22 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santee

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

“great food! love this place 😀“

“Amazing tacos! You have to try the Red Taco!!! It is the best deal I have ever found in California. Two huge tacos and a drink for $14! Wow. If you are ever in Santee you have to try this place.“

“Ok I been to places and believe me many places and hands down I can say

It is authentic it’s delicious 🤤 it has the spirit and love of authentic Mexican food

Hands down not wash down( not that it’s bad for some places ) but here it’s like the type flavor u miss when ur not in Mexico 🇲🇽“

“10/10 says husband. The Tocino burrito (called pacman burrito) is Filipino cured pork meat, known for its sweet and savory flavor. The thinly sliced pork is marinated in a mixture of sugar, salt, and seasonings, giving it a distinct reddish color from ingredients like annatto or food coloring. After marinating, it's pan-fried until caramelized and tender. Sweet and savory goodness!“

“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. 👍“

“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.“

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

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

“Wow, the New Birria here is cracked 😍 So good.

The chilaquiles were recommended by my Aunt several times so we tried it. They are a well rounded and great tasting breakfast. Awesome price point too.

Much like many restaurants, the sauce is a big decider if I come back, like ranch at an American Style restaurant and fortunately the salsa here is fire 🔥 Salsa bars are great.

Thier Horchata I would give an 8/10. 1, it isnt the most amazing but definitely good but 2, NO REFILLS. The only reason for the 4/5 stars. It gives me less reason to come back.

Edit:Updated to 5 stars at my wife's request, apparently horchata refills aren't very common. Perhaps I'm remembering a different time when it was more common.“

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

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

“Excellence perculates from this establishment.So many items to choose from the standard items you'll find to your liking, from a beef taco or 2 🌮🌮taco combo with rice and beans a excellent choice. Its my all time pick it never disappoints, fresh hot prepared and in a timely matter. The fish burrito🌯, Buffalo fries are so yummy and delicious fantastic choice, enchilada 🫔covered in the savory house sauce 🧀and not to over spicy unless you ad the habanero 🔥hot sauce, red🌶 or green chili to your flavorful palette🥑.The service is top notch the cashier with the fire red hair doo🐼 Kaitie 🐐very attentive and knowledgeable on the menu items first class.The staff & cooks are working hard you can see your food being prepared thru the big windows , with top tier precision and authentic Mexican food traditional flare. My # 1 taco shop/restaurant goto fast prepared food in Santee.“

“Had funbbbb bb bbvcxswsxvnnvxdryhvcdfhb“

“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!“

“This has been my go-to spot for years. I won't eat anywhere else for taco shop food in San Diego. I love that it is family owned and the food is incredly fresh, everytime. The ONE thing I missed was birria.

WELL GUESS WHAT!!!?? THEY HAVE IT! I have tried the birria tacos, mini birria tacos,birria quesadilla and the birria nachos. Mini tacos are the best. I loved the nachos too. The amazing gal that works there gave me the sauce she likes on hers and it was amazing. I love you guys. You definitely know that. You hit it out of the park this time! 🙌🏻“

“Hiberto's is on prospect in santee California. Its a nice restaurant. They have amazing food. I highly recommend them.

I stopped in for lunch while my car was being worked on. I order the carne asada plate and 3 rolled tacos. Came with rice and beans.

5 stars for food staff and clean restaurant. The staff went above and beyond friendly professional and polite. They made sure it was cooked perfect and all was good.
I be back again. Thank you“

“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.“

“Santana’s Mexican Food was exactly what we needed for a late-night food run. The portions were generous, the food was hot and fresh, and every bite was packed with flavor. The carne asada fries were loaded with tender, well-seasoned meat, crispy fries, and the perfect amount of toppings. The rolled tacos were crunchy on the outside, filled just right, and paired perfectly with the guacamole. Everything we ordered was delicious and satisfying. If you’re looking for quality Mexican food late at night that never disappoints, Santana’s is the spot. Highly recommend!“

“Best TOFU burrito this far in Santee . So Flavorful , Filling & Burrito spills out for a good left over to add to my egg Breakfest Scramble in the morning xo 💋“

“I got like $26 worth of breakfast. It was good, i ate my food in the parking lot. Only thing i didnt like about this taco bell is that their drive thru was broken. I had to order at the window that you pay at with out any access to the breakfast menu.“