14 Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants In Carmel Valley

14 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant

1. Salt + Lime Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(377)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 18 times today

I eat here a couple of times a month and the food is always delicious and the service is great. Recommend this place to anyone. The ceviche, tacos and guacamole are always good.

2. El Agave

4.4

Awesome(2715)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Old Town

Booked 14 times today

The food and drinks were delicious i would definitely come back!

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

3. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.5

Awesome(234)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 4 times today

This was our first visit...and it was perfect. The vibe is wonderful and our waiter was excellent. I was a little worried when I saw all the vegetarian dishes and there might not be enough to order but I was wrong. I had the chicken tortilla soup - one of the best I've ever had....not super traditional but excellent! Two friends had the chicken enchiladas and gave them a 10! And my husband had the Shrimp Ceviche - another 10.....Can't wait for an excuse to go again

4. Puntamar

4.6

Exceptional(63)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 11 times today

Great date night spot and super friendly service. Food was delish! Will definitely go back. 🌮

5. Carne & Hueso

4.8

Exceptional(152)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • North Park

Booked 8 times today

Amazing tasting menu, so many vibrant flavors! Would love to dine here again someday!

A photo of Cocina 35 Coronado restaurant

6. Cocina 35 Coronado

4.7

Exceptional(1032)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Coronado

Booked 70 times today

If you're looking for a memorable "event" take the SD downtown ferry across the bay (or park fee) and arrive at the restaurant's threshold to see a well-appointed and colorful Mexican ambiance that feels exciting and relaxing at the same time. The view of the bay and downtown San Diego is unbeatable. We were lucky to visit during the Día de los Muertos (celebration), and every host, hostess, and server was in full costume! It was AMAZING! Our cocktails were refreshing, perfectly crafted, and almost too pretty to sip. I ordered the El Patron sampler with the habanero creme-smothered chilaquiles. It was just delicious. Definitely a "Be-Back". (Don't miss the striking restroom decor. It's so Frida Kahlo bold!

7. Fonda Del Barrio

4.8

Exceptional(146)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Barrio Logan

Booked 8 times today

First time but not the last time. Delicious food, great service, nice vibe, live music, excellent drinks, and fair price. This is authentic Mexican cuisine, not Americanized. It was a special night!

A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant

8. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

4.6

Exceptional(516)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 30 times today

The food is always fantastic and the customer service is always great

9. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(1266)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 35 times today

We come here every Halloween for our annual “Witches Dinner “ 🧹🧹🧹🧹we had a fantastic experience last night . We were honored to have Demond as our steward who’s attention to detail , exceptional, professionalism, and kindness , generally made us feel welcomed . His service made our evening that much more enjoyable. Outstanding service from start to finish! Demond , Keep shining your bright light!! Thank you 🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹

10. Karina’s Cantina

4.7

Exceptional(90)

$$$$

• Traditional Mexican • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Food and drinks were good , quick service , great for watching sports

Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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Award-winning

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Salt + Lime Del Mar

2. El Agave

3. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4. Puntamar

5. Carne & Hueso

6. Cocina 35 Coronado

7. Fonda Del Barrio

8. Cocina 35 Liberty Station

9. Casa Gabriela

10. Karina’s Cantina

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