Best restaurants in Tijuana

Addison

★★★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary, Californian

Global inspiration and Californian sentimentality are at the heart of Chef William Bradley’s world-class dining destination. Located just north of San Diego, Addison commands its own enclave among the manicured greenery and curvaceous pathways of the luxurious resort grounds.An opening act of canapes presenting a chicken liver churro, a playful take on bluefin nigiri and ranch dressing-filled cracker topped with young greens sums up the menu’s personality and is a distinct preview of what is to come. Skillful execution and creativity transform excellent quality product, such as Japanese shima

Soichi

★ Michelin$$$$japanese

Named for Chef Soichi Kadoya, this intimate Japanese restaurant has made a name for itself in University Heights. There are a few omakase options, as well as several à la carte items. The chef may be chatting up diners but make no mistake—this food shows serious focus. Sushi leans straightforward, but it flaunts a great deal of skill. Hokkaido pike mackerel is balanced by ginger and scallion, while kampachi delivers clean and simple flavors. Spanish bluefin tuna has a slight tang, while fatty tuna is luscious. Sea bass, marinated with two kinds of miso, is broiled and caramelized; and nigiri h

Carmelita Molino y Cocina

Bib Gourmand$$Mexican

Named for Chef José Figueroa's grandmother, who inspired his love of cooking, this charming Tijuana dining room has an airy vibe with warm-toned wood furnishings, tile-and-concrete flooring, and a screen-covered roof. Corn is revered here and is sourced from small family farms around Mexico, then nixtamalized and ground in-house. Tortillas are prepared on the comal up front for the tacos and tostadas that comprise the menu, while ceviche, and egg dishes round it out. You can't go wrong with chilaquiles dressed with salsa borracha, but don't sleep on the tamal of the day. It's big, prepared in

Ciccia Osteria

Bib Gourmand$$Italian, Milanese

Set in a converted home in the heart of Barrio Logan, this warm and welcoming osteria is headed by Chef Mario Cassineri. The quaint former living room now hosts a deli counter (where your bill will be settled) but tables in the welcoming, tree-lined courtyard are most coveted. Despite their limited space, the kitchen team turns out an impressive menu, with more than a dozen handmade pastas (three of them gluten-free). As a freebie, you’ll get to sample the feather-light focaccia with a spicy, savory mascarpone-ricotta dip, but the decadently cheesy mushroom flan and delicate olive-flecked tuna

Callie

Bib Gourmand$$mediterranean

Chef Travis Swikard comes back to his hometown wreathed in glory, having earned his wings helming restaurants for culinary icon Daniel Boulud in New York City. Hip locals can now reap the benefits of the years he spent honing his craft in fine dining kitchens at this sharply designed and boisterous spot.The cuisine takes advantage of the best ingredients SoCal has to offer in highly shareable dishes featuring the bold, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. Vegetables and seafood steal the show, with spice as a key supporting character. Behold the kampachi crudo with an herb-y Israeli hot sauce a

🕐 Mo off; Tu-Su 17:00-22:00

LOLA 55

Bib Gourmand$mexican

There are plenty of taquerias around town, but this East Village gem is a notable cut above. The breezy space features high ceilings, concrete floors and a full bar, and manages to cook even better than it looks. All day long, the kitchen prepares plush, tender tortillas, which take on a range of fun fillings like pork belly adobada with pineapple, smoked pork shoulder with tomatillos, and grilled steak with crispy onions. On a chilly day, posole verde is comfort in a bowl. Finish with Mexican mole-chocolate ice cream or the deliciously crunchy churros.

🕐 Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-22:00

Morning Glory

Bib Gourmand$$breakfast

It's strictly breakfast and brunch only at this Little Italy spot, which isn't however just for the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The playful décor may look feminine with its plush booths, pink-and-green marble floors and a champagne vending machine but look closer and you'll find a few skulls and dark touches. Inside, it's always jumping and there's a wait, so plan ahead.It's all about familiar-seeming favorites and of-the-moment meals—hello, avocado toast and shakshuka. Fluffy soufflé pancakes or chicken and waffles are worth waking up for, and fried rice with pork belly plus two eggs with r

🕐 Sa-Su 08:00-16:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-15:00

Cucina Urbana

Bib Gourmand$$italian

Cucina Urbana, like the other siblings in the Urban Kitchen Group family, is an amiable place that promises a good time. It’s casual, festive and popular with the locals—the kind of spot where nearly every table is filled on a Tuesday afternoon.The California-Italian menu has seasonal offerings, such as a burrata and stone fruit salad, as well as a variety of brick oven pizzas with playful twists, like a pepperoni pizza with Calabrian chili and a honey drizzle. Fresh pastas, including the torchio alla norma with eggplant, chili flakes and ricotta salata with basil, are always a good bet. Wine

