50 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego

“The best tacos I have had in San Diego . Great service and really good food“

“I've been to this place a half-dozen times, and they always deliver. I haven't had a taco from there that I haven't enjoyed, and their drinks and other food items are great as well. Highly recommend checking them out if you love tacos.“

“Amazing food. Delicious & unique drinks. All very reasonable. Will definitely return & highly recommended!!“

“Got a torta al pastor, absolutely delicious. Thanks yall!“

“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!“

“Very good and authentic Mexican food owned and operated by a great family! Viva Cristo Rey!“

“Grood place and people ...extensive menu options. Maybe not thee best I have ever tasted, but 10 rolled tacos for less than $10 makes this place a great value.

Edit - prices have risen since original review, but still good value relative to other taco shops.“

“Hands-down, the best meal I have had in a long time! The food is so authentic and delicious. The service is impeccable. The cocktails are delightful. I cannot wait to come back!!“

“Great time and great food as always!“

“Para toda la gente de México ,Centro y sur América nuestra comida Potosína una de las mejores de México y para muestra Birrieria & Taqueria la Huasteca recomendada 100%“

“Es una comida muy sabrosa y la recomendación sus trabajadores muy buenos Blanca Érica Berenice Marta Karo el local está (111)“

“Fantastic tequila selection and happy hour - 5 stars“

“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.”“

“First time here went a few hours ago and the staff is so nice! Abigail this is for you especially you’re amazing don’t know if you remember me but I was wearing a blue hoodie with long brown hair lol but yes keep up the great vibes the food was delicious! Will be returning soon💞“

“Really nice place Great food 🥘 excellent decor!!!!!“

“Shout out to Jason, Dean, and Nathaniel. This is my favorite restaurant and bar in San Diego after trying many Mexican restaurants and bars across North County. Even if this place were only a restaurant or only a bar, I would still come here for either experience. The food, drinks, and atmosphere are all excellent.“

“My husband and I have been coming to Alchemy since they've opened, and watched them grow as they've gained their footing and flow. Edwardo, Hector, Leo, Ben, everyone who works here, you can tell how passionate and proud they are of their space and community. Their Ceviche is my favorite Ceviche that I've ever had, and it's always consistent. Their other food and drink offerings are carefully constructed. You can taste the love in every dish, and I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a hidden gem, with a very exclusive, intimate and cozy vibe.“

“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!“

“OMG! Probably one of the best tacos and ceviches I’ve had in a long time! Uri and his sister really know how to run a business! Uri’s shrimp and octopus taco was SPOT ON and Liz’s mango mix shrimp tostada with tamarindo was just OUT OF THIS WORLD! Probably one of the best customer service I’ve had in a long time! Parking is limited, and had great outside seating with nice murals! My family will definitely be coming here for tacos!“

“Cali Burrito On Point !!! 🔥“

“Above and beyond customer service. Food was some of the best I’ve had for birria. I had a torta with birria tatemada and an egg also came with consume. The average person probably won’t finish it in one sitting delicious. Also had an iced coffee that had a hint of cinnamon sweet but not too sweet it was perfect. Can’t wait to go back and try different plates. Highly recommend this birria spot. They have an award for authentic food from Union Tribune I can verify that.“

“Their food is amazingly delicious!!! They have great customer service and place is clean. To bad they are only in San Diego 😞“

“Amazing restaurant with creative Mexican food & and a flare! The chips and salsa are fantastic (just needs a bit more salt). The entrees really kick A**! 5/5 Stars! ⭐️ 2 Thumbs Up!“

“cheese enchiladas to go were very good! Food ready in minutes! good job!“

“Had a very nice conversation with Brenda at the drive-through. The food was delicious. The parking lot was clean. Brenda spoke loud and clearly she was very kind showed great customer service. I will probably be back to this location soon to eat again.“

“The food, drinks & service were amazing!! I’m coming back for sure 👌🏻“

“So stoked they have vegan rolled tacos! I tried both the potato and the lentil quinoa. Both are delicious, but the lentil quinoa ones blew me away!! 🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽 They are so flavorful and the tortillas are crispy and crunchy, yet not hard. Also awesome is that they pack everything separately so the food isn’t a soggy mess when you get home. I added vegan sour cream I had at home and topped it with their guacamole, lettuce and salsa. They were heavenly!! I also appreciate that they fry their vegan tacos in a separate fryer. 🙌🏽Also, thank you for not using styrofoam. The containers for the to go orders are compostable made of plant fiber. The place is beautifully decorated, clean, and the staff were very courteous. I will definitely return. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Made a work trip & birthday alone - amazing🤍Thank you! And food/drinks bomb!“

“My go to place when I’m in Oceanside! Love the food, atmosphere, and the margaritas!“

“Beautiful location and set up. Food was well above expectations. A beautiful fusion of traditional Mexican flavours with a modern twist. Very good service to top it off! Highly recommended“

“😋🤩 I grew up in P.Loma & have been going to nico's for 30+yrs. There the BEST in the WEST !!! I remember when there Carne Asada Burritos were $4/5
I can't believe there now $13 due to the tariffs on beef 😲🤬😤“

“Came from Michigan and was not disappointed! Definitely eating here every time I come. It’s a must eat!“

