Hi! I’m Jeremy Jacobowitz, a full-time food travel influencer who goes all over the world to find the best of the best! I’m in San Diego not only for its perfect weather and dreamy beaches but for its super-underrated food scene. I went cross-country to scout out the best bites San Diego has to offer. Here are 17 of my must-eat spots to try when you visit San Diego. Let me tell you why …
Shawarma Guys Food Truck
Where: 3012 Grape St., San Diego, CA 92102
Located in the parking lot of a South Park liquor store, this food truck was rated No. 1 on Yelp as the best food truck in California, is Guy Fieri-approved, and serves up mouth-watering delights. Indulge in their signature shawarma eggroll, stuffed with wagyu beef, American cheese, onions, jalapeños and lemon garlic sauce. Don’t miss their lemon cream crop fries, drowning in gravy, fried chicken, lemon garlic paste and hot sauce. The Fattoush wrap and falafel pita are also must-tries, both offering delightful crunchiness. The homemade lemon garlic condiment is a hot commodity and elevates every dish on the menu. And Shawarma Guys recently opened their first brick-and-mortar location at 5525 Jackson Drive in La Mesa.
Las Cuatro Milpas
Where: 1857 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
San Diego’s oldest Mexican restaurant remains a fan favorite. Walk inside and immerse yourself in nearly a century of history. Plus, the presence of Mexican abuelas in the kitchen adds an authentic charm. Despite a small menu, every choice is a winner. I opted for the pork taco and chicken burrito. Juicy meats, flavorful tortillas and the perfect crunch – it’s the quintessential experience. Arrive early to beat the crowds because this Barrio Logan spot gets busy fast.
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood
Where: 2400 Historic Decatur Road, Ste. 107, San Diego, CA 92106
When it comes to poke, the West Coast knows its stuff. The Spam musubi at Hawaiian Fresh Seafood in Liberty Station nailed that ideal sweet-salty balance, offering a delightful bite. I also tried the poke plate, which comes with three scoops of fish, accompanied by rice or salad. The tuna practically melts in your mouth, while the chili pepper salmon brings creamy goodness with a subtle kick of heat at the end. This spot has a chill vibe and flavors that hit just right.
Herb & Wood
Where: 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Nestled in a spacious, outdoorsy Little Italy setting, Herb & Wood serves up seasonal California-Mediterranean food with a focus on wood-fired cooking. I kicked off my meal with tender pork belly atop butternut squash, brown butter and a candied orange medley. My next course was the roasted baby carrots, which were sweet and crunchy with cashew sesame dukkah, aleppo yogurt and pesto. My main dish was the Torchio pasta with slow-cooked, mouth-watering ragu, with burrata, almond picada, breadcrumbs and herbs. I ended the meal on a high note with ricotta hush puppies for dessert. The rustic, relaxed vibes were on point and the flavors hit the spot.
Tacos El Gordo
Where: 511 F St., San Diego, CA 92102
This place in Downtown San Diego was recommended by almost every local, and I was excited to try the adobada taco, featuring spicy pork on a handmade corn tortilla with onions, cilantro and cheese. The tortilla was solid, holding up all the goodness within. The shell was an ideal density and texture, delivering a balance of sweetness, acidity and just the right amount of fat.
Azuki Sushi Lounge
Where: 2321 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Sushi hits differently on the West Coast, and Azuki Sushi in Downtown San Diego blew me away. Their uni toast topped with chopped toro, prosciutto and truffle aioli is a dream-worthy and definite must-order. They easily have some of the best crunchy tuna rice I’ve ever had. Every dish struck the perfect balance between crispiness and freshness. Azuki consistently delivers dishes that hit all the right notes, making it a standout spot for sushi enthusiasts.
Kinme Okasa
Where: 2505 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Azuki’s nearby sister restaurant, Kinme, is an omakase experience. It showcases a wonderful preparation of incredible ingredients, and I was blown away. One standout dish was the A5 wagyu tartare puff sandwich with pickled daikon and caramelized jam – a dreamy combo with some of the fat rendered in the puff. The whole meal was worth just this bite. The kamatoro with caviar and the monster piece of toro with fresh wasabi were perfection. The braised miyazaki a5 wagyu, both rich and decadent, fell apart in my mouth. A matcha to top it all off was a nice way to finish the meal.
Homestyle Hawaiian
Where: Multiple locations
With five locations and over 15 years of serving, Homestyle Hawaiian has solidified itself as a San Diego favorite, dishing out a variety of Hawaiian classics. The Kalua wontons kicked off my experience, with crispy shells packed with Kalua pig, cream cheese and their signature sauce — a delightful balance of crunch and creamy goodness. The ahi poke combo comes with white rice and macaroni salad, featuring tuna that practically melts in your mouth. The macaroni is mayo-forward but complements the heat from the tuna that practically melts in your mouth. Don’t miss the Garlic Shrimp Scampi combo — messy, but undeniably delicious. I got mine spicy.
