Best Burritos in San Diego: Exploring San Diego’s 4 Best Burrito Joints

When in SoCal, indulge in a quick and satisfying culinary experience at any of these restaurants serving some of the best burritos in San Diego.

San Diego takes its Mexican grub seriously, especially when it comes to the beloved burrito. When those tortilla cravings kick in, locals have strong opinions on where to snag the best burrito, factoring in preferences for meat, salsa, size, and, of course, flavor.

Follow along to discover four go-to spots for enjoying the best burrito San Diego experience. From North Park and Mission Hills to Pacific Beach and beyond, these iconic joints keep dishing out burritos food, tacos, quesadillas, and more to satisfy your hunger.

Whether it’s an early-morning breakfast burrito San Diego fix or a late-night munchies rescue, these joints have your back with fresh, mouthwatering options to please even the pickiest burrito fans.

So, keep reading to dive into some of the most delicious Mexican eats in America’s Finest City! Bring your appetite because you’re going to need it!

Roberto’s Taco Shop

If you ask a San Diegan about great burrito spots, chances are Roberto’s Taco Shop, located at 16773 Bernardo Center Dr d, San Diego, CA 92128, is at the top of their list. This local favorite has been serving up top-notch Mexican food for over 50 years.

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming taco shop vibe—Roberto’s has six locations in San Diego alone and even more in the surrounding area. No need to go out of your way for a bite!

The star of the show? While they offer all the SoCal favorites like tacos and enchiladas, their classic California burrito steals the spotlight.

Packed with fries, guacamole, pico de gallo, and more, their carne asada burrito is a local and tourist magnet. People from all walks of life flock to Roberto’s across San Diego for a taste of these authentic Baja flavors.

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Pro Tip: Pair your burrito at Roberto’s with a refreshing horchata—a sweet cinnamon, vanilla rice drink. The unique flavor contrast adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your meal. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

several burritos filled with meat and vegetables on wooden plate with a bowl of salsa in the background

Burritos Santana

If burrito is in the name, you know they’re a specialty at Burritos Santana at 10443 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108. With over ten mouthwatering combinations on the menu, their famed Cali burrito takes center stage.

A San Diego classic, it’s packed with your choice of meat, crispy fries, generous cheese, and creamy sour cream. And authentic salsa, all snugly wrapped in a tortilla bursting at the seams.

This drool-worthy creation is the epitome of why Burritos Santana is a prime destination for experiencing San Diego’s iconic burrito in all its belly-filling glory. The abundance of protein choices, salsa, and toppings at their salsa bars lets you tailor your burrito just the way you like it.

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And here’s the cherry on top: they offer epic Mexican food delivery, bringing these messy masterpieces right to your doorstep. Ordering is a breeze with delivery apps, but don’t wait too long—Burritos Santana’s burritos sell out fast!

burrito enchilada style with rice ad beans on a yellow plate

Lolitas Mexican Food

Lolita’s Mexican Food has earned a stellar reputation over their 30+ years of serving incredible Mexican cuisine across multiple locations, including one in San Diego at 7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111.

Favorites like their legendary carne asada fries loaded with tender meat, creamy guacamole, sour cream, and melty cheese keep fans lining up to Lolitas Eastlake, Lolitas Bonita, Lolitas Telegraph Canyon, and other outlets.

Lolita’s also slings some of the best breakfast burritos San Diego, stuffed with fluffy eggs, potato, bacon, chorizo, and other drool-worthy fillings – earning their chorizo and egg burrito all-day menu status.

When it comes to the best breakfast burrito in San Diego, Lolita’s is always in the conversation, with perfect burritos engulfing french fries or smothered in their signature red and green salsas.

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Pro Tip: While the waits can be long during peak times, you can call ahead to order take-out of the best breakfast burrito San Diego to skip the lines. Lolita’s also offers online ordering and delivery through major apps to get their mouthwatering Mexican fare brought straight to your door.

burrito smothered in sauce and cheese next to rice and beans on a white plate

Santana Mexican Food

Craving top-notch Mexican cuisine and searching for a “taco shop near me”? Look no further than Santana’s Mexican Food, a local favorite at 12010 Scripps Summit Dr a, San Diego, CA 92131.

Renowned for authentic Mexican flavors, generous portions, and friendly service. This Mexican restaurant is your answer if you’ve been scouring the internet for the “burrito joints near me” and “best burritos near me.”

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Indulge in their signature California burrito, featuring homemade fries, Mexican salsa, and cheddar cheese. And a choice of mouthwatering meats like carne asada or slow-cooked carnitas.

Don’t miss their original location, Santanas El Cajon, for classic tacos, tortas, and quesadillas bursting with Mexican charm. Whether enjoying the vibrant atmosphere on their patio or opting for takeout, Santana’s commitment to quality and casual neighborhood vibe keeps locals coming back.

San Diego Food Tours

After stuffing yourself with the best burritos San Diego has to offer, work off those calories while continuing to dive into San Diego’s incredible food scene with a fun and delicious food tour.

If you love eating and discovering new restaurants, book a San Diego food tour through Tripster. These entertaining walking tours combine hot insider knowledge of top San Diego eateries with generous samples of scrumptious eats and drinks.

Expert local food tour guides will teach you everything about San Diego food while keeping your group laughing and making friends between tasty stops. A San Diego food tour delivers an unforgettable experience no stomach can resist!

a group of people paying attention to a tourist guide 
photo credit: So Diego via Facebook

Who’s Hungry for the Best Burrito in San Diego?

In a city as diverse as San Diego, the quest to find the best burritos in San Diego becomes a delightful culinary adventure, with each stuffed tortilla telling a unique story.

From Roberto’s, where tradition meets authenticity in every perfect bite, and the mouthwatering Cali creations at Burritos Santana.

To Lolita’s legendary spins on classic Mexican flavors, the journey through San Diego’s iconic burrito scene parallels the city’s rich culture. These beloved joints welcome you to savor what makes America’s Finest City a world-class burrito destination.

So, the next time your stomach declares a state of emergency for the perfect combo of carne asada, melty cheese, and fresh guacamole, follow the sizzling aroma of meats and hot tortillas.

Let your taste buds embark on a journey that bridges neighborhoods and cultures with every ridiculously satisfying bite. San Diego’s dedication to quality Mexican cuisine is no joke—it’s burrito bliss, one scrumptious meal at a time!

burrito with rice, meat and vegetables inside on wooden cutting board

San Diego Best Burrito FAQs

If you found yourself daydreaming about an authentic California burrito, you're not alone. Imagine sinking your teeth into a California masterpiece, a huge flour tortilla topped with juicy, marinated and spice-rubbed, grilled steak.

The joy doesn't stop there; it's then piled high with baked Mexican Street Fries, loads of cheese, guacamole, and delightfully cool sour cream, a combination that captures the very soul of California cuisine in every bite!

Munching into the culinary delights of San Diego, a frequent query from the foodies is on the difference between San Diego and Mission-style burritos.

Here's the dish: the Mission style, or San Francisco style (originating from the vibrant Mission District), is larger and full of lots of stuff while San Diego style or California style, is usually meat and cheese and guacamole and is smaller.

Tell Us, Where Else Are the Best California Burrito San Diego?

Let us know in the comments below!


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Written by Archie Villaflores

Over the years, he has won numerous national contests for news and editorial writing, but he has recently discovered that his true passion...


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