Escondido
TJ Tacos
Kennedy's Meat Company
Craft & Taco Lounge
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
TJ Tacos is the best taqueria in North County and possibly my all-time favorite taqueria. Their adobada tacos are immaculate; each bite is an explosion of flavor. Top it off with their avocado salsa… chef’s kiss! This has been one of my favorite meals of 2022.
Craft & Taco Lounge
Kennedy's Meat Company
Craft & Taco Lounge
Escondido
Food Rating: 10/10
The El Pescado taco blew me away! I’ve never had strawberries or raspberry salsa in a taco and it was surprised by how well it worked here. Each bite was like an explosion of flavors. The fish was also fried perfectly. The meat in the Rib-Taco was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It went so well with their salsa roja, which had complex flavors and such a nice zing. Highly recommend!
Kennedy's Meat Company
Kennedy's Meat Company
Kennedy's Meat Company
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
This is one of my new favorite carne asada fries. The thick, high-quality cuts of steak were grilled to perfection and had a nice marinade. The fries were a surprising highlight because of how well seasoned and crispy they were. All the toppings went so well together and yielded such a delicious meal. Highly recommend!
Killer Pizza from Mars
Killer Pizza from Mars
Kennedy's Meat Company
Oceanside, Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
This pizza was killer: great sauce to cheese ratio, lots of toppings, and delicious overall taste.
Pho Saigon Express
Killer Pizza from Mars
Pho Saigon Express
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
Great pho spot in Escondido! I got the Rare Steak and Fatty Brisket Pho and definitely preferred the brisket.
Sunny Side Kitchen
Killer Pizza from Mars
Pho Saigon Express
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
The Tuscan Chicken Panini was amazing, especially because of the Tuscan aioli. They gave me a hot sauce on the side and it was chef’s kiss — perfect balance of spice and smokiness.
Farm to Smash
Farm to Smash
Farm to Smash
Escondido, San Diego | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
This simple smashburger blew me away! You can taste the difference with their high quality ingredients, and I was impressed by its size. I also loved the crispy edges of the patties.
Stone Brewing
Farm to Smash
Farm to Smash
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
They have an eclectic menu with tons of yummy dishes. I went with the Birria Tacos and they exceeded my expectations! The beef was tender and the consomé and tacos went so well together. The Pretzel and Poké Nachos are also great appetizers. And of course, Stone is known for their wide variety of beer. It’s so hard to choose from their beer menu, so we went with the Rainbow Flight. Highly recommend!
Mikko Sushi
Farm to Smash
Mikko Sushi
Vista, Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
Mikko Sushi has become one of my favorite sushi spots. They have a large selection of creative rolls and Japanese entrees! My favorite rolls so far are the Escondido, Mikko, and Twister.
Mirin Cafe
Panya Thai Kitchen
Mikko Sushi
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
The highlight of the Special Mirin Ramen was the broth. I loved the balance of spicy and savory.
Frida's Taqueria
Panya Thai Kitchen
Panya Thai Kitchen
Oceanside, Vista, Escondido
Food Rating: 9/10
On my first visit, I like to sample different tacos and went with the Adobada, Asada, and Quesabirria. My favorite by far was the Quesabirria because the meat was so tender and juicy. The Adobada and Asada were delicious, too. I slightly preferred the Adobada because it was more flavorful. Highly recommend!
Panya Thai Kitchen
Panya Thai Kitchen
Panya Thai Kitchen
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
This is the spot for an awesome Thai lunch special. They loaded this plate with egg rolls, wontons, salad, and noodles. It even came with a cup of soup…all for $13! And the Pad Thai was delicious too—the spice was on point. Definitely coming back here for lunch.
Sweets
Peterson's Donut Corner
Peterson's Donut Corner
Peterson's Donut Corner
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 10/10
These are the best donuts we’ve had in the greater SD area and one of my all-time favorites. I loved their Maple Bacon Bar and Chocolate Ganache Pillow.
Matcha Cafe Maiko
Peterson's Donut Corner
Peterson's Donut Corner
Escondido | Website
Food Rating: 9/10
I’ve had Matcha Cafe Maiko in San Francisco and was so happy that there’s also location in Escondido. Their Matcha Soft Serve is an amazing dessert; it’s creamy and has a nice flavor. I just wished they had a Matcha and Vanilla Swirl when I visited!