🕐 Mo 17:00-21:00; Tu-Th 11:30-22:00; Fr 11:30-22:30; Sa 17:00-22:30; Su 16:30-21:00

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Bib Gourmand$$seafood

Charm is in abundant supply at this popular gathering place, from the name and décor (both of which honor an owner's beloved dog) to the easygoing, friendly staff. But it's more than just window dressing that draws in the crowds. A focused menu highlights excellent local seafood with a simple-yet-satisfying approach that blends Californian and Iberian cuisine, and the results are undeniably delicious. Case in point is the crispy, meaty swordfish schnitzel, served with salsa verde and creamy tonnato sauce alongside a salad of caper berries and shaved fennel, for a winningly bright, briny combin

🕐 Mo-Sa 16:00-23:00

Cesarina

Bib Gourmand$$italian

Step into this charming trattoria and you’ll instantly feel like part of the famiglia. A glass-walled pastificio provides a behind-the-scenes view of the production—from fusilli to tortelli, while a tableside tiramisu brings the show right to you.There's a warm, boisterous atmosphere here, accented by the hand-painted, mismatched pottery on each table, and a musical Italian lilt will make a glass of Valpolicella all the more enticing. Most of the menu is mix-and-match, with a selection of pasta shapes and sauces that can be paired to your liking (though the friendly servers may nudge you away

Mision 19

$$$Mexican

The name is a reference to the 18 Catholic missions that exist in Baja California. Their mission is a bit more down-to-earth: To celebrate the area's food. Located on the second floor of Vía Corporativo, Mexico's second self-sustainable building, the restaurant strives for sustainability by utilizing products that do not travel more than 200km from farm to table. Noteworthy dishes include aguachile, featuring slivers of local rockot dressed with salsa verde and avocado puree. Lechon prensado is an enticing roasted pork plated with a zesty roasted tomatillo salsa as well as reduced pork jus. It

Oryx

$$Mexican, Contemporary

This Tijuana favorite is the domain of Chef Ruffo Ibarra. The dining room boasts a dressed-up industrial look with dark earthy colors, exposed red brick walls, wood and tiled flooring, metal beams and warm lighting.The menu is a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine and lists an extensive selection of items including chilled seafood starters and grilled steaks. Consomé de camarón con hongas is presented with chopped raw shrimp, then filled tableside with a hot, deeply flavorful shrimp broth which gently poaches the shrimp. Golden-brown, crisped striped bass shares the plate with creamy onion pu

Tacos El Franc

$mexican

This taqueria boasts a bustling corner setting with a covered roof and bright blue open walls. There is plenty of seating at anchored white tables as well as at the counter. Grab a table, then place your order from one of the pleasant apron-clad ladies circulating throughout the room. There are different stations cooking specific items, and the sounds of sizzling and chopping rise above the cacophony. The menu is wide-ranging, with tacos, tostadas and vampiros, all with a meat focus.

🕐 Mo-Th 16:00-01:00; Fr-Sa 15:00-03:00

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

$$$$Seafood, Mediterranean Cuisine

If the historic “Hotel Del” is the jewel of Coronado Island, then snagging a seat on Serẽa’s sprawling patio is like nestling into said jewel box. Thanks to its stunning views of the hotel's landscaped grounds and the ocean beyond, this is one of the prettiest perches in all of California. Just be sure to snag a reservation, because you’ll have competition from plenty of wedding parties and conference-goers.Deep-pocketed pescatarians will be delighted by the freshness and sustainability of the fish on offer—from inviting platters of raw oysters and cracked Maine lobster to flash-fried red snap

Sovereign

$Thai, Lao

Brother and sister team—Uthan Dejcomrunkul and Jumi Pitiwartarlai—have made it their mission to bring the authentic flavors of the Isaan region of Northeastern Thailand to San Diego, and this East Village outpost clearly succeeds. You'll be hard-pressed to make a wrong choice on the menu, whose small assortment of dishes are each made with unmistakable pride.Diners might start with spicy fermented pork sausage (nicely paired with a side of purple sticky rice and an ice-cold Singha); then move on to a spin on khao soi, or coconut curry noodles, given extra heft thanks to a crispy leg of duck co

Kingfisher

$$$vietnamese, french

This pretty bird makes a splash in its stunning Golden Hill location, which offers no shortage of charm. A striking central bar provides the perfect perch for thirsty guests to wet their beaks with a terrific assortment of inventive cocktails, which serve as excellent complements to the mouth-watering menu of inspired Vietnamese cooking. The shareable dishes are bursting with vibrant, herbaceous flavors typical of the cuisine, treated with a modern sensibility and careful technique. Expect creative, ingredient-driven takes on classic dishes, as in raw scallops prepared with the flavors of canh

