It’s an amazing experience and well worth the money." With its unpretentious space and delightful patio, Lilia Comedor stands out as a must-visit for those seeking authentically inventive American dishes in Portland.
A photo of De Noche restaurant
3. De Noche
4.7
Exceptional(163)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Booked 12 times today
De Noche, nestled in the vibrant Pearl District of Portland, is a gem of Latin American cuisine, serving dishes that are as authentic as they are innovative. Executive Chef Dani Morales skillfully marries traditional Mexican recipes with modern culinary techniques, creating a dining experience that’s both familiar and novel. Guests rave about the "surprisingly wonderful flavors" and the "beautiful complexity" of dishes like the mole and the tlayuda. The intimate setting and thoughtful service complement the meticulously crafted menu, which includes options for various dietary preferences. Reviewers consistently praise De Noche, noting it as "worthy of a Michelin star" and celebrating its "genius twist on traditional ingredients." Whether opting for the full tasting menu or a la carte, De Noche is celebrated for delivering a top-tier dining experience with every visit.
A photo of Toro restaurant
4. Toro
4.3
Awesome(80)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Pearl District
Booked 2 times today
Toro, nestled in the vibrant Pearl District of Portland, stands out as a beacon of modern Mexican cuisine. With its dynamic atmosphere and a focus on bold Mexican flavors, diners are consistently impressed by the quality and authenticity of its offerings. Reviewers rave about the "exceptional" food and "off the chart good" margaritas, highlighting dishes like the "fluffy and flavorful" shrimp rice and the "super delicious" barbacoa tacos. The restaurant also offers an enticing Happy Hour that guests like Dr. LeBlanc find irresistible, praising the "delicious Lime Chicken Nachos." Toro's commitment to quality and its vibrant setting make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Latin American culinary experience in Portland.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Debbyvip
    Portland / Oregon •22 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was wonderful, but extremely expensive! The portions are also very small.
    More info
    Lilia ComedorPrice: Very Expensive• Farm-to-table• SW Portland
    •
    4.8
  • Nick
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had an incredible overall experience at this restaurant. It felt like we were the most important people there. The story was beautifully told, and the food was simply amazing!
    More info
    RepúblicaPrice: Very Expensive• Mexican• Pearl District
    •
    4.8
  • MATTHEW
    Portland / Oregon •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Nov 2024
    Love De Noche! Weil, our server was great, they were understaffed last night. It was also quite a full house, which made the noise level much higher than it’s been in previous times we’ve died there.  We will be back, but would love to see more people on hand to work to enable a wine pairing with the tasting menu!
    More info
    De NochePrice: Very Expensive• Mexican• Pearl District
    •
    4.7
  • Jason
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 9 Nov 2024
    The place has a good atmosphere. The service is great, They are attentive without being obtrusive a hard balance to strike. The food is good. The value at happy hour was quite good. Really do my wife and I finish dinner at around $50 and that was with 2 ciders. It was a perfect place to have dinner being only a mile from the Moda center where we saw a concert that night. If you are looking for a place to eat that is close to event centers this is a great option.
    More info
    ToroPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pearl District
    •
    4.3
  • Vikkivip
    Portland / Oregon •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Sept 2024
    Loved everything about the Restaurant from service, to selection, to presentation. Everything was executed with care and confidence. Food was amazing and authentic from the various regions in Mexico. I highly recommend Yototo!! Very authentic cuisine and delicious!!
    More info
    YolotlPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Happy Valley
    •
    4.8

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