San Diego is a multicultural, ethnically diverse metropolis, which means that the food is as unique as the people who make it. This sunny city by the sea offers a delicious sampling of everything, but there are a few signature dishes that embody “San Diego food.” Here are the three best San Diego signature dishes and where to find them:
3) Delicious and Unique Burgers
There’s no doubt that burgers are an American staple. Here in America’s Finest City, you’ll find this American favorite in many unique and creative forms. From a classic drugstore-style burger to burgers with Sriracha-infused peanut butter, San Diego has plenty to offer in this category.
A willingness to experiment and explore new interpretations of this beloved classic has lead to the creation of some incredibly delicious, unexpected interpretations of the burger that could only have been imagined in San Diego.
Recommended San Diego Restaurants for Mouth-Watering Burgers
Smashburger at Market St & other locations
Smashburger opened its doors in 2007 with the intention of giving San Diegans the best gourmet burgers in town. Since then they’ve delivered mouthwatering burgers that keep visitors coming back again and again and again. We, of course, recommend the San Diego Burger, served on a telera-style roll and topped with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, red onion, and chipotle mayo (plus a lime wedge on the side).
High Dive Bar & Grill at Morena Blvd
If you’re the adventurous sort, you need to visit the High Dive Bar & Grill to try THE KRAKEN. The Kraken is one-pound, griddled Angus chuck patty topped with gorgonzola cheese, smoked bacon and grilled onions, sandwiched between two toasted sriracha-infused peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. It. Is. Massive. If you decide to give this burger a try, you’ll be surprised by how deliciously (and unexpectedly) the savory, salty, and sweet flavors marry together.
2) Carne Asada Fries and California Burrito
If you’re in San Diego and you don’t try carne asada fries or a California Burrito (basically a carne asada fries burrito), you’ve missed out on one of the greatest food opportunities San Diego has to offer. The original home of carne asada fries, San Diego allows you to taste the glorious combination of french fries and delicious Mexican carne asada (and cheese, sour cream, guacamole and salsa). This is truly a “can’t miss.”
Recommended San Diego Restaurants for the Best Carne Asada Fries and Burritos
For carne asada fries: Lolita’s in Kearny Mesa & other locations
Carne asada fries can pretty much be found in any taco-shop-style restaurant in San Diego, but Lolita’s offers some of the finest in the county. The best way to describe Lolita’s carne asada fries is as crunchy-cheesy-meaty-goodness!
For California burrito:Lucha Libre at W. Washington Street & University Ave.
Lucha Libre makes their own special version of a California burrito: they add shrimp. Their surf ‘n’ turf California burrito is one of the most uniquely delicious concoctions you can find in San Diego. Plus, Lucha Libre has a wrestling theme, which creates an exceptionally fun atmosphere.
1) San Diego’s Famous Fish Tacos
San Diego’s fish tacos are famous for a reason: they’re some of the best in the world. By using some of the freshest fish and other ingredients possible, San Diego restaurants are able to offer life-changing fish tacos! We cannot describe how good they are; it’s easier if you just taste them for yourself.
Recommended San Diego Restaurants for Delicious Fish Tacos
Sandbar at Mission Beach
Sandbar’s TKO Style fish tacos consistently win every fish taco challenge in San Diego. You’ll understand once you taste the fresh, grilled, locally-caught fish on a cotija-crusted flour tortilla topped with chipotle aioli, beer-brined escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, tobacco onions and fried cilantro.
Las Cuatro Milpas at Barrio Logan
Las Cuatro Milpas is famous for its authentic and always delicious food. Though you’re bound to love anything on their menu, their fish tacos are a local favorite for a reason. If you’re anywhere near San Diego, head over to Barrio Logan for some scrumptious fish tacos. Just be warned: Las Cuatro Milpas ALWAYS has a line, but it moves quickly and the fish tacos are worth the wait.
We shared the top three dishes you can’t miss next time you’re in San Diego. Now you just have to plan your visit! Skip the hotel and stay in a luxury rental property, complete with extensive amenities and world-class service. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the important things, like visiting the best local restaurants!
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