If you come to San Diego and don’t eat a burrito, did you really experience San Diego? The city is famous for its Mexican food and has some of the most delicious burritos.
Best Burritos in San Diego
Best California Burrito:
The California burrito is probably the most famous burrito in Southern California. A California burrito has carne asada (beef), guacamole, cheese, and potatoes or French fries. It’s difficult to find a “bad” California burrito, but some restaurants provide the perfect ratio of meat, cheese, potatoes, and guacamole.
Winner: Nico’s California Burrito. This burrito was ranked the #2 Burrito in the United States by The Daily Meal and #1 Burrito in San Diego in a poll of local surfers.
Nico’s
4918 Newport Avenue
Ocean Beach
No website
Note: Nico’s is cash only!
Best Breakfast Burrito:
The breakfast burrito is not just a breakfast staple: it can be enjoyed all day! A classic breakfast burrito has scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and either bacon, sausage or, chorizo.
Winner: Roberto’s Hashbrown Breakfast Burrito
Roberto’s Taco Shop
Locations throughout San Diego
No website
Best Seafood Burrito:
San Diego has delicious seafood, so it makes sense that there are seafood burritos throughout the city. Try a shrimp burrito or a fish burrito: if you’re really fancy, try a lobster burrito. Most often, these burritos come with a “white sauce” that is light and not too spicy. It’s delicious and very “San Diego.”
Winner: Lucha Libre’s Taco Shop’s Surfin’ California Burrito combines carne asada and shrimp with house-made French fries, avocado, cheese, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, and a secret chipotle sauce. It’s delicious, smoky, and a perfect “surf and turf” combination.
Lucha Libre Taco Shop
1810 W. Washington Street (Mission Hills)
3016 University Avenue (North Park)
Best Healthy Burrito:
Yes, burritos can be healthy . . . when they are made from lighter tortillas and fresh sauces. In fact, in San Diego you will probably see burritos on many restaurant menus! There are now gluten-free burrito options and even vegan options for those who choose to eat vegan or gluten free (or who need to for health reasons).
Winner: Cafe Gratitude’s SF Mission Burrito has mushroom carnitas, adobo sauce, cashew nacho cheese, black beans, brown rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortilla chips for crunch. Delicious . . . and vegan!
Cafe Gratitude
980 Kettner Blvd
Little Italy
Best Fusion Burrito:
Fusion dishes combine the flavors or food styles of two different cuisines: check out our article on fusion food for a description of this cooking style. Burritos are an easy food to make into a fusion dish: in San Diego, the burrito/sushi combination is quite popular.
Winner: Pokirrito serves the Maui Sunrise: glazed teriyaki chicken with fried ginger, iceberg lettuce, cubed avocado, red bell pepper, lotus chips, tempura flakes, sweet chili sauce. Yum!
Pokirrito
2254 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101