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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in South Atlanta

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Palo Santo restaurant
1. Palo Santo
4.3
Awesome(368)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • West Midtown
Booked 4 times today
Palo Santo, nestled in the vibrant West Midtown of Atlanta, is a contemporary Mexican gem that offers a unique dining experience combining authentic flavors with a modern twist. This restaurant delights with its innovative use of local Georgia ingredients, all masterfully prepared in a wood fire kitchen. Guests rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the "incredible carne asada and beautifully roasted cauliflower," praising not only the food but also the immersive ambiance. According to one enthusiastic diner, Palo Santo is "the best Mexican in Atlanta," highlighting its standout vibe and culinary excellence. The rooftop setting further enhances the experience, offering stunning views and a perfect spot for savoring expertly crafted cocktails. Palo Santo is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience where every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide an unforgettable evening.
A photo of Carmel restaurant
2. Carmel
4.7
Exceptional(448)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead
Booked 17 times today
Carmel in Buckhead, Atlanta, offers a sublime Contemporary Mexican cuisine experience that transcends the ordinary, merging coastal Yucatan flavors with skillful culinary precision. Guests rave about the authenticity and innovation found in dishes such as "perfectly cooked Scallops and Redfish" and the "exceptional oysters," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to high-quality, sustainable seafood. The ambiance complements the dining experience, with one guest noting, "The service, food, and atmosphere was beyond our expectations," making it perfect for any occasion. Carmel is celebrated for transforming traditional ingredients into contemporary masterpieces, ensuring every visit is both unique and memorable.
A photo of Zocalo restaurant
3. Zocalo
4.1
Excellent(213)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Midtown
Zocalo in Midtown Atlanta is a vibrant haven for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine. Patrons rave about the "great authentic Mexican cuisine without the hefty price" and highlight dishes like the chicken fajitas, which are described as "hot, flavorful, and plentiful." The restaurant is also famous for its "hands down the best margaritas in town," with options like the strawberry margaritas and mojitos receiving special mentions. The atmosphere is consistently praised, with guests appreciating the welcoming space and the open-air dining that creates a perfect setting for a casual meal. As a go-to spot in Atlanta, Zocalo delivers an exceptional blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and top-notch service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Mexico.
A photo of Alma Cocina Buckhead restaurant
4. Alma Cocina Buckhead
4.6
Exceptional(715)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Buckhead’s most unique approach to contemporary Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Enjoy delicious dishes and fantastic service – there’s nothing else like it in Buckhead.Bright, fresh ingredients and regional influences shine through lunch salads and taco spreads, our seasonal guacamoles and salsas, and traditional chicken mole Oaxaca full of rich flavor. Sample from the most diverse tequila selection in the city and an inventive cocktail list while we deliver a destination dining experience to remember.
A photo of Chido and Padre's restaurant
5. Chido and Padre's
4.3
Awesome(700)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead
Booked 5 times today
Chido and Padre's in Buckhead, Atlanta, expertly captures the essence of Contemporary Mexican cuisine with a vibrant menu inspired by Mexico's celebrated food regions like Oaxaca, Puebla, and Sinaloa. Guests rave about the authentic experience, stating it's "like a vacation" with dishes such as "hand-smashed guacamole" and "smoked beef cheek barbacoa." The restaurant's atmosphere, adorned with vivid Mexican art, complements its culinary delights, making it a "DOPE SPOT" for dining. The commitment to quality is evident, with handmade tortillas and scratch-made Oaxacan moles that elevate the traditional flavors to exquisite heights. Top off your meal with their creative cocktails for a truly memorable dining experience.
A photo of Palo Santo Rooftop restaurant
6. Palo Santo Rooftop
4.3
Awesome(92)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • West Midtown
Welcome to Palo Santo Rooftop, a beacon of Contemporary Mexican cuisine nestled in the vibrant West Midtown skyline of Atlanta. This unique dining haven offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive experience with its "UNIQUE ROOFTOP MENU" and sashimi-inspired small bites that showcase a modern twist on traditional flavors. Guests rave about the "incredible food, beautiful decoration, and amazing drinks," highlighting favorites like the Carne Asada and Mushroom Rice. Renowned for a lively atmosphere complemented by a skilled live DJ and agave-focused beverages, Palo Santo Rooftop is not just a meal; it's a destination. With glowing testimonials about its ambiance and service, such as "the staff is very knowledgeable about each menu item" and "The vibe in the restaurant was nice," it's clear why this spot is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in Atlanta.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • PaulVIP
    Atlanta Metro •118 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went for The Feast of Seven Fishes (only counted 6). Started with cocktails, but the 1st course came ahead of them, so we waited. Both (different) cocktails were mostly nugget ice and heavily citrused. Won’t order cocktails again. Small plates were decent, but confidently small. The lobster tortellini plate made up for the total meal and was generous. Basque cheesecake is an interesting less-sweet option but I wouldn’t opt for it.
    More info
    CarmelPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Buckhead
    •
    4.7
  • MonicaVIP
    Greater Boston •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 17, 2024
    Food was delish. Peruvian sangria was good! The service was excellent! Went in a Monday, so an overall quiet ambiance
    More info
    Alma Cocina BuckheadPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Buckhead
    •
    4.6
  • Mani
    Atlanta Metro •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 11, 2024
    Food was great! Drinks were good! The margarita pitchers were smaller than expected but still good! I would recommend.
    More info
    Chido and Padre'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Buckhead
    •
    4.3
  • Nikesha
    Atlanta Metro •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 1, 2024
    I ordered the table side guacamole and the fajitas and it was all good.
    More info
    ZocaloPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Midtown
    •
    4.1
  • Raquel
    Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 24, 2024
    Hands down one of the best restaurants/experiences we have had. Went with a group of four and I highly recommend you order several plates to share since everything was just SO good and worth trying. The drinks were also well done with a beautiful presentation. The whole atmosphere/vibe of this place is perfect. Bella was our server who knew the menu inside and out, we counted on her to steer us in the right direction and she succeeded for sure! As the restaurant got a bit more crowded she still didn’t miss a beat and continuously checked in on us. Will definitely be back!!
    More info
    Palo SantoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• West Midtown
    •
    4.3

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