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Best of San Diego

Chili spots

You have a specific idea of what a bowl of chili should be. You are not looking for a watered-down version of the real thing.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Pizza & Tamales Factory image 1
The Pizza & Tamales Factory image 2
The Pizza & Tamales Factory image 3
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Enjoy chili cheese tamales with a unique filling that packs flavor. Pair them with chorizo and egg tortas for a hearty meal. The spot feels like a hidden neighborhood gem with well-priced, loaded portions that satisfy every craving.

Chili cheese tamales feature a unique chili cheese filling that stands out. The tamales pair well with other items like chorizo and egg tortas.

People are saying

"I've never had tamales this good in the US."

"I thought the Pizza here was exceptionally good."

"The chili cheese tamale filling is unlike any I have had before."

Good to know

1

If you order 12 tamales, you get one free.

2

The address is 888 S Euclid Ave, near the King-Chavez Health Center.

3

If Google Maps directs you to an empty area, go 5 minutes south on Euclid.

02
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen restaurant offers customizable ramen with a peppery green chili twist. Sushi bar seating adds to the authentic Japanese vibe. Quiet, clean space welcomes guests with ample parking and no wait times.

Green chili ramen stands out with its peppery flavor and a light broth. It leans more toward black pepper spice than a tangy green chili heat.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"Their fried chicken is juicy, moist, and has a great crispness."

"The green chili ramen here is peppery and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

03
Steamy Piggy Point Loma image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian spot buzzes with photo-worthy corners and loud, chill music. Chili wontons bring a taste of home with bold sauce, while tamarind chili wings balance sweet and spice perfectly. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit add a fresh twist to soft dumplings and chicken rolls.

Chili wontons stand out with a super good sauce and a flavor that reminds of home. Tamarind chili wings offer a perfect balance of sweet and spice with a juicy, crispy texture.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and the portions huge."

"The servers here are so friendly and quick with recommendations for the Bao Buns."

"The chili wontons here are bomb."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

04
Verdes El Ranchero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot with a cozy bar and lively vibe plays classic rock. Chile Colorado is super spicy and delicious, while chili verde ranks top three ever. Pets are welcome, adding to the casual, friendly feel.

Chile Colorado stands out for being super spicy and extremely delicious. The chili verde ranks among the top three ever had and tastes very good.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican Food here is great, especially the margaritas."

"The chili verde here is really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but the restaurant gets busy quickly.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

05
Silk Road Lanzhou Beef Noodle image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Enjoy authentic Lanzhou beef noodles with hand-pulled noodles in a bright, modern setting near the beach. The beef is tender and topped with mild smoky chili oil that adds rich aroma without overwhelming heat. The clean broth and halal northern-west style cuisine create a quiet, pleasant dining experience.

Beef has perfect flavor and tenderness topped with chili oil that is mild but packed with deep smoky heat. A secret chili sauce imported from China adds a rich aroma and mild spiciness.

People are saying

"I found the Lanzhou beef noodles to be authentic and delicious."

"The noodles were fresh, chewy, and had a pho-esque flavor."

"Parking is available in the convenient underground garage."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers two hours of free underground parking.

2

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lanzhou Beef Noodles are $8.99, down from $14.99.

3

Everything was 50% off during the soft opening.

06
VIET NOM image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor and lively R&B music creates a cozy vibe. Chili tamarind wings are huge and flavorful, while chili wontons and homemade lemongrass chili oil add a spicy kick. Perfect for enjoying bold flavors in a welcoming setting.

Chili tamarind wings come huge and plentiful with a strong flavor. The chili wonton appetizer stands out as a favorite, and homemade lemongrass chili oil adds a delicious kick.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing pho with rich, flavorful broth."

"The ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender."

"The chili tamarind wings were crispy with amazing, familiar Vietnamese flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

07
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian spot offers authentic flavors with a lively vibe and cozy patio. Chili wontons bring a perfect spicy kick balanced with tangy sweetness. Unique cocktails and mojo fries make dining here a flavorful adventure.

Chili wontons stand out with a perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors, similar to tamarind sauce. They deliver a flavorful kick with just the right amount of spice.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"You have to try the chili wontons; they're perfectly balanced."

"The Thai tea flan was a creative variation and very fluffy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

08
Noodle & Bun image 1
Wok restaurant

Bright, spacious dining room offers a casual vibe with hand-pulled noodles on display. Chili oil on tables adds a fiery kick to soups. Seating suits families and groups, making it a welcoming spot with pleasant background music.

