Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated 05 September 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in North San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. 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 (1152)

$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

Suzy

Dined 4 days ago

We had a wonderful experience! The food was delicious, and the restaurant had a great ambience that made the evening even more enjoyable. Our waiter was very attentive and provided excellent service throughout our meal. We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be returning!

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4.7

4.7 (62)

$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

RussGold

Dined on 26 Sept 2026

We really enjoyed our meal here! The food was fresh, flavorful, and delicious, and everything we ordered was very good. Great Mexican food and a place we would definitely come back to!

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.7

4.7 (97)

$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

Brian

Dined on 26 Aug 2026

This place is phenomenal! Best Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad Village. Margaritas were high quality and so was the food. The pozole and carne asada tacos were amazing!

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Experience

Taco Tuesdays

Tamarindo Del Mar

4.6

4.6 (1121)

$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

RadhikaGold

Dined 6 days ago

Great place, wonderful food, exceptional service, friendly staff

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4.5

4.5 (372)

$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

Janelle

Dined 1 day ago

Salt & lime has a wonderful patio and they made us custom iced tea which was delicious!

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4.3

4.3 (594)

$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

Fred

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food. Generous portions. Very friendly service. Highly recommend.

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Experience

Brunch at Fresco Cocina!

4.3

4.3 (154)

$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

KerriGold

Dined on 22 Sept 2026

The guys met up to watch the game and eat dinner. They had a great night. Everyone loved the food and ambiance. Recommend for a nice evening out!

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Popular dish

Chile Relleno

Experience

Weekend Brunch at Nómada

Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.4

4.4 (232)

$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

Terry

Dined on 20 Sept 2026

I dine here 2-3 times a month, and I have to tell you that if you are vegetarian or vegan, this is one of the most consistent dining experiences you'll find in North County. I feel like their game just gets better and better, and now they've introduced specials, and the specials are fantastic. The other thing to note is that they're very conscientious about their pricing, and every time we leave this restaurant, I'm always amazed at how reasonable everything is. Do yourself a favor and check this place out because they are a hidden gem in Encinitas.

En Fuego Cantina and Grill

4.3

4.3 (329)

$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

George

Dined on 29 Aug 2026

1st time there and we weren't disappointed. The food and service were great and my wife enjoyed her birthday dinner.

Miguel's Cocina - Carlsbad

4.5

4.5 (143)

$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

Patricia

Dined 4 days ago

Service was outstanding. Must sit in the Bar area for happy hour, but there are an amazing amount of tables there. We shared the sampler off the happy hour menu and, oh my gosh, plenty for two. And, everything was very good! No rushing to turn our table so we were able to enjoy the company of our friends. Will do it again.

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