🕐 Mo,We-Su 17:00-23:00; Tu off

Craft & Commerce

$$American

Channel your best Ernest Hemingway before entering this place, designed to the hilt and a feast for the eyes with its library-meets-hunting lodge look. From its mounted trophies to the taxidermy specimens on loan from the Natural History Museum, this may not be the wisest pick for your PETA-supporting pal, but it definitely appeals to the trendy set.The kitchen dishes out contemporary comfort food with glimmers of Asian influences. The menu is packed with hearty selections. Dig in to a dish of plump mussels in a thick red Thai coconut curry studded with pan-seared fennel slices, roasted garlic

Artifact at Mingei

$$International, Contemporary

Visitors to scenic Balboa Park's trove of museums are well-advised to stop in for the unique collection of folk art, craft and design on display here, but this unassuming restaurant, just across from the gift shop, is worth a visit in its own right. Like the museum itself, the culinary offerings are proudly eclectic and international, ranging from carefully pleated rock shrimp gyoza with a yuzu-flavored dashi, to lamb kibbeh with quinoa tabbouleh. Plant-based options, like Thai green curry with sweet potato and crispy noodles, are clearly no afterthought, and desserts like cardamom tapioca wit

Born & Raised

$$$$steak_house

No expense was spared making this wildly polished, upscale steakhouse that resembles a midcentury, art deco dream lined with black-and-white photos of old-school rap legends. There is a glassed-in meat cutting room in the back; and a lovely, open-air rooftop bar overlooking Little Italy. Waiters dressed in tuxedos and Converse shoes drift between tables, pushing nostalgic tableside carts where they whip up starters on the spot or pour Manhattans and martinis to order. Certainly, you’re here for the impeccably cooked steaks, but don’t miss the tartare, prepared tableside with quail egg, capers

Cloak & Petal

$$$Japanese

It’s in the heart of Little Italy, but you won’t hear any old crooners at this temple of Japanese haute cuisine. Instead, you'll find old-school rap on the soundtrack and graffiti art installations on the walls. And then there’s the bar, flanked by two faux-cherry trees in full bloom.The fresh-spirited menu brims with shareable plates such as blistered shishito peppers and crispy chicken karaage. Entrées include duck breast with golden tomato confit, miso-glazed black cod or even Wagyu grilled tableside on a yakitori. The sashimi is straight-up sublime, but it’s the envelope-pushing items that

Herb & Wood

$$$regional, american

This establishment enjoys a loyal following. The multilevel former warehouse could lean cavernous, but its barrel-vaulted ceilings and funky artwork exude a distinct Parisian bohemian warmth. The whole place is set aglow and everyone, including the staff, wants to be here. Its wide-ranging menu runs the gamut—from rustic, wood-fired dishes including grilled trumpet mushrooms and pizzas, to more refined plates like venison over buttermilk polenta. The PB&C, a chocolate-whiskey cake with peanut butter mousse and rich milk chocolate gelato, absolutely hits the spot.

Juniper & Ivy

$$$american, regional

Set within a 1920s warehouse, redwood beams and tan leather furnishings lend this popular eatery a certain rustic charm. A sizable bar area with a long curved booth looks out across a sunken dining room and a bustling kitchen. The approachable menu offers a thoroughly contemporary take on SoCal cuisine, rooted in quality ingredients seasoned judiciously with Latin and Asian flavors. Think grilled swordfish skewers with peanut crunch, bluefin crudo with pickled jalapeños and hearty pastas featuring the likes of Santa Barbara uni or fire-roasted squash.

Siamo Napoli

$$italian_pizza

Flavio Piromallo has another hit on his hands with this hip North Park District spot. In keeping with its trendy surrounds, the décor sports an industrial-chic look with concrete floors, exposed pipes and a massive photographic elegy to Sophia Loren. Laid-back, cool service completes the experience. The modern affect belies its classic Southern Italian cooking. Neapolitan-style pizza is a favorite, and the homemade pastas have terrific flavor—ravioli con manzana is a delicious signature. Mandorle al Caffé, a spongy almond cake with a layer of espresso custard surrounded by a duo of white and b

