San Diegans are living their best summer and making the most of the long, sun-filled days and warm nights. So, having a list of the city’s top food trucks at the ready comes is helpful. These meals on wheels offer variety, convenience and great taste for all ages. From killer tacos to an award-winning lobster grilled cheese, check out what food truck you should hunt down next and get ready to dine alfresco.
Taco Picasso
Taco Picasso dishes up artfully crafted tacos with a fusion of flavors from south of the border and SoCal. They buy all of their ingredients fresh and locally, which makes every bite of their tacos sumptuous. We dig the cactus-nopales taco which boasts flat-top grilled cactus on a bed of cabbage topped with a fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, avocado crema and cotija cheese. The Picasso nachos, rice bowls and quesadillas are a great option for kiddos––and they come with vegetarian or meat options. They have a kid's menu with a plain taco of any variety, rice and beans or a cheese quesadilla. Save room for a churro for dessert!
Check their calendar to see where you can catch up and grab a bite off the Taco Picasso truck.
Online: tacopicasso.com
The Beaten Berry
Be sure to hit the brakes if you see The Beaten Berry Food Truck, or hear their music playing. The health-conscious option serves the north county community acai bowls, cold press juices, organic wraps and cold-brewed lattes. They might even have fruit-flavored popsicles in stock for extra hot days. You can follow the truck here or opt to book the truck for your own event.
Online: beatenberry.wordpress.com/
Mangia Mangia
Need a comfort food fix? Mangia Mangia Mobile is a one-stop-shop for freshly prepared gourmet pastas, meatballs, Italian sandwiches, pizza burgers, and more. This authentic Italian food truck was featured on The Cooking Channel’s Eat St. and ABC’s The Chew. With their tasty food and friendly service, these Italians will have you and your crew coming back for more. The chicken parm and lasagna grilled cheese are two of their most popular items, and kids will go crazy for the meatball lollipops––meatballs on a stick that are tempura fried and served with marinara dipping sauce. Check here to see where Mangia Mangia is pulling up next!
Insider Tip: Make sure you save room for dessert because Mangia Mangia Mobile also offers orange dream bars that are to die for.
Old School Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice
Nothing beats a cool treat on a hot, summer day! Old School Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice puts a fun spin on serving up their shave ice out of a revamped, original 1982, 20-foot long school bus. Old School Shave Ice is all-natural so you don't have to worry about dyes, corn syrup or artificial ingredients with this sweet treat. They use many organic syrups as well as eco-friendly compostable cups, bamboo straws, recycled paper napkins and cornstarch spoons. Their shave ice is authentic, Hawaiian style, so it's shaved and fluffy. Check out their calendar here to see where to catch this school bus and indulge in a delicious, refreshing dessert.
Insider Tip: You can also invite Old School Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice to serve at your next event––which will definitely make it too cool for school.
Online: oldschoolshaveice.com
God Save the Cuisine
Two brothers from Britain bring you the tastes, sights, smells and even sounds of the UK with God Save the Cuisine. That’s right, their food truck looks just like a London double-decker bus and plays British music––think of the money you’ll save on plane tickets! With a passion for good “real” food, God Save the Cuisine serves up local, sustainable, organic food. Try favorites like the Big Ben Burger, traditional Fish-n-Chips, or The Butty-–a beer-battered fresh fish sandwich served with homemade tartar sauce. Check their Facebook page for where to find the truck throughout San Diego each week.
Online: godsavethecuisine.com
Shawarma Guys
According to Yelp's new list of "Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020," Shawarma Guys is the number one restaurant in the U.S.! We love that they offer vegan options including vegan chicken to accommodate a variety of diets. Nosh on their vegan chicken pita while your little ones enjoy the freshly made falafel pita. Share an order of the lemon cream chop fries and the shawarma egg rolls. You'll find this popular food truck in South Park at 3012 Grape St.
Online: theshawarmaguys.com
Pierogi Truck
Pierogi Truck is the only place to get authentic Polish food on the go. Pierogis (similar to dumplings) are their specialty and they are all made by hand. The potato and cheese flavor is a yummy choice for kids who are trying them for the first time. Authentic Eastern European dishes like Polish Sausage, Hunter's Stew, stuffed cabbage and goulash are also available. Check the website for a daily listing of where the truck is located.
Online: pierogitruck.com
Devilicious
Holding the title of #1 Food Truck in San Diego for four years in a row, Devilicious' menu gets (and deserves!) any foodie's attention. Featured on the TV show, The Great Food Truck Race, Devilicious' most popular item is the Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese! Other favorites include the All Crab Crab Cake, and The Cubano. All sandwiches are served with a baby green salad, or add a side truffle parm fries. Kiddos will love the All American Cheeseburger with fries, and a Smores ‘Wich for dessert. Their food truck has become so popular, they decided to open up a restaurant called Devilicious Eatery, located in Old Town Temecula. They have a huge menu of brunch, lunch, and dinner favorites, and be sure to wash it down with a cold brew from their taproom. Check out their website for the food truck schedule with locations all over San Diego.
Online: deviliciousfoodtruck.com
Super Q
Not all superheroes wear capes. Some, like the one in Super Q Food Truck, wear aprons and deliver mouth-watering, hickory-smoked all-American BBQ! The Super Q Pork, Brisket, and Chicken Melt Sandwiches all feature their Three Cheese Mac-n-Cheese inside the sandwich, along with sautéed onions on grilled sourdough with melted cheddar. For healthier fare, try the BBQ Chicken Salad or their daily vegetarian entrée. There are plenty of options for little BBQ lovers too, like sliders and fries, or the side of Mac-n-Cheese which is a perfect toddler-sized dish. Follow them on Facebook for their schedule of locations throughout San Diego. If you don’t see a location near you but still need your BBQ fix, visit their family-friendly restaurant called Kaminski’s located in Poway.
––Aimee Della Bitta, Kelly Powell & Beth Shea
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