Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Little Italy

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(177)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy
Booked 11 times today
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional seafood dining experience that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant coasts of Baja. Revered for its "excellent fresh fish" and "super fresh oysters," this culinary gem crafts each dish with quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Diners rave about the "creative crudo, ceviche, and aguachile," each plate a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and flavor. The unique tostadas are described as "a work of art," adding a visual feast to the already irresistible flavors. Crudo promises a seafood adventure that is "worth several visits."
A photo of Fisher's restaurant
4.2
Awesome(136)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy
Fisher's in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a seafood dining experience that's both authentic and exquisite. Renowned for its “unique and very tasty” dishes, Fisher's ensures every bite is a testament to the freshness of its offerings. The Seafood Rice, bursting with perfectly cooked varieties, and the Sea Bass with its “wonderful crispy crust” are standout dishes that have diners raving. Guests have lauded Fisher's for its “excellent service and food,” describing the seafood as “fresh, savory, tasty, and well-prepared.” With a legacy rooted in Mexico City flavors, Fisher's promises an unforgettable seafood journey that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Camino Riviera restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(33)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy
Booked 11 times today
Camino Riviera in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Cocktail Bar experience that is both authentic and innovative. The bar program is anchored in classic cocktails but shines with its diverse selection of rare mezcal and tequila, celebrating the rich spirits and flavors of Latin America. Patrons rave about the "incredibly well-crafted drinks" and the knowledgeable staff, who provide insightful recommendations and elevate the entire cocktail experience. The ambiance, described as "inviting and beautifully decorated," perfectly complements the exquisite drinks. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or new to the scene, Camino Riviera promises a memorable and delightful evening.
A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3507)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 47 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 El Agave restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2480)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Old Town
Booked 28 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1998)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 38 times today
Puesto Mission Valley is a vibrant gem in the heart of San Diego, delivering exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Family-owned and operated, Puesto stands out with its commitment to authenticity and innovation. Diners rave about the "amazingly tasty and flavorful" tacos crafted from non-GMO, organic, heirloom blue corn tortillas, perfectly complemented by their scratch salsas. The restaurant is well-known for its "outstanding food and service," with patrons frequently praising the "superb" filet mignon tacos and "show-stopping" guacamole. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying Taco Tuesday, Puesto promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back.
A photo of Blind Burro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(672)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego. Come in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet over a carafe of spicy margaritas or on tap house sangria. . Or try us for lunch with clients while enjoying steak tacos and a quinoa mixed green salad. Hope to see you soon in the unique, airy and comfortable environment we have created for you in downtown San Diego. **All checks will have a 4% pandemic recovery surcharge due to the additional costs associated with the impact on our business and operations. This is not a gratuity and will be used to help us offset the additional product, labor, overhead and other costs.**
A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(630)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Old Town
Booked 8 times today
Tahona Bar in Old Town, San Diego is a gem for lovers of authentic Latin American cuisine, specializing in "contemporary Mexican delights with a focus on Oaxacan bites." This first-of-its-kind mezcal bar in the area promises an unforgettable dining experience, with craft cocktails and a mezcal tasting room that evoke the rich traditions of Mexico. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by "hand-clayed walls and traditionally crafted Oaxacan fabrics," creates a truly immersive experience. Glowing reviews commend the "innovative tacos" and "excellent fresh Mexican food," ensuring that each visit is "not your typical Mexican food" but a delightful journey to the heart of Latin America.
A photo of Barrio Star restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1094)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Banker's Hill
Booked 1 time 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!
A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant
3.9
Excellent(1147)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Old Town
Booked 10 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dr . SamVIP
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Been before and loved it, so we took our brother for his birthday. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees, sharing all the dishes. Outstanding service (thank you Paolo) and off the charts delicious. The flavors of some the dishes were so brilliant that it's memorable. Try the cheesecake dessert. They make it fresh. Love, love, love.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.6
  • SusanVIP
    Atlanta Metro •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    So happy to be back & satisfy my craving for their mole! I love the trio so I get to taste all three side-by-side. As always service was amazing! Beto (Alberto) even tried to fix the wobbly table.
    More info
    El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.7
  • CatherineVIP
    London •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    Service at the bar was terrific! The bartender, Ruben, I think was his name, was friendly and made a great mocktail and terrific drinks. We each ordered three different tacos, which were excellent, but they took a little while to arrive… perhaps that’s because we had appetizers at the bar beforehand so I guess we expected the food to arrive a little quickly. Overall, a great experience with Mexican food.
    More info
    Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown
    4.6
  • ElizabethVIP
    San Diego •53 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 7 Dec 2024
    Very nice fish broth as a complementary appetizer. Then we shared the table side Caesar salad and the molcahete hot appetizer with chicken, shrimp, beef, asparagus etc. Plenty for a light dinner for two. Excellent lime margaritas, too.
    More info
    Fisher'sPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.2
  • John Paul
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Nov 2024
    Found this restaurant on OpenTable and was not disappointed. The ambiance is incredible and the food matches it perfectly. However, I think the service, at least our server in particular, was extremely helpful and that really made the whole experience that much better for us.
    More info
    Camino RivieraPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Little Italy
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Mexican restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the vibrant flavors of Contemporary Mexican cuisine in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy. This bustling neighborhood is home to a selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Mexican culinary arts with modern, innovative twists. Here, diners can indulge in a variety of dishes that incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seafood, offering a unique dining experience that resonates with the authenticity and creativity of Baja-style cooking. The dining scene in Little Italy is renowned for its dynamic and diverse culinary offerings, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts seeking a gourmet experience. Each restaurant in the area showcases its own interpretation of Contemporary Mexican cuisine, with menus rich in fresh ceviches, creatively prepared oysters, and other seafood-centric delights. The ambiance of these establishments ranges from intimate and elegant to lively and family-friendly, catering to all types of dining preferences. Patrons consistently praise the high-quality food, the inventive menu options, and the exceptional service provided by knowledgeable staff. These restaurants not only offer a feast for the taste buds but also ensure a memorable culinary journey with their warm hospitality and beautifully curated spaces. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Little Italy's Contemporary Mexican dining spots is an adventure that promises both delight and satisfaction.

  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo