From traditional to inventive, new or family-run for generations, San Diego’s top Mexican restaurants are bringing the heat.
Red O’s La Pinta cocktail includes DeLeon blanco tequila and La Pinta pomegranate liqueur. PHOTO COURTESY OF RED O
Coasterra Modern Mexican
For trendy and modern Mexican cuisine in a spectacular bayfront setting, Coasterra Modern Mexican is a Harbor Island favorite. Come for lunch, dinner or the popular weekday happy hour, where you can enjoy signature dishes, wine and craft cocktails in the Tequila Lounge or on the scenic outdoor patio complete with fire pits and cabanas. Don’t miss menu favorites like the ahi tuna tostada and pork adobo carnitas—paired with Deb’s Coconut Margarita, a house specialty drink, and sweeping views of the San Diego Bay and skyline. 619.814.1300, cohnrestaurants.com/coasterra
Cocina De Barrio
Chef Jose J. Flores brings the flavors of Oaxaca to San Diego at Cocina De Barrio’s two locations, in Point Loma and the newly reopened Hillcrest branch. The colorful and lively atmosphere enhances the fresh seafood and authentic Mexican staples, such as short ribs in mole negro and Oaxacan seafood soup. Many plant-based dishes are also offered, and a brunch menu features decadent favorites like huevos oaxaqueños and arroz con leche pancakes. A happy hour is also ideal for sampling the Mexican wines and full tequila and mezcal bar selections. eatcocinadebarrio.com
Enjoy a toastworthy dining experience at Coasterra. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Curadero
This fun and energetic cantina is located on the edge of the lively Gaslamp Quarter inside the Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego. Matching the relaxed vibe is the laid-back cuisine, with all-day menus featuring classic dishes from various regions of Mexico—from torta de chilaquile for breakfast to ceviche made with seafood caught off the coast of Baja for dinner. A taco window on the second floor is a quick fix for cravings, and the bar serves creative tequila and mezcal cocktails alongside a comprehensive list of Mexican craft beers and wines. 619.515.3003, curadero.com
Curadero’s festive dining room PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Death by Tequila
As its name suggests, Death by Tequila’s colorful and flavorful food that tells the story of a shared coastline is to die for. Founded in the heart of downtown Encinitas, with a new outpost in Carmel Valley, this Baja restaurant and tequila bar is all about playful, experimental dishes, and a come-as-you-are vibe. Every dish in the tasting-style menu is inspired by authentic Baja ingredients but prepared with an unexpected twist. Try the selection of salsas, zucchini mushroom mulita or the black Angus short rib taco—paired with handcrafted cocktails and a smuggler’s list of fine tequila and mezcal. 858.369.0717, deathbytequila.com
Cocina De Barrio’s ceviche robalo and xoconostle features prickly pearand lime-cured striped bass PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
Established in 1996, this high-end Mexican eatery enables patrons to dine in an authentic, rustic atmosphere alongside the largest collection of tequila bottles in the United States. Choose from over 2,000 brands, including El Agave’s own award-winning Tequila Agave Artesanal, to accompany delicious lunch and dinner dishes that bring the true flavor of Mexico to Old Town. Don’t miss the ceviche trio, moles, and fresh seafood and meat tacos. Finish off with flan de cajeta or churros drizzled with goat milk caramel for dessert. 619.220.0692, elagave.com
Death by Tequila’s signature margaritas PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
Javier’s
With locations in La Jolla, L.A., Los Cabos, Las Vegas and Orange County, where the brand originated in 1995, Javier’s offers elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Visit the Westfield UTC branch and sit in the main dining room, on the patio, in a private room or at the bar—where one of the largest collections of high-end tequila on the West Coast awaits. The highest-quality seafood, beef, pork and chicken go into the authentic recipes, brought by the cooking staff’s families from different regions of Mexico. Pair dishes with handshaken margaritas, rare tequilas, cocktails, and an impressive list of beers and fine wines. 858.200.2222, javierscantina.com
Karina’s Cantina
