Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Downtown

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Palo Santo

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • West Midtown

Booked 6 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.

2. Casa Almenara

4.2

Awesome(80)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Midtown

Booked 1 time today

Casa Almenara, nestled in the vibrant heart of Midtown, Atlanta, is a top destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a Tulum-inspired escape. Known for its craft cocktails, this beacon of nightlife stands out with its mix of superior hospitality and an electric atmosphere, perfect for any celebration. Guests rave about the "fantastic drinks" and the ambiance that keeps the spirit high with "live music, karaoke, and DJs." Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional cocktail experience, with one noting, "the drinks were fantastic and the atmosphere was lit." Whether it's sipping on bottomless mimosas during brunch or enjoying a crafted drink from the skilled bartenders like Tai, Casa Almenara ensures a memorable cocktail experience with each visit.

3. Zocalo

4.6

Exceptional(209)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Midtown

Booked 3 times today

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 Palo Santo Rooftop restaurant

4. 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.

5. Carmel

4.7

Exceptional(428)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead

Booked 35 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 Alma Cocina Buckhead restaurant

6. Alma Cocina Buckhead

4.7

Exceptional(713)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead

Booked 11 times 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.

7. Chido and Padre's

4.4

Awesome(696)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Buckhead

Booked 14 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.

‘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

V
Valencia
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Oh my gosh one of the best experience I've had in a long time. Oh and the food mmm mmmm delicioso, magnefique. Just an awesome night overall.
More info
CarmelPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Buckhead
•
4.7
S
Scott
Atlanta Metro •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 7, 2024
Great experience. Highly recommend the molcajete for two, a Cadillac Margarita and some guac6and queso as appetizers. You won't be disappointed. We had a party of 8, and we were seated immediately and promptly served. All guests loved their food and fresh, authentic flavors.
More info
ZocaloPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Midtown
•
4.6
J
Joey
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 19, 2024
Wonderful experience at Palo Santo. Very friendly staff and service, food and drinks were great with an incredible and intimate ambiance for dinner with dimmed lights and music. Recommend for any special dinner occasion when visiting Atlanta.
More info
Palo SantoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• West Midtown
•
4.3
P
Patvip
Orlando / Central Florida East •18 reviews
4.0
Dined on Oct 3, 2024
The guacamole app was small for the price. Overall we were pleasantly surprised. However they need to update their online menu.
More info
Casa AlmenaraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Midtown
•
4.2
D
deedot8vip
Atlanta Metro •22 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 5, 2024
Our server was amazing, attentive and professional. The food menu is limited on the rooftop so I hated that part. Also, I’ve never been ID’ed at check in of the reservation. I thought that was so weird.
More info
Palo Santo RooftopPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• West Midtown
•
4.3

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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Downtown

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Palo Santo

2. Casa Almenara

3. Zocalo

4. Palo Santo Rooftop

5. Carmel

6. Alma Cocina Buckhead

7. Chido and Padre's

See what locals rave about

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