12 Old Town San Diego Restaurants You Need to Try
Old Town San Diego knows how to bring the flavor; this historic neighborhood packs serious culinary punch.
These 12 best Old Town San Diego restaurants showcase why this area is one of the tastiest stops in the city.
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1. Casa De Reyes
Casa de Reyes lights up the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with Mexican flavors. The outdoor dining area feels like a tucked-away oasis, away from the busy walkways.
The menu leans into traditional Mexican fare, and it’s the kind of spot that keeps both locals and visitors circling back.
Mariachi bands take the stage in Fiesta de Reyes plaza every weekend; you get dinner and a show for the price of your enchiladas.
Location: 2754 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
2. Old Town Mexican Cafe
Old Town Mexican Cafe puts honest-to-goodness Mexican cooking front and center in San Diego’s historic district.
Traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and hand-pressed tortillas—yes, you’ll remember them.
The place always feels cheerful, making it a solid pick for family dinners or catching up with friends.
Being right in the thick of Old Town means you can wander the area before or after your meal.
Location: 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
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3. Cafe Coyote
Authentic Mexican flavors and a steady stream of mariachi music keep this Old Town institution buzzing.
Cafe Coyote has been holding it down for over 30 years, with a menu that covers all the classics made with fresh ingredients.
With a huge selection of tequilas behind the bar, it’s a magnet for anyone chasing that perfect margarita.
Events like Sip & Paint Fiesta Parties add a little extra color; paint, sip wine, and get swept up in the Old Town energy.
Location: 2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
4. El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
El Agave is tucked away on San Diego Avenue, and you can’t miss the walls lined with bottles—over 2,000 tequilas, if you’re counting.
Here, Mexican cuisine gets the fine dining treatment, with authentic dishes and a tequila selection that’s mind-blowing.
The kitchen turns out regional specialties from across Mexico, and you’ll find everything from rich mole to fresh seafood.
Location: 2304 San Diego Ave B, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
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5. Rockin’ Baja Lobster
Rockin’ Baja Lobster brings Baja-style seafood to the table, with inspiration straight from Puerto Nuevo’s fishing villages.
Lobster and fish tacos are the main event, and they’re dished up with all the coastal flavors you’d expect from Baja, Mexico.
Signature lobster plates come out hot, seasoned just right, and served with warm tortillas, beans, and rice. It’s casual, a little rowdy, and always packed with folks looking for a solid Mexican seafood fix.
Location: 3890 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
6. Miguel’s Cocina
Miguel’s Cocina shakes things up with California-inspired Mexican food with traditional flavors paired with fresh local ingredients.
The margaritas are a big draw, and the whole place hums with energy, especially when the bar fills up for happy hour.
The menu goes beyond basics, and the portions are generous. People keep coming back for the creative spin on classics and the consistently fresh ingredients.
Location: 2444 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
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7. Casa Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
Casa Guadalajara is an Old Town staple you hear about again and again. The restaurant specializes in Mexican dishes that bring the flavors of Guadalajara to San Diego—fajitas, handmade tortillas, and more.
The outdoor patio is a riot of color and energy, and live mariachi music gives every meal a festive spin. It’s a family-friendly spot, but also doubles as a go-to for events and celebrations.
Location: 4105 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
8. Barra Barra
Barra Barra sits right in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, serving up Mexican classics with a side of good vibes.
The patio is great for people-watching, and the margaritas and tequila selection don’t disappoint.
Being part of Fiesta de Reyes means you’re never far from entertainment or a little shopping detour.
The historic surroundings add to the charm, and it’s a solid stop for lunch or dinner when you’re exploring the area.
Location: 4016 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
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9. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
Perched above the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel, Old Town Tequila Factory dishes out Mexican fare with sweeping views from Old Town to Mission Bay.
The rooftop patio is reason enough to swing by, whether you’re after a breakfast buffet or evening margaritas.
The menu features fresh, authentic Mexican dishes—tortillas and churros are made daily.
Wednesdays through Saturdays bring a taco and tostada lunch buffet, and you can try their Double Barrel Edition Tequila, aged in Herradura oak barrels for a smoother sip.
Location: 2467 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
10. Harney Sushi
Creative sushi rolls and fresh Japanese bites headline the menu at this modern spot, which always seems to hum with energy.
Harney Sushi takes the classics and gives them a twist; quality stays high, and the chefs know what they’re doing.
The menu isn’t stuck in the basics; expect surprising combinations that keep regulars interested. Fresh seafood is a given, and the sushi chefs don’t cut corners on prep.
Location: 3964 Harney St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
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11. Trattoria Don Pietro
Sicilian flavors take the spotlight at this modern Italian spot, where traditional southern Italian cooking gets a fresh, San Diego twist. Expect classic pastas, pizzas, and desserts that really hit the spot.
Old-world recipes meet a contemporary setting; you can pick indoor dining or grab a seat outside and soak up some sunshine.
What really sets Trattoria Don Pietro apart is its commitment to traditional Sicilian techniques.
Dishes come out reflecting generations of culinary heritage, and for anyone missing the flavors of southern Italy, this spot feels like a genuine find.
Location: 2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
12. Tahona Bar
Tahona Bar shakes up Old Town with Mexican cuisine with a little edge. The mezcal lineup is impressive, and the kitchen’s not afraid to play with classic flavors.
The space itself feels bright and modern, with a cool mix of sleek lines and rustic details.
The menu leans into elevated Mexican fare, sidestepping the usual suspects for something a bit more interesting.
Right on San Diego Avenue, Tahona Bar stands out from the rest of Old Town’s lineup. If you’re after something a little different for date night or you’ve got a reason to toast, it’s worth a stop.
Location: 2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
