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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central Escondido

Food spots

Made for those who view every meal as an opportunity to discover something new.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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01
El Paisa Mexican Food image 1
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Small Mexican spot offers authentic cuisine with standout carne asada fries and bold sauces. Cozy, homey vibe with a self-serve salsa bar adds warmth. Outdoor patio invites casual dining under the sun, perfect for relaxed meals.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with a wide variety of dishes that taste excellent. The carne asada fries with green and avocado sauces stand out for their bold flavor, and service is consistently fast and excellent.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, they make tacos outside with their taco stand.

2

The restaurant can accommodate larger parties with pop-up tents.

3

They offer flexible combination plates with various options.

02
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Freshly made tortillas bring authentic Mexican flavors to life in a cozy, family-run setting. Dishes like quesadilla birria and tamales shine with homemade freshness. Clean, open space invites guests to enjoy traditional meals comfortably.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with freshly made tortillas and dishes like quesadilla birria and tamales that stand out for their taste and freshness.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be extremely fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

All tortillas are made by hand and made to order.

2

You have to pre-order the masa a day in advance.

3

The restaurant had a perfect health inspection report.

03
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 1
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Hawaiian spot shines with tender grilled chicken and a unique teriyaki sauce. Family-friendly vibe pairs with excellent wall art and great music. Spotlessly clean space and friendly service make every visit reliable and fresh.

Food stays hot and fresh with consistently delicious flavors. Service matches the quality, making meals enjoyable and reliable.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and healthy."

Good to know

1

The Escondido location only accepts card payments.

2

The restaurant is always clean.

3

Portion sizes are generally good.

04
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Cozy cafe offers fresh breakfast sandwiches with healthy, locally sourced ingredients. Clean, bright decor and covered outdoor seating create a quiet, homey vibe. Food arrives quickly and stays flavorful, perfect for casual meetups or studying.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh and flavorful. Dishes focus on healthy, locally sourced ingredients with great presentation.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Elmisa Cafe Escondido offers a variety of options suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

2

The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and aims to get customers in and out quickly.

3

There are indoor and outdoor seating options available.

05
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Old school Italian charm fills the cozy space with quirky decor and authentic dishes like linguini with clams. Low lighting and European music create a romantic vibe. Friendly service and a homey feel make it a true family dining spot.

Authentic old school Italian dishes shine here with consistently delicious food and great customer service. The linguini with clams stands out as a memorable dish among the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant gets very crowded during dinner hours.

3

They charge $3 for splitting a plate, which may not be necessary.

06
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Modern Mexican spot boasts unique flavors and a spacious dining area with elegant decor. Friendly owners create a welcoming vibe that matches the fresh, flavorful food. Clean, well-lit space invites casual gatherings and relaxed meals.

High quality Mexican food stands out with unique flavors and a delicious taste. The atmosphere inside contrasts with the unassuming exterior.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Parking is available on the side street near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

07
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Small family-owned juice shop serves fresh acai bowls and customizable smoothies that satisfy after a hike. Outdoor patio offers seating for health-conscious visitors seeking affordable, wholesome options. Flavor-packed sandwiches add variety to the menu.

Small and unassuming spot with great food and healthy, affordable options. Offers juices and delights that satisfy after a hike or for families.

People are saying

"The food here is great and really hits the spot."

Good to know

1

They offer customizable orders and a vegan cheese option.

2

Smoothies are affordable, typically around $9.

3

They accept online orders for convenience.

08
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Small shop offers a family-friendly vibe with authentic Mexican flavors in every fresh tamale. Affordable prices make it perfect for casual meals or events. Cozy, quiet setting encourages takeout and enjoying homemade quality dishes.

Food features fresh, authentic Mexican flavors with a homemade quality that recalls traditional recipes. Dishes come at an affordable price and suit events as well as casual meals.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the tamales, is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

EBT is accepted for payments at this location.

2

Prices are affordable, with many options under $10.

3

The shop is usually closed on Sundays.

09
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Counter service inside a gas station offers Mexican-style chicken soup with fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro. Quick, flavorful meals come at reasonable prices in a casual, welcoming spot. Parking can be tight, and seating is limited, making it ideal for food to go.

