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Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in San Diego

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 28, 2020

Early settlers who made their way to California called themselves Californios, and their heritage still touches everything from cultural events to the best tacos in San Diego. Of course, the mass influx of immigration means that this Mexican mainstay turns up all over town, whether filled with fresh Pacific seafood or local California produce. So where do the most seasoned diners go? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Through OpenTable’s massive network of devoted foodies, we’ve pinpointed the best tacos in San Diego. The top tacos restaurants in San Diego change based on who you ask. Why not try them all?

A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
Tahona Bar
4.5
4.5 (625)
$30 and under
Mexican
Old Town
About the restaurant
As San Diego's first mezcal tasting room and bar, Tahona Bar most stands out for its tasty craft cocktails. In fact, food isn't even served in the tasting room. Fortunately, this doesn't stop the eatery from having some of the best tacos in San Diego. They've got several varieties for all tastes, and Taco Tuesday opens the door to experience new flavors. Other dishes are Oaxacan-inspired, so the menu offers a variety of unique dishes. This is all enjoyed surrounded by high-end Mexican décor, artworks, fascinating sculptures and desert foliage.
Top review
Nicole
Dined 2 days ago
We had a fantastic time! Food and service were wonderful and the Mezcal tasting was a great experience.
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A photo of New Years Eve Special Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
New Years Eve Special Dinner
A photo of Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley restaurant
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley
4.7
4.7 (559)
$30 and under
Mexican
Mission Valley
About the restaurant
A fresh and crisp take on traditional Mexican fare has been created at Blanco Tacos + Tequila. The interior features pop murals, vibrant colors, contemporary art and modern décor. This makes it unlike most Mexican restaurants that focus on traditional designs. The menu is similarly up-to-date, and it includes options like kale Caesar salads, braised chicken burritos, grilled tiger shrimp fajitas and some of the best tacos in San Diego. In fact, they offer eight varieties of the latter. From crispy fried shrimp to short rib machaca tacos, every palate will find a favorite.
Top review
Lattie
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
Better than expected! Great service, food & ambience. We enjoyed it!
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A photo of Warm Queso of a restaurant
Popular dish
Warm Queso
A photo of Queso Fundido of a restaurant
Popular dish
Queso Fundido
A photo of Madison restaurant
Madison
4.5
4.5 (3023)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
University Heights
About the restaurant
Foodies may not be expecting to find the best tacos in San Diego at a Mediterranean restaurant, but that's exactly what they'll get at Madison. The eatery offers a variety of expected dishes – such as salmon crudo and free-range chicken – but they fortunately added carnitas tacos to their brunch menu. The Mediterranean Breakfast is also available for brunch. Whatever guests choose to enjoy, they do so surrounded by elegant architecture, contemporary lighting, abstract art and some of the most unique booth separators in the city.
Top review
Andee
Dined 3 days ago
Loved this place. The vibe was cozy and nostalgic. The drinks were great and the food was 9/10! Definitely going to go back again!
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A photo of CRUSTED PORK CHOP of a restaurant
Popular dish
CRUSTED PORK CHOP
A photo of WAFFLE CHURRO STICKS of a restaurant
Popular dish
WAFFLE CHURRO STICKS
A photo of GNOCCHI of a restaurant
Popular dish
GNOCCHI
A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant
Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC
4.8
4.8 (4985)
$31 to $50
American
University City/Golden Triangle
About the restaurant
With 52 wines by the glass and an impressive menu that changes seasonally to ensure absolute freshness, Seasons 52 is a truly special restaurant. Every menu item is either prepared in a brick oven roast or oak-fire grill, and this results in delicious offerings like filet mignon, lobster tail, Chilean sea bass and blackened mahi mahi tacos. Valet parking provides an air of luxury, and the fire pit, high-end bar, rustic fountain and live piano music also assist in this endeavor. Seasons 52 is one of the most luxurious places to enjoy the best tacos in San Diego.
Top review
Nora
Dined today
Our server today was kinda off push and rush us to order. I didn’t know because it was Christmas Eve and people were waiting for a table or just she wanted to get the job done . The margarita I ordered today was not much alcohol in it, even I ordered a second one with double shot, still pretty light. Other than that, the food was good like always. 
