The Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in San Diego has an abundance of budget-friendly restaurants that offer delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. From Mexican seafood to Vietnamese cuisine, the top 5 restaurants in San Diego on our list offer diverse options for any food lover. Each restaurant has unique features, whether it’s Oscar’s Mexican Seafood’s famous fish tacos, Tacos El Gordo’s authentic Mexican street tacos, or Pho Ca Dao’s flavorful pho. Here is why they are the best restaurants in San Diego for your budget.
1. Lolita’s Mexican Food: This family-owned restaurant, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering authentic Mexican food at affordable prices. Their carne asada fries are a must-try, and their burritos and tacos are also highly recommended.
2. Oscar’s Mexican Seafood: Another Mexican food gem, Oscar’s, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is known for their fish tacos and ceviche, which are made with fresh seafood and homemade sauces. Their portions are generous, and their prices are reasonable.
3. Pho Ca Dao: If you’re in the mood for Vietnamese food, Pho Ca Dao, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is the place to go. Their pho is flavorful and satisfying, and their banh mi sandwiches are also popular. The prices are affordable, and the portions are large.
4. Tacos El Gordo: This fast-food style restaurant, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, serves up some of the best tacos in San Diego. The prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the food is exceptional. Their al pastor and carne asada tacos are customer favorites.
5. K Sandwiches: K Sandwiches, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a Vietnamese sandwich shop that’s popular for their banh mi sandwiches. They offer a variety of fillings, including pork, chicken, and tofu, and their prices are very affordable. The sandwiches are made fresh to order, and the bread is crispy and delicious.
These restaurants are popular among customers due to their affordable prices, generous portions, and delicious food made with fresh ingredients.
Top 5 Budget-friendly Restaurants in San Diego
Lolita’s Mexican Food
Address: 202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 AM – 10 PM, Friday to Saturday 8 AM – 11 PM, Sunday 8 AM – 9 PM
Phone Number: (619) 269-6055
Lolita’s Mexican Food, one of the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a casual, budget-friendly restaurant located in the heart of downtown San Diego. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere with bright colors, tiled walls, and traditional Mexican decor. The restaurant has a counter service where you can order food, and there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit and enjoy your meal.
Lolita’s Mexican Food is known for its authentic Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and carne asada fries. Their signature dish is their carne asada fries, which is a large plate of French fries topped with grilled steak, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. It is a popular dish among locals and tourists alike and is big enough to share.
One unique thing about Lolita’s Mexican Food is that they use fresh ingredients and prepare everything in-house. The salsa is made fresh daily, and the meats are marinated in a special blend of spices to give them a unique flavor.
The service at Lolita’s Mexican Food is fast and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is usually busy, but the wait times are short, and the food is served quickly.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Carne Asada Fries – A San Diego classic, this dish features a large portion of crispy French fries topped with tender, marinated steak, melted cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s a delicious and filling meal or shareable appetizer.
▣ California Burrito – This hearty burrito is filled with carne asada, French fries, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It’s a San Diego specialty that’s perfect for satisfying a big appetite.
▣ Carne Asada Tacos – Three soft corn tortillas filled with grilled steak, onions, and cilantro, topped with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime. These tacos are simple, classic, and always satisfying.
▣ Chicken Quesadilla – This cheesy, melty quesadilla is stuffed with grilled chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo, and served with guacamole and sour cream. It’s a great option for those who prefer a milder, less spicy flavor.
▣ Shrimp Ceviche Tostada – For something a little different, try this refreshing seafood tostada. It features citrus-marinated shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro on a crispy corn tortilla. It’s a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a warm San Diego day.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the carne asada tacos and they were amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the tortillas were soft and warm. The salsa had the perfect amount of spice. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price.”
“The carne asada fries were huge and delicious! I couldn’t finish the whole plate. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the service was quick. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves Mexican food.”
“I tried the chicken burrito, and it was delicious! The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the burrito was packed with flavor. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. I will definitely be coming back to Lolita’s Mexican Food again.”
In summary, Lolita’s Mexican Food is a great budget-friendly restaurant in San Diego, offering authentic Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, and the service is fast and friendly. The signature dish, carne asada fries, is a must-try, and the portions are generous. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists, and the restaurant has plenty of seating. They rank amid the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego for good reasons.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Address: 646 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 10 PM
Phone Number: (619) 798-3550
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, one of the most popular budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a restaurant that offers fresh and authentic Mexican seafood. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back vibe with an open kitchen and a small outdoor seating area. The interior is simple yet tasteful with brightly colored walls and artwork.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is known for its signature tacos, which are made with fresh seafood, homemade tortillas, and a variety of delicious toppings. One of their most popular menu items is the Tijuana-style fish taco, which features crispy battered fish topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy chipotle sauce. They also offer ceviche, shrimp cocktails, and other seafood dishes.
