Find Affordable Eats in San Diego
For visitors exploring a city for the first time, discovering the local dining scene is often right at the top of the list. After all, nothing tells you more about the soul of a city than the food it serves. And in San Diego — which is fast becoming a top national dining destination — visitors can enjoy a host of culinary delights at surprisingly reasonable prices, if you know where to look.
Sometimes, all you really need is a stunning sunset (or sunrise), a California burrito (invented in San Diego!) and an iced coffee. And San Diego has got you covered on all those and so much more.
By the Sea
By the Sea
There’s nothing quite like savoring bites and beverages while taking in a beautiful ocean view. And in San Diego, a great way to do that without the pricey-restaurant premium is by spending the day at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. Not only is it a fun destination and classic SoCal boardwalk experience, but historic Belmont serves up all the old-school delights, including burgers, ice cream, corn dogs, popcorn and more. With 17 separate spots to get food at the park, you’re bound to find your perfect beachside nosh.
Of course, if you’re by the ocean or bay, you’re also well within reach of fresh seafood. And given San Diego’s 70-plus miles of coastline, with taco stands and seafood shacks dotting much of that stretch, you almost can’t miss.
Mitch’s Seafood, a Point Loma staple, gives you the full San Diego seaside experience, with a dock overlooking the bay and fresh catches on the menu. From seafood plates overflowing with clams and mussels to a hearty fishermen’s stew, Mitch’s is a must-visit on your trip to San Diego.
Nearby Point Loma Seafoods is another dockside classic. And in La Jolla, don’t miss El Pescador Fish Market, whose fish sandwiches and tacos are local favorites.
Insider's tip: If you have a place to grill locally caught seafood, make sure to head to the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero. On Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out), you can score fresh deals on lobster, sea urchins and more. By buying direct from the fishermen, the prices are a lot easier to swallow.
Mexican Favorites
Mexican Favorites
In San Diego, great local Mexican food spots abound. And luckily for visitors, the prices at these mom-and-pop eateries are generally much lower than at chain restaurants.
For authentic Mexican food with flavors straight from Tijuana, make sure to stop at Tacos El Franc, which has two San Diego locations.
Another Mexican favorite is Tacos el Gordo in the Gaslamp Quarter, particularly for its famous adobada tacos. And the delightful Taco Stand mini-chain is renowned for its freshly made tortillas and in-house salsa bar.
For a great low-cost way to enjoy both the bounty of Mexican food in San Diego and the sights of the city, take a self-guided Taco Trolley Tour. Riding the San Diego Trolley is easy and inexpensive, and there’s a taco joint near every stop on this cost-conscious culinary adventure.
Classic Delis
Classic Delis
If you’re craving deli delights, San Diego has some iconic sandwich places you'll want to check out. In Little Italy, Mona Lisa Italian Foods has been offering a quintessential Italian deli experience since 1956. Grab one of their sandwiches and head over to the bustling Piazza Famiglia to eat and people-watch, or let the kids enjoy the playground at Waterfront Park.
Clem’s Bottle House, a liquor store located in Kensington, has a menu of deli sandwiches so good that hungry locals flock to the place. As an added bonus, you might spot Ron Burgundy himself (aka Will Ferrell) grabbing a bite: The comic actor and star of the San Diego-set “Anchorman” has been known to frequent the spot on visits to town.
Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets
San Diego is home to plenty of fresh farmers markets, which unfold on various days in places across the region. Favorites include the Saturday market in Little Italy, the Sunday market in Hillcrest, and the Ocean Beach market on Wednesdays. Whichever market you check out, expect to find local delicacies from home-grown vendors, including fresh pastas, salsas, bread, desserts and more. In San Diego, access to fresh local goods is easier than ever!
Delightful Diners
Delightful Diners
For an affordable restaurant alternative, try one of San Diego’s legendary diners, many of which have been around for decades. In North Park, the iconic Rudford’s Restaurant maintains its nostalgic appeal (and its connection to President John F. Kennedy, who famously rode by Rudford’s in his motorcade while on a 1963 visit to San Diego).
Down the street, the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop has been serving up savory chicken pot pies since 1938. The shop’s daily specials can feed a family for under $20 per person.
And in nearby Mission Valley, the Waffle Spot at the Kings Inn along Hotel Circle has a menu filled with such breakfast favorites as Belgian waffles, plus Mexican standbys such as chilaquiles and machaca burritos.
Best Burger Joints
Best Burger Joints
Burgers are always a solid choice for feeding the appetite on a budget. And if you’re craving a burger in San Diego, you have to stop by one of The Friendly’s locations here and try the place's imaginative concoctions. Not only does The Friendly grill up such reasonably priced favorites as the Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger, but you’ll also find such out-there choices as the Surf N Turf swordfish schnitzel sandwich, plus fun takes on classic fast foods such as the McFriendly Crabby Filet-O-Fish.
Burger spots don’t get more San Diego than Hodad’s, which takes its name from surfer lingo and has been a San Diego institution since the 1960s. The eatery is situated by the waves in Ocean Beach and also has locations Downtown and at the San Diego Padres’ nearby Petco Park in East Village.
And one of San Diego’s newest burger joints, Farm to Smash — with locations in Point Loma and Escondido — has quickly gone viral for its smashburgers. The menu offers several variations on that theme, and in true burger-joint style there are also fries (regular or loaded) and hand-spun shakes.
Top Picnic Spots
Top Picnic Spots
In San Diego, there’s both great year-round weather and plenty of natural spaces for hungry visitors to settle in with their food and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Grab a deli sandwich or tacos and head to the beach to watch the twilight sky show at Sunset Cliffs, or head over to Shelter Island to enjoy stunning views of Downtown while you chow down.
Plan a trip to Coronado to wander its quaint streets or explore the iconic Hotel del Coronado. If you pack a picnic and make your way to Coronado’s storied Tidelands Park, you can see sweeping views of Downtown and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
In Pacific Beach, Kate Sessions Park is a popular spot for picnics. Enjoy beautiful views of Mission Bay from the grass while you lounge with friends. In La Jolla, post up at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, where you can savor the views of the Pacific and the rocky shoreline.
If you’re planning to explore North County during your trip, Kit Carson Park in Escondido is a great place to picnic, with dedicated picnic shelters and lots of other features to enjoy — from playgrounds to a skate park to Queen Califia’s Magical Circle sculpture garden.