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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Central Austin

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Este restaurant
1. Este
4.8
Exceptional(158)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 98 times today
Este in East Austin is a seafood lover's paradise, where the ocean’s bounty meets Mexican culinary tradition with finesse. Este’s seafood dishes, such as their standout ceviches and oysters, are celebrated for their freshness and flavor, transporting diners to "the playas of Mexico" with every bite. The restaurant's "pescado zarandeado" and "este ceviche" have been hailed as "must-try" delights, praised for their bold, unique flavors. Este’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, makes dining here not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience. Este is where seafood cuisine is both an art and an adventure, ensuring a memorable visit every time.
A photo of Suerte restaurant
2. Suerte
4.9
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 107 times today
Suerte in East Austin is a beacon of exceptional Mexican cuisine, where "every dish is delicious and unique," capturing the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Mexico. Under the expert guidance of nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez, Suerte uses local ingredients to create a culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "phenomenal suadero tacos," while the "kind and fun service" adds to the delightful dining atmosphere. Whether it's the "complex and balanced flavors" or the "inventive drinks," Suerte consistently offers a remarkable dining experience, earning praise as "the best Mexican restaurant in the country."
A photo of ATX Cocina restaurant
3. ATX Cocina
4.8
Exceptional(2691)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 65 times today
ATX Cocina in Downtown Austin elevates traditional Mexican cuisine through modern techniques, creating an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of authentic flavors. With a focus on masa, processed in-house from heirloom corn sourced from Mexican family farms, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality. Diners rave about the "incredible food" and "phenomenal service," with standout dishes like Crab Relleno and Machete tacos leaving a lasting impression. The vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, such as "awesome margaritas," further enhance the experience. Whether a local or a visitor, ATX Cocina promises a memorable Mexican culinary journey.
A photo of Verbena restaurant
4. Verbena
4.5
Awesome(438)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, Verbena's Cocktail Bar is a beacon of mixology excellence. The bar, part of the award-winning Canopy by Hilton Hotel, is renowned for its "delicious" and "fantastic" cocktails that captivate the senses. With a 36-seat setup, it offers an intimate yet lively atmosphere, perfect for both casual meet-ups and special occasions. Guests rave about the creative concoctions, such as the off-menu gin/cucumber cocktail and the Coconut Margarita, described as "delicious." Verbena's talented bartenders craft each drink with precision and flair, ensuring a memorable experience that beckons patrons to return time and again.
A photo of Nômade restaurant
5. Nômade
4.7
Exceptional(509)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Austin
Booked 33 times today
Nômade is a standout destination for seafood aficionados, nestled in the vibrant South 1st district of Austin. Celebrated for its fresh coastal seafood, the restaurant crafts dishes that exude authenticity and flavor, thanks to its use of sustainably caught seafood and artisanal spices from Merida. Patrons rave about the "incredible flavor & ambience," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its contemporary take on Yucatecan cuisine, Nômade has earned accolades such as the 2024 Open Table Diners' Choice Award. From the charred pulpo to striped bass, the seafood creations here are "crafted with details to make your stay something out of the limits of your imagination."
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
6. La Condesa
4.7
Exceptional(2272)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 48 times today
La Condesa in Austin's 2nd Street District is a shining beacon of authentic Regional Mexican cuisine. This James Beard-nominated restaurant, led by Executive Chef Rick Lopez, captivates diners with its vibrant menu crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. "Dining here was like a big hug," one review exclaims, showcasing its warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu's standout dishes, such as the pollo con mole and cochinita pibil, are praised for their "layers and layers of flavors and beautiful presentations." With one of the largest tequila and mezcal collections in the city, La Condesa offers an unparalleled culinary journey that is both "creative and comforting."
A photo of Tomalo restaurant
7. Tomalo
3.9
Excellent(146)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Tomalo in Downtown Austin is a beacon of authentic Regional Mexican cuisine, drawing inspiration from diverse areas of Mexico. Located at the vibrant intersection of East Ave and Rainey St, this restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite culinary offerings. Reviews laud Tomalo for its "amazing food" and "perfect service," with standout dishes like the cochinita pibil and the Sikil Pak & Guacamole. Diners are enchanted by the "elevated, unique Mexican dining experience" that the restaurant provides. With a focus on local ingredients and community, Tomalo guarantees an unforgettable taste journey that resonates with the rich flavors of Regional Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Ma'Coco - East Austin restaurant
8. Ma'Coco - East Austin
4.2
Awesome(183)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 6 times today
A fresh approach to Mexican cuisine. We emphasize scratch ingredients to serve colorful, tasty & traditional bites. From tacos & enchiladas to fresh fruit frescas & cocktails, you’ll find an antojito just for you!
A photo of Mour Cocina | Bodega restaurant
9. Mour Cocina | Bodega
4.4
Awesome(331)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • East Austin
Booked 2 times today
Mour Cocina | Bodega in East Austin is a delightful haven for lovers of Traditional Mexican cuisine. The vibrant flavors of Mexico are authentically captured using locally-sourced, planet-friendly ingredients, ensuring each dish is as sustainable as it is delicious. Diners rave about the "best chilaquiles in Austin" and the "amazing" Tlayuda, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to genuine Mexican culinary traditions. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with super friendly staff who go "above and beyond" to deliver exceptional service. Whether indulging in the delectable duck carnitas or sipping on organic wines, Mour Cocina guarantees a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying.
A photo of Bulevar Mexican Kitchen restaurant
10. Bulevar Mexican Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(1155)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Arboretum
Booked 54 times today
Bulevar Mexican Kitchen is a place to celebrate simple pleasures with top notch margaritas and cocktails, both frozen fun ones to unique agave creations and a vast selection of agave distillates. A place where food is for sharing, food is for comforting and food is for feasting. An atmosphere that is fueled by a massive wood fired grill, a high energy bar, tall ceilings and big glass windows that push your attention to the patio and the great Austin views & sunsets. We pride ourselves on good vibes, good eats and good drinks brought to you by our staff... our Familia!! Buen Provecho!!
‘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
  • Ayrton
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Wonderful food, San Juan is a fabulous server who will give you incredible recommendations. This is a wonderful location for a hangout with friends or for a great date. All food is amazing, not Tex Mex but proper Mexican food. 10/10
    More info
    SuertePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
    •
    4.9
  • Abby
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    amazing food and cozy vibe, quick attentive service
    More info
    NômadePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Austin
    •
    4.7
  • Keaton
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent lunch option. The burger and BLT are EXCELLENT!
    More info
    VerbenaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • roxiVIP
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I don’t usually give reviews only if it’s really bad as in to warn people or when it’s really good. Well Este was amazing. Just felt welcomed. Our server was very knowledgeable, personable and confident. Had the sombra margarita and I can say it was the best margarita I have ever had. Smoky, not too sweet, perfect balance of flavors: a pleasure to drink. (Also am not a drinker but I love a good drink to sip over dinner) We had the Este ceviche. Amazing. Other two dishes. All were very well balanced, light, light in salt which was refreshing for a restaurant in Texas. My stomach and soul felt light and happy! Great experience.
    More info
    EstePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• East Austin
    •
    4.8
  • ScottVIP
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    ATX Cocina has great food, great service, and a wonderful ambience. I love going there for both business and family occasions. It is my favorite restaurant in Austin.
    More info
    ATX CocinaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
    •
    4.8

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