Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in San Diego

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?

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated 28 January 2020

Restaurants:	Tahona Bar, Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley, Madison…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Mexican, Modern European…
Neighborhoods:	Old Town, Mission Valley, University Heights…

Tahona Bar

$$$$

Mexican

Old Town

4.4

386 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley

$$$$

Mexican

Mission Valley

4.6

383 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Madison

$$$$

Modern European

University Heights

4.7

2128 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

$$$$

Steakhouse

University City/Golden Triangle

4.7

4197 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

NM Café - San Diego (FKA Zodiac)

$$$$

Contemporary American

Mission Valley

4.9

217 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Great Maple La Jolla - UTC

$$$$

American

La Jolla

4.6

1239 reviews

The gorgeous mural, contemporary seating, lush foliage and exquisite lighting are just small parts of the experience at Great Maple La Jolla. Patrons also keep coming back thanks to the made-from-scratch menu offerings. These include truffled deviled eggs, turkey bolognese, salted caramel pork ribs and market fish. Those who show up during brunch hours can also enjoy some of the best tacos in San Diego – a seared seasonal fish complete with cilantro crema, NAPA cabbage and mango salsa.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

$$$$

American

Mission Hills

4.6

1198 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

$$$$

Contemporary Mexican

La Jolla

4.5

1900 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

$$$$

Seafood

La Jolla

4.6

1003 reviews

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!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

$$$$

Contemporary American

La Jolla

4.8

144 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

$$$$

Mexican

Hillcrest

4.4

829 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

Contemporary American

Mission Hills

4.5

1000 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

$$$$

Mexican

Old Town

4.6

230 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

$$$$

Mexican

Old Town

4.0

937 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Red Door

$$$$

Italian

Mission Hills

4.7

2447 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in San Diego

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