🕐 Su-Th 16:00-20:30; Fr-Sa 16:00-21:30

Coasterra

$$$mexican

Attention-grabbing views and attention-getting food go hand-in-hand at this modern Mexican eatery set on the tip of Harbor Island, which offers dramatic panoramas of downtown San Diego from across the water. The enormous patio, equipped with a sizable fire pit, is the best place to soak it all in, though the sleek, glassed-in dining room is an enjoyable second fiddle once the sun sets.Chef Deborah Scott nicely balances old-school and new-world takes on upscale Mexican fare. In the former, you’ll find delicious guacamole, made tableside; while in the latter, a smoked beet tartare tostada with k

🕐 Mo-Su 11:30-21:00

Trust

$$$American, International

This stylish neighborhood eatery is best enjoyed with those you "trust" most—and boasting a menu comprised of small plates, the theme here is all about sharing. On San Diego’s many fair-weather days, friends crowd onto the expansive patio to share Chef Brad Wise's delicious bites. His kitchen team delights diners with dishes like hush puppies with whipped honey butter and thinly sliced house-made ham along with mains like in-house braised oxtail raviolini. Milk and cookies pie with a scoop of salted cookie dough ice cream and crème anglaise seals the deal. When the weather turns colder, the in

Great Maple

$American

Take the classic 50s diner, add a little swagger and you get Great Maple. It is one of four outlets statewide, but this particular location is always buzzing. Be warned though as parking and counter seats are coveted, so plan ahead.Three-course chef dinners on Mondays; burger and beer nights on Wednesdays; and prime rib Fridays are popular, but it’s also great at brunch. Fruity Pebbles pancakes, lolliwaffles on a stick and maple-bacon donuts are sweet-tooth satisfiers. Late night? Sip a Bloody Mary and tuck in to the brisket popover, a fluffy base with tender smoked meat, poached eggs and béar

Fort Oak

$$$$Steakhouse, American

Named for the majestic oaks of nearby Presidio Park, this Mission Hills eatery helmed by Chef Brad Wise is perfect for happy hour or an intimate "chef's experience" tasting. Just don't let the fire fool you—Fort Oak is no log cabin. This historic, former car dealership is bright and airy, complete with a glamorous horseshoe-shaped bar and sleek, mid-century vibe. Chef Wise's menu is one intended for sharing. Try a bit of everything, from raw seafood appetizers or towers to hot appetizers like their cinnamon heavy lamb merguez kefta with a pistachio muhammara. Heritage pork chop with roasted Br

Sushi Tadokoro

$$$sushi

Guests are in good hands at this mini sushi counter that's off the beaten path in a modest strip mall. Chef/owner Takeaki Tadokoro along with young chef, Tatsuro Tsuchiya, take great pleasure in providing an enjoyable experience. Their style is approachable, and while an à la carte menu is offered in the dining room, the omakase is a more popular option. Whether it includes those creamy and meaty oysters from British Columbia or succulent scallops from Hokkaido, they use only the finest ingredients. To wit: a mix of sea urchin from California and Hokkaido topped with ikura hits all the right n

🕐 Tu-We, Fr-Sa 11:30-14:00, 17:00-22:00; Th 17:00-22:00

Solare

$$italian

It’s just steps from the Liberty Public Market in the NTC Promenade, while inside, the vibe is homey, welcoming and relaxed, splashed with plenty of colorful fabrics and wood fixtures. The cooking is rustic and hearty, drawing on Italian-American and Southern Italian traditions. House-made pasta is a specialty, as in a lasagna al forno made with tender veal and beef meatballs and vibrant marinara, or spinach and ricotta ravioli with a sauce of sage, butter and Grana Padano. Pizzas, like pear and gorgonzola or fennel sausage with roasted peppers, emerge from a 900° wood-fired oven with blistere

🕐 Tu-Su 11:30-22:00

Restaurante Amores

$$$Mexican

Restaurante Amores is lovingly run by Chefs Marcelo Hisaki and Reyna Venegas with their team. The cuisine here is offered as a prix-fixe and diners can choose from a few options. There is an element of surprise at play, as the items are not specifically described until they are presented on the table, with many compositions featuring the day's local product. A fish course may feature Pacific Dover sole from Ensenada, pan seared and dressed with an herb and caper pipián and bouquet of asparagus; while the meat choice can include lamb, done as barbacoa and presented as a sope with black bean pur

Hidden Fish

$$$Japanese, Sushi

You’ll be on the clock at this tiny sushi spot, where the omakase is a 90-minute experience, but despite such punctuality, you will savor every bite here. In fact, you’ll find yourself slowing down to savor each and every creation from the talented chefs. However, seats here are hard to come by so be sure to reserve ahead of time or risk serious FOMO.Like other top tier sushiyas, they source both locally with San Diego uni and across the globe with Peruvian scallops and of course, plenty of Japanese species. A chalkboard menu keeps diners apprised of the current lineup, and for those who are s

