San Diego Visitors Guide - San Diego Official Visitors Guide

CULINARY

Be sure to try the smoked tuna tacos at North Park’s favorite taqueria, City Tacos.

Mexican Eats
Whether you’re noshing in San Diego
or taking a trip across the border,
welcome to our wonderful world of
Mexican cuisine.

PANCHITAS BAKERY

Explore the sweet side of Mexican cuisine at this local bakery that stocks a wide variety of fresh-baked treats, including tres leches cake, cookies, turnovers, doughnuts and traditional pan dulce.

2519 C St., Golden Hill

CITY TACOS

Some of the most exciting tacos in the city emerge from the tiny kitchen at the back of this taco shop in North Park. Don’t miss the camaron taco (sautéed shrimp in a serrano chile egg batter).

3028 University Ave., North Park

DON CHIDO

Authentic Mexican flavors (and serious spice) are dished up here. Sit on the buzzy sidewalk patio and enjoy primo people watching while you dig into a street taco sampler.

527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp

BIRRIA CHIVOS & CHEVES

Take the trek to National City for the tastes of Jalisco and enjoy the signature birria dish—spiced goat or beef stew cradled in house-made tortillas—along with spicy fresh salsas and a friendly crew.

2401 Highland Ave., National City

COMÚN

LA ESPECIAL NORTE

This family-owned, low-key café is famous for its homemade soups, especially their Mexican-style chicken soup loaded with tender shredded chicken, cilantro rice and chunks of avocado. Many claim their tortilla soup is the best in town. Plenty of fine traditional fare as well.

644 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Leucadia

ORTEGA’S

This Hillcrest gem celebrates Puerto Nuevo-style dining and serves regional specialties like grilled Baja-style lobster and fresh guacamole prepared tableside in a cute cantina setting. Try the plantain-crusted snapper and pomegranate margarita as well.

141 University Ave., Hillcrest

ROMESCO MEXITERRANEAN BISTRO

At this Javier Plascencia outpost, try several of his greatest hits, including the famous Caesar salad, beef cheek tacos and goat caramel crêpes.

4346 Bonita Road, Bonita

City Tacos

Sleek, semi-industrial décor, an exhibition-style kitchen and evocative artwork by Mexicali artist Gloria Muriel set the stage for Chad White’s inventive menu of light (and relatively healthy) contemporary Mexican fare. Visit on “Tostada Tuesday” and you can score seven different spins on the restaurant’s signature dish, topped with everything from tilapia ceviche to steak tartare, for $3 a pop. Given the top-notch list of craft cocktails, it would be a crime not to imbibe, so drink up.