San Diegans love tacos. It’s comfort food that means home to us. And if we move anywhere else, tacos are usually what we miss the most. San Diego tacos are more than a staple. They are an integral part of who we are.
But that also means we are quite snobby when it comes to tacos. Having been spoiled with delicious tacos all our lives, our standards are quite high. High standards don’t necessarily mean fancy. We love our hole-in-the-wall taco shops just as much as our creative and innovative adaptions in a fancy setting. So here is a list of the best San Diego Tacos – for every budget!
Pro Taco Tip: If you want to maximize your taco experience, check out this fun Taco Crawl around San Diego. This is perfect for taco lovers, whether you are a San Diego local or a visitor. Book your tickets here>>
Best San Diego Tacos
Best San Diego Tacos in Downtown
The Downtown area is a spot for the evening and nighttime fun. It’s a hotspot for restaurant exploration and other fun activities. Here are a few spots to get San Diego tacos.
Lola 55
1290 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
Check Out Their Menu Here
$ | Gourmet Tacos | Local Favorite
Lola 55 in the East Village makes some damn good tacos. Quality is king and you won’t be disappointed. Their ingredients are locally sourced and fresh, fresh, fresh. The menu at Lola 55 is short but has a lot of variety.
No matter if you are a carnivore or vegan, you won’t be disappointed. If you eat meat, definitely try the pork belly Al Pastor and the fish tacos, if you are vegan, the mindful mushroom taco and the squash blossom relleno are a real treat. And definitely save some room for dessert – their mole ice cream is out of this wold.
In 2019, Lola 55 was rewarded for its top-notch tacos with the Michelin Bib Gourmand award. So if you are in the mood for some gourmet tacos, head over to Lola 55. You won’t be disappointed.
Tags: fresh ingredients, gourmet, friendly staff, fun with friends, pescatarian-friendly, fun vibe, vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly
Open For: Lunch, Dinner
Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar
Address: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Check out their menu here
Phone: (619) 719-4960
Stunning view | date night
Brigantine’s newest addition is on the brand-new Portside Pier on the San Diego waterfront. With views of the iconic Star of India and the San Diego bay, the food almost becomes secondary. Almost. Because the fish tacos at Brigantine are absolutely delicious. The batter is just right, the cabbage fresh and crisp and the fish flaky. Add a dash of their homemade hot sauce and you are in fish taco heaven.
Tags: fresh ingredients, gourmet, friendly staff, fun with friends, pescatarian-friendly, fun vibe, stunning views
Open For: Lunch, Dinner
The Taco Stand
Address: 645 B St, San Diego, CA 92101
Check Out the Menu First
$ | Fast-Food Style
This spot is inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana. The name makes sense, right? This particular location happens to be the first one they set up. Attempting to bring the Showa Hospitality to the SoCal area, they serve the most authentic Tijuana tacos that north of the border.
They provide the freshest ingredients, delicious good-quality meat, and scratch-made guacamole & salsa all wrapped into a handmade corn tortilla. It’s not just their tacos either. Their burritos and other Mexican dishes are made with just as much care and attention.
The menu isn’t long and convoluted. It’s simple to read, understand, and order from. While the options seem limited, the flavors are boundless and the comfort you’ll feel is almost limitless. Sometimes, ‘simple’ is just the way to do it and they do ‘simple’ the right way.
Tags: fun with friends, laid-back, great value, good service, friendly, pescatarian-friendly, vegetarian-friendly
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Little Italy, San Diego Taco Shop
You wouldn’t think that Little Italy has some good tacos but San Diego’s Little Italy is pretty diverse cuisine and activity-wise. Try some of these taco shops while you explore.
Not Not Tacos
550 W Date St suite B, San Diego, CA 92101
Browse The Menu Here
$$ | Eclectic
Owned by the local celebrity, Sam the Cooking Guy, Not Not Tacos is one of the several new food options at the Little Italy Food Hall. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of hype about their tacos. Pictures are all over Instagram and Twitter. Naturally, I had to go down there to see if it lived up to said hype. The employees were very nice and answered whatever questions I had. It was a little pricey so I was expecting something great.
The Little Italy Food Hall is a lively place with a view of this beautiful fountain that lights up. There’s even outdoor seating. For the colder months, there are heating lamps to keep guests cozy and the maintenance crew is on top of things. The bar also welcomes their legal patrons to a few rounds while you make friends with strangers or have a party of your own. It’s a lively atmosphere.
Tags: Fun with friends, family-friendly, innovative menu, hipster, great view, instagrammable, late-night dining, great cocktail
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
La Jolla Tacos
If Coronado is the resort spot then La Jolla is the high-end suburb. This is a spot for lavish living, dining, brunching, and fancy tacos. Honestly, the quality is worth the price.
Jose’s Courtroom
1037 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Browse the Menu Here
$$ | Sports Bar
At Jose’s, they aim to please. Serving traditional Mexican food as well as some local favorites. You’ll find the tacos you’d expect like Carne and Pollo Asada alongside some San Diego delicacies like fresh fish tacos. They make whatever they can in-house, including marinades, chips, salsas, sauces, and sides. If tacos aren’t really your style then feel free to order any of the other promising menu items on hand.
As far as the bar goes, they serve some unparalleled margaritas and cocktails with fresh ingredients and Grade A liquor. They have a variety of local and Mexican beer to enjoy with your high-quality tacos. But, if you have a taste for the finest Mexican liquor then look to their Tequila and Mezcal selection. You just can’t go wrong here, guys.
Tags: interesting cocktails, lively atmosphere, vegetarian-friendly, pescatarian-friendly, good value, friendly service
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Hillcrest Tacos
This particular area of the city is ultra diverse and enthusiastic about their sexual pride. You’ll find most of the local businesses thriving here because of their down-to-earth nature and cultural pride. It’s the pride capital of San Diego.
