San Diego is famous for its sunshine, beaches and palm trees––but our fine city also boasts an amazing culinary scene bursting with delicious, iconic foods you’ve got to try! From cheeseburgers and fish tacos to acai bowls and donuts, our list is what foodie dreams are made of. Read on for where to take your appetite and sink your teeth into some of the most iconic foods in San Diego.
Hodad’s Cheeseburger
Stack it up! If you're in the mood for an unforgettable burger, Hodad’s is your spot. A San Diego favorite since 1969, this cool burger joint is "home of the best burgers in the world!" We recommend the single or double bacon cheeseburger. It comes with all the toppings and is so tall it’s tricky to get in your mouth. Add in an order of 'frings' and top it with a chocolate malt, and you’ll be a happy camper. Be prepared to wait in line to taste this masterpiece.
Online: hodadies.com
Lucha Libre’s California Burrito
There are plenty of places for your family to enjoy a California Burrito in San Diego, but Lucha Libre is a must for trying this Cali fave. It's one of our favorite spots given its bright wrestling decor and their giant burrito stuffed with fresh french fries, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your choice of carne asada or pollo asado. Even more, get the version with shrimp to make it a surf and turf. Yum!
Online: luchalibretacoshop.com
Northside Shack's Açaí Bowl
Ready for a delicious treat that's as healthy as it is beautiful? Northside Shack's açaí bowls are a quintessential SoCal fave food and feast for the eyes. Northside Shack was created by a mom of three who followed her passion for food to open this quaint and welcoming cafe. The humble eatery has been proclaimed "home of the world's best acai bowls." All of the seasonal fruit and dry toppings are included on these abundant bowls, including: banana, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sliced black grapes, pineapple, mango, kiwi and organic gluten-free hemp granola, crushed raw almonds, chia seeds, and unsweetened coconut shreds. Dig in, guilt-free!
Online: northsideshack.wordpress.com
Jeong Won's Korean BBQ
We love great-tasting Korean BBQ, and Jeong Won hits the spot. Not only is it a self-serve (think no long waits) buffet-style food spot, there's also tons of meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and other yummy selections. Plus, it’s all-you-can-eat. It’s a small restaurant that gets crowded, but it’s worth it.
Online: jeongwonkorean.com
Farmers Table's Wood-Fired Pizza in Little Italy
Where better to order up a pizza pie than San Diego's Little Italy? You’ll dig the cool decor at Farmer's Table, from the giant tractor to the living plant wall. But what you'll really love at this neighborhood eatery are the wood-fired pizza pies that everyone will gobble down. Whether it’s the farmer’s pizza with veggies, pepperoni or Margherita pizza, it's all amore!
Online: myfarmerstable.com
Breakfast Republic's S’mores French Toast
How sweet it is! Breakfast Republic's S’mores French Toast is graham cracker crusted brioche bread topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate sauce. All that's missing are the campfire and ghost stories.
Online: breakfastrepublic.com
Crack Shack's Coop Deville
Take a crack at Crack Shack's Coop Deville! This local eatery is known for its fried crispy chicken breast that’s super moist on the inside. The chicken in this sandwich is topped with pickled Fresno chilies, pickles, lime mayo and Napa cabbage on a brioche bun. Order up biscuits and deviled eggs, and you'll be in foodie heaven.
Online: crackshack.com
Donut Bar's Giant Artisan Donuts
Donuts score a real hole in one when it comes to comfort food. Donut Bar boasts that they have the "world's most award-winning donuts" and they're right here in San Diego. They serve up the most mesmerizing collection of donuts you've ever seen––from their Big Poppa Tart to their maple bacon bar and their oversized donut that could feed a few, these delectable desserts are something every San Diegan simply must try!
Online: donutbar.com
Pacific Beach Fish Shop's TKO Taco
Tacos are a prized and beloved food in San Diego. Order up Pacific Beach Fish Shop's award-winning TKO Taco and see for yourself why it previously won "best taco" at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival. It's comprised of grilled mahi mahi topped with Fish Shop seasoning and shredded cabbage, mixed cheese, house cilantro white sauce and tropical salsa––and served on your choice of a flour or corn tortilla. It's like a beach vacation for your taste buds.
Online: thefishshoppb.com
––Nikki Walsh
featured image: Elle N. via Yelp
RELATED STORIES:
San Diego’s Most Delicious Donut Shops
That’s Amore! Our All-Time Favorite Pizza Places