Food features big pieces of chicken breast, tasty broth, and fresh ingredients like avocado, onions, and cilantro. Quick service supports a satisfying, flavorful Mexican meal with reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food To Go is located inside a gas station.

2

There is no place to sit down; it's a to-go counter.

3

Parking can be difficult due to the busy gas station.

10
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Hole-in-the-wall spot serves amazing pizza with large portions at affordable prices. Family-run vibe adds charm to the simple setting. Free 2-liter soda makes it a practical choice for casual meals.

Food here is consistently amazing and really good every time. The menu offers solid options that satisfy well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Expect about 25 minutes for a pizza order.

2

They offer a free 2-liter soda with each large or giant pizza.

3

Prices are very affordable, with a small pizza and sandwich costing $18.

11
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Small, family-owned spot shines with gourmet baked potatoes and generous portions. Fast, consistent service matches the authentic Turkish kumpir and hearty meals. Clean and tidy, it offers great value despite a plain atmosphere.

Food offers flavorful dishes with generous portions at a low price. Service stays fast and consistent, with care evident in every meal.

People are saying

"The owner is so kind and offered me tea while waiting for food."

Good to know

1

Most dishes cost around $10, offering good value for the portion size.

2

The restaurant is primarily take-out focused with limited seating available.

3

The menu features a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes.

12
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Deli serves freshly made and cheap options in a clean setting. Food is delicious and flavorful with staff offering helpful suggestions. Fruit salad and rompope stand out for their freshness.

Food offers delicious and flavorful dishes. Staff provide helpful suggestions when ordering.

People are saying

"I thought the food was the most delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect affordable prices for freshly made items.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

Parking is available nearby but can be limited during busy times.

13
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Small dining area with a mom & pop atmosphere offers a cozy, casual vibe where regulars meet familiar staff. Flame rotisserie chicken shines as a signature dish with quick, fresh service. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed feel while meals stay reasonably priced around $13.

Food comes out quick and stays fresh with flavorful, carefully made dishes. Prices stay reasonable, with meals around 13 dollars, offering consistently great quality and service.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $13, making it affordable.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional fee.

3

Seating can be limited, so expect possible wait times during busy hours.

14
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Small diner offers lean, flavorful meats and traditional style dishes like birria and fish tacos. Vintage decor creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Food is fresh, well seasoned, and consistently tasty.

Food here is fresh, well seasoned, and prepared in a traditional style. Dishes consistently deliver excellent, tasty flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

There is a small charge for chips and salsa.

2

The dish alone costs over $16.

3

The restaurant has been around for over 40 years.

15
Dongbu Korean BBQ image 1
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Small, cozy spot offers affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with a broad menu and fresh, delicious dishes. Traditional Korean decor with modern touches creates a calm, zen atmosphere. Well-ventilated space feels inviting and intimate.

Food comes with a broad menu and a variety of side dishes. Dishes are consistently fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and spectacular."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat menu costs $30 per person with a two-hour dining limit.

2

You can order any item from the AYCE menu without extra charges for premium meats.

3

Sides must be ordered from the menu and are not automatically served.

16
Jilbertos Mexican Food image 1
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Mexican spot shines with big salsa bar and generous portions of fresh, tasty meat dishes. Prices stay reasonable while meals lean healthy. Atmosphere feels clean and lively, perfect for hearty, flavorful eats.

Food features large portions of meat and stays consistently fresh and tasty. Meals come at reasonable prices and lean toward the healthy side.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for dining at Jilbertos Mexican Food.

2

Expect generous portion sizes; one burrito is filling enough for most.

3

The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options.

17
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Brightly colored signage and casual atmosphere make this spot stand out on a busy street. Food comes hot and fast, with classic chili cheese dogs that taste great at reasonable prices. Outdoor patio offers simple seating, while ample parking is easy to find from one side.

Food arrives hot and fast, keeping a consistent quality over the years. Prices stay reasonable for the great taste, especially for items like chili dogs and wienerschnitzel.

People are saying

"I loved the food here, especially the chili dogs and fries."

Good to know

1

There is only patio seating with little to no shade available.

2

The only way to access the parking lot is by turning onto Cedar Street.

3

Prices range from $1 to $10 for meals, totaling around $11 with tax.