One unique thing about Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is that they source their seafood locally and use only the freshest ingredients. The menu is updated regularly based on what’s in season and available from local suppliers.
The service at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is fast and friendly, with the staff knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is usually busy, but the wait times are short, and the food is served quickly.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Tijuana-Style Fish Tacos – These tacos are a San Diego staple and a customer favorite at Oscar’s. The crispy battered fish is topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy chipotle sauce, all wrapped in a fresh, homemade tortilla.
▣ Octopus Tacos – For something a little different, try the octopus tacos. The tender, grilled octopus is seasoned with herbs and spices and topped with cabbage, onions, and salsa. It’s a unique and flavorful taco that’s sure to impress.
▣ Shrimp Ceviche – This refreshing and tangy dish features fresh shrimp marinated in citrus juices and mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. It’s perfect for a warm San Diego day.
▣ Shrimp Cocktail – Another classic seafood dish, the shrimp cocktail features plump and juicy shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce and avocado. It’s a great appetizer or light meal option.
▣ Seafood Quesadilla – This cheesy and flavorful quesadilla is filled with a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, fish, and octopus, along with cheese, onions, and salsa. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Customer Reviews:
“The fish tacos were amazing! The fish was crispy and flavorful, and the tortillas were fresh and homemade. The chipotle sauce was the perfect finishing touch. I also tried the shrimp ceviche, which was fresh and tangy. I will definitely be back!”
“The octopus taco was a pleasant surprise! It was tender and perfectly cooked, and the toppings were flavorful and well-balanced. I also tried the shrimp cocktail, which was fresh and refreshing. This place is a must-visit for seafood lovers.”
“I ordered the grilled fish taco and was blown away by the flavor. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the homemade tortilla added a nice touch. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.”
In summary, Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is a great budget-friendly restaurant in San Diego, offering fresh and authentic Mexican seafood. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, and the service is fast and friendly. The signature tacos are a must-try, and the seafood is sourced locally for the freshest possible taste. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists, and the restaurant has a small but cozy seating area. They stand out among the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego.
Pho Ca Dao
Address: 5223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
Hours: Daily 8 AM – 9 PM
Phone Number: (619) 281-3873
Pho Ca Dao, among the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a popular Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious pho and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. The interior of the restaurant is clean and simple, with wooden tables and chairs and a cozy atmosphere.
The signature dish at Pho Ca Dao is, of course, the pho, which is made with a flavorful and aromatic broth, tender rice noodles, and a variety of toppings such as beef, chicken, and vegetables. The menu also includes other Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and vermicelli noodle bowls.
One unique thing about Pho Ca Dao is that they offer a range of different pho options, including vegetarian, seafood, and even a spicy version. The restaurant also has a variety of sauces and condiments available at each table, allowing customers to customize their dishes to their liking.
The service at Pho Ca Dao is friendly and efficient, with the staff happy to make recommendations and accommodate special requests. The restaurant is usually busy, but the wait times are short, and the food is served quickly.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pho Tai – A classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with a flavorful beef broth, thinly sliced rare steak, and tender rice noodles. Served with bean sprouts, basil, lime, and jalapenos on the side.
▣ Vegetarian Pho – A meatless version of the traditional noodle soup, made with a fragrant vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables, including tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy.
▣ Banh Mi Thit – A Vietnamese sandwich served on a crusty baguette, filled with your choice of grilled pork, chicken, or tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and jalapenos.
▣ Bun Bo Hue – A spicy noodle soup originating from the central region of Vietnam, made with a spicy beef broth, pork meatballs, sliced beef, and thick rice noodles.
▣ Spring Rolls – Fresh rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs, served with a sweet and savory peanut dipping sauce.
Customer Reviews:
“The pho here is amazing! The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are cooked to perfection. I also tried the spring rolls, which were fresh and delicious. The service was fast and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable.”
“I ordered the vegetarian pho, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The broth was full of flavor, and the tofu and vegetables were cooked just right. The vermicelli noodle bowl was also very tasty, with plenty of fresh herbs and veggies. I highly recommend this place!”
“I tried the spicy pho, and it was delicious! The broth had just the right amount of heat, and the meat was tender and flavorful. The banh mi sandwich was also very good, with crusty bread and fresh ingredients. This is definitely my new go-to spot for pho.”
In summary, Pho Ca Dao is a great budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant in San Diego, offering delicious pho and other traditional dishes. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, and the service is friendly and efficient. The signature pho is a must-try, and the menu offers a range of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists, and the prices are very reasonable. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego.
Tacos El Gordo
Address: 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00am-1:00am, Friday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Phone Number: (619) 691-8848
Tacos El Gordo, another of the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a popular fast-food Mexican restaurant that specializes in authentic Tijuana-style street tacos. The interior is casual with a cafeteria-style setup, featuring colorful decor and large communal tables. Their signature food is their succulent, flavorful, and authentic Tijuana-style tacos.