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A photo of Mac 'N' Cheese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mac 'N' Cheese
A photo of Half Flatbread of a restaurant
Popular dish
Half Flatbread
A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Bisque
A photo of NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego restaurant
NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego
5.0
5 (328)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Mission Valley
About the restaurant
Located at the Neiman Marcus San Diego, The NM Cafe offers delectable seasonal entrees just steps from one of the city’s favorite shopping destinations. The glass walls, fancy dining sets, fine art and even complimentary chocolates create a high-end experience without breaking the bank. They offer exceptional menu items of contemporary American flavors, and guests are constantly praising the red wine-braised short ribs, chicken paillard Milanese and BLTA (featuring avocado). Their offering of best tacos in San Diego features blacked salmon filet on corn tortillas.
Top review
SueVIP
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
What a lovely lunch we had at NM Cafe. The food was delicious, the salmon tacos to die for . Our server Gabriel took great care of us. This place is a hidden gem.
A photo of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant restaurant
Farmer's Bottega Restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1594)
$30 and under
American
Mission Hills
About the restaurant
Situated right in the heart of Mission Hills, Farmer's Bottego offers farm-to-table meals in addition to a variety of craft wine and beer. The distressed wooden walls, exposed brick, vintage lighting and industrial décor create an old-fashioned vibe that give guests a true feeling of being on the farm. They offer two varieties – pork belly and mahi mahi – of the best tacos in San Diego. Patrons whose taste buds are hoping for something different, though, will enjoy the fennel sausage flat breads, grilled turkey sandwich, stuffed quail and variety of breakfast offerings early in the day.
Top review
Dennis and Juliana
Dined 5 days ago
Great service, great food, relaxing atmosphere for a big family dinner. It was perfect!
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Popular dish
Garden Salad
A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi
A photo of Tiramisu French Toast of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tiramisu French Toast
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
4.4 (2688)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Mexican
La Jolla
About the restaurant
Those seeking out an experience along with the best tacos in San Diego have to visit RED O Taste of Mexico. When Taco Tuesday comes around, every guest is treated to a free taco. Additionally, there's flair bartending and a live DJ. There are also other authentic Mexican dishes to enjoy – ranging from prime tomahawk chops to Puerto Nuevo-style Maine Lobster. Regardless of what a guest chooses, they’ll enjoy it surrounded by a luxury resort-style interior featuring a grand chandelier, contemporary décor and gorgeous murals.
Top review
DianeVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Manager Lisa was the best, most service-oriented manager I have ever seen. She kicked in when service was a bit slow, checked in on us every so often, comped us a drink when we waited a bit too long for our order, and just made a slow evening into a spectacular one. A great manager. Well done Lisa!
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A photo of Short Rib Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Short Rib Benedict
A photo of Carnitas Taco of a restaurant
Popular dish
Carnitas Taco
A photo of Shrimp Enchiladas of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Enchiladas
A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla restaurant
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla
4.5
4.5 (1447)
$50 and over
Seafood
La Jolla
About the restaurant
An award-winning menu combined with contemporary California cuisine is what people can expect at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. They strive to bring the authentic feel of wine country to their guests, and this is accomplished through their offering of a 650-label list. It also doesn’t hurt that they offer some of the best tacos in San Diego – changing daily based on chef selection – along with Angus short rib, rotisserie chicken, lobster tail and other high-end delicacies. Ask for advice on making the perfect pairing!
Top review
Charlie
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Taste and quality of food is great. Food temperature great. Food presentation and appearance excellent. Cleanliness of restaurant and bathroom was excellent. Server has pleasant serving attitude and manners, and was somewhat courteous (which could have room for improvement).
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Experience
Happy Hour at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant
Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center
4.7
4.7 (187)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
La Jolla
About the restaurant
Handcrafted cocktails, internationally sourced wines and a variety of bistro classics await visitors of Bazille. Located on the 2nd floor of Nordstrom – overlooking the beautiful courtyard of UTC – this eatery is one of the most aesthetically appealing in the city. Wall art crafted from wine bottles, bright and modern seating, a unique array of contemporary lighting and impressive abstract art all appeal to the senses. Toss in some of the best tacos in San Diego – which are only $4 during Happy Hour – and this is one dining experience that no one should miss.
Top review
Julie
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
Excellent service, food and ambience. Special thank you to our kind and courteous server Sofia. Sofia went above and beyond to ensure our evening was perfect. She was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making us feel truly cared for throughout the evening.
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Experience
Weekend Brunch 11am-3pm
A photo of Wine Wednesdays of a restaurant
Experience
Wine Wednesdays
A photo of Happy Hour at the Bazille! of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour at the Bazille!
