San Diego is a sunny Pacific coastal city of about 1.39 million people on the Mexican border, known for Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, beaches from La Jolla to Coronado, a large Navy presence, craft beer and Baja-influenced food.
San Diego's food scene blends Southern California coastal produce, Pacific seafood, and the Mexican food culture of the nearby border. Local signatures include fish and carne asada tacos, the California burrito stuffed with french fries, Baja-style seafood and a craft beer scene with well over a hundred breweries across the county. Fine dining clusters in Little Italy, East Village, Bankers Hill and La Jolla, casual taco shops and burger counters fill Ocean Beach, Mission Hills and Barrio Logan, and waterfront seafood houses line the Embarcadero and Point Loma harbor.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define San Diego.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Seafood
Artisan Bakery
Steakhouse
Food tours & tastings in San Diego
Eat your way through San Diego with a guide.
Browse food experiences in San DiegoWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reserve Born & Raised, Callie, George's at the Cove and other dinner destinations ahead through each restaurant's site or a booking platform.
Taco shops and burger counters such as Hodad's are walk-in and can have lines at weekend lunchtimes.
A tip of 18-20 percent is customary at sit-down restaurants.
Hours and menus change; confirm on each restaurant's website before going.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are common across San Diego, particularly in Hillcrest, North Park and Ocean Beach. Many taco shops offer vegetarian burritos and tacos, but lard and seafood are widely used in traditional Mexican cooking. Diners with allergies should state them when ordering.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35-55 per person per day: a bakery breakfast, a taco-shop lunch and a burrito or casual dinner (USD) | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |