Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop in San Diego is the Mission Hills Mexican-wrestling-themed taqueria on Washington Street, the Diners Drive-Ins and Dives stop.
Editorially verified May 18, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Surfin' California burrito, TJ taco, Champion's burrito
Must order: The Surfin' California burrito with shrimp; the Champion's gold booth if you book ahead.
Tip: Book the gold booth on the website 48 hours ahead; the line at the counter moves fast after 1pm.
Address: 1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Galley at the Marina in Chula Vista is the South Bay marina-front seafood and American restaurant on Marina Parkway since 1995, patio over the slips.
Signature: Beer-battered fish and chips, Mahi mahi fish tacos, Blue Point oysters
Order: The World Famous fish and chips; the blackened ahi sashimi to start.
Tip: Weekend brunch starts at 9am; the bar runs a $4 beer happy hour 3-6pm weekdays.
Bali Hai Restaurant in San Diego is the 1955 Shelter Island Tiki institution, a sprawling Polynesian dining room with a boat dock, mai tai pour.
Signature: Mai tai, Polynesian platter, Crab cakes
Order: The original Mai Tai; the Polynesian Platter for sharing.
Tip: Sunday brunch is the value play; book a window for sunset over the marina and Point Loma.
Phil's BBQ in San Diego is the Sports Arena Boulevard BBQ counter, a mesquite-smoked Texas-leaning shop with beef ribs, pulled pork and the onion-ring tower.
Signature: Beef ribs, Pulled pork (Mr. Pig) sandwich, Onion ring tower
Order: The Mr. Pig sandwich and a half-rack of beef ribs; the onion-ring tower for sharing.
Tip: Take-out from the side window has a shorter line; full table service runs the indoor dining room.
Common Theory in San Diego is the Convoy Street gastropub where Asian flavours run through a craft-beer menu, with a long bar, 40 taps. Priced at $$.
Signature: Mongolian BBQ ribs, Crispy Brussels, Burger with kimchi slaw
Order: The Mongolian BBQ ribs; the kimchi-slaw burger with a Pure Project IPA.
Tip: Tuesday Hapa Half-Off runs half-price wines until close; the patio is heater-equipped year-round.
Tasty Noodle House in San Diego is the Convoy Street northern Chinese noodle counter, with hand-pulled noodles made through the open window and reliable.
Signature: Hand-pulled noodles, Xiaolongbao, Dan dan noodles
Order: Lanzhou hand-pulled beef noodle soup; the xiaolongbao steamer for sharing.
Tip: Cash is fine and faster than card. The dan dan noodles are the room's secret order.
Kettner Exchange in San Diego is the Brian Malarkey-designed rooftop dining room on Kettner Boulevard, a tri-level space with a covered indoor-outdoor.
Signature: Crispy lamb shank, Tuna tartare, Korean BBQ ribs
Order: The crispy lamb shank; the Korean BBQ ribs to share.
Tip: Brunch on the rooftop runs Saturday and Sunday; book the terrace, not the indoor room.
