The 16 Best Burritos in San Diego

For San Diegans, Mexican cuisine is essentially our hometown food. There are hundreds of Mexican restaurants, taco shops, and food trucks around the city. We locals love our tacos, enchiladas, and of course our carne asada fries, but burritos hold a special, cylindrical place in our hearts.

From California to Surf and Turf to carne asada, there are lots of mouthwatering options in America’s Finest City (La Mejor Ciudad de Los Estados Unidos?). Here are some of the best burritos in San Diego.

 

Don Bravos Grill & Cantina

Bird Rock

Every dish at this family-run restaurant is made to order and their salsas, chips, guacamole, beans, and rice are made fresh every day. Aside from the sweet family that owns the place, Don Bravos is known for their burritos and they have over a dozen to choose from.

Nico’s Mexican Food

Ocean Beach

A longtime local favorite, Nico’s has recently gotten national attention too; their Carne Asada Burrito was voted the 5th Best Burrito in the U.S. by The Daily Meal. Grab a burrito to go and head to down to the beach, the perfect place to enjoy it.

Humberto’s Taco Shop

North Park/Mission Hills

This neighborhood favorite has great (and huge!) burritos; try their carne asada and breakfast burrito. Craving Mexican food late at night (is anyone not)? Humberto’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Las Cuatro Milpas

Barrio Logan

For some of the best Mexican comfort food in San Diego, head to Barrio Logan’s famed Las Cuarto Milpas. The menu is simple—they offer tacos, burritos, tamales, and menudo on Saturdays. Prepare to wait a bit for your burrito; there is almost always a line out the door, but note that you can call ahead and pick up your order!

Ortiz’s Taco Shop

Point Loma

Ortiz’s also made The Daily Meal’s list, grabbing the #8 spot for its excellent California Burrito, which includes carne asada, french fries, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.

Lolita’s

Multiple locations

With six locations around San Diego, you have plenty of opportunities to try Lolitas’ tacos, burritos, carne asada fries, and more. Their California and 2-in-1 Burritos are especially good.

Colima’s

North Park

Looking to branch out and try a different kind of burrito? Colima’s has over 30 burritos to choose from, and they’re all pretty sizeable. Crowd favorites include the Surf and Turf, San Diego, North Park, and Breakfast Burritos.

El Zarape

University Heights

El Zarape’s Lobster Burrito, #21 on The Daily Meal’s Best Burrito list, is filled with lobster, tomatoes, crema, salsa verde, and cilantro. Their El Zarape Burrito is also delicious.

Mike’s Taco Club

Ocean Beach

This cozy spot is located on Newport Avenue in OB, less than a block from the beach. What Mike’s Taco Club lacks in restaurant space, they make up for in the size (and delciousness) of their burritos. Many customers say it’s the best California burrito they’ve ever had—go check it out for yourself and see if you agree!

Don Tommy’s

Ocean Beach

Don Tommy’s is known for their awesome handmade flour tortillas and massive burritos. You can also buy a pack of tortillas to take home (pro tip: use the tortillas as a pizza crust!).

El Cotixan Mexican

El Cajon

Don’t despair, East County residents! There are great burritos in your neck of the woods too! Head to El Cajon’s El Cotixan and try their California and carne asada burritos.

El Pueblo

Cardiff

El Pueblo is conveniently located right off the 5 freeway and shares a parking lot with a gas station. But don’t let the location fool you—El Pueblo offers quality, reasonably-priced Mexican food, including several kinds of burritos.

Taco Surf Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

This PB eatery is known for its excellent Mexican food and its surfboard-y décor. There are over a dozen burritos to choose from.

El Azteca

La Mesa

El Azteca, a small taco joint tucked away in a strip mall, offers some of the best Mexican food in East County. They offer about 15 different kinds of burritos; customer favorites include the breakfast, bean and cheese, carne asada, and California burritos.

Armando’s Mexican Food

Nestor

Word on the street is some people actually cross into San Diego from Mexico to eat at Armando’s, so if that’s the case you know this place is legit. Try their breakfast and carne asada burritos.

Cotixan

Clairemont

Last but certainly not least is San Diego favorite Cotixan, which has five locations around the city—all of which are open 24 hours. Their carne asada, breakfast, and lunch burritos are all great.

Written by Whitney Currier for Knockaround.