Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Camino Riviera

4.7

Exceptional(34)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 14 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

2. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3510)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 34 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."

3. El Agave

4.7

Exceptional(2484)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 24 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant

4. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

4.6

Exceptional(181)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Little Italy

Booked 19 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

5. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2005)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 56 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.

6. Tahona Bar

4.5

Awesome(633)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 15 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 Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

7. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

3.9

Excellent(1148)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 13 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.

A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant

8. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

4.5

Awesome(31)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Old Town

Booked 12 times today

Miguel's Cocina - Old Town offers an impressive showcase of Contemporary Mexican cuisine, blending Cali-inspired flavors with authentic Mexican roots. Located in the heart of Old Town, San Diego, this family-friendly restaurant is renowned for its "handmade tortillas and mouthwatering salsas," setting it apart as a must-visit dining destination. Guests rave about the "famous creamy jalapeno white sauce" and the "best guacamole ever," highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and taste. With a lively atmosphere and dishes like Fajitas Supreme and carne asada, Miguel's Cocina promises an unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for both locals and visitors alike.

9. Fisher's

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.

10. Blind Burro

4.7

Exceptional(672)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Downtown

Booked 4 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.**

‘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

J
J. Harrison
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Trinity took such good care of us and the food was delicious from beginning to end. Everything was so fresh.
More info
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
•
4.6
K
Kristina
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
We went to Puesto for my birthday and had a wonderful experience! The ambience was pleasant & nicely lit albeit a littl cold (we sat outside in the patio and our heater wasn’t completely working). Our server Esmeralda was very accommodating. Most of us ordered tacos, which were fantastic, as was the passionfruit ceviche. The tres leches and candy shots were a good treat, too. I highly recommend this place (and this location!) for a nice night out or celebration. It is definitely a splurge, we plan to come back for a taco Tuesday for more of a casual dinner :)
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Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
A
Ashley
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience! I went for my birthday last night and the service went above and beyond. They hand wrote me a card and the staff had all signed and I thought that was very sweet. They stored my cake in the fridge and sliced it for me and even provided a candle. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Thank you guys!
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Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
A
Amanda
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was small portions but everything I had tasted amazing! Every time I took a bite of something different I was wowed. The Brussels sprouts were my top favorite!!
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Camino RivieraPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Little Italy
•
4.7
E
Eric
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 4 Jan 2025
It’s refreshing that this level of customer service still exists. Starting off with the hostess, she was incredible. Very welcoming, very polite and was willing to make a minor adjustment to our preferred seating section. The bartenders were also incredible. I left it in their hands to make a recommendation and I was appreciative that they didn’t try to sell me a $100 shot of tequila. They gave me something middle of the road that was incredible.
More info
El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.7

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Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Contemporary mexican

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Camino Riviera

2. Puesto at the Headquarters

3. El Agave

4. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

5. Puesto Mission Valley

6. Tahona Bar

7. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

8. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

9. Fisher's

10. Blind Burro

See what locals rave about

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