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Top picks in San Diego

Japanese food and tacos

You are looking for the intersection of Japanese flavors and the handheld convenience of a taco.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Birrieria Enriquez: North Park's Finest Taco Restaurant image 1
Birrieria Enriquez: North Park's Finest Taco Restaurant image 2
Birrieria Enriquez: North Park's Finest Taco Restaurant image 3
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Cozy hole-in-the-wall with a communal atmosphere featuring a long table, festive lights, and candles. The vibe is friendly and family-oriented, with authentic Mexican decor and calming jazz music in the morning. The space feels welcoming and comfortable, inviting guests to relax and enjoy.

Birria ramen stands out with rich flavor and satisfying depth. It comes with three extra tortillas to make little birria tacos, pairing well with birria taco queso and guacamole with chips.

Tacos here feature crispy tortillas and juicy, flavorful meat. The quesabirria tacos stand out with rich, melty cheese and tender birria that bursts with flavor.

People are saying

"I've never had birria this rich, savory, and satisfying before."

"I thought the birria tacos were amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The birria ramen here is flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour fish or shrimp tacos are available on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 pm.

2

Parking can be difficult and frustrating in the area.

3

There is easy side street parking available nearby.

02
Mike's Red Tacos - Point Loma image 1

Roomy dining areas combine with inside and outside seating to create a clean, modern environment. A self-serve salsa bar offers various options, adding a unique touch to the experience. The atmosphere feels chill and cozy, enhanced by views of a green field and mountains in the background.

Birria Ramen stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and satisfying noodles. The menu also features birria tacos and a spicy fire ramen, all packed with bold flavors.

Birria tacos stand out with rich, flavorful meat and melted cheese in red tortillas. The tacos consistently deliver amazing taste and satisfy with every bite.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly top tier."

"I loved the birria tacos here."

"The birria ramen here is a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, a free taco is offered with meal combo orders.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays with many locals attending.

3

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

03
Steamy Piggy Point Loma image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant with modern, inviting decor and photo-worthy corners creates a friendly, vibey atmosphere. Loud, chill music and several TVs showing sports and K-pop fill the space. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit complement soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls.

Tonkotsu ramen features a creamy broth with tender noodles and perfectly cooked eggs. Spicy ramen offers a rich umami flavor with garlic notes and tender pork, balanced with a moderate heat level.

Fusion tacos stand out with succulent pork and sweet and spicy chicken flavors. Options include chicken bao tacos and bulgogi, offering a mix of textures and tastes.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese Food here is great, thanks to the friendly and attentive service."

"I found the fusion tacos to be amazing and flavorful."

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
Surfside Fish House image 1

Casual restaurant with clean, bright decor and a cool San Diego mural creates a welcoming, chill atmosphere. Seating includes outdoor patio and bar options, with a lively vibe that can get noisy when busy. Offers affordable, fresh seafood with a serious focus on quality and variety.

Generous portions of fresh, marinaded salmon stand out in the poke bowls. The menu features solid fish tacos, poke nachos, and good cuts of fish for plates, all highlighting the quality of the fish.

Fish tacos offer a great combination of flavors and are filling and delicious. Happy hour features $2 fish tacos, making it a good value.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the happy hour with $2 tacos and $6 wine."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and yummy."

"The poke bowls here are huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm with $2 fish tacos and $1.5 oysters.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, especially the kids' shrimp basket.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes at very reasonable prices.

05
Mic Drop Comedy image 1
Comedy club

Small venue with an Alice in Wonderland theme creates an intimate atmosphere where every seat feels close to the action. Professional improv keeps the crowd engaged and the energy fun without crossing lines. Full bar and kitchen offer creative cocktails and distinctive food alongside strong comedy acts.

Chicken katsu stands out with crispy tenders served hot and fresh. The menu pairs these with fries and offers a boozeless nitro espresso martini as a drink option.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Garlic fried rice complements the excellent tacos well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly."

"The birria tacos here are delicious and legit."

"The chicken katsu tenders here are surprisingly delicious."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available on site.

2

Mic Drop Comedy does not require a food or drink minimum.

3

Doors open at 9 PM, but seating may be delayed.

06
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

Hotel restaurant with modern design and artful decor creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Spacious seating and a dog-friendly outdoor patio add comfort and convenience. Noise levels can rise during events, affecting conversation.

Edamame peas come with soy sauce and stand out as a popular starter. The salmon entree offers a solid main dish option alongside other items like the watermelon salad.

Tacos here feature tender short rib and marinated tofu with strong flavors. Options like the Asian Street Tacos and rib tacos stand out for their taste and texture.

People are saying

"The beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The Japanese food here is TDF, especially the edamame."

"These short rib tacos are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

07
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Open concept design with outdoor seating creates an intimate, European-style bistro vibe. Loud Latin music energizes the space, while chic decor blends white, gold, and off-white tones for a stylish, inviting atmosphere. The outdoor window bar and street patio offer spots for people-watching and casual drinks.

