San Diego runs on burritos. The California burrito — carne asada, fries, cheese, guac, sour cream in a flour tortilla — was invented here in the 1980s, and it's still the city's signature dish. Every neighborhood has a spot. Most of them are great. These nine are the ones people drive across town for.
The Viral One
1. La Perla #3 — The Oaxacalifornia Burrito
This is the burrito that broke TikTok. La Perla #3 in Point Loma serves the Oaxacalifornia (~$12.75) — a California burrito wrapped inside an Oaxaca cheese quesadilla. It's a burrito inside a quesadilla. Double the tortilla, double the cheese, and enough food for two people.
The carne asada is juicy and well-seasoned, the fries are actually crispy, and the Oaxaca cheese melts perfectly around the whole thing. The ratios are dialed. It's rated 4.8 on Google with over 500 Yelp reviews, and it's earned every star.
- Address: 1224 Rosecrans St, Point Loma
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun closed
- Pro tip: Everything is made to order — expect 20–30 minute waits when busy. Plan for takeout (limited seating). Red salsa is the move.
- Must-order: Oaxacalifornia Burrito, no pico, add sour cream
The Classics
2. Lolita's Mexican Food — The OG California Burrito
Family-owned since 1984, Lolita's is the standard-bearer. Their California burrito uses Choice Black Angus beef with proprietary spice blends and locally sourced produce. Everything is made from scratch daily. Multiple locations across SD County, but the Clairemont Mesa Blvd flagship is the one.
- Address: 7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd (flagship)
- Hours: Daily 7 AM–9 PM
- Price: ~$12–$15
3. Lucha Libre Taco Shop — The San Diego Institution
Mexican wrestling decor, 8,900+ Yelp reviews, and the famous Surfin' California Burrito (~$22.80) with steak, shrimp, avocado, jack cheese, fries, and a "Super Secret Chipotle Sauce." Lucha Libre in Mission Hills is as much an experience as it is a meal. Book the Champions Booth 24 hours in advance (max party of 4).
- Address: 1810 W Washington St, Mission Hills
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–11 PM
The Neighborhood Legends
4. Ortiz's Taco Shop — Point Loma's Hidden Gem
A strip-mall taco shop that's been quietly serving one of the best California burritos in the city since 2004. Ortiz's on Voltaire Street in Point Loma is family-owned, no-frills, and guarded jealously by locals. The Sabroso Burrito (carne asada + shrimp) is the sleeper hit.
- Address: 3704 Voltaire St, Point Loma
- Hours: Mon–Sat 8 AM–9 PM, Sun closed
- Price: ~$8–$14
5. JV's Mexican Food — Home of the Surf & Turf Burrito
Serving San Diego since 1994, JV's on Morena Blvd is the self-proclaimed "Home of the Surf n Turf Burrito" — and the claim holds up. Over 1,500 Yelp reviews, 4.6 stars, and late hours (until 11 PM Wed–Sun). Taco Tuesday deals make it even better.
- Address: 1112 Morena Blvd, Linda Vista
- Hours: Mon–Tue 9 AM–10 PM, Wed–Sun 9 AM–11 PM
6. Mike's Taco Club — Burritos by the Beach
Steps from the OB Pier, Mike's captures San Diego's seaside soul. The Cali Burrito is legit, the breakfast burrito is massive, and the shaded patio is dog-friendly with ocean air. Octopus tacos and horchata milkshakes round out the menu.
- Address: 5060 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–10 PM
Best Value & Late Night
7. El Zarape — Burritos Under $5
The chalkboard menu at El Zarape in University Heights is overwhelming in the best way. Burritos start at $4.50. The Aloha Burrito is $4.99. But the real move is the seafood — shrimp, salmon, scallop, lobster, and mahi-mahi tacos that go way beyond a standard taco shop. Nearly 3,000 Yelp reviews and a University Heights institution.
- Address: 4642 Park Blvd, University Heights
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sun 10 AM–10 PM
8. Rigoberto's — The 24/7 Burrito Run
It's 3 AM. You need a burrito. Rigoberto's is open. Multiple locations across San Diego run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The California burrito (~$11) is generous, the salsa bar lets you customize, and the prices are fair for the portions. The Miramar Road location is the go-to.
- Address: 7094 Miramar Rd (also PB at 1190 Garnet Ave)
- Hours: 24/7 (most locations)
9. Tacos El Gordo — The Honorable Mention
Technically a taco spot, not a burrito spot. But Tacos El Gordo deserves a spot on any San Diego food list. The adobada (al pastor) carved from the vertical spit is transcendent. The downtown Gaslamp location stays open until 2 AM weekdays and 4 AM on weekends. Nearly 7,000 Yelp reviews at the Chula Vista location alone.
- Address: 511 F St, Downtown (also Chula Vista)
- Hours: Sun–Thu 10 AM–2 AM, Fri–Sat 10 AM–4 AM
The Burrito Crawl
If you're really about it, here's the move: start at La Perla for the Oaxacalifornia, hit Ortiz's for a classic California, and end at Mike's Taco Club in OB for a sunset burrito by the pier. That's a Point Loma-to-OB burrito crawl, and it's about 10 minutes of driving. Pair it with happy hour drinks along the way and you've got the most San Diego afternoon possible.
San Diego Burrito FAQ
What is the best burrito in San Diego?
La Perla #3 in Point Loma is the current viral favorite for their Oaxacalifornia burrito. Lolita's Mexican Food and Lucha Libre are perennial favorites for classic California burritos.
What is a California burrito?
A San Diego original: carne asada, french fries, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream in a flour tortilla. Invented here in the 1980s.
What is the Oaxacalifornia burrito at La Perla?
A California burrito wrapped inside an Oaxaca cheese quesadilla. About $12.75 and big enough for two. Order it with no pico, add sour cream.
Where can I get a burrito at 3 AM in San Diego?
Rigoberto's has multiple 24/7 locations (Miramar Rd, Pacific Beach). Tacos El Gordo downtown is open until 2 AM weekdays, 4 AM weekends.