18
Rock n' Jenny's Italian Subs image 1
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Small shop offers Italian sandwiches with great value and hot carry out. Cozy, vintage vibe feels like a hole-in-the-wall New York spot. Busy space has lively staff and a wall of mirrors that opens up the room.

Italian sandwiches stand out with consistently delicious and great value food. Carry out orders stay hot and the kitchen keeps food moving even during busy times.

People are saying

"The Italian subs here are delicious, with perfectly crisp rolls."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

One large sub is enough to feed at least two people.

19
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Small Asian grocery store offers unique imports and a wide selection of fresh produce. It supports vegan cooking with quality ingredients and many hard-to-find Asian foods. The atmosphere feels like a gas station but prices stay reasonable.

A large selection of Asian foods and sauces fills the shelves, including many items hard to find elsewhere. The market supports Asian and vegan cooking with quality ingredients and a variety of meats and products.

People are saying

"I found so much great Asian food and niche items here."

Good to know

1

This market offers a wide selection of Asian ingredients and vegan options.

2

Prices are generally reasonable, especially for a local Asian grocery store.

3

The store is clean and well-organized, making shopping easy.

20
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French bistro style offers a warm atmosphere with fresh pastries and quick, authentic food. Outdoor patio adds charm while lively crowds create a bustling energy. Delivery is reliable and dishes stay delicious even when busy.

Food arrives quickly even when busy, staying fresh and authentic. Delivery is on time and the dishes are consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time during busy brunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

They recently started doing dinner service during Cruisin' Grand.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

21
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Rustic winery offers peaceful grounds with a barrel-shaped bar and live music in the courtyard. Food trucks and pre-packaged meat and cheese add tasty options. Generous pours of Central California reds make it perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Food includes pre-packaged meat and cheese options available for purchase. Live music and food trucks often accompany the dining experience, adding variety and atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food was outstanding and efficient, making for a worry-free experience."

Good to know

1

The winery hosts live music events; check the website for schedules.

2

Outside food is not allowed, but pre-packaged snacks are available for purchase.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during events.

22
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Large open patio with outdoor taco bar sets a lively scene. Authentic Mexican food serves huge portions with amazing flavors. Festive Frida-themed decor and loud music create a vibrant atmosphere but can make conversation tough.

Authentic Mexican food offers huge portions and consistently amazing flavors. The dishes feel like a local experience with delicious, satisfying meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very filling."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or find alternative options.

2

You can order ahead to avoid long waits on busy nights like Thursday to Saturday.

3

On Tuesdays, enjoy $1.99 street tacos all day.

23
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Neapolitan-style pinsa shines with its thin crisp crust and light, fluffy center made from Italian flour. Quick, practical atmosphere suits families and fast meals. Making your own pizza offers a healthier alternative to fast food with tasty, quality options.

Food here is consistently tasty with a variety of options. Making your own pizza offers a healthier alternative to fast food.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, especially the pizza base and cheese."

Good to know

1

Mamma Pinsa is a take-out only restaurant.

2

They offer options to get pizzas ready with toppings to bake at home.

3

The pizza was pre-cooked, making it quick to prepare at home.

24
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Cozy sushi spot shines with fresh sushi rolls and a chill vibe perfect for lunch. Ramen is a standout, showing consistent quality. Plenty of TVs and Wi-Fi keep guests entertained and connected.

Food features freshness and consistent quality with dishes like delicious ramen standing out. Packaging for delivery is done with care, keeping the food intact and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat sushi option is available for $12.99 per person.

2

Happy hour offers discounted prices on select menu items.

3

The restaurant maintains high standards of cleanliness throughout.

25
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Spacious dining with multiple screens keeps energy high. Food is quick and delicious, offering great value. Expect a loud, busy atmosphere near the bar and kitchen.

Food arrives quickly and tastes delicious. Prices match the quality, offering great value without sacrificing flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and a great value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a lot of food for a lower price.

3

Parking is easy at this location.

26
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Mexican spot offers warm delicious food and great service. Seating includes covered patio with comfy chairs. Atmosphere shifts from calm to lively crowds near central tables. Margaritas and tequila stand out as distinctive drinks.

Food comes out very warm and delicious with excellent taste. Service matches the food quality, making the overall experience great.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Sunday brunch is available until 2 PM with a wide variety of dishes.

3

Parking is wheelchair accessible.

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Central Escondido, Escondido

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