1. Get Generous Helpings Of Seriously Delicious At Tacos El Gordo
Tacos El Gordo
689 H St
(619) 691-8848
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 1188 reviews
The way that the contents comes spilling out like the aftermath of an evisceration should be your first clue that the tacos at Tacos El Gordo are stuffed-to-bursting with deliciousness.
It may be a chain restaurant, but the homemade tortillas and spicy pork at the Chula Vista joint keep the locals coming back for more.
2. Canada Steak Burger Proves That Maple Syrup Isn’t All That Canada’s Good For
Canada Steak Burger
409 Telegraph Canyon Rd
(619) 420-1300
Yelp: 4 stars, 180 reviews
Greek flavors and classic burgers come together in the Chula Vista branch of Canada Steak Burger. While you can get a regular burger or a simple gyro plate, you can also experience the awesome that occurs when the two collide in a gyro-meat-topped-burger-extravaganza.
If you’re not in the mood for a beast on a bun, try the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad or the Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Get To Know What Radical Tastes Like At Project Pie
Project Pie
555 Broadway
(619) 621-2979
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 65 reviews
If you’re one of those creative types, then Project Pie might just be your new favorite eatery. Not in the mood for plain old marinara? Have some Alfredo or pesto spread across your flaky thin crust. Looking for a new cheesy adventure? Top your pie with ricotta, Gorgonzola or fresh Parmesan.
Of course, there are plenty of traditional toppings (and some a little less so) that you can add to create your perfect pizza. Make sure to check out their unusual assortment of fountain drinks too!
4. Munch On The Best Mango Orange Chicken You Will Ever Eat At Bamboo Garden
Bamboo Garden Thai Cuisine
1392 E Palomar St
(619) 482-0888
Yelp: 4 stars, 64 reviews
First thing’s first: you have to try the Mango Orange Chicken. It will change your life. Mostly because a large portion of your life will now be devoted to buying and eating Mango Orange Chicken.
Bamboo Garden is one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. Their lunch specials are a bargain, and the food is worth any wait you might encounter.
5. Hungry Hank Deserves A Round Of Applause For His Sourdough Alone
Hungry Hank’s Deli
866 Third Ave
(619) 426-4499
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 97 reviews
For me, the best part is the bread. I love bread indiscriminately. Especially sourdough.
And nobody does it better than Hungry Hank’s Deli. A wild turkey sandwich with sharp cheddar and jalapeno spread between two thick slices of toasted sourdough? It’s pure heaven.
6. I’m Not Even Squidding: Tj Oyster Bar Has Mexican Seafood Like You’ve Never Tasted Before
Tj Oyster Bar
4410 Bonita Rd
(619) 434-4780
Yelp: 4 stars, 139 reviews
Mexican was made to be mixed with seafood. Disagree? Then head down to Tj Oyster Bar and see for yourself.
In addition to having some of the best fish tacos in the county, they have inventive options like Smoked Tuna Fries and Stingray Tacos. Any fan of seafood should mark this as a must on their foodie bucket list.
7. Stuff Your Face With Sushi, Sashimi And Sake At Kanpai
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant
301 Palomar St
(619) 426-1200
Yelp: 4 stars, 204 reviews
Sushi doesn’t get much better than this when you’re so far south. But don’t think that means it’s not well worth a visit.
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant offers a great selection of fresh sushi, authentic ramen and imported drinks. The fried squid legs make a great appetizer if you’re hungry enough for multiple rounds.
8. Via Lago Trattoria’s Pink Vodka Sauce Is To Die For
Via Lago Trattoria by Busalacchi
866 Eastlake Pkwy
(619) 216-8660
Yelp: 4 stars, 127 reviews
Italian food is just classy on principle. But Via Lago Trattoria steps it up a notch with a refined atmosphere and the occasional instance of live music. While you don’t need a suit to walk in the door, you probably don’t want to wear your sweat pants either.
I know it’s hard, but try to restrain yourself from filling up on the complimentary bread basket. For the main dish, the pink vodka sauce is sublime on just about any type of pasta.
