Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in North 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!

South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

4.7 (1028)

$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

Adrienne

Dined 5 days ago

Came in to celebrate a birthday: had a reservation which we were seated immediately. Server was incredibly attentive and friendly especially as we navigated the drinks and main menu. Sweet bonus included candles on two desserts (one complimentary and one we ordered). I’ve dined at the San Clemente location but actually prefer this one. Birria tacos and Carnitas plate (crispy) with black beans it was delicious.

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Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (83)

$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

Tim

Dined 7 days ago

I'm glad we made a reservation for Cinco de Mayo. We showed up 15mins late but they took us right to our table. Book ahead on busy nights! It's worth it.

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Experience

Taco Tuesdays

Puntamar

4.6

4.6 (50)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Puntamar is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic experience celebrating quality in every detail. Here, fun and excellence merge to create unforgettable moments for our customers. Discover the true essence of Mexican cuisine, crafted with authentic ingredients and genuine flavors.

Top review

Matias

Dined on Apr 16, 2026

It was an amazing experience. Great environment, an awesome staff, and of course, the food was unbelievable.

Tamarindo Del Mar

4.7

4.7 (1071)

$30 and under

Mexican

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Welcome to Tamarindo Del Mar.
Del Mar’s go-to spot for bold Latin/Mexican fusion flavors, vibrant cocktails, and feel-good hospitality. We’re all about delicious food, a full bar stacked with standout tequilas and smoky mezcals, and warm, attentive service that makes everyone feel like a regular.
Set in the heart of Del Mar, Tamarindo is where fresh ingredients meet festive energy- perfect for casual lunches, lively brunches, sunset margaritas, and memorable dinners. Join us for our Lunch, Brunch, and Special Event menus, each crafted to bring the party to your table.
We’re open until 9pm on weekdays and until 10pm on Fridays & Saturdays, so stay awhile- sip something special, and enjoy the friendliest vibe in town. 🌶️🍹

Top review

NimaGold

Dined 3 days ago

Every thing was perfect as usual. Food, srvice, drink everything was fantastic 💯

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4.5

4.5 (328)

$30 and under

Mexican

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Most people think they know Mexican food—but Salt & Lime flips the script.
We’re here for those who crave more: more flavor, more energy, more edge.
Perched above the Pacific in the heart of Del Mar, Salt & Lime blends fresh, citrus-driven cuisine with high-vibe cocktails and oceanside views. Our dishes are designed to awaken the palate—light, acidic, vibrant—and perfectly paired with wine, whiskey, or whatever gets you feeling alive.
Whether you’re here for brunch, dinner, or our Reverse Happy Hour, we promise an experience that surprises, satisfies, and stays with you.
🔸 Brunch: Sat–Sun, 10:30AM–1PM
🔸 Reverse Happy Hour: Fri–Sat, 9PM–11PM
You’ve had Mexican food. But you haven’t had this. Book your table—Salt & Lime is where the story gets good.

Top review

Bryan

Dined 7 days ago

Absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. We were there celebrating a birthday and had a reservation for 8 people. There was a bit of a delay getting our table set up due to a couple parties not clearing out very quickly. The management was very communicative of the delay and took great care of us while we were waiting. They offered to take drink orders for us during our wait and got us seated promptly as soon as the area cleared out. The wait staff was fantastic and food came out quickly once we started placing orders. Overall, they lived up to the hype 100% and I look forward to returning in the future!

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Miguel's Cocina - Carlsbad

4.5

4.5 (111)

$30 and under

Mexican

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

The Miguel’s Experience: For over four decades and five locations, our signature friendly service and festive decor have made Miguel’s a San Diego tradition for locals and visitors alike. And of course, there’s our decadent, must-have creamy jalapeño white sauce, often referred to as white gold by regulars. Beginning with a few classic recipes gathered from our chef’s family and friends, our menu captures the true spirit of Mexico with a unique San Diego twist. Our authentic style drew a loyal following of those in search of Sonoran grilled swordfish tacos, sizzling sirloin fajitas, and spicy rich chicken mole. Our commitment to artisan cuisine and fresh ingredients can be seen through our handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and crispy chips made daily right in our kitchen. And of course, there’s our decadent, must-have creamy jalapeño white sauce, often referred to as white gold by regulars.

Top review

Mitch

Dined 3 days ago

Fabulous service from our server Anthoney. Food was excellent….as always!

Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.6

4.6 (212)

$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

lucy

Dined 7 days ago

Food and service was great! Can’t wait to return.

Nomada

4.3

4.3 (95)

$30 and under

Mexican

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Welcome to the House Behind the Gates
Every restaurant has a story.  Ours begins with a man, a fire, and a promise to keep Mexico’s spirit alive.

By day, this house stood quiet… an old hacienda filled with memories.  But when the lights dim and the wood oven glows, something awakens.  A figure steps through the arches: a traveler, a storyteller, a guardian of flavor.  He’s not here to serve food; he’s here to protect it.
This place isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a hidden world.  Every tortilla is handmade, every recipe carries a story from the people who came before us.

Top review

Tim

Dined on May 5, 2026

Great food. Great atmosphere. Good value. Outside seating is great.

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Popular dish

Chile Relleno

Experience

Weekend Brunch at Nómada

Fresco Cocina

4.2

4.2 (543)

$30 and under

Mexican

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Fresco Cocina is a bustling restaurant located in the heart of Carlsbad Village serving a traditional and contemporary interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Our playfully curated menu rediscovers tradition and offers a selection of shareable plates and main courses all infused with Mexican soul.
Fresco Cocina is a haven for those who appreciate bold, bright flavors paired with exemplary wine and artisanal spirits that let the high quality ingredients shine.

Top review

Adrian

Dined 3 days ago

Ceviche was outstanding! Ribeye was also a huge hit.

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Experience

Brunch at Fresco Cocina!

En Fuego Cantina and Grill

4.2

4.2 (315)

$30 and under

Mexican

Del Mar

About the restaurant

En Fuego Cantina & Grill in Del Mar is one of the original restaurants in the Village. It was established in 1995 and has been serving delicious Mexican cuisine and amazing margarita's ever since. Open daily for lunch and dinner, serving Happy Hour 7 days a week from 4pm to 6pm and Taco Tuesday every week from 4:30 till close.

En Fuego Cantina and Grill has an expansive menu with classic favorites like fresh guacamole and chips, carnitas, fajitas and enchiladas. Try one of the house specials like the Chile rellenos, a traditional recipe, with battered and stuffed Anaheim chilis topped with tomatillo sauce and a three-cheese blend.

Top review

ally

Dined on Apr 11, 2026

Very beautiful atmosphere and delicious food!! Kind staff too

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