4 Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants In Rancho Santa Fe

4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

1. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(614)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Del Mar

Booked 86 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 Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

2. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(125)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Encinitas

Booked 16 times today

Welcome to Cocina de Barrio, a vibrant gem tucked away in Encinitas, CA, where the essence of Oaxaca blends seamlessly with modern culinary artistry. This restaurant stands out for its "first-rate experience" as noted by diners who rave about everything from the "comfortable seating" to the "excellent service" and the "wonderfully presented" food and drinks. The menu at Cocina de Barrio goes beyond the ordinary, offering dishes that are both authentic and innovative, with special mentions to the "knockout" tableside guacamole and the "super tender and flavorful" lamb birria. Patrons particularly commend the brunch and happy hour, highlighting the "amazing customer service" and "one of a kind menu and cocktails." Whether you're a local or just passing through, Cocina de Barrio promises a culinary journey that's as authentic as it is unforgettable. Come for the food, stay for the "magical experience" of innovative mixology, and enjoy a taste of contemporary Mexico right in the heart of Encinitas.

3. Urbana Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(152)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Carmel Valley

Booked 2 times today

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.

A photo of Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant

4. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

4.2

Awesome(157)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Carlsbad

Booked 19 times today

At Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Nestled in a picturesque setting with breathtaking views over lush golf courses, Vue offers a dining experience where flavor and culture blend seamlessly. Guests rave about the "outstanding" Mexican selections, such as the corned beef hash with Brussels sprouts and the chimichurri sauce-draped short ribs, which are described as "outstanding." The coconut curry chicken is another highlight, noted for its authenticity and rich flavors. Diners consistently praise the culinary craftsmanship, with comments like "the Chilean sea bass was perfectly prepared" and the papaya salad being "sooo good." Vue's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Mexican meal in Carlsbad.

‘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.

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

Price

Regions

Areas

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

4 restaurants available nearby

1. South of Nick's - Del Mar

2. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

3. Urbana Del Mar

4. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable