Best International Food in San Diego: 15 Restaurants to Take Your Taste Buds Around the World
San Diego isn’t just sunshine, beaches, and craft beer — it’s also one of the most diverse foodie cities in the U.S. Thanks to its coastal location, proximity to Mexico, and vibrant immigrant communities, you’ll find flavors from every corner of the globe here. Whether you’re craving rich Persian stews, fragrant Thai curries, sizzling Korean BBQ, or handmade Italian pasta, San Diego’s international dining scene will take you on a delicious journey without leaving the city.
10 best places for international food in San Diego
Here’s your guide to 15 of the best international restaurants in San Diego — organized by region — so you can eat your way around the world.
Asian Flavors
Din Tai Fung – Taiwanese/Chinese
- Must-Try: Pork Xiao Long Bao
Din Tai Fung has earned a worldwide reputation for its precision-crafted dumplings and authentic Taiwanese flavors. Their signature Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) arrive steaming hot in bamboo baskets, each a delicate pouch of savory broth and tender pork. Beyond dumplings, their menu features silky noodles, spicy wontons, vegetable buns, and seasonal dishes that delight the palate. With its sleek, modern dining space and open kitchen where you can watch dumplings being made, this is as much a visual treat as it is a culinary one.
Price: Visit Site
4301 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, United States
Supannee House of Thai – Thai
- Must-Try: Green Curry with Chicken
Supannee House delivers bold, aromatic Thai flavors made with fresh local produce and house-made sauces. From green curry with tender chicken to crispy basil duck and spicy papaya salad, every dish bursts with flavor and color. The casual yet stylish dining room offers a warm welcome, while the menu caters to spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors alike. Don’t skip their seasonal specials, which showcase lesser-known Thai dishes rarely found outside Thailand.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 2907 Shelter Island Dr UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
Pho Cow Cali – Vietnamese
- Must-Try: Beef Pho with Rare Steak & Brisket
Known for its comforting bowls of pho, Pho Cow Cali is a local favorite for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Their broth simmers for hours, extracting rich, deep flavors that make every spoonful unforgettable. In addition to pho with rare steak and brisket, they offer vermicelli noodle bowls, crispy egg rolls, and banh mi sandwiches for a quick but satisfying bite. The casual, bustling vibe makes it perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 9170 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, United States
Korean BBQ House – Korean
- Must-Try: Beef Bulgogi
Located in the heart of the Convoy District, Korean BBQ House offers an interactive dining experience where you grill your own meats right at the table. The marinated beef bulgogi, spicy pork belly, and garlic chicken are all crowd favorites, served alongside endless banchan (small Korean side dishes). The sizzling aromas and lively atmosphere make it ideal for group gatherings. Pair your meal with a bottle of soju for the full Korean BBQ experience.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 4344 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
African & Middle Eastern
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant and Market – Ethiopian
- Must-Try: Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken Stew with Injera)
Awash brings the rich flavors of Ethiopia to San Diego with hearty stews, aromatic spices, and the beloved injera flatbread. Meals are traditionally served family-style, encouraging guests to tear off pieces of injera and scoop up flavorful bites of tender meats, lentils, and vegetables. Their menu is a feast for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, with everything from spicy chicken to mild lentil stews. The attached market is perfect for picking up Ethiopian spices, coffee, and essentials to enjoy at home.