In 1981, the late Don Arnulfo Contreras and his wife, María Inés Curiel, opened the first of what would become seven Karina’s restaurants. Named after their daughter, it offered the traditional Mexican cuisine immigrants felt was missing. Now, the family operates Mexican seafood restaurants and ceviche and taco spots in Chula Vista, National City, Encinitas and Mission Hills. Karina’s Cantina outposts are also found in La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter, the newest address where a mural of Frida Kahlo watches over patrons. Here, guests can enjoy authentic ceviches, aguachile, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. karinasseafood.com
Frida Kahlo watches over diners at Karina’s Cantina in the Gaslamp Quarter. PHOTO COURTESY OF KARINA’S GROUP
Las Cuatro Milpas
When Petra and Natividad Estudillo opened Las Cuatro Milpas in 1933, they could have never imagined their small Mexican restaurant would have such staying power. Through the years, the popular joint has been delivering authentic Mexican dishes, earning admirers with its handmade tortillas and laid-back picnic table decor. Come for the traditional Mexican staples, from rice and beans to chorizo con huevos to burritos and tacos—made with fresh ingredients and served in an accessible manner devoid of frills, but big on taste. 619.234.4460, las-cuatro-milpas.com
Lola 55
This East Village taqueria in an airy, industrial-chic space with high ceilings and a full bar and lounge specializes in tacos and Mexican gastronomic dishes for sophisticated palates. Try inventive dishes like squash blossom relleno, Baja-style fish or smoked carnitas—as well as executive chef Andrew K. Bent’s daily specials, like tacos with grilled salmon, spicy smoked fish, spaghetti squash and crispy potatoes. Up next: A series of brunch-for-dinner events are on the docket. 619.542.9155, lola55.com
Puesto’s new ceviche verde includes local line-caught fish, serrano, radish, avocado and Japanese peanuts PHOTO BY MANDIE GELLER
Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant
This welcoming San Diego eatery founded by Ponciano Meza Sr. has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine coupled with retro decor and a cozy ambiance since 1969. The family-owned brand has branches in Kensington and Del Sur, both favorites for Mexican comfort food and stellar margaritas. Enjoy house specialties—like shrimp in a spicy three-chile sauce, chicken enchiladas and Ponce’s special beef tostada—as well as a full menu of tacos, enchiladas and burritos that’s remained virtually unchanged for 50 years. Breakfast, lunch and happy hour are also offered, and you can end your meal on a sweet note with flan or churros. poncesrestaurant.com
Each of Puesto’s locations boasts unique interior design PHOTO BY DUSTIN BAILEY
Puesto
Founded by first-generation Mexican Americans, this homegrown California brand serves treasured family recipes passed down through generations at nine festive locations—including Embarcadero, Mission Valley and La Jolla. Known for authentic filet mignon and Baja fish tacos and inventive margaritas, Puesto’s spring menu will include modern twists on classic dishes like a mushroom enchilada and ceviche verde, made with local fish, cucumber, serrano, radish, avocado and Japanese peanuts. Pair them with new spring additions to the additive-free tequila cocktail menu: the coffee-flavored Carajillo, a frozen version of the popular Puesto Perfect, a coconut margarita and a classic mojito. eatpuesto.com
Red O
Sophisticated, made-from-scratch Mexican served in a beautiful, resort-style setting is what distinguishes Red O—which boasts locations in Santa Monica, Newport Beach and across from UTC in La Jolla. Enjoy elevated Mexican favorites as well as prime steak and seafood made with local and sustainable ingredients. Beside the main dining room is a stylish bar and starlit lounge—which features live entertainment and serves top-notch tequilas, specialty cocktails and a selection of wines late into the evening. Lunch, weekend brunch and happy hour are also offered. 858.291.8360, redorestaurant.com
A bevy of beautiful pendant lights illuminate the dining room at Red O. PHOTO COURTESY OF RED O
Tahona Bar
An epicenter of mezcal culture, Tahona Bar is devoted to honoring Mexico via its most iconic beverage. Pair Oaxacan-inspired dishes with craft cocktails and over 120 kinds of carefully chosen mezcal. Enjoy the selection of tacos, appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts from inside the charming hacienda or on the newly opened street patio. Chef Adrian Villarreal, who has a passion for native plants, will also take you on a journey through his multicourse chef’s tasting menu. Private mezcal tastings with a specialist and a hidden speakeasy in the back complete the festive experience. 619.255.2090, tahonabar.com
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