Chili oil sits on the table for adding extra spice. It enhances the soup with a fiery kick when poured in.

People are saying

"The food here tastes amazing and fresh, like home cooking."

"The Chinese food here, especially the noodles and dumplings, is delicious."

"The spicy brisket noodle soup is flavorful with tender beef."

Good to know

1

You need to find street parking near the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait around 30 minutes during dinner hours due to popularity.

3

Customization of ingredients is limited; specify your order carefully.

09
Pho Nom image 1
Pho restaurant

Modern decor with cozy lanterns sets a dreamlike mood while a chill playlist enhances the vibe. House-made chili oil adds rich flavor, complemented by fresh cilantro and lemongrass. Authentic design invites relaxed dining with thoughtful touches throughout.

House-made chili oil stands out with its rich flavor. Fresh cilantro, greens, chili, and lemongrass come as sides to boost the pho. Adding chili and fish sauce enhances the broth's depth.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I had the best pho I've ever experienced."

"The Chili's broth is savory and rich."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2–5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

10
Paik's Noodle - Hong Kong Banjum SD image 1

Large, bright space with spaced tables feels open but sterile. Crispy jumbo shrimp with sweet chili sauce adds a spicy kick. Efficient service via tablets keeps ordering quick and easy.

Crispy, fried jumbo shrimp come with a sweet chili sauce on cabbage, offering a noticeable heat. The chili jajangmyeon delivers a spice kick, though the spicy jjajangmyeon with green chili is milder.

People are saying

"The jjajangmyeon here is the best Korean food I've had."

"The chili shrimp had a nice heat that made my lips tingle."

"The sweet and sour pork here is the best I've had, with a chewy and crispy texture."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to limited spaces.

2

Free parking is available in the lot for diners.

3

Ordering is done via tablets at the table, streamlining the process.

11
Fonda Del Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-inspired decor with hand-painted murals and cozy textiles sets a warm mood. Dishes feature complex flavors like walnuts and pomegranates in chile en nogada and unique Chile Relleno without sides. Live acoustic guitar and saxophone add soulful energy to the space.

Dishes highlight complex flavors like walnuts and pomegranates in the chile en nogada's cream sauce. The Chile Relleno stands out as unique and tasty, served without sides or tortillas. Large white raw onions and chile serrano appear in many dishes.

People are saying

"This food, the filet mignon, is so tender and flavorful."

"I loved their great cocktails."

"The Chile Relleno was delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Live music happens from Wednesday to Sunday after 7 PM.

2

Reservations are not required, and you can usually get a table without a wait.

3

Expect small portion sizes, which may be suitable for sharing.

12
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese spot shines with braised beef noodle soup and spicy chili wontons. Chic modern decor and a wrap-around bar create a lively vibe. Classic 90s hip hop sets a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Braised beef noodle soup and chili wontons stand out with rich flavors. Chili wonton sand potsticks come with a spicy chili sauce that adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"I found the handcrafted cocktails to be amazing and delicious."

"The chili wontons were excellent and not too spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

13
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy space with wood style design feels intimate but seats are limited and uncomfortable. House chili paste offers garlic and spicy flavors that boost ramen taste. Extra chili oil adds a nice kick to dishes like Shoyu ramen with corn.

House chili paste comes with garlic and spicy flavors that complement the ramen well. An extra charge applies for chili oil, which adds a nice kick to dishes like the Shoyu ramen with corn.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"The vegan ramen and gyoza here are flavorful and satisfying."

"Their house chili is amazing and spicy."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

14
Wienerschnitzel image 1
Fast food restaurant

Outdoor tables face loud traffic, creating a lively but noisy setting. Hot dogs come with generous chili and cheese, with specials like 4 chili dogs for 4 dollars making it affordable. Open late, it suits quick, casual meals after evening activities.

Chili comes generously on all beef hot dogs and fries, often paired with cheese. Specials like 4 chili dogs for 4 dollars make it an inexpensive option with consistent flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was always good and tasty."

"I loved the chili and cheese on everything."

"It's a good late-night spot for visits."

Good to know

1

Wienerschnitzel is open late, making it a good option for late-night meals.

2

The $8 all-American meal deal is a great value for two people.

3

Parking can be challenging due to a small lot, especially during busy times.

15
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Open concept and outdoor seating create a European-style bistro vibe with chic white and gold decor. Loud Latin music energizes the space, making it lively and inviting. House-made chili oil adds a spicy kick to seafood, enhancing flavors with just a few drops.