Dashi Beurre Blanc Noodles stand out with a rich, flavorful sauce and get ordered twice. Other dishes include soft-shell crab taco, face tostadas, and red snapper ceviche, while udon noodles come with prawns that are quite tough and noodles that are just okay.

Soft shell crab tacos stand out with their incredible flavor and are highly recommended. Other notable options include octopus carpaccio and uni tuna ceviche.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the soft shell crab taco; it's incredible."

"The octopus dishes here are outstanding, truly a 10/10."

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.

08
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Nori fish dishes stand out with crispy fried fish and a strong nori flavor. The nori fish sandwich pairs well with a bit of acidity to balance the fat and sauce. Bento options include dark meat popcorn chicken.

Hainan chicken tacos stand out with a unique twist, paired often with a watermelon oat milk drink. The tacos come alongside a chicken salad that also draws attention.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The nori fish sandwich is a must-try Japanese Food."

"The nori fish tacos are delicious with crispy fried fish."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

09
Brother's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with a chill and fun vibe in a lively area offers fresh, flavorful tacos and sushi alongside fantastic margaritas and Micheladas. Large portions come at reasonable prices, with quick service even for big groups. The atmosphere reflects a North Park style that feels authentic and welcoming.

Fresh sushi stands out with a new menu offering. The sushi pairs well with the Mexican dishes, making it a solid choice for both cuisines.

Late night tacos stand out with huge, flavorful portions and a variety including chicken, carne asada, and beer battered fish. Taco Tuesday offers delicious, fresh-to-order tacos often paired with drinks during all-day happy hour.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and well-priced."

"The meat in the burrito had amazing flavor and was perfectly seasoned."

"The tacos here are so fresh and the staff is super friendly."

Good to know

1

They offer all-day happy hour with 2-for-1 bottle beers and $2 tacos.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos.

3

Late-night tacos are available for those craving a midnight snack.

10
El Pez Kitchen & Sushi image 1

Restaurant blends Japanese and Mexican fusion with a sushi bar and yakitori vibe. Atmosphere feels happy and chill with rock en espaรฑol music and a cool breeze from fans. Offers fresh seafood and unique dishes like carnitas ramen and octopus tacos.

Sushi rolls and ramen stand out with consistent quality and flavor. The menu blends Japanese staples like karaage chicken and teriyaki plates with unique fusion dishes such as carnitas ramen.

Octopus stands out with the Taco de Pulpo offering a delicious seafood option. The Taco Flight provides a variety to sample multiple flavors in one order.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi rolls, is amazing."

"I found their octopus taco delicious."

"You have to try the octopus taco; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect about 25 minutes for order preparation during busy hours.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for peak hours.

11
Baja Oyster and Sushi Bar image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant blends old school Mexican style with fresh sushi in a space featuring two bars and multiple TV screens showing games. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and family-friendly to busy and loud depending on time, with casual, fun vibes and music. Tables and chairs fill the room without booths, creating an open dining area.

Offers a unique blend of Mexican and Japanese cuisine with a wide variety of sushi rolls, soups, and entrees. Sushi comes well presented and flavorful, with some rolls differing from traditional styles.

Shrimp tacos come with a mild spicy sauce and taste very good. Mixed seafood tacos and burritos feature fresh shrimp and cheese, prepared well alongside sushi.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like it was harvested in the kitchen."

"The Japanese food here has the best service I've ever experienced."

"I thought the fish tacos were good, especially with the repollo."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to a steep drive into the lot.

2

The menu is available in both Spanish and English for easier ordering.

3

Prices are on the higher side for the quality of food offered.

12
Loving Hut San Diego (North Park) image 1

Mid-century modern design shapes a clean, chic interior with relaxing, quiet atmosphere and welcoming vibe. A large TV screen shows nature videos, adding to the calm setting. The place draws a crowd seeking creative vegan dishes in a casual yet polished environment.

Katsu curry stands out with a rich, satisfying flavor and is a highlight on the menu. Other dishes like Mongolian beef and papaya salad also offer solid, tasty options.

Tacos feature vegan shrimp and ocean flavors prominently. Options include the cha cha and Lucky Lemongrass tacos, alongside chicken varieties.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and full of flavor."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

"I found the katsu curry to be so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% vegan with a diverse menu.

2

Happy Noodle Hour offers special deals on select dishes.

3

Lunch prices can reach nearly $25 per person.

13
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood At Centerpark Labs image 1

Outdoor seating features synthetic lawn, couches, and Cornhole games, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The vibe is chill and spacious, with room for dogs and kids to play. Indoor space feels limited and sterile, contrasting with the inviting outdoor area.

Authentic poke bowls come simply with poke and rice like in Hawaii. Sashimi grade raw fish is available for making sushi at home, and dishes like wasabi salmon and katsu musubi appear as specials.

Fish tacos come with a generous portion of shrimp and fresh catch of the day. The spicy shrimp tacos stand out for their heat and flavor, paired well with furikake fries.

People are saying

"The seafood here is insanely fresh and delicious."

