10 Best Restaurants in Tijuana (Updated for 2025)
Just south of San Diego lies Tijuana, a vibrant city with a booming gastronomic scene that often surpasses expectations and rivals its northern neighbor. Whether you’re visiting for the day, planning a weekend trip, or lucky enough to live nearby, these top Tijuana restaurants are worth your time. From inventive fine dining to casual eats, here are the best restaurants in Tijuana to satisfy every craving.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Historic Restaurant: Caesar’s
- Best Fine Dining: Misión 19
- Best for Views: Sunset Lounge Playas
- Best Casual Hangout: Telefónica Gastro Park
- Best Traditional Experience: El Potrero
Here is List of Best Restaurants in Tijuana
Let’s Explore each Restaurants of Tijuana in more details.
1. Caesar’s:
- Must-Try: Caesar salad (tableside), grilled seafood, house wines.
Cuisine: Classic Mexican / Continental
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Centro
Why Go: Home of the original Caesar Salad. Historic charm and elevated Baja cuisine in a 1927 landmark.
Open since 1927, Caesar’s is the birthplace of the Caesar Salad. This iconic restaurant blends classic elegance with fresh Baja ingredients. A must-visit for a truly historic culinary experience.
2. La Justina:
- Must-Try: Smoked salmon pizza, torta de cochinita, signature cocktails.
Cuisine: Mexican Gastro Pub
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Avenida Revolución
Why Go: A trendy, modern dining experience with beautifully plated dishes and cocktails.
La Justina offers a lively atmosphere with a creative spin on traditional flavors. From floral-topped pizzas to craft cocktails, the presentation is as delightful as the taste.
3. Bodega 8:
- Must-Try: Tortilla soup, grilled steak, cucumber martini.
Cuisine: Mexican Grill
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Zona Río
Why Go: Known for its attentive service and flavorful classics.
Famous for handmade tortillas and attentive staff, Bodega 8 delivers flavorful Mexican comfort food. Their steaks and cocktails are consistently crowd-pleasers.
4. Sunset Lounge Playas:
- Must-Try: Stuffed shrimp, molcajete, creamy clam soup.
Cuisine: Seafood / International
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Playas de Tijuana
Why Go: Beachfront dining with a breathtaking ocean view. Great for family dinners or romantic sunsets.
Sunset Lounge Playas pairs beachside ambiance with a menu full of seafood and grilled favorites. It’s ideal for sunset dinners in a relaxed setting.
5. Misión 19:
- Must-Try: Pressed suckling pig, grilled octopus, risotto aborio.
Cuisine: Baja Med / Fine Dining
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Río
Why Go: Upscale experience featuring cutting-edge Baja-Mediterranean fusion.
Misión 19 is a fine-dining standout featuring innovative Baja Med cuisine. Dishes blend international technique with local ingredients in a modern, stylish space.
6. Cevichería La Mas Nais:
- Must-Try: Red snapper tostada, grilled octopus, mezcalitas.
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Centro
Why Go: Fresh seafood with bold flavors and a vibrant, laid-back vibe.
With a colorful vibe and a seafood-focused menu, this spot is all about bold, fresh flavors. Guests love the octopus and refreshing mezcalitas.
7. Marenca Restaurante:
- Must-Try: Shrimp chilaquiles, chicharrón omelette, steak and lobster.
Cuisine: Mexican Traditional
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Urbana Río Tijuana
Why Go: Great for breakfast or dinner with hearty dishes and local flavor.
From shrimp chilaquiles to steak dinners, Marenca serves traditional Mexican dishes in generous portions. A satisfying option any time of day.
8. Villa Saverios:
- Must-Try: Noodle tacos, seafood pasta, Mediterranean-style chicken.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Italian / Baja Fusion
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Río
Why Go: Elevated Italian cuisine fused with Baja ingredients and techniques.
Villa Saverios blends Mediterranean elegance with Baja creativity. Expect beautifully plated fusion dishes in a refined, welcoming setting.
9. Telefónica Gastro Park:
- Must-Try: Varies by vendor: burgers, vegan tacos, sushi, craft brews.
Cuisine: Food Truck Park
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Centro
Why Go: A collection of gourmet food trucks with craft beer and live music. Great for groups and casual hangouts.
Telefónica offers open-air dining with a rotating lineup of gourmet food trucks. It’s a favorite for casual bites, craft beer, and live music.
10. El Potrero:
- Must-Try: Carne Asada Burrito, grilled seafood, chile relleno.
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Zona Centro
Why Go: A quirky, sombrero-shaped building serving timeless Mexican grill fare since 1947.
El Potrero’s sombrero-shaped building is a Tijuana landmark. With big portions and nostalgic charm, it’s the place for classic, hearty Mexican dishes.
Tips for Visiting Tijuana
- Cross the San Ysidro border by foot or car (check wait times).
- Carry cash (pesos preferred) for taxis and tips.
- Use Uber or trusted local transport.
- Make reservations for upscale places like Misión 19 and Villa Saverios.
- Many restaurants close earlier on Sundays.
FAQs
Q1: What food is Tijuana famous for?
Tijuana is famous for being the birthplace of the Caesar Salad, as well as its Baja Med cuisine, street tacos, and fresh seafood.
Q2: What is the best restaurant in Tijuana for fine dining?
Misión 19 is considered the best fine dining restaurant in Tijuana, offering innovative Baja Med cuisine in a modern setting.
Q3: Where can I eat the original Caesar Salad in Tijuana?
You can try the original Caesar Salad at Caesar’s Restaurant in Zona Centro, the historic spot where it was first created in 1927.
Q4: What is the best casual dining spot in Tijuana?
Telefónica Gastro Park is a top choice for casual dining, featuring gourmet food trucks, craft beers, and live music.
Q5: Is Tijuana safe for food and restaurant visits?
Yes, Tijuana is safe for restaurant visits, especially in popular areas like Zona Río, Zona Centro, and Playas. Using Uber or trusted transport is recommended.
Q6: Do I need reservations for Tijuana restaurants?
Reservations are highly recommended for upscale restaurants like Misión 19, Villa Saverios, and Caesar’s, especially on weekends.
