Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Old Town

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkCoronadoDowntownHarbor Island

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

125 restaurants available nearby

1. El Sueño

4.1

Excellent(200)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 37 times today

Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.

A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant

2. Trattoria Don Pietro

4.0

Excellent(821)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 6 times today

Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.

A photo of Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town restaurant

3. Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town

4.5

Awesome(1894)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 32 times today

Rockin' Baja is a full service and fun Mexican-Seafood restaurant that offers uniquely prepared Baja style seafood presented in rustic steel buckets. We created a diverse menu filled with exceptionally great, finger lickin’ good fun food delivered fresh to your table daily. Kick back, drink an ice cold beer or margarita, enjoy a shot of tequila and experience all the good times that are Rockin’ Baja.

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

4. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

4.2

Awesome(1151)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 10 times today

Welcome to Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina, a hillside retreat in San Diego offering authentic Mexican food, refreshing margaritas, and breathtaking views from Old Town to Mission Bay. Enjoy fresh tortillas and churros, live music, and rooftop patio dining. Plus, free parking! Located atop the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel, we're right across the street from Heritage Park on Juan Street. Bring your friends and family for an All American Breakfast Buffet, dive into our Taco & Tostada Lunch Buffet, or sit down for a plated Dinner. On Sundays, enjoy our Bottomless Brunch Buffet, or stop by after work for Happy Hour on the Tequila Terrace. Whether you're here for a meal, a special event, or just to sip on our famous margaritas, we can't wait to welcome you.

A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant

5. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town

4.5

Awesome(36)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 29 times today

The Freshest, Best-Tasting, Cali-Inspired Mexican Food. Our full-service, sit-down restaurant is the best spot to bring the whole family to savor handmade tortillas, mouthwatering salsas, and our famous creamy jalapeno white sauce.

A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant

6. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

4.5

Awesome(323)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 15 times today

ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!

7. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1407)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

8. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7662)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 126 times today

Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

9. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8124)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 64 times today

Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

10. Lala

4.7

Exceptional(155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 23 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Armando
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The customer service was amazing... all the staff had happy energy and were willing to help us out. Our food came out quickly and was very tasty. We enjoyed and will most likely come back. My wife loved the decor. Awesome observation...the crew was celebrating a team effort of reaching a sales point for the day...it super cool to see the management and owner celebrate with their staff. I almost asked for an application to work there..celebrating victories is awesome.
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
N
NuiVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The jerk chicken wings are the best! Also love the island salad with its yummy chimichurri dressing. Coconut margarita is my favorite drink. All the servers are fantastic too!
More info
Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
•
4.8
M
Manuel y o Anavel
Baja California •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The first time the food was exquisite thise time something is a little bit less like I don’t know the meat something was different. I had to ask for salt
More info
Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
•
4.6

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