SOCAL CUISINE
Boasting fresh flavors and distinct cultural influences, these must-try dishes have become synonymous with the region.
FISH TACOS
Some argue that the best Mexican food in the world can be found in San Diego and nowhere
is that more apparent than in the fish tacos available across the city, from taquerias to high-
end seafood restaurants. Some of the tastiest fish tacos can be ordered at SINGLE FIN SURF
GRILL , which serves them both grilled and beer battered. OSCAR’S MEXICAN SEAFOOD ,
another favorite—with four locations—also offers a variety, like the smoked fish taco and taco
especial, which has shrimp and scallops, too. (Single Fin: 3844 Mission Blvd.; 858-352-6611;
singlefinsd.com) (Oscar’s: 746 Emerald St., Pacific Beach; 858-412-4009; oscarsmexicanseafood.com)
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
SUSHI
With so much fresh fish harvested off the San Diego coast, it’s no surprise that several items
on this list include seafood. Sushi is no exception. Every variety, from authentic Japanese
creations to fusion concoctions, can be found in San Diego. SUSHI OTA is considered one of
the best sushi restaurants in town, and features classic rolls and unique options like the pizza
or jalapeno salmon rolls. For the adventurous, try heading over to POKIRRITO , which offers
innovative “sushi burritos” along with a variety of poke bowls. (Sushi Ota: 4529 Mission Bay
Dr.; 858-270-5670; sushiota.com) (Pokirrito: 4646 Convoy St.; 858-573-9090; pokirritosd.com)
FROZEN YOGURT
After hitting Southern California’s beaches, you’ll want something cold and light—enter frozen
yogurt. Numerous shops have popped up across the region in the last few years, but YOGURT
ON THE ROCKS —locally owned by a San Diego couple—is one popular fro-yo eatery, with
an ever-changing menu and prime location on Pacific Beach. For a rare treat, however, head to
BELMONT PARK and grab a Dole Whip, which is pineapple-flavored soft serve popularized by
Disneyland and only available in select spots. (Yogurt on the Rocks: 1886 Garnet Ave.; 858-274-
3950; yogurtontherocks.com) (Belmont Park: 3146 Mission Blvd.; 858-228-9283; belmontpark.com)
Yogurt on
the Rocks
OYSTERS
An ideal start to any meal, oysters have become a fixture on menus throughout San Diego.
And for those staying at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, you’re in luck, because some
of the freshest oysters are available at OCEANA COASTAL KITCHEN . At the restaurant’s
cold bar, you’ll find oysters on the half shell with a selection of sauces, including a chipotle
cocktail sauce, mignonette and gluten-free lemon mayo. Oysters are also part of the Oceana
seafood tower, which boasts crab claws and mussels. (3999 Mission Blvd.; 858-539-8635;
catamaranresort.com)
CALIFORNIA BURRITO
The perfect marriage between Mexican influences and Southern Californian tastes, San Diego
is reportedly the birthplace of the California burrito, which comes complete with carne asada
and french fries—yes, french fries—inside the burrito. LUCHA LIBRE , a gourmet taqueria in
Mission Hills with a Mexican wrestling theme that takes form in the eatery’s glitzy and fun,
over-the-top decor, makes one of the best: The Surfin’ California burrito comes with shrimp,
avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, pico de gallo and the usual carne asada (which is marinated in
lime juice) and homemade fries. (1810 W. Washington St.; 619-296-8226; tacosmackdown.com)
25