19 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santee

Check out these Santee Mexican dining hotspots. Discover great Mexican food with Carne Asada Fries, Carne Asada Burrito, Chips and Salsa, and more in town.

Sayulitas Mexican Food Mexican • $
10769 Woodside Ave #105, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Beef Taco & Cheese Enchilada Combo
Carne Asada Fries with Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito
Breakfast Burrito 1
California Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Carne Asada Chips
Machaca Con Huevo
Longaniza Fries

“No joke the best mexican food place by far. I was questioning my choice in buying because i spent $25 for a large pacman fries which is the most ive spent on carne asada fries. But once my order came out i knew it was worth the money. This can feed a family and take days to finish by urself. Also the menu options are amazing and love the filipino additions! Would recommend to everyone.“

4.4 Superb149 Reviews
Cotijas Taco Shop Mexican • $
9121 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Rolled Tacos with Guacamole
Rolled Tacos w Guacamole
California Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Breakfast Burrito
Fish Rolled Tacos
Shrimp Burrito
Guacamole And
Diablo Shrimp

“great food! love this place 😀“

4.4 Superb112 Reviews
Roberto’s Taco Shop Santee Mexican • $
9740 Cuyamaca St #C, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito
Carne Asada or Grilled Chicken
California Surf & Turf Burrito
Two Fish Tacos Combo Plate
Chile Relleno Beef Taco
2 Cheese Enchiladas
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Plate
Surf & Turf Fries
Machaca Plate

“We tried the Burrito, and I had the Fish Soft Taco, which I loved. However, the beef bowl with avocado, beans, rice, peppers, and tomatoes in this shop, it felt like too much going on flavor-wise. On the bright side, we enjoyed the delicious pineapple juice. The server is nice and I asked to get another Juice and he said pay after when we are done, he told me next time. Thank you for the treat! Overall, it was a good experience at Roberto’s Taco Shop in Santee.“

4.5 Superb66 Reviews
Bad Hombres Good Mexican Food Mexican • $
8918 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Big Breakfast Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito
Potato Rolled Tacos
Surf & Turf Burrito
Super Cali Burrito
California Burrito
Surfing California
Surf & Turf Fries
Carne Asada Fries
Carne Asada Taco

“Everything I've tried here is yummy. you know it's a good place when there's always a full line of cars in the drive thru. I really like the potato rolled tacos.“

4.2 Good197 Reviews
El Rancho Mexican • $
8001 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Fish Taco & Carne Asada Taco
Bean and Cheese Burrito
California Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Huevos Rancheros
Chips and Salsa
Enchilada Plate
Chicken Burrito
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Burrito

“Good service good food good price just like the old days Good job“

4.2 Good142 Reviews
Emma's Mexican Food Mexican • $
8781 Cuyamaca St # L, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Steak Potato Egg and Cheese
Side Order Guacamole
Carne Asada Supreme
Breck Fast Burrito
Chicken Burrito
3 Rolled Tacos
Shrimp Burrito
Bean Tostada
Chile Verde
Quesadilla

“Having spent 20 years exploring the vibrant culinary scene in San Diego and visiting over 200 restaurants, I can confidently say that Emma’s Mexican Restaurant stands out as one of the best, hands down.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Mexico. The décor is charmingly authentic, and the staff exude a friendliness that makes you feel right at home.

But it’s the food that truly sets Emma’s apart. Every dish is a celebration of traditional Mexican flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned carne asada, the rich and flavorful mole, or the mouth-watering enchiladas, each bite transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.

What truly impresses me is the consistency and quality of their offerings. Emma’s doesn’t just serve food; they craft an experience. The tortillas are handmade, the salsas burst with freshness, and the portions are generous without compromising on quality.