House-made chili oil comes in tiny metal mugs and adds a spicy kick to oysters and seafood. A few drops of the chili sauce enhance flavors and even make crackers taste amazing.

People are saying

"The oysters here are so fresh and nicely presented."

"The ceviche here is deliciously fresh and phenomenal."

"The house chili sauce was the best surprise of the meal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1 oysters from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

3

The restaurant has a dog-friendly outdoor patio for pet owners.

16
Duff's Doggz image 1
American restaurant

Small outdoor seating with umbrella tables offers a relaxed vibe in a parking lot. Chili cheese dogs have solid chili flavor but small portions. Diverse menu includes vegetarian hot dogs and lobster rolls with generous toppings.

Chili cheese dogs feature average quality chili and buns with a solid chili flavor. Multiple chili cheese hot dogs are needed to feel full due to portion size.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the hot dogs, offers great variety and toppings."

"I enjoyed the hot dogs and their fresh kraut."

"You've got to try the chili cheese dogs here."

Good to know

1

Duff's Doggz offers a variety of options for meat eaters and vegetarians.

2

The prices at Duff's Doggz are reasonable considering the size and quality of the hot dogs.

3

There is easy parking available at Duff's Doggz.

17
Cafe 222 image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old school diner offers a cozy indoor seating and a heated outdoor patio perfect for families and dogs. Their soft cornbread waffles topped with savory chili and cheese make a delicious meal. Fast service keeps the lively, nostalgic vibe going strong.

Soft, tender cornbread waffles come covered with generous chili, cheese, and sour cream. The chili has a savory, delicious flavor that pairs well with the slightly coarse texture of the waffle.

People are saying

"The breakfast service here is prompt and friendly."

"I found the peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast awesome."

"The chili and cornbread waffle is savory and generously covered with toppings."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the café.

2

A 4% minimum wage fee is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours.

18
Super Dumpling image 1
Restaurant

Open glass kitchen shows chefs making handmade dumplings fresh daily. Bright, clean space offers many vegetarian options alongside pork xiao long bao. Spicy dishes like Shrimp & Pork Wontons in Chili Oil deliver a strong kick.

Spicy dishes like Shrimp & Pork Wontons in Chili Oil and Stew Beef Noodle Soup stand out. Wontons come drenched in chili oil, adding a strong kick.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is so juicy and flavorful."

"The shrimp and pork wontons in chili oil were my favorite."

"The shrimp and pork wontons in chili oil are delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Takeout is recommended to avoid long wait times for a table.

3

Parking is convenient nearby, making it easy to access the restaurant.

19
Taste of Hunan 湘村人家 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Enjoy bold spicy flavors with fresh chili and garlic in every dish. Cozy, lively setting invites relaxed chats. Simple decor and complimentary ice cream add a friendly, casual vibe.

Bold, spicy flavors dominate with lots of chili, garlic, and fermented ingredients. Dishes like chili eggplant, preserved egg, and grilled fish come with savory chili sauces that highlight fresh peppers and garlic.

People are saying

"I found the Hunan cuisine here to be so authentic and flavorful."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and comfortable."

"The pork intestine with chili here is perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Food is ordered via a QR code on the table, so no need to look for a waiter.

2

When I arrived at 8:30 PM, there was a 15-minute wait before I was seated.

3

Parking in the shopping area can be tricky.

20
Midway Classic Malt Shop image 1
American restaurant

Retro diner offers a nostalgic vibe with 50s-60s decor and checkered floors. Chili features fresh onions for crisp contrast, paired with classic American chili cheese fries. Outdoor seating adds to the friendly neighborhood feel, perfect for relaxed, fun visits.

Chili comes with fresh onions that add a crisp contrast. Chili cheese fries here differ from the German style, reflecting an American take on the dish.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great, well-seasoned burgers."

"The diner staff here is incredibly friendly and welcoming."

"I loved the chili dog with fresh onions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

The diner is family-friendly with a variety of food options for everyone.

3

The shake costs almost $10 for 16 ounces.

21
Irv's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small-town beach vibe creates a casual spot with shared outdoor areas and slippery floors. Smash-style burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, perfect for a nostalgic bite. Chili cheese fries shine as a popular choice, while chili dogs stay simple and homemade.

Chili appears as a topping on fries and hot dogs, with chili cheese fries standing out as a popular choice. The chili cheese hot dog tends to be small and simple, resembling a homemade chili dog.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were really great."

"I got the world's best smash burger with super crispy edges."

"The chili here is very juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices for burgers start around $10.50, which is reasonable for the area.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating for a comfortable dining experience.

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