💲 Price: Vist Site
📍 2884 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, United States
Bandar Persian Prime Restaurant – Persian
- Must-Try: Chicken Koobideh Kabob
Bandar is known for bringing refined Persian cuisine to the Gaslamp Quarter with dishes that are as healthy as they are flavorful. Their signature chicken koobideh is charbroiled to perfection, while the eggplant stew and saffron rice offer rich, comforting flavors. The elegant dining room makes it an excellent choice for date nights and special occasions. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and low-fat cooking, it’s indulgence you can feel good about.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 845 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Khyber Pass Zarparan – Afghan & Persian
- Must-Try: Lamb Kabob with Basmati Rice
Serving San Diego for over 36 years, Khyber Pass blends Afghan and Persian culinary traditions into an unforgettable dining experience. The menu ranges from juicy lamb kabobs and Cornish hen tandoori to hearty stews and delicate sambosas. Rich aromas of saffron, cardamom, and fresh herbs fill the cozy dining room, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace. This family-owned spot is a true cultural gem in Hillcrest.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 523 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Latin American
Puerto La Boca – Argentinian & Italian Fusion
- Must-Try: Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri
Nestled in Little Italy, Puerto La Boca combines Argentina’s passion for grilled meats with Italy’s love for pasta and wine. The grass-fed ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce is the star, offering bold and herbaceous flavors in every bite. The menu also features seafood dishes, empanadas, and fresh pastas for those who want variety. With live Latin music on weekends, it’s an ideal spot for a lively and romantic night out.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 2060 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Rock Steady Real Jamaican Restaurant – Jamaican
- Must-Try: Jerk Chicken Plate
Rock Steady delivers authentic Caribbean vibes with dishes like jerk chicken, curried shrimp, and oxtail with beans. The jerk seasoning is a perfect balance of heat and flavor, grilled to smoky perfection. The colorful interior and reggae beats create an upbeat, laid-back dining environment. Portions are generous, so come hungry and leave with leftovers.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 2820 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102, United States
Andres Restaurant – Cuban & Puerto Rican
- Must-Try: Arroz con Pollo with Plantains
Andres serves the bold and comforting flavors of the Caribbean, from arroz con pollo to Cuban sandwiches and sweet plantains. Each dish is cooked with authentic recipes and plenty of garlic, onions, and spices. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make it feel like dining in someone’s home. Be sure to save room for flan or tres leches cake to end on a sweet note.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 1235 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Sabor Brazilian Grill – Brazilian
- Must-Try: Picanha Plate
Sabor offers a true taste of Brazil with slow-cooked picanha beef, crispy polenta, and grilled pineapple. The smoky aroma from the open flame greets you as soon as you walk in, and the flavors do not disappoint. Their portions are hearty, making it perfect for sharing with friends. Don’t miss their traditional Brazilian desserts for a sweet ending.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 3944 W Point Loma Blvd Suite G, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Las Cuatro Milpas – Mexican
- Must-Try: Rolled Tacos with Rice and Beans
A San Diego institution since 1933, Las Cuatro Milpas is known for its homemade tortillas and comforting, no-frills Mexican fare. Their rolled tacos are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, served alongside beans and rice. The menu is simple, but every bite tastes like tradition. Be prepared for a line — locals and tourists alike flock here daily.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, United States
European
Cesarina – Italian
- Must-Try: Fresh Tagliatelle with Bolognese Sauc
Cesarina is a love letter to Italian pasta-making traditions, offering diners the chance to build their own pasta with fresh shapes, sauces, and toppings. Everything is made in-house, from the silky tagliatelle to the decadent desserts like tiramisu. The restaurant’s charming garden patios and warm hospitality make it a romantic choice for date nights. Vegan options ensure everyone can enjoy a taste of Italy.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
Pomegranate – Russian-Georgian
- Must-Try: Khachapuri (Cheese-Filled Bread)
Pomegranate serves hearty Eastern European dishes with a side of cultural storytelling from the friendly staff. Their khachapuri — a warm bread filled with gooey cheese — is a showstopper, perfect for sharing. Other favorites include beef stroganoff, cheese pies, and honey cake. The eclectic décor and lively atmosphere make it feel like a cozy home away from home.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 2312 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, United States
Bleu Bohème – French
- Must-Try: Duck Confit
Bleu Bohème transports diners straight to Paris with its candlelit tables, rustic French décor, and classic menu. Their duck confit is rich, tender, and perfectly crisped, paired with seasonal vegetables. Other menu highlights include escargot, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this Kensington bistro delivers romance and refinement.
💲 Price: Visit Site
📍 4090 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
Final Bite
San Diego’s international dining scene is like holding a passport in your pocket — each meal transports you to a different part of the world. Whether you want bold spices, comforting classics, or new flavors you’ve never tried, these restaurants are ready to serve up unforgettable experiences.
- Pro tip: Bring friends, share dishes, and make your own global food tour right here in America’s Finest City.
