9 Budget-Friendly (But Delicious!) Restaurants in San Diego
Beautiful San Diego is famous for its ideal weather, relaxing beaches, and family-friendly attractions. The cuisine here is influenced by both fresh seafood and San Diego’s diverse medley of cultures. Consider trying out the local, budget friendly restaurants in San Diego that offer the best that the city’ dining scene has to offer. Here are the best budget friendly restaurants in San Diego we recommend you visit when in the city.
Photo credit: realcheesepizza.com
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
1747 India St San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-5094
For a delicious pizza loaded with fresh toppings and cheese, we recommend Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. Operated since 1950, the family-owned restaurant boasts locally beloved pizzas, giant meatball subs, and tasty side dishes like desserts, french fries, and more. Come with an appetite because the servings are hearty! Wine and beer are available at good prices. Plan time to come early for a parking spot. The restaurant is casual, simple, and holds up to the authentic Italian American pizza experience. What’s not to love?
Photo credit: goodeatssandiego.com
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
646 University Ave San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 230-5560
This Mexican restaurant is a hidden gem in San Diego. If you want to try out traditional Mexican cuisine, this is the place to visit. We recommend it for mouth-watering tacos and burritos loaded with seasoned meats, fresh avocado, and tantalizing sauces. Their shrimp and smoked fish tacos are big hits among the locals. The food is definitely worth the wait. The restaurant is a den in the wall, so seating is quite limited, and payment is cash only. Parking isn’t that hard to get.
Photo credit: kirbiecravings.com
Hodad’s
5010 Newport Ave San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 224-4623
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is the go-to place in San Diego for affordable, gourmet fast food. They serve big, juicy burgers heaped with meat and tasty condiments. They also have french fries, perfectly fried onion rings, and ice cold beers to wash everything down. This little dive was even featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The environment at Hodad’s gives off a typical dive vibe, right next to the beach. It has quirky decor like license plates and other vintage memorabilia–very fun! They are so casual that you will still get service if barefoot and in a beach towel. It’s our kinda place!
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Phil’s BBQ
3750 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 226-6333
Phil’s BBQ is a local icon for juicy, tasty and affordable meat! From pulled pork sandwiches to beef ribs, the menu offers a large variety of BBQ to sample. Their barbecue sauce is sweet, and their onion rings are fried to perfection. They give hearty portions of both meats and sides. Phil’s BBQ offers self-service where you order and seat yourself. Located at the Sports Arena, the lines are usually long, but the food is worth the wait. On game days, it’s almost impossible to get any service because the restaurant is packed!
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Bronx Pizza
111 Washington St San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-3341
If you want to enjoy mouth-watering pizza in the heart of San Diego, we think Bronx Pizza is an excellent choice. They offer expertly-cooked, classic pizza dishes like pepperoni pizza and calzones. Their specialty pies like the Whitestone, Pesto and Porko are all the rage for locals. They are open seven days a week. Seating is plenty for a fun, family pizza feast!
Photo credit: Ubereats
Sipz Clairemont
5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 279-3747
If you’re in the mood for a vegetarian or vegan Asian dish, we recommend Sipz in Clairemont. The meals are delicious, and the environment is calm and relaxed. They offer Asian cuisine, including drunken noodles, tofu, Pad Thai, vegetarian chicken, and vegetarian shrimp. Ignite your tastebuds with their famous Thai sweet rice with mango and vegan sushi. They also offer a variety of vegan desserts like brownies, cakes and cookies in exotic flavors. They also have locations in La Jolla and North Park.
Photo credit: Ubereats
Phuong Trang
4170 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 565-6750
Phuong Trang is famous for offering over two hundred dishes to choose from. Whether you’re craving noodles, a rice dish, or soup, this restaurant can offer you all the variety you need. The locals praise its beef, broth-based phở. For the meatless crowd, there are comprehensive options to choose from too. The vermicelli noodle bowl with vegetarian egg rolls is to-die-for. Seating is plenty, and the environment is nice and laid-back.
Photo credit : Yelp
Ali Baba Family Restaurant
421 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 442-3622
El Cajon right out in the ‘burbs of San Diego hosts one of the largest Middle Eastern communities in California. Since 2002, Ali Baba, a family-owned restaurant, has offered a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in San Diego. Halal foods, including lamb Tashreeb, Baba Ghanouj and Masgouf, a grilled fish dish, make up their menu. For the ultimate family feast, they offer meals for up to ten people. The side dishes are unbelievably delicious. They have the best salads, kebabs, rice and shawarmas in town. Their hummus is a favorite for the locals.
Photo credit: flickr.com
The Original Sab-E-Lee
6925 Linda Vista Rd B, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 650-6868
Authentic Thai cuisine in San Diego is synonymous with The Original Sab-E-Lee. This popular restaurant offers Northeastern-style Thai dishes like larb, fried rice, papaya salads, and spicy curries. If you want to try something new, this place will not disappoint. Most dishes are under $15, making it a budget-friendly place to dine in San Diego. The customer service is commendable, and the ambiance is memorable. They also have locations in Rancho Peñasquitos, Linda Vista and Santee.
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