Diego's Cantina

4.4

480 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Neighbourhood gem
Lively
Charming

Owned and operated by Natasha Kwan, St. Louis Post Dispatch's Best Chef in St. Louis, our elevated Mexican restaurant blends vibrant flavors with a tropical atmosphere that feels like a vacation, taking you far from St. Louis. We’re located in a charming University City neighborhood, just steps from Clayton.

Our menu features plates like queso flameado, costra and crunch tacos, enchiladas, nachos and a few Tex-Mex options. Cocktails and margaritas are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and premium ingredients. 

We offer all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday. We also accommodate parties of 10 or more for special celebrations.

Other accolades:
Best New Restaurant, A-List Restaurant (St. Louis Magazine)
Best Queso (Ian Froeb of St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

To Note:
Gluten free friendly - our fryer is dedicated gluten free so eat all the chips you want!
Many vegan options
Dog friendly patio and sidewalk

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Fri, Sat 12:00–22:00 Bar Tue–Thu 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–23:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00
Phone number
(314) 553-9906
Website
http://www.diegosstl.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Natasha Kwan

Location
630 North & South Road, University City, MO 63130
Area
University City
Cross Street
Delmar
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Chips & SalsaUS$4.00
first one's on us
GuacamoleUS$7.00
served with vegetables
Queso BlancoUS$8.00
creamy white cheese & chiles, house chips
Shrimp Cocktail
jumbo shrimp, cucumbers, avocado, pineapple, serraño, cilantro, onion
Queso FlameadoUS$13.00
house blend, roasted chiles, tortillas, on fire
Sheet Pan NachosUS$15.00
loaded with cheese, salsa, crema, tomato, cilantro, radish
Queso ChicharronesUS$11.00
crispy rolled cheese with roasted chiles
Shrimp SkewerUS$12.00
5 shrimp, house rice

Salads & Sides

House SaladUS$9.00
romaine, tomato, radish, cucumber, charred corn, avocado, poblano, cotija, cumin-lime dressing
EscabecheUS$3.00
pickled vegetables, perfect alone or as an accompaniment to your meal
EsquitesUS$4.00
creamy charred corn, poblano, onion, cilantro, tomato, cotija
Pinto BeansUS$3.00
House RiceUS$3.00

Tacos & Tostadas

Diego's CarnitasUS$5.00
seasoned chicken, onion, cilantro, cotija, lime
Grilled FishUS$6.00
barramundi, onion, cilantro, tomato, lime, smoked crema
Costra de Chiles AsadosUS$6.00
roasted chilis, tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, salsa roja in crispy cheese
Pollo GuisadoUS$5.00
braised chicken, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, lime
ShrimpUS$6.00
seasoned shrimp, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, lime
Costra de PolloUS$6.00
pickled onion, avocado, cilantro in crispy cheese
Shrimp TostadaUS$10.00
avocado mash, radish, pickled onion, tomato, crema
Vegan TostadaUS$8.00
avocado mash, cabbage, tomato, cilantro, onion, jalapeño crema

Desserts

Diego's Grilled BananaUS$7.00
strawberry, caramel, cinnamon, cayenne
Ice Cream & MarranitoUS$6.00
vanilla ice cream, ginger spiced cookie

Drinks

Mexican CokeUS$3.00
Jarritos TamarindUS$3.00

House Cocktails

Viva Los VerdeUS$11.00
herbaceous and savory; El Buho mezcal, lime, rosemary, basil, agave, himalayan salt
Right Hook FizzUS$10.00
farm fresh; Crown, black & blue berries, mint, lemon, foam, berry shrub, orange flower water
Tequila TonicUS$10.00
refreshing and light; House-made tonic, Espolon blanco, seasonal fruit and herbs

Classic Cocktails

El BurroUS$10.00
tequila mule, ginger syrup, lime, soda
PalomaUS$10.00
Espolon blanco, grapefruit, lime, soda
DaiquiriUS$10.00
overproof rum, agave, lime

Margaritas

House MargaritaUS$9.00
Espolon blanco, lime, orange, agave
Mezcal MargaritaUS$11.00
Montelobos mezcal, lime, orange, agave
Frida's Margarita
Espolon blanco, hibiscus, lime, orange, agave

Featured Flight

taste the difference of time

Espolon Blanco | Espolon Reposado | Espolon AñejoUS$30.00

What 480 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

St. Louis
Healthy
Midtown
Innovative
Midtown
Healthy
Midtown
Neighbourhood gem
Midtown
Great for outdoor dining

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Diego's Cantina offers a "fantastic dining experience" with "superb" service and fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine. Guests rave about "delicious margaritas" and vibrant atmosphere. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly menu options abound. While some service issues occur, the attentive staff and "trendy and cozy" setting keep patrons returning for tasty tacos and flaming queso.