What sets Tacos El Gordo apart is its commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients in all of their dishes. They serve a variety of meats, including adobada, asada, and lengua (marinated pork, steak, and beef tongue), and all of their tacos come on a freshly-made corn tortilla. The salsas and guacamole are also freshly made, adding to the authenticity and flavor of the dishes.
The restaurant’s service is fast and efficient, with a friendly and helpful staff that makes the ordering process easy and enjoyable. They also offer a variety of toppings and salsas at their self-serve salsa bar, allowing customers to customize their tacos to their liking.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Adobada Tacos – These tacos are made with marinated pork that has been cooked on a spit, similar to al pastor. The meat is thinly sliced and served on a soft corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, and a slice of pineapple.
▣ Carne Asada Tacos – These tacos feature juicy grilled steak that is chopped into small pieces and served on a soft corn tortilla. The meat is topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a spicy salsa.
▣ Tripa Tacos – These tacos are made with crispy tripe, which is the lining of the cow’s stomach. The tripe is cooked until crispy and then served on a soft corn tortilla with cilantro and onions.
▣ Quesadillas – These are thick, toasted tortillas that are filled with melted cheese and your choice of meat, such as carne asada or adobada. They’re served with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole on the side.
▣ Tostadas – These are crispy fried tortillas that are topped with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your choice of meat, such as shredded beef or chicken. They’re served with a side of salsa and guacamole.
Overall, Tacos El Gordo is known for its delicious and authentic street tacos made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Their menu also features other classic Mexican dishes like quesadillas and tostadas, all served in a casual and vibrant atmosphere.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the adobada tacos, and they were the best tacos I’ve ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the corn tortillas were fresh and warm. The service was also friendly and efficient, making for an all-around great experience.”
“The asada tacos were amazing, and the toppings bar had a great selection of salsas and toppings to choose from. The restaurant was also very clean and had a great atmosphere.”
“I tried the lengua tacos for the first time, and I was blown away. The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the corn tortilla was the perfect vessel. I also appreciated the fast and friendly service.”
In summary, Tacos El Gordo is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Tijuana-style street tacos in San Diego. The fresh ingredients, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere make for a fantastic dining experience. They have earned the rank of the top 5 budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego.
K Sandwiches
Address: 7604 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
Hours: Daily 7:00am-9:00pm
Phone Number: (858) 278-8961
K Sandwiches, amid the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego, is a casual Vietnamese-American restaurant located in the Linda Vista area of San Diego. The restaurant serves a variety of banh mi sandwiches, rice plates, and other Vietnamese dishes. The interior is simple and unassuming with a few tables and chairs for dining in.
K Sandwiches is known for their delicious banh mi sandwiches, which come in a variety of flavors such as grilled pork, chicken, and tofu. The sandwiches are served on a freshly baked baguette and are filled with a variety of toppings including pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeños, and a choice of meat or vegetarian filling.
K Sandwiches is unique in that they bake their own bread for their banh mi sandwiches in-house every day. They also offer a variety of smoothies and boba teas to pair with their food.
The service at K Sandwiches is friendly and efficient. Orders are taken quickly and food is prepared fresh to order. Customers can choose to dine in or take their food to go.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Banh Mi Grilled Pork Sandwich – This signature dish at K Sandwiches features freshly baked baguette filled with grilled pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, and mayo.
▣ Banh Mi Tofu Sandwich – This vegetarian option is made with marinated tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, and mayo, all served on a freshly baked baguette.
▣ Chicken Vermicelli Bowl – This rice noodle bowl is topped with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, and peanuts, and served with fish sauce on the side.
▣ Beef Pho – A traditional Vietnamese soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and slices of beef. Served with a side of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.
▣ Grilled Pork Rice Plate – This dish features grilled pork served over a bed of rice with lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon, and a side of fish sauce.
Customer Reviews:
“The banh mi sandwiches at K Sandwiches are out of this world! I had the grilled pork sandwich and it was amazing. The bread is so fresh and the toppings are perfectly balanced. Highly recommend!”
“K Sandwiches is my go-to spot for lunch. Their banh mi sandwiches are always fresh and delicious. I also love their taro smoothie. Great food and great service!”
“I’ve tried a few different dishes at K Sandwiches and everything I’ve had has been great. The pho is especially delicious and always hits the spot. Highly recommend giving this place a try.”
K Sandwiches is a budget-friendly Vietnamese-American restaurant in San Diego known for their delicious banh mi sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. The restaurant also offers a variety of smoothies and boba teas. Service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is casual and unassuming. They can definitely be counted among the top budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego.
All five budget-friendly restaurants in San Diego provide excellent service, comfortable atmospheres, and exceptional value for their customers. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these restaurants are a must-try when visiting San Diego on a budget. This is why they are the best restaurants in San Diego for your budget.
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