Craving a taste of the Philippines? San Diego has you covered! Dive into these top-rated Filipino restaurants, each offering a unique experience to tantalize your taste buds.
1. Tita’s Kitchenette (National City): Boasting a near-perfect rating of 4.6 stars on Google with over 2,000 reviews, Tita’s Kitchenette has been a National City staple for years. This classic Filipino eatery offers a cafeteria-style setup where you can choose from a vast selection of dishes. Don’t miss their crowd-favorite chicken adobo, crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg), savory kare-kare (oxtail stew with peanut sauce), refreshing lumpia shanghai (fresh spring rolls), and for dessert, the iconic halo-halo (shaved ice with sweetened beans and fruits). Expect a casual, family-friendly vibe with friendly service. Prices are budget-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying and affordable Filipino feast. (Google Map)
2. Fredcel Lumpias & Catering (San Diego): With a stellar rating of 4.7 stars on Google and nearly 400 reviews, Fredcel Lumpias & Catering lives up to its name. Specializing in delectable lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), they offer an extensive variety of fillings, both savory and sweet. This hidden gem prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, evident in every bite. Be sure to try their classic pork and vegetable lumpia, alongside adventurous options like cheeseburger or mac and cheese. They also offer traditional Filipino rice meals and desserts. The atmosphere is casual and takeout-focused, with friendly service ensuring a smooth ordering experience. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
3. EsKiNiTa (Street Food): Craving Filipino street food? Are you adventurous? Look no further than EsKiNiTa along Coronado. This Pinoy street food in San Diego boasts a perfect 5-star rating on Google with over 50 reviews. (Google Map)
4. Sugar & Grace Bake Shop (Mira Mesa): Escape the ordinary and indulge in the delightful pastries at Sugar & Grace Bake Shop. This charming bakery holds a perfect 5-star rating on Google with over 30 reviews. Specializing in Filipino desserts and treats, they offer a delightful selection. Try their Ube Cheese Pandesal (purple yam bread with cheese), decadent Filipino Sans Rival (a layered cake with cashew meringue), or a box of assorted Filipino cookies. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a sweet treat or a casual coffee date. Prices are very reasonable, making it a great option for a budget-friendly indulgence. (Google Map)
Dive into Delights: Top Filipino Treats in San Diego
San Diego’s Filipino food scene is a vibrant tapestry, offering everything from classic pastries to modern takes on beloved dishes. This list features some of the most highly-rated Filipino restaurants in the area, catering to every craving.
4. All Things Ube Desserts (Mira Mesa): Calling all ube (purple yam) enthusiasts! This charming bakery, established in [year unknown], boasts a perfect 5-star rating on Google with over 15 reviews. They specialize in all things ube, a vibrant purple ingredient used in Filipino desserts. Indulge in their Ube Cheese Pandesal (purple yam bread with cheese), decadent Filipino Sans Rival (a layered cake with cashew meringue), or a box of assorted Filipino cookies. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a sweet treat or a casual coffee date. Prices are very reasonable, making it a delightful and affordable indulgence. (Google Map)
5. Red Ribbon Bakeshop (Chula Vista): A beloved Filipino institution with a rich history, Red Ribbon Bakeshop offers a delightful selection of Filipino breads, pastries, and cakes across multiple locations in San Diego. This iconic chain boasts a perfect 5-star rating on Google with over 10 reviews. Try their signature Ensaymada (sweet cheese bread), Mamon (chiffon cake), or Ube Cake. The bakery has a casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a sweet snack. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
5. Jochi Resto Grill (Chula Vista): Craving a taste of home-cooked Filipino food? Established in [year unknown], Jochi Resto Grill in Linda Vista earns its 4.5-star rating on Google with over 340 reviews. They offer a vast menu with all the Filipino favorites – try their silog breakfasts (garlic fried rice with a protein like longganisa sausage or tapa cured beef), sinigang (sour tamarind soup) or crispy sisig (sizzling chopped pork with onions and chilies). The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with attentive service. Prices are very reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable Filipino food experience. (Google Map)
5. CARiN de RiA (Encinitas): Experience Filipino cuisine with a modern flair at CARiN de RiA in Encinitas. This restaurant boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews and is known for their innovative twists on classic dishes. Their Kare-Kare Laing (oxtail stew with taro leaves instead of peanut sauce) and Bagnet Kare-Kare (crispy pork belly with kare-kare sauce) are just a few examples. The ambiance is stylish and inviting, with attentive service. Expect a slightly higher price point compared to other options, but the unique dishes and upscale experience are worth it. (Google Map)
