50 Best Taco Restaurants near La Jolla

“Muchísimas Gracias a Raymundo y su colega!

In the middle of a long trip to California’s coast, all the way from our home in Colorado, our group found ourselves in Raymundo’s colorful and welcoming restaurant. The food left our bellies and our hearts full. The tortas were “gas” the salsa was “hella good” and the drinks refreshed us after a morning in the sun. The food was made well, with care and love you could taste in every bite. Raymundo himself was even kind enough to take a photo with us all. In a world pushing us towards faceless fast food mega chains, local businesses like this one keep our world as vibrant as the walls in this lovely place.“

“First time at Sammy’s in Imperial Beach for breakfast the portions were big and the desserts delicious. We definitely will be returning. Sammy’s is one of my favorite restaurants!“

“I had 3 tacos and they were all very good. Not sure why 2 were hard shelled & the 3rd was soft shelled. Beef & chicken were hard & carnitas was made with the soft tortillas. All good, but next time I'll ask for soft tortillas..The person working the counter was super nice.“

“This is a must visit when in San Diego! The best food! Everyone is kind that works here and even with waiting once an hour and a half in line I was not disappointed. Highly recommend Oscar's of Emerald in SD🥰“

“We tried Mike’s over the weekend & it was absolutely delicious! Definitely would recommend it if you like birria!“

“As San Diego native and a long time resident of Pacific Beach, I highly recommend La Playa Taco Shop. I always get their California Burrito (add sour cream). It's the best of the best when it comes to burritos. Their ingredients are top notch. You won't regret going here!“

“Spent several enjoyable hours at New English Brewery this afternoon. Actually, came here because of wanting to try out “The Craft Taco Truck.” They didn’t disappoint! The guys were friendly, the food was great! Visually appealing and delicious. Highly recommend you seek them out and enjoy an afternoon with them! We’ll definitely be back.“

“Comida riquísima!!! Authentically delicious! 🔥🇲🇽“

“Wow! I was skeptical of the reviews, but this place is extraordinary. Phenomenal flavors in not only the Birria but the cabeza and carne steak taco were some of the best I’ve ever had. Is very greasy, but it’s birria. Service was very friendly.“

“Best tacos very tasty. Great customer service“

“Excelente menú, servicio amable, súper sabores. La limonada de pepino, etc etc Lo recomiendo“

“the food and service here are great! i love the location and design of the restaurant, and was super excited to try out some new vegan food. they have a very solid menu selection, and i like how many protein options they have. i tried the nachos and the taco platter, which were both delicious! the vegan proteins are very well made, and i thought that the sauces and flavor combinations were very well thought out. personally, my favorite taco that i tried was the plantain taco as it was unique in terms of flavor profile. the guac is also made fresh here and was quite tasty. the food also came out really fast given that there were quite a few people ordering and eating in the restaurant. it was a little bit loud inside the restaurant, but it wasn't crazy or anything. overall, i would definitely recommend tacotarian for some quick service and delicious tacos!“

“Absolutely delicious. All the talk about their California Burrito is true.

Wife and I get a Pastor and a California Burrito and eat half of each. Try their hot sauces, red and green both.

Place is small but runs quickly and smoothly.

Parking is a bit tough but it's not their fault, the lot is barely 12 spaces. Don't let that stop you, just go a little further to the larger lot and walk about 30 seconds for your burrito. It's worth it.“

“Street tacos with the vibe of California.“

“Stopped by El Charro and had the carne asada tacos—absolutely amazing. The meat was flavorful and cooked perfectly. What really stood out was the hot sauce bar—all three sauces were incredible and each brought something different to the table. Definitely worth checking out. Come try it for yourself.“

“The last time I tried to eat here, there was no line. I found out it was after close. The food is always pretty good. I used to always run into friends from early adulthood, whose parents' house was in East county, here, for some reason. My guess is that it a comfortable busy hub away from downtown and closer to more-local casual or fancier places.“

“wonderful food, we went yesterday evening, a friend of mine suggested to go, I did it and it was wonderful, thanks to the kindness of the people who work here, Amazing Tacos!! we bring you in our heart coming back in Italy!! Linda“