“Tacos were the best we ever had.“

“Amazing restaurant with creative Mexican food & and a flare! The chips and salsa are fantastic (just needs a bit more salt). The entrees really kick A**! 5/5 Stars! ⭐️ 2 Thumbs Up!“

“We decided to stop @ Roberto’s Taco shop before we picked our daughter up from the airport. When we arrived it was very busy. That seemed like a good sign that we might have found a good spot. Well the food did not disappoint. I had a carne asada quesadilla and my with had chicken enchilada and taco plate. The food was very good and the service was top notch. Will definitely stop again before heading to the airport.“

“We got a large horchata, varios tacos, and a huarache. Everything was flavorful and we enjoyed every bite. The salsas were good. The horchata had a silky smooth texture to it and a flavor profile I've never had with horchata, I would definitely reccomended trying it! Everyone was so kind as well from the woman who helped take our order to the cook - they went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and comfortable. We would love to go back.“

“Had a great time for Mother’s Day. The food was great & all of the wait staff were great.“

“first time there, I had chilaquiles with chicken, two eggs over- medium, good & spicy,my buddy had 2 tacos all pastor, delish and filling. plan on coming back to try the rest if the menu. :)“

“This place is the best! We’re from Colorado and we found this place three years ago when we were visiting. We’ve dreamt about their fish and shrimp tacos ever since, so we make it a point to stop by whenever we’re in San Diego. This last trip was no different. We even went twice this year because they recommended their garlic and butter fish and shrimp tacos and they’re to die for (along with everything else we’ve had). While they do have outdoor seating available, we ate in our car because we had our pup with us. When we went back, they even said they remembered us. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, the place is clean and the food is tasteful. We just wish they would bring their truck to Denver so we could have them more often!“

“We stopped in here for a quick refreshment and some bottomless chips and salsa ($3) before dinner on a Monday and it did not disappoint!

The service is nice and the vibes inside are open and fun. Exactly what you want in Ocean Beach. The two non-alcoholic beers they had are Sierra Nevada and Corona. The chips were hot and endless. A great deal in the area and on Monday they have happy hour all day!“

“Wow! Being from Texas it’s hard to compete in my opinion with our Tex-Mex but the food here is absolutely wonderful! If I am ever in San Diego again…. Definitely will be back!“

“I recommend this ENTIRE restaurant! I live ín Atlanta, but anytime I’m out in the 619, I always make it to OB! The other day my friend that lives there was like? “You claim you like tacos. Why have you never been to Mike’s?!” I told her I didn’t know what she was talking about. So she took Me there, and OMG… I don’t like this place, I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! It’s a small restaurant with the heart of a giant! Great staff! Good food, fast service, I’m telling you, this place is an absolute MUST!!!! If you call yourself a lover of Tacos and Burritos, and you’re not going to Mike’s Taco Shop… You’re doing it wrong! Go to this place ASAP!!!!“

“The food and staff here always make our trip to San Diego so much better! Food is hands down the best on Newport!“

“We had an amazing, brunch. Drinks are amazing great customer service. The food was good.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ South of Nick’s – Mexican Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
South of Nick’s is an upscale Mexican dining experience with amazing food, a top-tier cocktail program, and a great atmosphere. Tia was our server and she was outstanding, anticipating everything we needed and making our early dinner effortless. We sat outside for the fresh California air and even though it was a little chilly, the radiant heaters kept it warm and cozy. The bar is fully stocked with a tequila selection that’s second to none, and my margarita was perfectly balanced. I had the Combo Tres Enchiladas and it was excellent, and others loved the Cabo shrimp. We also shared the chips with black bean dip, guacamole, taquitos, and tacos — everything fresh and packed with flavor. I also loved the kitchen windows where you can see how clean and dialed-in the team is behind the scenes. Parking is easy in the automated garage, but I’d recommend going early — and next time I’m grabbing the fire pit seating and working through more of the drink menu.“

“amazing food.. I have been going for years“

“We were in San Diego for 4 days to enjoy Seaworld, the Zoo and do some whale watching. We found Jimmy Carters Mexican Cafe on Google and it was about a mile from our rental apartment. We went for dinner and a drink the first night and we were so glad we went there. The food was amazing. It came out hot and fast. I had the carnitas adobo with beans and rice. The steak was flavorful and tender, the tortillas were freshly made and hot. My wife had a cheese enchilada with Colorado (red) sauce and she said they were some of the best enchiladas she's had. We loved it so much, we came back the next night and shared an order of Nachos with shredded beef. They were so good, we think they might have been the best we ever had. All topped off with a cild beer and we went back to the rental very satisfied. Nice location, great staff and service. We will come back again when we are back in San Diego!“

“Mi primer visita …muy satisfecha por su buen servicio y atención amable , el desayuno exquisito el pastel de zanahoria ni se diga además de un aromático café sus instalaciones muy agradables es como estar en MÉXICO 🇲🇽 con sus sabores y su música…. muy extenso su menú ..altamente recomendable !“

“Everything we had was absolutely delicious. Ceviche. Al Pastor, carne asada, birria tacos. Quesadilla. Chips and guacamole. Highly recommended.“