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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in North Central, Austin

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13 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Bulevar Mexican Kitchen restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1589)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Arboretum
Booked 61 times today
Bulevar Mexican Kitchen is a place to celebrate simple pleasures with top notch margaritas and cocktails, both frozen fun ones to unique agave creations and a vast selection of agave distillates. A place where food is for sharing, food is for comforting and food is for feasting. An atmosphere that is fueled by a massive wood fired grill, a high energy bar, tall ceilings and big glass windows that push your attention to the patio and the great Austin views & sunsets. We pride ourselves on good vibes, good eats and good drinks brought to you by our staff... our Familia!! Buen Provecho!!
A photo of Mexican Sugar - Austin Domain restaurant
4.3
Awesome(200)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Austin
Booked 73 times today
Mexican Sugar offers a transportive dining experience rooted in the richness of Latin culture and cuisine. The menu features fresh, authentically sourced ingredients, with every dish prepared from scratch to ensure it is fresher, lighter, and better. The bar offers beautifully handcrafted cocktails made with fresh juices and an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. Blending time-honored techniques with modern Pan-Latin inspiration, Mexican Sugar brings together bold flavors, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels like a modern sanctuary.
A photo of ATX Cocina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2985)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 71 times today
ATX Cocina in Downtown Austin elevates traditional Mexican cuisine through modern techniques, creating an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of authentic flavors. With a focus on masa, processed in-house from heirloom corn sourced from Mexican family farms, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality. Diners rave about the "incredible food" and "phenomenal service," with standout dishes like Crab Relleno and Machete tacos leaving a lasting impression. The vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, such as "awesome margaritas," further enhance the experience. Whether a local or a visitor, ATX Cocina promises a memorable Mexican culinary journey.
A photo of Verbena restaurant
4.4
Awesome(537)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, Verbena's Cocktail Bar is a beacon of mixology excellence. The bar, part of the award-winning Canopy by Hilton Hotel, is renowned for its "delicious" and "fantastic" cocktails that captivate the senses. With a 36-seat setup, it offers an intimate yet lively atmosphere, perfect for both casual meet-ups and special occasions. Guests rave about the creative concoctions, such as the off-menu gin/cucumber cocktail and the Coconut Margarita, described as "delicious." Verbena's talented bartenders craft each drink with precision and flair, ensuring a memorable experience that beckons patrons to return time and again.
A photo of Suerte restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(656)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 97 times today
Suerte in East Austin is a beacon of exceptional Mexican cuisine, where "every dish is delicious and unique," capturing the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Mexico. Under the expert guidance of nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez, Suerte uses local ingredients to create a culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "phenomenal suadero tacos," while the "kind and fun service" adds to the delightful dining atmosphere. Whether it's the "complex and balanced flavors" or the "inventive drinks," Suerte consistently offers a remarkable dining experience, earning praise as "the best Mexican restaurant in the country."
A photo of Nômadé restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(857)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Bouldin Creek
Booked 39 times today
Nômade is a standout destination for seafood aficionados, nestled in the vibrant South 1st district of Austin. Celebrated for its fresh coastal seafood, the restaurant crafts dishes that exude authenticity and flavor, thanks to its use of sustainably caught seafood and artisanal spices from Merida. Patrons rave about the "incredible flavor & ambience," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its contemporary take on Yucatecan cuisine, Nômade has earned accolades such as the 2024 Open Table Diners' Choice Award. From the charred pulpo to striped bass, the seafood creations here are "crafted with details to make your stay something out of the limits of your imagination."
A photo of La Popular - Austin restaurant
4.5
Awesome(95)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Oak HIll
Booked 48 times today
La Popular Austin is a modern Mexican restaurant in Southwest Austin located in Lantana Place, just 15 minutes from Downtown Austin. Known for elevated Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection (80+ bottles), La Popular offers one of the best happy hours in Austin. Join us for date night, group dinners, weekend brunch, or cocktails at our vibrant tequila bar. Whether you're searching for a Mexican restaurant near Lantana Place or the perfect Austin happy hour spot, La Popular delivers bold flavors and warm hospitality inspired by authentic Mexican traditions.