ASA Bakery
Where: 634 14th St., No. 110, San Diego, CA 92101
Asa, the aesthetically pleasing Japanese bakery in San Diego’s East Village, has every flavor profile – sweet to savory. I indulged in an iced matcha tea alongside a matcha cream croissant, which was utterly buttery and flaky, striking the right balance of sweetness and earthy notes. I broke my “no eating bagels outside of New York” rule and got the everything mochi bagel (toasted). While it wasn’t what I expected, the mochi bagel offered a delightful chew and a unique flavor profile. Finally, I tried the curry pan, bursting with deep, rich curry flavors in the meat. Each bite made me miss being in Japan.
Morning Glory
Where: 550 W. Date St. Suite C, San Diego, CA 92101
Stepping into Morning Glory in Little Italy, you hit sensation overload, but it’s exciting. The menu is big, but my eyes and stomach were up for the adventure. Their famous Japanese soufflé pancakes stole the show – light, airy and practically fluffy through my fork. They are magically both light and dense, with the right custard ratio. The Turkish eggs were fresh with a pop of heat, paired perfectly with garlic herb Greek yogurt. Their egg salad sando, inspired by 7-Eleven, is made on Wonder bread with simple, subtle flavors that aim to satisfy. Pro tip: Come early to beat the crowd.
Sunnyboy Biscuit Co.
Where: 3749 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
Sunnyboy Biscuit Co., near Balboa Park, brings a little bit of the south to San Diego. I started with the Sunny B’ fried chicken. The biscuit itself is buttery and is piled with cheesy eggs and crispy chicken doused in pure maple syrup – a combo that always leaves you wanting more. The biscuit brûlée was messy in the best way possible, with layers of cinnamon, candied peaches, maple whipped cream, and a crunchy brûléed sugar coat. It’s a delicious fusion of biscuit, cinnamon roll, and peach pie all in one heavenly bite.
Tuetano Taqueria
Where: 216 Third Ave., Stes. A and B, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (pending)
Michelin-recognized and considered one of San Diego’s best taco shops, this place – formerly in Old Town San Diego and now reopening in Chula Vista in summer 2024 – lives up to the hype. Their crispy birria tacos are a standout, especially with the option to add bone marrow on top. I tried both the classic 36-hour cooked meat taco with (and without) marrow for comparison. The meat was tender and flavorful, and if you like it hot, squeeze a drop of chili oil to elevate the experience. The smoky flavor is unforgettable, and the addition of bone marrow adds a delicious twist.
Oscars Mexican Seafood
Where: Multiple locations
This local favorite has three San Diego locations. Their vast selection of hot sauces, including homemade varieties, is a heat lover’s dream. I started off with their breakfast burrito, loaded with eggs, cheese, potato and avocado. You can choose to add smoked fish, bacon, steak or chorizo. I chose chorizo, which delivered satisfying warmth and flavor. The Torta de Oscar features a delightful surf-and-turf combo of tender steak, shrimp and cabbage on soft bread. Beware of the creamy homemade sauce – it packs a surprising amount of heat! Also, even in warm San Diego weather, don’t skip the fish stew, which mixes fresh fish and veggies in chicken broth.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Where: 1654 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego’s chic-est seafood restaurant offers a stunning Little Italy space and an impressive array of raw and cooked delights. I opted for the chef’s choice crudo, enjoying the burst of freshness from the impeccably fresh fish. Their fish and chips, with tempura-battered fish and homemade fries, struck the balance of delivering a satisfying crunch without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the fish. This place is packed with decadent food and great decor.
Fish Guts
Where: 2222 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
I was craving fish tacos, but the limited lunchtime menu on the day I visited Fish Guts in Barrio Logan enticed me to order the only thing featured: the fish sandwich. (Availability of items varies from day to day.) Nestled between a toasted brioche bun was a generous portion of Modelo beer-battered whitefish, accompanied by zesty Mexican tartar sauce, pickles and crisp shrettuce. Each bite was exciting and textured, from the crunchy exterior of the fish to the buttery richness of the bun.
Dos Brasas
Where: 1890 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110
When you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican fare, this taco shop near Old Town is your go-to spot. With an array of breakfast burrito options, all lovingly crafted on their homemade flour tortillas, the choice among chorizo, ham and bacon can be tough. I was told to try the bacon, and it did not disappoint. Every bite had a blend of fluffy eggs, salty potatoes and crispy bacon, perfectly layered within the warm flour tortilla. The no-frills atmosphere adds to its charm, allowing the authentic, flavor-packed food to stand out.
Lucha Libre
Where: 1810 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
This Cali-style burrito joint near Mission Hills (there are two other San Diego locations as well) holds a special place in my heart, since as a TV producer I filmed my favorite segment ever here. But I had to come back to eat! I tried their birria queso tacos, which were so tender and juicy I felt like I needed a straw. I also savored their poblano California-style burrito, featuring crispy fries in the middle. The corn poblano sauce popped against the smoky and savory flavors of the meat. Oh, and that creamy cilantro sauce? Put that on everything.
Thanks for coming along! Follow me @jeremyjacobowitz across all social media to see where I travel next.