A Latino Foodie’s San Diego Favorites
Dining out in San Diego can be an extraordinary and enriching experience. The options for sampling American, Mexican and other cuisines are truly vast. Residents and visitors alike have a culinary haven at their fingertips. Here are a few examples of the variety and vibrancy across San Diego’s dining spectrum.
El Agave Restaurant & Tequilería
Where: 2304 San Diego Ave. B, San Diego, CA 92110
Located in San Diego’s historic Old Town, El Agave offers haute Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on refined traditional dishes. The atmosphere is elegant and decorated with Mexican ceramics and handmade bottles. El Agave has an impressive display of the largest collection of tequila bottles in the United States. There are more than 2,000 different brands to choose from, including their own award-winning tequila. Upon entering, the interior design is what catches your eye, but it's the quality of the food that keeps people coming back.
Puesto
Where: Multiple locations
With locations in Downtown San Diego, La Jolla and Mission Valley (as well as Petco Park during baseball season), Puesto offers gourmet tacos in a modern setting. The handmade blue corn tortillas and innovative ingredients make each taco a unique experience. The owners are first generation Mexican-Americans who have been immersed in authentic Mexican cuisine since childhood. They also have a good selection of margaritas and craft beers.
Taka Restaurant
Where: 555 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
In Downtown San Diego, Taka offers traditional Japanese sushi with the highest-quality fish. Expert chefs combine a modern and creative approach with traditional techniques and methods. They use fresh, seasonal fish shipped directly from Japan. The result is a creative offering of traditional and contemporary sushi and sashimi, along with a variety of appetizers and hors d'oeuvres. It's an excellent choice for an elegant meal without excess. The service is attentive and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream
Where: Multiple locations
With locations both Downtown and in the North Coastal community of Encinitas, this artisanal ice cream shop offers a wide variety of flavors, all made-in-house. From classic flavors to more daring options, the place is perfect for dessert after the beach or a stroll around the neighborhood.
El Salvadoreño
Where: 2845 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
A warm place with an extensive menu, this restaurant in the Grant Hill neighborhood east of Downtown serves home-style cooking that is faithful to the original dishes of El Salvador. Highlights include papusas and their various fillings, as well as plantains, tamales and salads. The atmosphere is casual and family friendly.
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Where: 789 W Harbor Drive #134, San Diego, CA 92101
For those who appreciate red meat, this is a traditional steakhouse near San Diego Bay. It offers 18 choices of grilled meats served right to your table, including beef, pork, lamb and seafood. There is also a salad bar with more than 40 options to choose from. The desserts are likewise outstanding in taste and quality.
Costa Brava
Where: 1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
San Diego residents and visitors can get a taste of Spain at Costa Brava. The Pacific Beach restaurant offers a wide variety of hot and cold tapas, soups and entrees. The wines they offer are also Spanish, with varieties such as Albariño and Tempranillo. Traditional Spanish music completes the atmosphere.
Kindred
Where: 1503 30th St., San Diego, CA 92102
This vegan favorite in South Park has a punk-rock, French Gothic aesthetic, with metal music playing in the background. The menu is creative, and the cocktail bar, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, has made it a must-visit destination even for non-vegans.
Lucha Libre Taco Shop
Where: Multiple locations
This a family-owned taqueria in San Diego was inspired by the vibrant culture of Mexican wrestling. The menu features a variety of delicious tacos, burritos, and specials. The atmosphere celebrates the spirit of wrestling, creating an exciting and energetic vibe. The place is as fun as it is delicious, and you can make reservations at the Mission Hills location.
Puerto La Boca
Where: 2060 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
An Argentinean spot in Little Italy, known for its charcuterie, empanadas and chimichurri. The atmosphere is cozy, with music and decor reminiscent of the iconic Buenos Aires neighborhood the restaurant is named for. Puerto La Boca offers a wide variety of Argentine desserts, and also has an excellent South American wine list.
Q'ero Restaurant
Where: 564 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
A small Peruvian restaurant in Encinitas offering authentic flavors such as lomo saltado, ají de gallina and ceviches. The atmosphere is intimate and the service is warm. They also have a shop that sells handmade Peruvian products.
Rising Sun Collective
Where: 3914 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
A community space in North Park that combines a cafe, bakery and cultural events. Rising Sun has vegan and fair-trade options, and the menu is extensive, with international Asian options. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to work or meet friends.
Sabores Colombianos
Where: 3695 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
This restaurant's menu is a fusion of indigenous, African and Spanish influences, offering a unique culinary experience that is always fresh, non-spicy and gluten-free. It has soups and main dishes that Colombians will recognize. The restaurant also has original drinks from the country.
Tacos El Gordo
Where: Multiple locations
Originally from Tijuana, Tacos El Gordo is legendary for its adobada tacos. With a separate service line for each type of taco, guests get their food quickly and efficiently. The ingredients are fresh and the preparation follows the customs of northern Mexico. It is a classic for those looking for authentic flavor at a great price. There are several locations in San Diego, and since they are not expensive, visitors can easily try the different varieties.
The French Oven
Where: 10299 Scripps Trail Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131
A little off the beaten tourist track, this French bakery and lunch spot in Scripps Ranch is known for its croissants, baguettes and tarts. The owner is a fifth-generation baker from a family of French bakers. Everything is baked daily using traditional techniques. Ideal for breakfast or brunch with specialty coffee. Also offers dinner to go on Fridays.
The Taco Stand
Where: Multiple locations
With several locations in San Diego, this place is famous for its Tijuana-style tacos. The tortillas are handmade to order, and the ingredients are fresh, giving the tacos a touch of authenticity and great flavor. The sauces, made from scratch daily, are also unique and stand out from other taquerías. The atmosphere is casual and always lively, ideal for enjoying a quick and authentic taco.