The Ultimate San Diego Food Guide: Street Food + Restaurants

San Diego is a coastal city known for its laid-back lifestyle, sunny weather, and, of course, its delicious food scene. Craving fresh fish tacos, craft beer, or a fine dining experience? This guide will help you navigate the best food spots throughout the city. From the busy streets of downtown San Diego to the scenic shores of Point Loma, you'll find dining options that reflect both the local cuisine and global influences.

But before we dive into the food, it's worth mentioning that if you're a traveler exploring the city, you might want to consider luggage storage services for convenience. Nannybag, for example, offers secure luggage storage San Diego options, so you can explore the city without the hassle of dragging your bags around! With locations near top attractions such as the San Diego International Airport, USS Midway Museum, and Liberty Station, it's a great way to travel light and enjoy the best San Diego street food.

Fish Tacos: A San Diego Classic

The key to the best fish tacos lies in the quality of the fish and the balance of flavors. San Diego’s fish taco recipe generally calls for white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi, which are lightly battered and fried or grilled to perfection. The taco is then complemented by crispy slaw and an extra kick from a tangy sauce made with olive oil, lime juice, and sometimes chipotle. You can find amazing fish tacos all over the city, but some of the top spots include the world-famous Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan, and Rubio’s, which pioneered the dish.

Las Cuatro Milpas 

Address: 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113 

Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed Sunday 

Recommended: Fish Tacos, Rolled Tacos, and the Chile Relleno. 

Rubio's Coastal Grill 

Address: 8650 Genesee Ave, Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92122 

Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM 

Recommended: Original Fish Taco, Mahi-Mahi Taco, and the Salsa Verde Burrito. 

San Diego Street Food: The Best Food Trucks and Outdoor Eateries

The Gaslamp Quarter, known for its lively nightlife, is also home to some incredible food trucks. During the day, you’ll find taco trucks and carts offering up delicious, authentic bites, while in the evening, gourmet food trucks with global offerings emerge.

If you're in the mood for a more eclectic experience, head to Liberty Station, a revitalized former military base that has become a food lover's paradise. Here, you'll find a variety of street food vendors serving everything from sushi to Vietnamese pho, all in a relaxed, open-air setting. Don't forget to try the popular snack of churros or street corn to satisfy your sweet or savory cravings.

The Taco Stand (Food Truck) 

Address: 50th St. & El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105 

Hours: Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Recommended: Al Pastor Tacos, Surf & Turf Fries, and the Classic California Burrito. 

Tacos El Gordo (Food Truck) 

Address: 7540 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126 

Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Recommended: Tacos de Tijuana, Adobada Tacos, and the Quesadillas. 

Best Restaurants in San Diego: A Mix of Fine Dining and Casual Spots

One of the best dining restaurants in the area is Juniper & Ivy, where chef Richard Blais presents inventive dishes in a contemporary, stylish environment. For those who love seafood, the Fish Market offers stunning views of the harbor while serving up some of the freshest catches in San Diego. If you want to dive into local cuisine, head to the landmark Café 21, which is known for its seasonal menus crafted from local produce.

In the Gaslamp Quarter, a variety of dining options are available, ranging from intimate fine dining spots to more casual eateries with a modern twist. You can find sushi restaurants, steakhouses, and everything in between, each providing a unique take on regional and international flavors.

Juniper & Ivy 

Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Closed Sunday–Monday 

Recommended: The Tuna Tartare, Short Rib, and Chocolate Cake. 

Fish Market 

Address: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Recommended: Lobster Roll, Seared Scallops, and the Fresh Catch of the Day. 

Craft Beer: The San Diego Beverage Scene

When it comes to craft beer, San Diego is a powerhouse. With more than 150 craft breweries in San Diego County, it's no wonder that the city is known as one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States. San Diegans have an affinity for local brews, and you'll find impressive options in nearly every corner of the city.

Some must-visit breweries include Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and Green Flash, where you can sample everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. For a more immersive experience, consider a brewery tour or a visit to the craft beer haven of North Park, where a concentration of breweries offers an excellent selection for every beer lover.

In addition to breweries, San Diego is also home to some unique beer-centric eateries, where you can pair craft brews with a variety of delicious bites, such as gourmet burgers and fried seafood.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens 

Address: 1999 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029 

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 

Recommended: Stone IPA, Smoked Porter, and the Stone Beer Ice Cream. 

Ballast Point Brewing 

Address: 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, CA 92121 

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Recommended: Sculpin IPA, California Pale Ale, and the Ahi Poke Nachos. 

Tasting Menu: A Gourmet Experience in San Diego

For those seeking a culinary adventure, San Diego offers a wide range of tasting menus that showcase the city's food scene. These multi-course meals allow you to experience a variety of flavors and ingredients in one sitting. One standout restaurant that offers a remarkable tasting menu is Addison, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Del Mar.

The tasting menu at Addison features a carefully curated selection of dishes that blend French techniques with local ingredients, providing an unforgettable fine dining experience. For something more casual yet still impressive, consider visiting Ironside Fish & Oyster, which offers a tasting experience focused on fresh seafood, including oysters, lobster rolls, and more.

The tasting menu trend is growing in San Diego, and you’ll find options throughout the city, from fine dining restaurants to more casual spots offering a rotating selection of dishes.

Addison 

Address: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130 

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Closed Sunday–Monday 

Recommended: Wagyu Beef, Lobster Tail, and the Exquisite Tasting Menu. 

Ironside Fish & Oyster 

Address: 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 

Recommended: Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster Roll, and Clam Chowder Fries. 

Balboa Park: A Foodie's Paradise

While Balboa Park is primarily known for its cultural and historical attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and several museums, it also boasts some fantastic fast food dining options.

For a memorable dining experience in Balboa Park, try The Prado, which serves seasonal dishes in a beautiful Spanish-style setting. The menu highlights local ingredients, and the atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the park. Another standout is the Panama 66, located in the San Diego Museum of Art's sculpture garden. This outdoor eatery offers great food and craft beer, and its laid-back vibe makes it ideal for a relaxing meal after a day of sightseeing.

The Prado at Balboa Park 

Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 

Recommended: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Braised Short Ribs, and the Roasted Salmon.

Panama 66 

Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Recommended: Grilled Fish Tacos, Roasted Chicken, and Craft Beer Selection.