The Top 10 Taco Spots in San Diego
Taste the Full Flavor of Barrio Logan, North Park, and Mission Bay
Crispy, savory, juicy, and utterly satisfying: San Diego’s most famous dish might be one of the most perfect foods ever devised. It’s hard to imagine the city’s culinary scene without tacos, and we’ve spent quite a bit of time staking out our absolute favorites to share with you.
Tacos El Gordo
The closest thing to Tijuana-style street tacos, a 25-minute drive south will take you to the Tacos El Gordo’s San Diego location. Their fresh handmade corn tortillas, organic ingredients, and savory meats have put them at the top of just about every list in the city.
Puesto
The raves are all well-earned: The zucchini and cactus taco may be unorthodox, but it is completely delicious with its combination of crisp melted cheese, fresh veggie taste, and soft tortilla base.
City Tacos
The star of this North Park restaurant is the Puerco Agridulce, a spicy-sweet concoction of glazed pork, serrano peppers, and avocado pulp.
Salud
Another Barrio Logan can’t-miss, Salud’s no-nonsense setup made it onto the map courtesy of the Taco de Barrio, featuring stewed beef, black beans, and cactus.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
For an alternative to some of the other meat-heavy options on this list, check out Blue Water. We’re not hesitant to credit them with the best fish tacos in the city, with a choice of beer-battered cod, shrimp, or lobster to tempt you.
Las Cuatros Milpas
This Barrio Logan cafeteria-style restaurant has amassed more press than any other we can think of. Be prepared to wait in line for a mouthwatering reward in the form of their rolled tacos.
Sandbar
Just over the bridge from the hotel, Sandbar’s casual sports bar environment provides an easygoing setting for sampling a menu full of local white fish, baja-style shrimp, carnitas and more. Plus, this popular spot has been awarded best fish tacos several years in a row.
Oscars Mexican Seafood
A standby for residents of Point Loma and Ocean Beach, a short trip over the bridge will get you to the closest Oscar’s location. Try the taco salad, a refreshing enhancement of their more straightforward offerings.
Tacos Perla
The Ocho tacos—featuring braised, grilled octopus accompanied by poblano, cheese, and the unusual addition of pesto—are the true winner here, although we also suggest the flautas.
La Puerta
Last but not least, La Puerta is an enticing option for lunch, brunch, and dinner, thanks to its cozy interior, robust menu, and delicious cocktails. Try the Cochinita with achiote pork and pickled onion, the grilled veggie with poblano, the carne asada with arranchera steak, or a mouthwatering combination of three with the Mix ‘n’ Match option.
Here at The Dana, we’ve all got our own takes on the best tacos in town, and we’ve collected them all in one handy guide. Check out what’s going on around these flavorful destinations, and plan your journey today.