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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santee

Authentic spots

Food that stays true to its roots instead of catering to the local version of what it should be.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Gen Thai Street Food image 1
Gen Thai Street Food image 2
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Thai restaurant

Small space with intimate seating offers a clean, inviting vibe. Authentic Thai flavors shine through in-house curry pastes and fresh ingredients like fish sauce and tamarind. Handwritten notes add a personal touch to the experience.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic flavors like fish sauce with Thai chilies and tamarind sauce. Dishes taste very close to traditional Thai street food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"I thought the curry here tasted amazing and fresh."

"I was surprised by how authentic and fresh the food tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options.

2

Prices are cheaper than other places in Santee.

3

Portions are generous, making it easy to skip dinner.

02
Streets Pho & Grill image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese spot offers authentic pho with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. Modern decor creates a cozy atmosphere with warm 2000's R&B music. Affordable prices and fresh spring rolls make it a bright, welcoming place.

Pho here tastes truly authentic with fresh ingredients in every bowl. The menu sticks closely to traditional Vietnamese flavors throughout.

People are saying

"I thought the pho broth was incredibly flavorful."

"The vegetarian pho is amazing, hearty, and full of fresh vegetables."

"I found the pho here to be authentic and high-quality."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off appetizers during lunch.

2

Prices for pho start at $16 for a rare steak.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

03
Sizzling Saigon image 1
Restaurant

Open indoor dining space features vibrant dรฉcor and beautiful artwork creating a lively atmosphere. Freshly cooked dishes offer authentic Asian flavors with a flavorful broth that defines the Vietnamese pho experience. Clean and spacious environment welcomes all guests.

Broth stands out with its flavorful and authentic taste. Dishes consistently deliver authentic Asian flavors.

People are saying

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

"The Vietnamese food here has phenomenal, flavorful broth."

"The broth is flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and family-friendly.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

Most dishes are cooked to order, ensuring freshness.

04
Pho Mai Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern space with a beautiful mural of Hanoi sets a calm mood. Authentic Vietnamese dishes offer great flavors beyond pho. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee in a relaxing, spacious setting.

Offers authentic Vietnamese dishes with great Vietnamese flavors beyond just pho. The Vietnamese coffee is also authentic and delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the pho was really good and delicious."

"This is a great dinner spot, a must-stop for dining."

"I found the food here to be super authentic with great Vietnamese flavors."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pho Mai Cali are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

2

The food comes out quickly and is packaged nicely for takeout.

3

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-maintained.

05
Habibi Mediterranean Grill image 1

Tight quarters create a family atmosphere with food cooked in front of diners. Expect authentic Middle Eastern flavors made from fresh ingredients. Portions are smaller but prices are higher, reflecting the high-quality cuisine.

Food tastes truly authentic Middle Eastern with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The atmosphere feels genuinely welcoming and family-oriented.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is the best tasting, especially the juicy kabob."

"This lunch spot has large, flavorful portions and tasty food."

"The Mediterranean food here tastes truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The meal costs $17, providing enough food for two meals.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other Mediterranean restaurants.

3

There is plenty of parking available for diners.

06
Pho Van 2 image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese spot serves authentic pho with clear, spiced broth and fresh ingredients. Bright, clean space offers a calm atmosphere perfect for quiet meals. Large portions provide great value and a homely dining feel.

Pho, bun bo hue, and grilled beef rice dishes offer very authentic Vietnamese flavors at affordable prices. Banh mi sandwiches also deliver delicious, authentic taste throughout.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, is delicious and fresh."

"The egg rolls here are great appetizers."

"I loved the authentic Vietnamese food, especially the pho and bun bo hue."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are large, easily feeding a family of four.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local Vietnamese restaurants.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options, including broken rice and vermicelli dishes.

07
Mr. Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic birria with rich spices and genuine tacos. Cozy, bright space fits groups inside and out. Enjoy excellent micheladas with casual vibes and great music.

Birria features flavorful meat and authentic Mexican spices. Tacos deliver a delicious and genuine taste true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are crispy, gooey, and have juicy birria."

"The birria ramen here is so flavorful and tender."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted prices on birria tacos.

2

Street tacos are priced at $3.50 each.

3

The restaurant is currently remodeling and serving from a food truck.

08
Marieta's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Retro Mexican decor sets a lively scene with a skillful guitarist playing at tables. Fresh ingredients create authentic flavors that bring south of the border tastes to life. Fast service and a busy kitchen's hustle keep the atmosphere friendly and vibrant.

Truly authentic Mexican food features fresh ingredients and flavors south of the border. The atmosphere includes a guitarist singing at tables, enhancing the authentic vibe.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was absolutely amazing."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

The prices at Marieta's are reasonable, which is helpful given the inflation happening elsewhere.

2

There is ample entrance-level parking, and it is handicapped accessible.

3

Marieta's offers great deals on lunch specials.

09
Island Style Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Casual Hawaiian spot with a homey vibe and pineapple lights sets a relaxed mood. Menu shines with authentic teriyaki beef and homestyle Polynesian dishes that taste true to Hawaii. Simple seating and good music complete the welcoming feel.

Food captures authentic Hawaiian style with flavors that remind of meals from Hawaii. Several spots serve homestyle Polynesian dishes that feel genuine and better than some found on Oahu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

"I felt the food here was pretty authentic, reminding me of Hawaii."

"You have to try the lilikoi iced tea; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first-come, first-served.

2

They close their dining room 30 minutes before closing time.

3

Expect to pay an extra 50 cents for to-go boxes.

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Santee, California

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