If you’re a San Diego native or just passing through, Emma’s Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and a shining gem in San Diego’s dining landscape. Emma’s has earned its place as a top-tier restaurant, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.“

4.6 Superb43 Reviews
Estrada's Mexican Food Mexican • $
8528 Magnolia Ave #107, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Guacamole American Style with Sour Cream
Machaca with Rice & Beans & Tortillas
Carne Asada Burrito Regular
Carne Asada Fries Supreme
Chorizo with Rice & Beans
Chile Relleno & Enchilada
Regular Carne Asada Fries
Side of Sour Cream
California Burrito
Breakfast Burrito

“I’ve been going here since 1987. The Estrada family are amazing. Always the best food.“

4.4 Superb64 Reviews
Marieta's Mexican • $
8915 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

For Ground Is a Chili Relleno Plate Left Is Beef Taco Plate and a Cheese Enchilada Plate
Cheese Enchiladas with Beans and Rice
Chicken Enchilada with Rice & Beans
Camarones a La Plancha
Three Amigos Fajitas
Enchilada with Beans
Carne Asada & Shrimp
Mole Rice and Beans
Carne Asada Nachos
Chicken Enchiladas

“I absolutely love Marieta's in Santee. The food is delicious and the service is amazing. I have been enjoying this place since I was 16 years old and I have always felt like part of their family. Be sure to visit Pedro in the bar!“

4.3 Superb78 Reviews
Mr. Birria Mexican • $
8926 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Birria Nachos Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes Delivery: Yes Curbside pickup: Yes
Birria Ramen and Taco Combo
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Birria Grilled Cheese
Chips and Guacamole
California Burrito
Birria Quesadilla
Carne Asada Fries
Taco Box 4 Tacos
Birria Burrito

“Is it the best birria I’ve ever had in my life? No. Surprisingly that was in Seattle, but it is tasty. The consume is a little salty though and I love some salt tbh. It might need a little more cheese or something. I would return if I visit here again but would still try some other restaurant here that offer quesa birria

Dietary restrictions: Gluten free“

4.1 Good179 Reviews
Ferny's Mexican Grill Mexican • $
10320 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Surf and Turf Fries with Cheese
Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Big Breakfast Burrito
California Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Chilaquile Burrito
Hot Cheeto Burrito
Campechana Fries
Spicy Shrimp Taco
Beans and Rice

“Highly recommend…this taco truck has ruined my hometown (Fargo ND) Mexican restaurant experience - nothing will measure up to Fernys! We had barbacoa taco, asada burrito, and super fries. Every bite was delicious. Meat perfectly seasoned and tender & homemade tortillas. If you’re in their area, you won’t be disappointed.“

4.1 Good78 Reviews
Los Amigos Mexican • $
10251 Mast Blvd # F, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Burrito with Green Salsa
Steak Ranchero Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito
California Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Rolled Tacos
Fish Tacos
Guacamole
Carnitas
Beef

“Great food and personal service. I commented that I was sharing the burrito with my bride and was asked if I’d like them to cut it in half for me. 👍“

4.3 Superb31 Reviews
Cazadores Mexican Food Mexican • $
9331 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Taco Enchilada Rice and Beans
Rolled Tacos w Guacamole
Bean & Cheese Burrito
Rolled Tacos De Pollo
Carne Asada Burrito
California Burrito
Surf N Turf Burrito
Cheese Quesadilla
Carne Asada Fries
Carne Asada Chips

“Okay, the only reason I am giving the food a 3 is because..we hut this place after a ballgame. It hit the spot. It was what I wanted at the time, you know. Service was GREAT. They took our order with 10-20 mins to close. Come on, it doesn't get better than that. Carne asada Chips were great, from what I recall. So were the roll tacos. Next time, we'll have to stop by before the game for an update. Thank you Cazadores.“

4 Good66 Reviews
El Pollo Loco Mexican • $
9714 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Double Chicken Tostada Salad
Double Chicken Avocado Salad
Chicken and Salad
Avocado Chicken
Meal for Two
Pollo Bowl
Burrito
Nachos
Chips