9. The Family House Of Pancakes Will Comfort You Into A Food Coma
Family House of Pancakes
562 Broadway
(619) 425-5133
Yelp: 4 stars, 191 reviews
The Family House of Pancakes is one of those hometown diners where the food is piled high and the tastes are out of this world. If I’m in need of some serious comfort food, then this is the place that I go.
Massive helpings of breakfast are served all day long at some of the best prices in town. And the corned beef hash is hands down the most amazing thing I’ve ever had.
10. Satisfy Your Craving For Island Food At Tastea Grill
Tastea Grill Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant
1392 E Palomar St
(619) 216-0608
Yelp: 4 stars, 72 reviews
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, then you’ll be thrilled to know that all your favorites can be had at Tastea Grill Hawaiian BBQ. Local dishes like Chicken Teriyaki and Spam Masubi are available. You can even order bubble tea.
Their french fries are perfection and come with a lot of interesting toppings. But whatever you order, you’ll leave having definitely satisfied your longing for the islands.
11. Hermanos Taco Shop Has Carne Asada Fries And Chips That Will Make Your Tastebuds Have An Ecstatic Fit
Hermanos Taco Shop
1295 Broadway
(619) 216-0608
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 69 reviews
The Mexican food at Hermanos Taco Shop is consistent, high-quality, and delicious. The prices are reasonable and the doors are open 24/7.
But the best part is most definitely the half-and-half carne asada fries and chips. The breakfast burritos are pretty good too. It’s cash only, so make sure you fill up your wallet before heading over!
12. iWok Serves American Chinese Just Like Mom Used To Make
iWok Chinese Restaurant
1459 E H St
(619) 421-5464
Yelp: 4 stars, 20 reviews
If you need a Chinese food fix, then head to iWok on East H Street. Yummy Egg Drop Soup, staples like Kung Pao Chicken and Pork Fried Rice, and crispy egg rolls are guaranteed to kill your cravings faster than Raid kills roaches.
13. The Steakhouse Doesn’t Skimp On Delicious Lunch Specials
The Steak House on Broadway
556 Broadway
(619) 420-9440
Yelp: 4 stars, 104 reviews
Frequent guests of The Steak House on Broadway know that it’s not just the superb cuts of meat that make this one of Chula Vista’s top restaurants. It has a great atmosphere and a simple, yet varied selection of cocktails and entrees.
The sauces are super flavorful, and the rubs add just the right amount of zing to the dish. It’s the best place for a date night or a $10 lunch.
14. You Better Bring Your Stretchy Pants To MJ’s Yogurt Time Because You’re Gonna Order All The House Fries
MJ’s Yogurt Time & Deli
1550 E H St
(619) 600-3560
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 129 reviews
There is no description imaginable that could possibly do justice to the buckets of awesome that make up MJ’s Yogurt Time & Deli. I guess you would call the food Filipino fusion. But best-thing-to-ever-enter-the-cavern-of-your-mouth would probably work too.
Go here for the Longanisa House Fries. I cannot accurately pronounce the name, and I cannot tell you the list of magical ingredients used in its assembly. But I can tell you that the consumption of this transcendent item should be on every Bucket List ever created. This is not a request. It is an order.
15. Head On Down To Halphen Red Burgers For The Secret Sauce
Halphen Red Burgers
1550 E H St
(619) 500-5399
Yelp: 4 stars, 140 reviews
Remember how mortified your mom used to get when you ended up with food all over your face? Yeah, you probably shouldn’t bring her along to this particular restaurant. These burgers are messy, and slathered in homemade secret sauce.
Whatever you order, you can rest easy knowing that Halphen Red Burgers has got your back. If you’re overloaded on beef, try an alternative like the turkey, salmon or black bean burger. You can spice it up by adding jalapenos and pepper jack cheese or opt for the more classic combo of crispy bacon and grilled onions.
The fantastic variety and expert craftsmanship will keep you coming back for more, long after your burger binge has been satisfied.
