Tacos El Gordo ★ 4.7
Tacos El Gordo on Broadway in Chula Vista, San Diego, the canonical Tijuana-style adobada trompo carving handmade corn tortillas until 4am on weekends.
OrderVertical-trompo adobada taco
San Diego's defining flour-tortilla burrito: marinated carne asada, french fries, pico de gallo, cheese and sour cream or guacamole rolled tight at the counter. No rice, no beans. The fries are the trick.
The California burrito was invented in San Diego at one of the city's -bertos taquerias in the late 1970s or early 1980s, with Santana's Mexican Grill and the Lolita's chain among the spots that claim credit. The dish travelled north with surfers and college kids from Mission Beach and Pacific Beach kitchens, then settled into every San Diego taqueria as the city's house burrito. National Burrito Day 2026 saw KPBS publishing a full origin piece naming San Diego as the dish's home, though no single restaurant has been confirmed as the inventor.
5 editor picks for California burrito in San Diego, ranked by editorial score. All San Diego signature dishes · California burrito across every city.
Lolita's Mexican Food ★ 4.3
Lolita's Mexican Food in San Diego is the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard Chicano taqueria chain founded by the Lolita Garcia family, the originator of carne asada.
OrderThe California burrito with carne asada and fries.
TipDrive-through and counter both fine; the 24-hour locations stay open for the post-bar burrito run.
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop ★ 4.2
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.
OrderThe Surfin' California burrito with shrimp; the Champion's gold booth if you book ahead.
TipBook the gold booth on the website 48 hours ahead; the line at the counter moves fast after 1pm.
El Comal ★ 4.2
El Comal in San Diego is the North Park family-owned Mexican kitchen on Illinois Street, a longstanding interior-Mexican counter known for carnitas.
OrderThe carnitas plate with handmade tortillas; weekend chilaquiles before noon.
TipCash on hand speeds the counter; the courtyard patio runs warmer than the indoor room.
La Puerta ★ 4.0
La Puerta in San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter Mexican kitchen on Fourth Avenue, the after-bar carne asada fries and Taco Tuesday institution that anchors.
OrderThe carne asada fries to share; Taco Tuesday $3 tacos until close.
TipOpen until 1am Fri-Sat, midnight other nights; the back patio runs heater-and-fan year-round.
Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide
California burrito makes more sense with someone from San Diego explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Book food experiences in San Diego
Guided tour · 2h 30m
San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Walking Tour
Experience the atmosphere of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter on our 2.5-hour guided walking tour. You’ll have a chance to sample lots of tasty ethnic cuisine, alo...
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Guided tour · 2.5 hours
San Diego: Little Italy Food & Drink Walking Tour
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through San Diego's Little Italy to some of the tastiest restaurants and shops in the area. Explore piazzas, learn about local history, ...
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Guided tour · 4h 30m
San Diego: Chauffeured Winery Tour with Full Meal
Savor award-winning wines and a full vineyard meal on a guided tour. Explore scenic vineyards, enjoy local flavors, and discover San Diego’s wine heritage.
from$184 Check dates