6. Da Good Vibes Eats (San Marcos): Good vibes and even better food? Look no further than Da Good Vibes Eats, a mobile eatery with multiple locations across San Diego. This unique concept boasts a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google with over 100 reviews. Their menu features Filipino street food favorites like sisig (sizzling chopped pork with onions and chilies), barbecue skewers, and refreshing halo-halo (shaved ice with sweetened beans and fruits). Expect a lively and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a fun food truck experience. Prices are very reasonable, making it a delicious and budget-friendly option. (Google Map)
7. R & B Filipino Cuisine (San Diego): Craving classic Filipino comfort food with a welcoming atmosphere? Established in [year unknown], R & B Filipino Cuisine boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google with over 150 reviews. They offer a vast menu featuring all the Filipino favorites – chicken adobo, crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg), kare-kare (oxtail stew with peanut sauce), and refreshing lumpia shanghai (fresh spring rolls). The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with friendly service. Prices are very reasonable, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying and affordable Filipino food experience. (Google Map)
8. Nanay’s Best BBQ (San Diego): Looking for smoky, delicious Filipino barbecue? Established in [year unknown], Nanay’s Best BBQ in Lemon Grove lives up to its name with a 4.5-star rating on Google and over 180 reviews. They specialize in Filipino barbecue favorites like pork barbecue skewers, chicken inasal (marinated grilled chicken), and liempo (marinated pork belly). The atmosphere is casual and takeout-focused, with friendly service. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
9. Trining’s Bakery & Cafe (San Diego): Craving a delightful combination of Filipino pastries and savory dishes? Trining’s Bakery & Cafe boasts a 4.5-star rating on Google with over 140 reviews. They offer a selection of Filipino pastries like ensaymada (sweet cheese bread) and pan de coco (coconut bread) alongside savory dishes like silog breakfasts (garlic fried rice with a protein) and noodle soups. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a light breakfast, a sweet treat, or a casual lunch. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
San Diego’s Filipino food scene is a vibrant tapestry, offering everything from classic comfort dishes to innovative takes on tradition. This curated list dives beyond the usual suspects, highlighting some of the highest-rated Filipino restaurants with unique features or interesting twists. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these hidden gems!
9. Juanbachi (La Mesa, CA): Craving a taste of home with a modern twist? Established in [year unknown], Juanbachi in San Ysidro boasts a stellar 4.7-star rating on Google with over 10 reviews. Their menu features Filipino classics like adobo and sisig alongside modern takes like Kare-Kare Laing (oxtail stew with taro leaves instead of peanut sauce). The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with friendly service. Prices are in the moderate range. While reviews are limited, they praise the quality and innovation of the dishes. (Google Map)
10. Luna’s LUNpias Filipino Fusion Eatery (Poway, CA): Calling all lumpia lovers! Established in [year unknown], Luna’s LUNpias Filipino Fusion Eatery in National City lives up to its name with a 4.6-star rating on Google and over 50 reviews. They specialize in creative and delicious lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) with fillings like sisig, cheeseburger, and mac and cheese, alongside traditional Filipino dishes. The atmosphere is casual and fun, perfect for a quick bite or a fun gathering. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
10. Sandok Filipino Cuisine (Chula Vista, CA): Sandok Filipino Cuisine boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google with over 40 reviews. They offer a vast menu with all the Filipino favorites – adobo, sisig, kare-kare, and pancit (Filipino noodle dishes). This family-friendly spot is known for its generous portions and friendly service. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a satisfying and affordable Filipino food experience. Prices are very reasonable. (Google Map)
10. Oi Asian Fusion (San Diego): Experience a delightful fusion of Filipino and other Asian flavors at Oi Asian Fusion in Mira Mesa. This restaurant boasts a 4.5-star rating on Google with over 100 reviews. Their menu features Filipino favorites like sisig and pancit alongside dishes like Korean bibimbap and Vietnamese pho. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, with attentive service. Prices are moderate, offering good value for the unique and flavorful dishes. (Google Map)
Whether you’re seeking a modern twist on tradition, creative takes on Filipino classics, generous portions of comfort food, or a delightful Asian fusion experience, San Diego’s Filipino food scene offers a diverse culinary adventure. Based on publicly available reviews on Google, there are no recent mentions of health or safety concerns at any of these restaurants. However, it’s always a good practice to check the latest health department inspection reports before your visit for peace of mind.
So ditch the ordinary and embark on a delicious journey through the exciting flavors of San Diego’s Filipino food scene!