10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego is a foodie’s paradise, especially when it comes to authentic Mexican food. Thanks to its close connection with Baja California, the city offers everything from traditional street tacos to modern twists on classic dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out with margaritas, you’ll find incredible flavors in every neighborhood.
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s our guide to the 10 best Mexican restaurants in San Diego — from Old Town to Pacific Beach and everywhere in between.
Here is List of best Mexican eateries in San Diego
Lets explore each best Mexican eateries in San Diego
1. Tacos El Gordo (Chula Vista)
- Must-Try: Adobada taco with salsa verde
A San Diego classic, Tacos El Gordo serves up authentic Tijuana-style tacos that have been winning over locals for more than 40 years. Each taco is made with handmade corn tortillas, top-grade meats, and fresh guacamole prepared daily. Their adobada tacos — sliced straight from the rotating spit — are legendary.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 689 H Street, Chula Vista
🔗 tacoselgordobc.com
2. Serrano’s Street Tacos and Bar (Gaslamp Quarter)
- Must-Try: Shrimp tacos with chipotle aioli
Located in San Diego’s lively Gaslamp Quarter, Serrano’s offers both indoor dining and an outdoor grill experience. Their seafood tacos, carne asada tostadas, and creative margaritas make it a favorite for downtown visitors. It’s a great mix of modern Mexican cuisine and classic flavors.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 624 Fifth Ave, San Diego
🔗 serranostacossd.com
3. TJ Oyster Bar (Bonita)
- Must-Try: Smoked tuna fries
For the best Baja-style seafood north of the border, head to TJ Oyster Bar. Their menu includes fresh ceviche, garlic shrimp tacos, and even adventurous options like machaca-style stingray. Pair your meal with a glass of Valle de Guadalupe wine or local craft beer for the full experience.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 4246 Bonita Rd, Bonita
🔗 tjoyster.com
4. King and Queen Cantina (Little Italy)
- Must-Try: Surf and turf burrito
This trendy spot in Little Italy San Diego is perfect for a night out. King and Queen Cantina offers creative menu items like bone marrow tacos and Hot Cheetos fries, alongside traditional burritos and enchiladas. Don’t miss their colorful margarita flight.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 1490 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
🔗 kingandqueencantina.com
5. Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (Pacific Beach & Hillcrest)
- Must-Try: Battered shrimp tacos
A local favorite, Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is known for its battered shrimp tacos, octopus tacos, and comforting fish stew. With locations in Pacific Beach and Hillcrest, it’s perfect for a quick, flavorful bite after a day at the beach.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: Multiple locations
🔗 oscarsmexicanseafood.com
6. Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop (Mission Hills, North Park, Sycuan Casino)
- Must-Try: Steak taco with cilantro crema salsa
Part restaurant, part wrestling-themed attraction, Lucha Libre is as fun as it is tasty. Known for their cilantro crema salsa and creative tacos, it’s a go-to for locals wanting something different. You can even dine in a mock wrestling ring.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: Multiple locations
🔗 luchalibretacoshop.com
7. Café Coyote (Old Town San Diego)
- Must-Try: Fresh tortillas with honey butter
In the heart of Old Town San Diego, Café Coyote has been serving freshly made tortillas for decades. Whether you’re there for Taco Tuesday or their famous sopapillas, you’ll love the festive vibe and mariachi music.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego
🔗 cafecoyoteoldtown.com
8. Aquí es Texcoco (Chula Vista)
- Must-Try: Barbacoa tacos with consomé
If you love authentic Mexican barbacoa, Aquí es Texcoco is a must. Specializing in slow-roasted lamb barbecue, their recipes follow centuries-old traditions. No frills — just pure flavor.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 1043 Broadway, Chula Vista
🔗 aquiestexcoco.com
9. Cocina 35 (Downtown & Otay Mesa)
- Must-Try: Chilaquiles divorciados (half red, half green)
Known as the best Mexican breakfast restaurant in San Diego, Cocina 35 lets you customize your plate with chilaquiles, eggs, beans, and more. Their red and green chilaquiles are an Instagram favorite.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: Multiple locations
🔗 cocina35.com
10. Casa de Pico (La Mesa)
- Must-Try: Chicken enchiladas with mole sauce
Located in Grossmont Center, Casa de Pico combines authentic flavors with a festive atmosphere. Enjoy mariachi music, Birdbath Margaritas, and hearty plates of enchiladas, tacos, and tamales.
💲 Price range: Visit Site
📍 Location: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa
🔗 casadepico.com
Final Bite: Where to Eat in San Diego for the Best Mexican Food
Whether you’re craving street tacos in Chula Vista, seafood in Pacific Beach, or authentic Old Town Mexican cuisine, these 10 best Mexican restaurants in San Diego will satisfy every craving. From budget-friendly taco shops to upscale cantinas, San Diego’s Mexican food scene is as diverse and flavorful as the city itself.