480 Reviews

G
Gianna
Los Angeles1 review
4.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
our first server was bad, but our second server was amazing!!!
Is this helpful?
D
Darla
St. Louis5 reviews
3.0
Dined on 14 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
When I made the reservation for a high table, I guess I did not realize I would be sitting right next to the entrance of the restaurant. The margarita I had had too much lime flavor in it. The shredded chicken in my burrito was dry. Staff was exceptional by being very attentive and polite!
Is this helpful?
E
Emily
San Diego1 review
3.0
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Margaritas were fantastic, food was just ok. Chicken birria taco was disappointing.
Is this helpful?
H
Heather
St. Louis1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great place to go for decent food, especially if there are vegetarians in your party.
Is this helpful?
L
Lucie VIP
St. Louis7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best fish tacos! Great atmosphere & service. Margs great too!!
Is this helpful?
I
Indira
St. Louis1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Went in New Year’s Eve. The ambience was very nice. The waiter was attentive and professional. The food came out quickly and was delicious.
Is this helpful?
S
Shawn
St. Louis1 review
5.0
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Food, Service, and Overall Experience 10/10. I highly recommend the shrimp fajita bowl. Delicious!! It was our first visit, and we will definitely be back!!!
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
St. Louis7 reviews
3.0
Dined on 25 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The margaritas were very good but the food was only OK. However the decor and service were great. There are other more affordable Mexican restaurants with more menu options close by; I think I'll stick to them in the future.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles Hoffman VIP
St. Louis40 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
More authentic Mexican than most. Service was outstanding as usual. Comfortable, friendly place.
Is this helpful?
L
Lewis
St. Louis1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food that makes vegan dishes taste great for a non-vegan eater! fresh twist on Mexican food in a lovely location. Recommend!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Diego's Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (314) 553-9906.

Diego's Cantina is rated 4.4 stars by 480 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

630 North & South Road, University City, MO 63130

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Delmar
Area
University City
Hours of Operation
Fri, Sat 12:00–22:00 Bar Tue–Thu 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–23:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Natasha Kwan
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.diegosstl.com/
Phone number
(314) 553-9906

Diego's Cantina

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Botanas

Chips & SalsaUS$4.00

GuacamoleUS$7.00

Queso BlancoUS$8.00

Shrimp Cocktail

Queso FlameadoUS$13.00

Sheet Pan NachosUS$15.00

Queso ChicharronesUS$11.00

Shrimp SkewerUS$12.00

Salads & Sides

House SaladUS$9.00

EscabecheUS$3.00

EsquitesUS$4.00

Pinto BeansUS$3.00

House RiceUS$3.00

Tacos & Tostadas

Diego's CarnitasUS$5.00

Grilled FishUS$6.00

Costra de Chiles AsadosUS$6.00

Pollo GuisadoUS$5.00

ShrimpUS$6.00

Costra de PolloUS$6.00

Shrimp TostadaUS$10.00

Vegan TostadaUS$8.00

Desserts

Diego's Grilled BananaUS$7.00

Ice Cream & MarranitoUS$6.00

Drinks

Mexican CokeUS$3.00

Jarritos TamarindUS$3.00

House Cocktails

Viva Los VerdeUS$11.00

Right Hook FizzUS$10.00

Tequila TonicUS$10.00

Classic Cocktails

El BurroUS$10.00

PalomaUS$10.00

DaiquiriUS$10.00

Margaritas

House MargaritaUS$9.00

Mezcal MargaritaUS$11.00

Frida's Margarita

Featured Flight

Espolon Blanco | Espolon Reposado | Espolon AñejoUS$30.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Diego's Cantina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Diego's Cantina restaurant rated?

Is Diego's Cantina currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information