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

Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in San Diego

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
4.6
4.6 (436)
$30 and under
Mexican
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.
Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!

Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores

Bienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.

Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

Top review
Larry
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food. Oyxcan style is not just tacos and enchiladas. Very unique menu. Both food & drinks. The mole sauce was the best. It was used in a variety of dishes. For example I ordered their short ribs with mole. WOW, it was great! The service was attentive & helpful. I highly recommend this restaurant. Enjoy!
A photo of Cocina de Barrio North Park restaurant
4.9
4.9 (26)
$30 and under
Mexican
North Park
About the restaurant
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.

Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores

Welcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in North Park! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.

Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding service from a great team of professionals. Amazing cucumber margaritas paired with delicious flounder and out of this world mole chicken breasts. Great evening and looking forward to returning soon!
A photo of Cocina 35 Otay Mesa restaurant
4.5
4.5 (32)
$30 and under
Mexican
San Ysidro
About the restaurant
Mexican Breakfast? You got to try the Best Chilaquiles in San Diego!
Top review
Zayra
Dined on Jul 20, 2025
The food was very flavorful and portion size was great for the price . Kids friendly restaurant.
A photo of Blanco Cocina + Cantina - Coronado restaurant
4.8
4.8 (278)
$30 and under
Mexican
Coronado
About the restaurant
Secure your spot and experience Blanco’s fresh twist on Mexican food. Lounge long and on with tantalizing tequila flights and easy but innovative tacos. Go for the classic but fresh burrito or bowl layered with savory fillings like spicy Machaca short rib or red chili chicken, fresh salsas, and our famous house guacamole. Whether you’re hungry for something flavorful or thirsty for something fun, we’ve got everything you want at Blanco.
Top review
Elana
Dined 7 days ago
Our first time to this restaurant did not disappoint. Our server, Kaylee, was amazing. She was so friendly and checked in on us just the right amount of times to make sure we never needed anything. She was also great with giving menu recommendations. The chips and salsa were good. The short rib Machaca chimichanga was delicious. It was my birthday and they had a birthday card on the table for me, which was really nice. They also gave me a complementary dessert. The food was delicious and Tuesdays they have all day happy hour. They have TVs with sports in the bar which is nice. I will definitely be coming back.
A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (826)
$31 to $50
Mexican
Del Mar
About the restaurant
An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas

Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Top review
Chelsea
Dined on Jul 22, 2025
Enjoyed a nice business lunch here! The volume got a little loud with the music playing in the background, but overall was a GREAT experience with great food!
A photo of La Puerta Mission Hills restaurant
4.7
4.7 (44)
$30 and under
Mexican
Banker's Hill
About the restaurant
La Puerta Mission Hills is the second addition to the La Puerta family. We offer the same menu as our sister restaurant in the Gaslamp which has celebrated 13 years of operation. We are dedicated to bringing a unique dining experience to the Mission Hills neighborhood which features delicious Mexican food, an extensive agave selection, handcrafted cocktails and margaritas made with fresh squeezed juice.
We invite you to join us and experience our hospitality in what we hope will be your go to Cantina for years to come.

Top review
JulienVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Our server was attentive, gave us great suggestions on what to order and was overall pleasant. The food was great too.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.7
4.7 (902)
$30 and under
Mexican
La Mesa
About the restaurant
Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.

The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

Top review
Emilio
Dined 5 days ago
I loved the churros. My guests loved the place. They said they will be back.
A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant
4.7
4.7 (197)
$30 and under
Mexican
Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
About the restaurant
Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.

We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.

Top review
Luz
Dined 5 days ago
I have been wanted to try it for a quiet sometime. I love to cook and I hardly go to Mexican restaurants. I am so glad I went the service and the food with amazing. I will definitely be going again and will be recommending it to my friends and family.
A photo of Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad restaurant
4.5
4.5 (45)
$31 to $50
Mexican
Oceanside
About the restaurant

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina!

Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve.
Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.

Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

Top review
SamVIP
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
The restaurant has a great atmosphere and ambiance. The food and drinks were very good. The chicken flautas on the seasonal menu were so light and tasty, hope they add to the menu permanently. Would definitely recommend!
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
4.7 (163)
$30 and under
Mexican
Encinitas
About the restaurant
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.

Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores

Welcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.

Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

Top review
Mrs Donnette
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent happy hour prices Delish table side guacamole
Explore Diners' Choice best of San Diego
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - 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