Oscars Mexican Restaurant
646 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Take A Look At the Menu Here
$ | Cash Only
This seemingly small taco shop actually has three locations throughout San Diego. They appear to be little hole-in-the-wall places but they really pack a punch. Oscar’s Taco Shop doesn’t need a huge venue because they serve such authentic wholesome Mexican food. The cooks know exactly what they’re doing so there’s no need to worry.
While the menu is small and seemingly lacking options, it’s actually to enhance the flavors and quality of the menu items they already have. They just don’t need the bulk that other places have.
Keep in mind that they do NOT accept cards or checks. They are a cash-only establishment. I also recommend not altering any of the menu items unless you’re allergic because you deserve to experience the dish the way they intended. Trust me.
Tags: fun with friends, friendly service, nice staff, cash only, pescatarian-friendly, vegetarian-friendly
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North Park San Diego Tacos
North Park is the suburbs for Hillcrest with its pleasantly unique craftsmen. Don’t let them fool you, it is a great spot for nightlife and bar crawling.
Lucha Libra
1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Reserve a Table Here
$$ | Local Favorite
Usually, you don’t have to make reservations for a taco shop but I HIGHLY recommend doing so if you plan on visiting this stellar taco shop. As a San Diegan, I have been here many times and can attest to the fact that it is delicious.
The people are super friendly and their menu is rock solid. You have a plethora of innovative takes on authentic Mexican cuisine. While they do shake things up a bit, you will not lose the taste or the feel of true authentic Mexican food.
The Rojano brothers opened up shop in 2008 and business took off. Their inspiration was the infamous professional Mexican wrestling where the colors were vibrant, the fighters seemed to always be airborne, and the movements were theatrical. The excitement of those matches fits perfectly with their vibrant exciting menu. You really get a taste of family in the dishes, making coming back a real pleasure.
Tags: fun with friends, gourmet, fun atmosphere, reasonable prices, great service, vegetarian-friendly, pescatarian-friendly, innovative menu
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Colima’s Mexican Food
2302 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Browse The Menu Here
$ | Hidden Gem
This humble spot has everything you could ask for at 2 in the morning, possibly not sober. But even in broad daylight, as sober as can be, you will enjoy these authentic Mexican tacos. People are friendly and welcoming. They want you to chow down and enjoy yourself. Why not! Their menu is abundant and will suit even the pickiest of eaters. Guests love the fair prices for a good meal. No reservations. No hassle. Just order your food and get it a little while later. Colima’s doesn’t need all the fancy stuff, they just serve good food to people. That’s all she wrote.
Tags: fun with friends, friendly service, great value, vegetarian-friendly, pescatarian-friendly
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Other Noteworthy San Diego Taco Shop
The following spots are a little outside of the popular areas but I included them because they were just too good to not recommend to you.
¡SALUD!
2196 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Peek at the Menu Here
$ | Historic
¡SALUD! embraces the SoCal vibe with tattoo murals, fresh ingredients, and a chill vibe. The menu is a tribute to the street food of Northern Mexico with a Chicano flare. Their innovative taken on seemingly simple street food brings a depth of flavors and harmony that you don’t really see too often anymore.
Despite expanding their business, they have not lost the soul that made them a famous spot. In fact, ¡SALUD! Has made such a name for itself that it was featured on the Travel Channel and multiple large media platforms. While I am a sucker for OG location in Barrio Logan near Chicano Park, they do have other locations that are just as soulful and delicious in Vegas and National City.
Tags: instagrammable, great value, vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, family-friendly, brunch spot, great cocktails, fun with friends
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Tacos El Gordo
3265 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
Find One That May Be Near You Here
$ | Popular Spot
Tacos El Gordo has been known in the area for quite some time. They’re most well-known for the good quality food that is worth the long wait. While the chain didn’t open its doors until 1998, this family-owned and operated shop has over 40 years of foodservice experience. They know how to make customers happy and how to make delicious food.
The primary focus is tacos at such good prices that you can get a dozen without breaking the bank. They do have other menu items to choose from if your stomach is grumbling for some other delicious Mexican food. But what could be better than handmade tortillas, meats cooked with care, and fresh toppings that tie the whole taco together? Nothing. You should definitely make time to stop by, it’s worth the wait at any of their locations.
Tags: great service, good value, friendly atmosphere, vegetarian-friendly, pescatarian-friendly, fun with friends
Open For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Tacos are historic and ancient food that should be treated with respect. If you’re in the San Diego area then consider going to these unique shops to get some authentic San Diego tacos. No need for drive-thrus or all that corporate nonsense involved with chains.
Best San Diego Tacos by a Local was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here. Follow them on social media here.
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Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Maria Haase
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I disagree with the list… the best tacos are tacos el Gordo on H street. The fancier the place the worst they taste…. other areas with good tacos are barrio Logan and city heights…. but not the artisanal tacos.
Hi Jean, thanks for your comment. We actually included another Tacos el Gordo location on this list and also wrote a full review about them here: Tacos El Gordo San Diego Review. We definitely agree: they have some amazing tacos and a list about the best Tacos in San Diego could not be complete without mentioning them.
You definitely missed one you need to check out Taco Shop on the southwest corner of University and Aragon they have the best carnitas in all of San Diego County you stand in that room and wait to be served and you will be given I have tacos while you just stand there for your order sit down take a seat and wait for a plate to appear the daughter speaks English the owner and Chef does not he will look at you & smile and the next thing you know you were eating the best carnitas tacos U ever had
Uhhh, thanks for the tip. I will definitely have to check it out and might add them to the list! I LOVE Carnitas!!!