16 Must-Eat Spots in San Diego

Jeremy Jacobowitz runs through 16 restaurants across San Diego, covering everything from nearly-century-old taquerias to Michelin-recognized breakfast spots to omakase counters. The list leans heavy on Mexican food (as it should in San Diego), but also hits Japanese bakeries, seafood raw bars, Southern biscuit shops, and a food truck that was rated the number one restaurant on Yelp. Here is every spot with what to order.

The Full List

1. Las Cuatro Milpas

Nearly a hundred years old, small menu, locals-only energy. The corn tortilla shells are fried in pork lard and the flour tortillas are handmade.

Order: Pork taco, chicken burrito.

2. The Shawarma Guy (Food Truck)

A food truck parked in a liquor store lot. Rated number one restaurant on Yelp, named best food truck in California, and endorsed by Guy Fieri. Jeremy ordered from it multiple times on a previous trip.

Order: Wagyu shawarma egg rolls, chicken fatouche wrap, falafel pita wrap.

3. Urban Wood

Rustic wood-fired California-Mediterranean cooking in a big, well-designed space. Seasonal menu with strong desserts.

Order: Pork belly, roasted baby carrots, torchio pasta, lamb ragu, ricotta hush puppies (do not skip dessert).

4. Dos Las Brasas

No-frills local Mexican spot with homemade flour tortillas and a lineup of breakfast burritos. Staff recommended the bacon.

Order: Special breakfast burrito (eggs, potatoes, cheese, and bacon).

5. Hawaiian Fresh Seafood

West coast poke that Jeremy says you cannot match on the East Coast. He went straight here from the airport.

Order: Poke plate with three scoops over rice -- shoyu ahi, kake ahi, and chili pepper salmon.

6. Tacos El Gordo

Tijuana-style tacos, recommended by nearly everyone he asked in San Diego. Handmade corn tortillas.

Order: Adobada (spicy pork) taco.

7. Morning Glory

Michelin Bib Gourmand breakfast spot with a massive, eclectic menu. The Japanese influences stand out.

Order: Japanese souffle pancakes (their signature), Japanese egg salsando (inspired by 7-Eleven konbini egg sandwiches).

8. Azuki

Sushi spot that punches well above expectations. Jeremy described it as dreamy, especially given the price compared to New York.

Order: Uni toast, crispy rice, bluefin.

9. Kinmei

Sister omakase restaurant to Azuki, located up the street. Beautiful fish preparation throughout, but one dish is the clear standout.

Order: A5 wagyu tartare puff sandwich (the bite of the trip).

10. Asa Bakery

Japanese bakery with a wide selection of both sweet and savory treats in a well-designed space.

Order: Browse the full case -- both sweet and savory options.

11. Ironside

San Diego's trendiest seafood restaurant. Large menu spanning raw and cooked preparations in a striking interior.

Order: Chef's choice crudo (bluefin with pesto, almonds, and raisins on this visit), fish and chips (tempura-battered rockfish with Old Bay fries).

12. Great Maple

Old school diner feel with a modern kitchen and enormous portions.

Order: Classic bacon donuts, French toast lox.

13. Oscar's Mexican Seafood

Three locations across San Diego. Casual neighborhood spot with a massive hot sauce selection, including homemade varieties.

Order: Chorizo breakfast burrito, Torta de Oscar (smoked fish, spicy shrimp, and skirt steak).

14. Sunny Boy Biscuit Company

Southern-style biscuit shop bringing a taste of the South to San Diego. Both savory and sweet options.

Order: Sunny beef fried chicken biscuit (fried chicken, cheesy eggs, maple syrup), biscuit brulee (cinnamon biscuit swirl with seasonal fruit -- peaches at time of filming -- and maple whipped cream).

15. Fish Guts

Seafood-focused taqueria in the Barrio Logan district. Limited daily menu, so you eat what they have.

Order: Fish sandwich (Modelo beer-battered white fish on a brioche bun with Mexican tartar sauce, roasted serrano peppers, pickles, and shredded lettuce). Fish tacos when available.

16. Lucha Libre

Mexican wrestling-themed restaurant with real personality. Jeremy has a personal connection from his days as a TV producer.

Order: California burrito.

Key Takeaways

• San Diego's food identity runs through its Mexican restaurants. More than half the list leans that direction, and the best bets are the no-frills neighborhood spots (Las Cuatro Milpas, Dos Las Brasas, Tacos El Gordo, Oscar's).
• West coast poke and sushi are meaningfully cheaper and fresher than East Coast equivalents. Jeremy went to Hawaiian Fresh Seafood straight from the airport.
• The Japanese food scene in San Diego goes beyond sushi. Morning Glory, Azuki, Kinmei, and Asa Bakery each bring a different angle.
• For a single "best bite," Jeremy pointed to the A5 wagyu tartare puff sandwich at Kinmei.
• Breakfast is a strong category. Morning Glory, Dos Las Brasas, Oscar's, Great Maple, and Sunny Boy Biscuit Company all serve morning meals worth planning around.