A photo of Este restaurant
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4.9
Exceptional(767)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 104 times today
Este in East Austin is a seafood lover's paradise, where the ocean’s bounty meets Mexican culinary tradition with finesse. Este’s seafood dishes, such as their standout ceviches and oysters, are celebrated for their freshness and flavor, transporting diners to "the playas of Mexico" with every bite. The restaurant's "pescado zarandeado" and "este ceviche" have been hailed as "must-try" delights, praised for their bold, unique flavors. Este’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, makes dining here not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience. Este is where seafood cuisine is both an art and an adventure, ensuring a memorable visit every time.
A photo of Geraldine’s restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2488)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Located inside Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, Geraldine's is a vibrant restaurant and live music venue where culinary creativity meets the city's soulful energy. Under the direction of Executive Chef Sergio Ledesma, our menus reflect his rich culinary heritage rooted in his Monterrey, Mexico upbringing and shaped by more than 25 years of experience. Chef Ledesma showcases Modern Mexican cuisine infused with Southern influences, reimagining regional Mexican dishes through a modern lens. Each plate blends tradition with innovation, offering bold flavors and artful presentation while setting new standards for the culinary team. Whether you're joining us for dinner, cocktails, or live music, Geraldine's delivers a dining experience to celebrate.
A photo of Nixta Taqueria restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(46)
$$$$
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 5 times today
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Nixta is not a typical taquería. Owners (and lovebirds) Sara Mardanbigi and Chef Edgar Rico - a MICHELIN Young Chef recipient, James Beard Award winner, and TIME100 honoree - blend tradition and innovation to reshape Mexican-American cuisine. Nixta makes its own masa and tortillas from heirloom Mexican and Texan corn and is known for inventive signatures like its duck carnitas. Located near the cozy Chestnut neighborhood and not far from landmarks like the Texas State Capitol, Nixta offers a colorful, welcoming atmosphere with a sprawling backyard patio perfect for gatherings. You also can't miss the Nixta Jardín that won us a MICHELIN Green Star!Rooted in technique, history, and a true maíz revolution, Nixta delivers imaginative dishes and an unforgettable dining experience. So, if you're a lil' serious and a lil' silly, we got you.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • DonnaGold
    Houston •76 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great food and service on a busy graduation weekend. Filet was outstanding and great for sharing.
    More info
    ATX Cocina$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
    4.8
  • Kim
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Love Verbena! Such a hidden gem on West 6th St. the food is always fantastic and our server John was lovely. The salmon burger was a hit with my dad, and the Mexican bowl never disappoints. Would 100% recommend!
    More info
    Verbena$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
    4.4
  • RimiGold
    Washington, D.C. Area •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We love coming to Nomade and decided to pop in for their recent trio HH deal of two tacos and a marg for $10! Wild. We of course ordered a few other dishes, but all flavorful, perf ambience and great service. It was the right neighborhood spot for parents to step out if you can have a little coverage ! Great vibe food and relaxation with superb customer service always.
    More info
    Nômadé$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• Bouldin Creek
    4.7
  • Melissa
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    5 stars all around for our Cinco de Mayo Taco Tuesday celebration at Mexican Sugar. From the atmosphere and service to the food and drinks, everything was absolutely amazing. The energy was fun, vibrant, and the perfect setting to bring great people together. Alex, Beto, and Julian make the place shine! Will def be back!
    More info
    Mexican Sugar - Austin Domain$$$$• Mexican• Austin
    4.3
  • Scott
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 1, 2026
    Our ‘go to’ place as a couple and entertaining friends new to Austin! Thanks for helping us celebrate! Great staff, service, food, drink and personal attention to details (gluten free - onion allergy) and care!
    More info
    Bulevar Mexican Kitchen$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• Arboretum
    4.8
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