"The poke here is fresh and delicious."

"The spicy shrimp taco is amazing and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm with $2 off draft beers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a dollar off each taco.

3

Expect long lines during peak lunch hours; arrive early.

14
Offshore Tavern & Grill image 1

Neighborhood bar with dive vibes and large TVs arranged for full sports coverage creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a huge covered patio with a pool table and dog-friendly space. Background music and a fireplace add to the relaxing, welcoming environment.

Chicken teriyaki appears in both Hawaiian plates and bowls with flavorful portions. The poke bowl also features prominently and receives positive attention.

Tacos cost 5 dollars and feature fried shrimp that stands out for its flavor. Fish tacos come with less impressive salsa, but overall tacos are yummy and popular on Taco Tuesday.

People are saying

"The bar food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"I was impressed by the tacos here; they were really good."

"The Japanese food, specifically the teriyaki chicken, was flavorful."

Good to know

1

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

2

Wednesdays feature Taco Day with special pricing on tacos.

3

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with discounted tacos at Offshore Tavern & Grill.

15
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Silky smooth, unbelievably fresh sashimi stands out with its quality and variety. The menu also features scallop ceviche and cioppino seafood stew, adding diverse flavors to the Japanese offerings.

Fresh seafood shines in the fish tacos, which come in varieties like snapper and tuna. Kids enjoy the fish tacos and the kids catch, while the grilled octopus sandwich adds another flavorful option.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

"The sashimi here is unbelievably fresh and silky smooth."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

16
Birria El Rey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small shack-like setup with outdoor seating under open tents creates a casual, street food vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, similar to eating at a family gathering. Dog-friendly space attracts a relaxed crowd enjoying authentic birria tacos.

Birria tacos and ramen feature prominently, with the ramen offering plenty of meat but a somewhat simple style. The birria ramen includes noodles that some find less enjoyable.

Birria tacos stand out with Tijuana-style birria and options like queso-birria and nevero (the foot). These tacos taste great, not salty, and come at a higher price point.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are amazing and elevated Mexican food."

"I thought their birria tacos were some of the best."

"I loved the bold flavors of the Japanese Food here."

Good to know

1

Online ordering may not be reliable; confirm your order before pickup.

2

Taco Tuesday offers three quesabirria tacos for $11.

3

Happy Hour specials on Wednesdays provide great deals.

17
Shorebird image 1
Californian restaurant

Waterfront setting offers stunning ocean views and open windows that bring in a cool sea breeze. Atmosphere feels intimate and peaceful, with a quiet vibe even near the bar. Guests enjoy a relaxed, scenic experience that stands out from typical waterfront spots.

Sushi features excellent cuts of fatty salmon and black cod nigiri. Dishes include a variety of options like raw bar selections, sushi rolls, and fish and chips, all noted as delicious.

Prime Skirt Steak tacos come deconstructed, letting you skip the shells if you want. Taco shells are made in-house from corn and taste great.

People are saying

"The ocean view here is stunning and peaceful."

"The Japanese food, especially the salmon belly nigiri, is excellent."

"The Prime Skirt Steak tacos were perfectly seasoned with fresh toppings."

Good to know

1

The location is amazing right along the water and near Seaport Village.

2

Shorebird has an expansive menu that caters to a variety of tastes.

3

Expect a higher price point due to the waterfront location.

18
Birrieria image 1
Restaurant

Small, casual restaurant with a mom-and-pop vibe reminiscent of Mexico. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, attracting people looking for authentic Mexican dishes. Known for birria tacos and menudo, with a mix of opinions on flavor and quality.

Birria ramen stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and tender meat. This dish combines traditional ramen elements with a spicy, savory twist that many find enjoyable.

Quesabirria tacos stand out with their juicy, full flavor and authentic beef birria. Three tacos fill you up, and the tacos dorados add a delicious crispy option.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I've had in a long time."

"The birria ramen here is delicious and flavorful."

"These birria tacos are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is self-seating, and staff will come to you.

2

The prices at Birrieria are economical, but portion sizes are small.

3

The menu can be confusing if you're not familiar with Birria.

19
Bonchon Convoy image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with many big TVs showing sports creates a chill, low-key vibe. Music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The place draws people looking for Korean fried chicken and casual meals with beer or soju.

Gyoza come out crispy and juicy. The Katsu and fried chicken stand out as really good. Takoyaki is served but not as warm or flavorful as the chicken.

Bulgogi Tacos offer rich, flavorful Korean-style fillings. Korean Chicken Tacos stand out with their unique seasoning and taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I had."

"The Japanese food here, especially the chicken, is so tasty and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

20
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Bowls like the Chicken Katsu and Korean Bibimbap come in great size and stay fresh. Tofu teriyaki and edamames show solid Japanese flavors with well-cooked tofu and tasty sides.

Fish tacos stand out with fantastic flavor and consistent quality. The lumberjack tacos come with jalapeno aioli that adds a spicy kick.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki chicken, was rated really well."

"I thought the fish tacos were pretty good."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

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