10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego (2023)

Mexican cuisine is deeply rooted in San Diego’s culture. San Diego has some of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States. Visitors can choose from various delicious Mexican dishes at these restaurants to satisfy any craving. This article lists the ten best Mexican restaurants in San Diego worth trying.

List of 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego

Below are the best restaurants selling Mexican cuisine in San Diego:

1. El Indio Mexican Restaurant

El Indio Mexican Restaurant is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in San Diego, established in 1940. Their famous homemade tortillas are a must-try, and their carne asada fries are a local favorite. They also have a great selection of margaritas and beer to accompany your meal.

• El Indio Mexican Restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
• Address: 3695 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
• Phone: (619) 299-0333

2. Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop

Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop is a must-visit Mexican restaurant in San Diego for anyone who loves Mexican food. This restaurant sells delicious tacos and burritos made with fresh ingredients and packed with flavor. Their menu has unique taco options, including the Surfin’ California, with shrimp, avocado, and a secret chipotle sauce. Also, Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop has vegan options for vegetarians.

• Location: 1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
• Opening/Closing time: 11 am to 10 pm daily.
• Phone: (619) 296-8226

3. Old Town Mexican Cafe

Established in 1977, Old Town Mexican Cafe is, as the name suggests, one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Their menu features classic dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and tamales and some unique options, such as bacon-wrapped shrimp and chile relleno. They also have a great selection of margaritas and tequila.

• Address: 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
• Operating Times: Daily, from 9 am to 10 pm.
• Contact Details: (619) 297-4330

4. Puesto

Puesto is a modernly-styled Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Puesto’s menu includes tacos varieties, including the filet mignon and lobster taco. Other menu items are delicious margaritas and cocktails. Puesto has a highly conducive eating atmosphere and is perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends.

• Address: 789 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Operating Days/Time: Daily, from 11 am to 10 pm.
• Phone: (619) 233-8880

5. Lolita’s Mexican Food

Lolita’s Mexican Food is a family-owned restaurant serving delicious Mexican food since 1984. They are famous for their California burrito, packed with carne asada, French fries, cheese, and sour cream. Their salsa bar is also a must-try, with various homemade salsas.

• Opening/Closing: Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm.
• Address: 413 Telegraph Canyon Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Contact Details: (619) 420-8511

6. La Puerta

La Puerta is one of the lively Mexican restaurants in San Diego that offers its visitors delicious Mexican meals and a great atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican classics, as well as a selection of creative cocktails. They also have a weekday happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm, perfect for a mid-week pick-me-up.

• Opening/Closing: Daily, from 11 am to 10 pm.
• Address: 560 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
• Contact Details: (619) 696-3466

7. Miguel’s Cocina

Miguel’s Cocina is a family-owned restaurant in San Diego that’s been in business for over 30 years, selling delicious Mexican cuisine. Their menu features a variety of classic dishes and some unique options, such as lobster tacos and famous tequila-lime chicken. They also have a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails.

• Opening/Closing: Daily, from 11 am to 9 pm.
• Address: 2912 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
• Contact Details: (619) 224-2401

8. Tacos El Gordo

Tacos El Gordo is one of the famous Mexican restaurants in San Diego for quality Tijuana-style tacos. Their menu features a variety of meat options, including carne asada, adobada, and lengua, as well as vegetarian options. Their tacos are served on homemade corn tortillas and topped with cilantro and onions.

• Address: 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Opening/Closing: Daily, from 10 am to 12 am.
• Contact Details: (619) 691-8848

9. Karina’s Ceviches & More

Karina’s Ceviches & More is another beautiful and spacious Mexican restaurant in San Diego that sells various delicious ceviche meals, tacos, burritos, and tostadas. They also have a great selection of beer and margaritas.

• Opening/Closing: Daily, from 10 am to 9 pm.
• Address: 925 B St, San Diego, CA 92101
• Contact Details: (619) 228-5886

10.  Cantina Mayahuel

Cantina Mayahuel sells mainly mezcal and tequila. However, they also sell Mexican meals, including tacos, burritos, and other dishes. So, you can drink and eat at the same place. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere is a perfect location for a solo dinner or with family and friends.

• Location: 2934 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
• Duration Open: 4 pm to 9 pm daily.
• Contact Details: (619) 283-6292

Mexican restaurants in San Diego have almost all you need regarding Mexican meals and drinks. Dining at any of these restaurants is more or less like dining in Mexico. Hence, I invite you to try out any of the restaurants on this list to have a fantastic experience with Mexican cuisine.