Menya Ultra

$$Japanese, Ramen

This Japanese import, whose first shop was opened in Akita Prefecture before spawning numerous offshoots, has been a local hit since day one. Set in a Clairemont strip mall, it attracts a crowd. Inside, one may expect efficient service and a no-frills vibe.On the menu, ramen is the main attraction. Diners are faced with few choices: the house broth is a rich, porky tonkotsu enhanced with miso; while the tantanmen is a unique take on Sichuan dan dan noodles, bolstered with ground pork and a touch of spice. Each item comes with excellent springy noodles and the option of add-ons—the ajitama egg,

The Fishery

$$Seafood

Nestled within a restored mid-century warehouse in North Pacific Beach, The Fishery is exactly what it claims. As if you needed further proof, there’s even a premier seafood market housed at its center. You would be hard-pressed to find fish fresher than the selection offered here, and the open kitchen does wonders with this market-driven menu overseen by these talented chefs, who let the quality product shine bright. Appetizers to consider include their calamari sided by a spicy aioli, delicious oysters, or a seafood tower. Then, twirl your fork into their house-made fettuccine tossed with lo

Paradisaea

$$$$Californian, Contemporary

Just look to its name to get a sense of what Paradisaea is all about. This La Jolla spot has an upscale tropical theme, where bar chairs are enlivened with a floral pattern and everything feels sunny and warm, especially outside on the patio. As might be expected, the mood extends to the bar, where tiki drinks take center stage. The kitchen turns out simple, contemporary cooking featuring local ingredients with Asian and tropical inflections. Case in point? A classic coconut shrimp, though here it's grilled over a robata and served with a coconut-lime dipping sauce. Northern halibut is fried t

Himitsu

$$Japanese, Sushi

"Irasshaimase!" is the greeting commonly heard upon entering this cozy little sushiya. You’ll want to plan ahead to snag one of the eight coveted seats at the pristine counter, but it’s well worth the forethought, as these friendly chefs take great pride in discussing the quality of their fish and the techniques used to prepare your meal. It’s also a front row seat to their admirable knife skills.Such affability extends to the dining room, where servers flash big smiles and loads of greenery as well as natural wood come together to create a truly serene effect. Omakase is the way to go, but th

Lucien

$$$$Californian

Chef Elijah Arizmendi cut his teeth in New York kitchens before returning home to open this sophisticated tasting menu concept on the third story of La Plaza La Jolla. Whether it's California-raised Iberico pork or locally caught fish, the region's bounty is celebrated on a menu that reflects French and Japanese influences. A meal could begin with canapes like tempura-fried sweet potato topped with caviar; yellowtail in a crispy nori tube; and a rose meringue with beets and green yogurt, before moving into impressive dishes like crisp-skinned ocean tilefish with petite fennel and pomegranate,

Catania

$$italian, pizza

In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center. The artfully designed dining room features sunny Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles. A large, elegant terrace offers panoramic coastline views.Come early for their aperitivo (cocktails and snacks), but make sure you stay to explore this kitchen’s modern twists. Start with a daily salad special, featuring lovely flavors like beet chips and butternut squash, crowned by ahi tuna crudo with poppy seeds and basil leaves. Then dive into a Neapolitan-style pizza from the wood-burning oven, or d

A.R. Valentien

$$$Contemporary

Every element of this setting seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen. Begin with Dungeness crab flan surrounded by watercress, Belgian endive and roasted grapes, drizzled with tangy balsamic dressing. Then, indulge in eleva

MARKET Restaurant + Bar

$$$International

This restaurant's creative cooking continues to draw patrons for both special occasions as well as date night. The dark and seductive décor manages to be elegant without a hint of pretense, but one glance at the parking lot and you know that this spot is favored by a moneyed lot. Sushi is well-loved here, but it would be a shame to miss the chef’s creative and internationally influenced dishes. For instance, blue cheese soufflé with anise-orange marmalade shows off a European bent, while miso-glazed cod with shrimp dumplings is resoundingly Asian.

Envero en el Valle

$$$$Mexican

Add this gorgeous outdoor restaurant to your must-visit list. Located at the Las Nubes winery, you'll enjoy dramatic, sweeping views of The Valley from your table, while overhead, sun shades and café lights add to the ambience.The kitchen team makes good use of local produce and seafood while also favoring grilled meats for this contemporary Mexican cuisine, available both à la carte and as a tasting menu. Polenta finished on the plancha has a nice, crispy exterior before being topped with shredded braised beef and stewed cherry tomatoes. Local crab shines in a house-made taco served with a br

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

$$$Contemporary

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