By
Bhavana Verma
Updated:Apr 12, 2024
San Diego offers some of the greatest Mexican and American fusions. The city's craze for seafood speaks volumes about its pride in its abundant straight-of-the-boat treats. Find out more about famous foods in San Diego and where you'll find them best.
Image Credit:
Surf 'n' Turf | Flickr
San Diego's food culture enjoys its abundant supply of fresh seafood. The city draws inspiration from both American and Mexican cultures and deliberately infuses them into crafting several iconic recipes that have become a staple.
Here, you'll see some of the most unique combinations of seafood and Mexican ingredients that you can never find elsewhere. The fish tacos feature succulent pieces of cod or mahi-mahi fried crispy golden and placed inside a crunchy taco that tastes amazing with fresh cabbage and lettuce. The shrimp ceviche displays the delicate coastal flavours melding harmoniously with fresh local produce.
From influences across borders to locally crafted delicacies, know about these famous foods of San Diego and where you’ll find them best in the city.
7 Famous Foods Of San Diego And Where To Look For Them
1) Fish Tacos - Rubio's Coastal Grill
Image Credit: Rubio's
When it comes to naming one dish that flawlessly resembles the fusion of coastal and Mexican flavours, Fish tacos are the only dish that comes to mind. Crispy fried fish resting inside a crunchy corn taco and decorated with fresh kale and lettuce, and this dish always steals the spotlight. Although not official, they're practically San Diego's signature dish. Fresh ingredients are easy to come by, thanks to nearby farms. You'll find fish tacos everywhere you look, each with its own twist, but no one does it better than Rubio's Coastal Grill.
Location: 3555 Rosecrans St, Suite 101B, San Diego, CA 92110
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30 am–10 pm; Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Fish tacos, Mahi Mahi
Price for 2: $30 approx.
2) Oysters - Ironside Fish & Oyster
Image Credit: Ironside Fish & Oyster
Oysters hold a significant place in San Diego's seafood industry. Various dishes featuring oysters and clams, including clam chowder and Baja-style oysters, are a mainstay in numerous eateries across the city. Briny Kusshis to creamy Kumamotos also gives a taste of diversity. You’ll find fresh oysters on menus of several restaurants across San Diego, but the one that truly gives a satisfying experience is Ironside Fish & Oyster. They make the best clam chowder and a variety of seafood delicacies as well.
Location: 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30 am–10 pm; Fri: 11:30 am–11 pm; Sat: 11 am–11 pm; Sun: 11 am–10 pm
Must Try: Clam Chowder And Baja-Style Oysters
Price for 2: $50 approx.
Also Read: Street Tacos In San Diego: 6 Places To Not Miss
3) California Burrito - Lucha Libre
Image Credit: Linda Sympson via Google Maps
California Style Burrito is a speciality in San Diego, especially when it's from Lucha Libre. Yes, you’ll get a massive flour tortilla stuffed with juicy carne asada, creamy guac, tangy sour cream, and maybe a bit of salsa. But Lucha Libre takes it up a notch with their Surfin' California burrito—it's got steak, shrimp, fries, cheese, and all the fixing. Plus, the place has this cool wrestling theme going on, making it a fun spot to chow down on some seriously tasty grub. There are three locations of Lucha Libre in the city, and everywhere you’ll get the exact experience.
Location: 1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 am–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–11 pm
Must Try: California Burrito, Surf n Turf, Carne Asada Fries
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) California Pizza - Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill
Image Credit: Gina Anderson via Google Maps
In San Diego, California, pizza is all about that thin, wood-fired crust loaded with fresh and healthy toppings. Artichokes, avocado, even peanut sauce or pak choi—your taste buds are in for a treat in this city. Sammy's is the go-to spot for this delicious pie. They've got Sicilian-style, Margherita, and gourmet options like organic arugula and pear or Thai chicken, all on handmade crusts. Plus, they've got gluten-free and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a slice of California flavour.
Location: 1620 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:30 am–8 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–9 pm
Must Try: California Pizza, Tacos
Price for 2: $30 approx.
5) Ceviche - Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Image Credit: Barry Cann via Google Maps
Ceviche has become a local favourite in San Diego. Originally, this dish was from Peru, but now you’ll get it with a Baja twist. Instead of the traditional sweet potatoes and corn, it's all about fresh fish marinated in lime, mixed with avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber—a perfect refresher for sunny days. Oscar's serves a taste of San Diego's Mexican food scene with their mouth-watering fish tacos, burritos, and ceviche. Located in Pacific Beach, it's the best spot to enjoy coastal cuisine with an ocean view.
Location: 703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 8 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 8 am–10 pm
Must Try: Ceviche, Surf n Turf, Fish Tacos, Octopus
Price for 2: $30 approx.
6) Carne Asada - Lolita's Mexican Food
Image Credit: Mairicio via Google Maps
Carne Asada is a San Diego sensasion. Thin-cut steak, marinated in zesty spices and citrus juice, grabs locals' and visitors' attention. It was traditionally a burrito filling, but it's now served in various dishes like fries and tacos. Head to Lolita's Mexican Food for the ultimate carne asada fries experience, where it all began. These fries are crispy, juicy, and topped with your choice of mouthwatering extras like grilled shrimp and pico de gallo.
Location: 7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 am–9 pm
Must Try: Carne Asada,
Price for 2: $30 approx.
7) Surf 'n turf - Tacos El Cabrón
Image Credit: Tacos El Cabrón
Surf n Turf features both the sea and land animal dishes, which is how it got its name. Surf 'n turf is a classic American dish with a coastal twist. Alongside steak, you can choose from lobster, prawns, squid, or scallops—or mix them all—served with a generous dollop of butter. While the dish's exact origin is debated, it gained popularity in the 1960s as a budget-friendly option for families to enjoy steak and seafood. With San Diego's seaside location, Surf 'n Turf here is a must-try, offering a delightful combination of flavours that perfectly complement each other.
Location: 532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 8 am–1 am; Fri-Sat: 8 am–3 am
Must Try: Surf 'n Turf, Carne Asada Fries, Tacos
Price for 2: $20 approx.
These iconic San Diego treats will always have you coming back or more. Whether you like juicy meat, fresh oysters, or something with both, San Diego’s famous eateries will always have your back and give you a delightful reason to take a load off and relax in the laid-back vibes.