“I've been coming here since 2008, this time i came to visit since long time and the prices are still convinient and the food is great. The only thing i consider is taking the food to go because of homeless and transients outside and inside. This place was my childhood taco shop, also they had security inside back then, now no more. I missed this place❤️“

“Superb Mexican food. Fast and easy. We loved it ! 🤙🏼“

“we flew down to San Diego from Washington State to visit some friends this place was on our list of places to visit, I'm so glad we did. if you're a wrestling fan and a food fan this place is fantastic would highly recommend the only thing I wish is I would have got two chicken black bean Chipotle burritos“

“Have driven by this truck a thousand times but never stopped by until tonight, and we were so happy we did! We’ve been sleeping on this place for way too long. The cabeza, adobada, and birria tacos were all cooked perfectly and the salsas were on point too. Lastly, the carne asada in their California burrito couldn’t have been better. The service was also as friendly as can be, making sure we got everything you need. I think we found our new regular spot. Oh and they might have the best Jamaica.“

“I’ve been here on five separate occasions now, and every visit has been consistently great. The customer service is always warm and welcoming the staff are friendly, patient, and genuinely kind, which makes the experience feel more personal than most places. I’ve never felt rushed, and each time I’ve gone in they’ve treated me with the same level of care and positivity. It’s the kind of place where you can tell they actually value their customers, which is a big reason why I keep coming back.
Over my visits I’ve tried the carne asada tacos, ceviche, fish tacos, and the California burrito, and every single item has been delicious. The flavors are fresh, the portions are generous. The fish tacos and ceviche in particular stood out for how authentic they tasted, while the California burrito was filling and packed with flavor. After five visits with consistently good food and service, it’s easy for me to say this place is highly recommended I’ll definitely keep coming back.“

“Looking for something to eat on Christmas Day and decided to try. Very glad we stopped in, food was excellent, great portions for the money. I tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips and it was all very good. William was awesome, very friendly, attentive and excellent service. Highly recommended“

“We tried Mike’s over the weekend & it was absolutely delicious! Definitely would recommend it if you like birria!“

“their lengua was especially good— will be coming back to try more stuff. it felt a bit expensive for a taco at around $4-5 depending on your meat but i guess that’s about the normal price for a place downtown? i’m not from sd so im not completely sure. the tacos were good anyway tho“

“The food is very tasty and they are big portions! Bonus they are very reasonably priced! The chili relleno is $4 and taste amazing, the carnasada taco was $3.50 and was a pretty decent size, and the flying saucer was $10 and was pretty big. Overall the food was really good! I would definitely recommend!“

“My new favorite taqueria, a true hidden gem! Great variety and quality, with 6+ housemade salsas and a menu that ranges from classic burritos and plates to menudo and buffalo fries. Fridays are the move for their daily special: a carne asada burrito with rice, beans, and a drink at a price you rarely see these days.“

“I want to go there again. The atmosphere was wonderful! It gave me the feel like I was in Baja Mexico. I loved the Mexican music! The food tasted like I was eating not American food but food made in Mexico. That makes me happy. It is a small place but it was worth it to me to sit on a stool and enjoy seeing them cook and eat my yummy beef tacos. The spices the limes the salsa was perfect. It was inside a little mall. I was so glad to have found “The Taco Stand.”“

“This place is legit! The tacos here as super delicious and you can definitely tell they use high quality ingredients in everything. Especially in the meats! I work right around the corner from this place and am pumped they are here. If you want top notch tacos then this is your place!“

“We had the best experience today. The food is so delicious and the staff was top notch! Let us know if you ever sell your Horchata mix:) Thank you!“

“What can I say I love Roberto's been coming here for years with my whole family 🔥😉💯 Amazing food! Delicious hot sauce! 😋 Can never go wrong with whatever you order!
Customer service is great! Everyone whose ever helped me is always quick, friendly and professional. If you love Mexican 🌯🌮 food! You'll everything they have to offer here ❤️“

“We ordered take out from there and it was really good“

“My children and I all ordered the same thing 'carne asada torta' with a side of French fries. I didn't like the salsa very much but that was just personal preferences. The Tamarindo drink tasted watered down and was lacking flavor.“

“Some of the best tacos I’ve had in a long time. Every single bite tasted high quality and fresh. We each had three tacos and walked away perfectly but not uncomfortably full. Would recommend for anyone in San Diego.“