“El mejor pollo del mundo Pollo Loco, siempre rico“

4 Good56 Reviews
Hilberto's Mexican Food Mexican • $
9805 Prospect Ave, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Quesadilla w Carne Asada
Carne Asada Chips
Sausage Breakfast
Rolled Tacos
Carnitas

“I can Honestly say that I have been going to Hilberto's seance I was two. The food is delicious and with a wide array of menu options I have eaten so much good food that I can describe how good this restaurant is. When I was younger I would make a mess when I eat but the staff always cleaned it up with a smile. The staff know who I am and they are really friendly I recommend that you go here anything you want friendly staff and good food.“

4.2 Good26 Reviews
Estrada's Mexican Food Mexican • $
9292 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito with in Hash Browns
Mini Tacos de Asada
Enchilada Rancheros
California Burrito
Tijuana Mini Tacos
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Destroyer Burrito
Mexican Guacamole
Caldo de Pollo

“I’ve been going here since 1987. The Estrada family are amazing. Always the best food.“

4.2 Good24 Reviews
Estrada's Taco Shop Mexican • $
9630 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Chips and Guacamole
Fish Taco Plate
Chile Relleno
French Toast
Diego Burrito
Bag of Chips
Carne Asada
Fish Tacos
Tortillas
Carrots

“I’ve been going here since 1987. The Estrada family are amazing. Always the best food.“

4.1 Good31 Reviews
Rubio's Coastal Grill Mexican • $
130 Town Center Pkwy Suite D, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Chopped Salad with Chicken
Two Original Fish Tacos
The Original Fish Taco
Chips and Guacamole
Fish Taco Especial
Classic Taco Trio
Shrimp Tacos
Black Beans
Salsa Bar
Burrito

“Had funbbbb bb bbvcxswsxvnnvxdryhvcdfhb“

3.7 Good43 Reviews
Sorianas Mexican Food Mexican • $
9470 Cuyamaca St # 130, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Shredded Beef Tacos with Rice and Beans
Ham Egg and Cheese Burrito
Chile Relleno Rice & Beans
Bean & Cheese Burrito
Two Carne Asada Tacos
Chicken & Rice Combo
Carnitas Quesadilla
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Beef Taco Special

“I had heard about Soriana's and considering how many taco shops we gave in Santee, I was curious how this one compared. So I ordered Carne Asada chips and a carnitas taco. Food 5 stars- chips were crispy and fresh, serving size was pretty big, carnitas was the perfect blend of crispy and soft. Both items were freshly prepared and flavorful with presentation in actual dishes- plate and bowl. Service 5 Stars - after placing my order I sat to wait and considering this is a taco shop I was surprised when my order was brought to my table not just called from the counter. Atmosphere was typical decor for a taco shop. Along with a moderate amount of seating for large or small groups. TV was on but at a reasonable level of volume. The tables, floors and countertops were all clean. Self serve soda station, refills don't include Agua frescas- that's customary. I didn't take a bunch of pics because there were other customers. I tried to find something wrong but all was 5 star. The counter at the soda station has a repair but that didn't affect my visit-the flaws were only cosmetic. I will eat here again.

Parking: Location is in a shopping center with open / free parking. Plenty of spots to choose from.

Kid-friendliness: Menu options seem to be kid friendly and modifications can be made - ie: no Pico“

3.6 Good27 Reviews
Santana's Mexican Grill Mexican • $
10075 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee

Customers` Favorites

Four Rolled Tacos with Cheese and Guacamole
Bean and Cheese Burritos
Carne Asada Combo Plate
Buenos Dias Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
5two Beef Tacos
Surf and Turf
Chile Relleno
Taco Plate
Chilaquiles

“It was the first time visiting Santana’s and what a surprise. We ordered veggie burritos that are bigger than other taco shops. Fresh ingredients and very well served. The salsas were fresh and spicy. Definitely, we will return.
Hugo S.“

3.3 Good47 Reviews

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