Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 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!

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.7

4.7 (98)

$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

South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

4.7 (1174)

$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

KevinGold

Dined 4 days ago

We were seated immediately and our Server arrived shortly thereafter. SHe was personable & friendly & did a great job. The food was great, as always.

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4.6

4.6 (64)

$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

Marco

Dined 5 days ago

Great place with great ambiance the food is incredible great flavors and the best Mexican food in Encinitas

Tamarindo Del Mar

4.7

4.7 (1126)

$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

HelenGold

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious salsa. Delicious sizzling steak, (fajitas.). And Delicious Famoso (chicken)Enchiladas. I can’t wait to go back!

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Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.5

4.5 (234)

$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

doreen

Dined on 31 Oct 2026

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

Miguel's Cocina - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (147)

$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

Raphael

Dined on 29 Oct 2026

We celebrated my dad’s birthday at Miguel’s yesterday, and they truly went above and beyond! ❤️ The service was amazing, and we’re so grateful for the way they made us feel and helped make his special day even more memorable. You can really tell when people care about what they do, and we truly appreciate all the love and effort they put into making the experience special for us. Thank you so much to the entire team! We can’t wait to come back and celebrate more special occasions with you. May God continue to bless Miguel’s, the staff, and the business abundantly!

Salt + Lime Del Mar

4.5

4.5 (377)

$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

DebraGold

Dined on 2 Nov 2026

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.

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4.3

4.3 (599)

$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

Julian

Dined on 20 Oct 2026

Great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Everything was delicious, and I’d definitely come back again. Highly recommend!

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Experience

Brunch at Fresco Cocina!

4.3

4.3 (158)

$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

SharonGold

Dined 4 days ago

Love the patio and overall vibe. Happy hour is great!

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Popular dish

Chile Relleno

Experience

Weekend Brunch at Nómada

En Fuego Cantina and Grill

4.0

4 (332)

$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

Monica

Dined on 25 Oct 2026

Went for Happy Hour which is everyday 3-6pm. Really enjoyed the fish taco they have for intl $5! Also have many other tacos and they were all very good. Also great choice of cocktails and beers, I really enjoyed the frozen mango margarita! Overall great experience

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