A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.6
4.6 (1016)
$30 and under
Mexican
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
The vibrant colors, wicker lanterns, vaquero-inspired décor and authentic art create a festive environment inside Ortega's A Mexican Bistro. They focus on providing authentic flavors from Baja California and Puerto Nuevo. This means a wide variety of some of the best tacos in San Diego – including vegetarian options – along with enchiladas, ceviche, grilled bistek and chicken pippian. Guests frequently applaud the tableside guacamole and the ever-popular pomegranate margarita.
Top review
Anne
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant
Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar
4.7
4.7 (1302)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Mission Hills
About the restaurant
A combination of black-and-white photos, industrial lighting, lavish foliage and numerous HDTVs make Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar both a unique and fun getaway from everyday life. Guests can enjoy the eatery after a day among Historic Mission Hills, and if they show up for Taco Tuesdays, they'll get beer, margarita and sangria specials on top of some of the best tacos in San Diego. There are also specials every other night of the week, and patrons have a great selection of beers and beverages rarely found in the same place.
Top review
DanielVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Friday night $21.95 prime dinner special is an amazing deal. Happy Hour is a fun and great deal too. Great service as always and a nice environment. Daily specials are all great both in quality, size and price. You gotta check this out.
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A photo of Lobster Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Benedict
A photo of Thursday Night Maine Lobster Special of a restaurant
Experience
Thursday Night Maine Lobster Special
A photo of Friday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas of a restaurant
Experience
Friday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas
A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant
Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila
4.4
4.4 (320)
$30 and under
Mexican
Old Town
About the restaurant
By combining healthy California cooking with authentic Mexican cuisine, Fred's Mexican Cafe has managed to create a truly unique menu for guests to enjoy. Some of their most popular dishes include the Famous Fajitas, Jack cheese queso dip, surf and turf fajitas, Fred's Burger and a variety of the best tacos in San Diego. Seriously, there’s at least 10 to choose from! This is enjoyed among funky décor, pop art, authentic Latin flair and a magnificent fountain area that looks like it was plucked right from the Alamo.
Top review
Jess
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Great food and fun atmosphere right on the Main Street. Dog friendly patio I think
A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant
Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
3.8
3.8 (1142)
$30 and under
Mexican
Old Town
About the restaurant
The rooftop dining at Old Town Tequila Factory offers panoramic views of the city that could attract crowds all on its own. Fortunately, they have far more to offer. Even the inside dining area – featuring authentic Mexican art, architecture and greenery – provide a beautiful environment to enjoy a meal within. They focus on Old World recipes, and this results in some of the best tacos in San Diego. The roasted turkey tacos are unique and demand to be enjoyed at least once. The steak sandwich, churros, chicken tortilla soup and variety of breakfast options are equally as impressive.
Top review
Julie
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
I feel adding more breakfast items to your Sunday brunch would help boost business. Only offering one breakfast item doesn’t make much sense to me.
A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant
Cosmopolitan Restaurant
4.0
4 (342)
$30 and under
American
Old Town
About the restaurant
Far too many eateries in San Diego focus on a single type of fare, but the Cosmopolitan Restaurant strives to provide a selection that's honest to what made Old Town what it is today. This means a menu that offers a variety of dishes that include fresh seafood, American grill classics and Mexican favorites. The menu is updated throughout the year and features grilled fish tacos, herb crusted pork chops, puff pastry pies and many more delicacies. The old-school design, artwork and décor resembles nice hotels in the Wild West, but the menu and ambiance is anything but rough and rowdy.
Top review
Jill
Dined on Nov 28, 2024
I love this place! The people are exceptional and the food was remarkable. They made our thanksgiving holiday so pleasant!!
A photo of The Red Door restaurant
The Red Door
4.7
4.7 (2976)
$30 and under
Italian
Mission Hills
About the restaurant
Reclaimed windows and shutters, exposed brick, vintage artwork and farm décor give The Red Door an old-school appeal that many locals seek out after dealing with the bustle and hustle of San Diego. Their menu offerings include eggplant parmesan, lamb burgers, handcrafted pastas, seared scallops and a variety of other popular Italian comfort foods. And while it seems an eatery that promises the best in Italian cuisine may not offer the best tacos in San Diego, their Catalina Offshore Fish Tacos are certainly in the running.
Top review
Jechri
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
Service was great as soon as I got in the door, Ryan and the other staff were super friendly. We were told the specials and checked in throughout the meal. The food was what I expected, beef Wellington was yummy and the lamb shank fell right off the bone. Risotto was the right texture and was flavorful. I really enjoyed my steamed veggies too as they were perfectly buttery and seasoned.
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A photo of Sticky Toffee Pudding of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A photo of Ravioli of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ravioli
A photo of Arugula of a restaurant
Popular dish
Arugula

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