“We ordered the chicken meal. Absolutely delicious! Customer service is awesome too. We'll definitely order again!“

“They didn’t have any vegetarian breakfast burritos on the menu, but were very accommodating and substituted peppers and onions in the hashbrown burrito for the meat. It was gigantic and tasty! The salsas were spicy and flavorful. There’s plenty of seating to eat in. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was playing on their TVs, sooo random but loved the vibe. :p“

“The first bite reminded me of the tacos. My mom makes it home so I will definitely be coming back to this place. Got the Pastor and asado and they asked if I wanted beans with it which was not something I typically get offered, but I did try it and it was a tasty addition. Also the selections of pickled onions and salsa was awesome. Really chill spot near barrio Logan and the people were friendly.“

“We are regular customers of South Beach. We had dinner last night (Jan 21st) around 6 pm. Service and table were fine. I chose the Voodoo shrimp/sausage dish off the special menu. It was sub standard and had little shrimp or sausage. Watery and really not remarkable. First time we ever had a bad meal. Usually anything you pick is magnificent. Spent 240.00 for a below average meal. Just thought you should know. Thank you.“

“Fantastic place for “late-night bites” as they are open until 11pm. Although they don’t speak much English, the service was very friendly and accommodating to my poorly spoken Spanish. The tacos are great and their self-service bar is wonderful for salsa, pico and cilantro.“

“They offer great deals on oyster days, and the oysters were really fresh and delicious. We also liked the clam chowder and ceviche. The fish taco, fish & chips, and ahi poke were not my favorites.

However, I didn’t like the ordering style. The staff felt cold, and they didn’t provide utensils unless you asked several times.“

“I have been here three times now and I plan to come more often for sure. The food is great, prices are great, I like the music, and there’s not too much more to ask for from an awesome local food truck. There are a bunch of salsas, onions, parsley, cucumbers, and more that you can help yourself to and it’s close to home with that authentic Mexican flavor. I ordered 5 tacos and debated getting more haha Great spot, check them out!“

“Entre a probar los tacos de adobada, el güero que me atendio muy amable se tomó el tiempo de explicar todo el menu , termine comiendo un plato con arroz y frijol y tres tacos , todo delicioso!!!!!“

“This is a great stop to make if you are looking for some awesome fish tacos. It is off the beaten path of downtown SD, but worth the trip. Very small seating area and you may have to wait, but worth it! Nice staff and service.“

“If you’re looking for tacos that make your soul sing and salsa that slaps harder than your abuela’s chancla, this is the place.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted like family. The people here are genuinely kind and I can tell that they truly care!

Now, the food? Unreal. The tacos are next-level—perfectly seasoned, juicy fillings wrapped in fresh, warm tortillas that taste homemade (because they probably are). Each bite feels like a love letter to flavor. The burritos? Absolute perfection. They’re the just-right size—hearty, but not heavy—and packed with flavor in every bite. No filler, just fire. And let’s talk about the salsa. Whether you like it smoky, spicy, or zesty, their salsa game is elite. Honestly, it deserves its own cult following.

This isn’t just a taco shop—it’s a sanctuary for your taste buds, and a reminder that good food + good people = magic. Do yourself a favor: come hungry, and leave glowing.“

“If you want a good California burrito, this is the spot. My favorite late night spot in the area. If you’re really hungry get the Campeon burrito it’s a California burrito just super sized with none of the fillers that other spots give you in massive burritos just classic California burrito the size of your arm. 10/10 will go again“

“Very good. Always get the carne asada burrito and chips with verde salsa. Good beer and fresh drinks. Still have the spiced carrots and onions on the side and family plates en todo. Go here for trips, outings, events, and some/all occasions since 1981. Adios, RJ“

“This is my go-to place when I want a hearty, comforting meal. Their homemade lasagna is absolutely delicious — layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta. The staff is always friendly and makes you feel like a regular. I’ve recommended this place to so many friends, and they’ve all loved it.“

“great tacos. I got the all 3 beef, chicken and pork and they were great! salso was great. can't wait to find them again!“

“Gracias Por el Buen Servicio en el cumpleaños de mi Princesa 👸🏼 👑👧🏻🌸🎀10/27/2018“

“Burrito was huge, refried beans were great, and the salsa is so good! Food deserves a better location!“