Old Town San Diego Restaurants

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I am born and raised in San Diego, and I can honestly say that Old Town is probably one of my all-time favorite things about San Diego. Even though I’ve been dozens of times, I absolutely love walking around Old Town and then grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many fantastic Old Town San Diego Restaurants. A visit here needs to be on every San Diego itinerary.

Although I will rarely pass up the Mexican food restaurants when I’m in Old Town, there are actually many different types of food to choose from in Old Town–it’s not all Mexican food.

What is Old Town?

Old Town is not only San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods, it is actually the location of the very first European settlement in the whole state of California. Today it is home to many restaurants, shops, museums, a cemetery, a theater, and much, much more.

It is free to walk around Old Town (in fact, it’s on my list of cheap things to do in San Diego), and you can visit some of the museums there for free as well.

One of my favorite times of year to visit Old Town is in October when everything is decorated for their Dia de Los Muertos festivities. You’ll see beautiful altars and sugar skeletons, and perhaps other activities such as face painting and live music during this time of year.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Old Town San Diego?

There are so many excellent options for food in Old Town, it’s hard to choose just one. Here’s a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town, no matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for.

Old Town Mexican Cafe – Mexican Food – $$$

The Old Town Mexican Cafe is one of the more well-known restaurants in Old Town, San Diego. It has a large selection of classic Mexican dishes in a casual setting. They’re best known for their carnitas, fresh tortillas and hearty margaritas.

Harney Sushi – Japanese, Sushi – $$$

This trendy sushi bar offers fresh and creative sushi rolls, plus all the traditional favorites. And there is a full menu of traditional Japanese dishes as well.

Cafe Coyote – Mexican Food – $$$

Cafe Coyote is a large and lively restaurant known for its festive atmosphere and delicious traditional Mexican dishes. It’s located right next door to Old Town Mexican Cafe, so I like to check in and go to whichever one has a shorter wait. Don’t miss out on their hand-made tortillas, margaritas, street tacos, and enchiladas. You can also get in some great people watching from the outdoor patio.

Casa Guadalajara – Mexican Food – $$$

Truth be told, Casa Guadalajara has always been my personal favorite restaurant in Old Town, San Diego. I even had my rehearsal dinner here for my wedding. You can sit inside or on their large outdoor patio.

Their colorful décor and mariachi music adds to the festive atmosphere. Try out their famous shrimp fajitas, mole poblano, and signature margaritas.

Rockin Baja Lobster – Mexican/ Latin – $$$

Rockin Baja Lobster offers a mix of Mexican and seafood dishes with a Baja twist. People love their lobster buckets, shrimp tacos, and, of course, their margaritas. And it brings its fun, beachy vibe right to their Old Town location to really add to the experience.

Casa de Reyes – Mexican Food – $$$

Casa de Reyes is located in the heart of Old Town, and has a great outdoor patio. They put on a great Dia de Los Muertos display and celebration every year, and serve up traditional Mexican dishes all year long. Carne asada, fajitas, and freshly made guacamole are their specialties. Live music and dancing adds to the fun.

Barra Barra Saloon – Mexican Food – $$

Barra Barra Saloon has a large selection of Mexican and American dishes that you can enjoy on their large outdoor patio that offers great views of Old Town. I love that kids eat free here on Saturdays, making it a more affordable option for families. The favorites here are their carne asada, buffalo burgers, and delicious margaritas.

Pizza Bella – Italian – $$$

This cozy Italian restaurant in Old Town San Diego cooks up all of your favorite Italian dishes with a focus on pizza and pasta. Pizza Bella is best known for its wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and a large wine list.

New Orleans Creole Cafe – Creole – $$

You don’t need to travel to New Orleans for authentic Creole dishes and Abita Beers–you’ll find them right next to the Whaley House in Old Town. They import many of their ingredients along with all of the brews directly from Louisiana. Their specialties are Jambalaya and Crawfish Etouffee.

*Note, all of these restaurants range from $$ to $$$. Old Town is a tourist destination, so prices are a bit higher than some of the other eateries around San Diego, but you can find deals during happy hour and some restaurants offer days when kids eat free.

What is the Most Famous Old Town San Diego Restaurant?

Old Town Mexican Cafe

The Old Town Mexican Cafe has got to be the most well-known Mexican restaurant in Old Town. It opened in 1977, so it’s also one of the longest-standing Mexican restaurants in Old Town. They hold the reputation for having the best handmade corn and flour tortillas in San Diego, and other popular specialties include their carnitas plate, pozole and ceviche.

More San Diego Resources

If you’re looking for more ideas of what to do in San Diego, where to stay and where to eat, I have the resources for you. Check out my blog posts: Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego for a list of eateries the whole family will enjoy.

You can also check out my list of the best hotel pools in San Diego as well as this list of the best oceanfront resorts in San Diego.

Looking for things to do? San Diego has it all. Visiting Coronado Beach is a must. Plus you can enjoy beautiful hiking trails, a variety of beach campgrounds, action-packed rodeos, water parks, family-friendly wineries and more. There’s something for everyone!