Best of 14 fried rice in Old Town San Diego
Discover our curated list of top-ranked fried rice in Old Town San Diego, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Old Town Mexican Cafe, Cafe Coyote, Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Reyes, Miguel's Cocina. Let's explore together!
1. Old Town Mexican Cafe
Long-standing local favorite with colorful decor and lively atmosphere

The Old Town in question is most likely in San Diego, California, where the Tortilla Ladies are a well-known attraction. These women work tirelessly, creating over 7,000 corn and flour tortillas by hand every day. Onlookers are delighted by their entertaining performances while the fresh tortillas are being made.
The fare offered at this location is highly regarded for its delicious taste and variety. Among the popular items on the menu are fish and shrimp tacos, as well as steak tacos. Additionally, street corn is a customer favorite. The quality of the food is a testament to the dedication of the Tortilla Ladies and the other staff who work there.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
2. Cafe Coyote
Mexican-inspired cafe with a lively atmosphere

Cafe Coyote, a well-known establishment in San Diego, has been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine for over three decades. The restaurant is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and refreshing margaritas. Cafe Coyote's popularity is evident in its bustling crowd, yet the service remains top-notch, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all patrons.
The food at Cafe Coyote is a standout feature, with fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican recipes. Customers can observe chefs cooking their meals in the open kitchen, adding to the restaurant's inviting ambiance. The modern Mexican decor complements the festive atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or a night out. Despite the busy pace, the restaurant maintains excellent service standards, enabling customers to enjoy their meal in comfort.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
3. Casa Guadalajara
Award-winning restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and live mariachi music on weekends

Mexican food is known for its generous portion sizes and delicious flavors. Some reviewers have praised the high-quality and deliciousness of the food, while others found it to be bland or just okay. Despite this, the food's overall reputation is positive, with many people enjoying the unique and tasty dishes.
The service at Mexican restaurants is often quick, friendly, and efficient. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are accommodating to customer needs. Their expertise and willingness to help make for a positive dining experience. The speed and efficiency of the service also ensure that customers are able to enjoy their meals without a long wait.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
4. Casa de Reyes
Authentic Mexican restaurant with lively entertainment and a cozy ambiance.

The ambiance of this place is highly rated, offering great vibes, live music, and an old-town Mexico atmosphere. It's a popular destination for those seeking a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine and a charming atmosphere.
The menu features large portions of Mexican dishes, including chicken tacos, fajitas, and burritos. While some dishes can be oily, others offer exceptional flavor and delight the taste buds. Visitors come for the lively atmosphere and the delicious, hearty food that is generously portioned.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
5. Miguel's Cocina
Located in Old Town with a lively atmosphere

The fried rice was a delicious and standout dish. Its seasoning was expertly executed, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. The vegetable mix was well-balanced, adding a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.
This fried rice was not only delightful but also paired well with the other main dishes. Its flavors were robust and complementary, enhancing the overall dining experience. The dish was perfectly cooked, showing skillful preparation and care.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. Barra Barra
Authentic Mexican food with a modern twist, popular spot for social gatherings and events

The restaurant has a charming atmosphere with waitstaff dressed in traditional Mexican attire, adding to its inviting ambience. However, while the food was passable, there were some issues with the rice being overcooked and lacking seasoning, which affected the overall dining experience.
Moving on to the service, while the waitstaff's traditional outfits added to the atmosphere, there were some issues with the service. It was not particularly attentive, and it took a while to receive our orders. On the positive side, the drinks were well-made and refreshing.
In summary, while the restaurant has a cute and inviting atmosphere, with waiters dressed in authentic Mexican garb, the food and service were not up to par. Specifically, the rice was overcooked and lacked seasoning, and the service was slow and not very attentive. Thankfully, the drinks were well-made and enjoyable.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
7. Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila
Upscale taqueria with a vibrant atmosphere

Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila is highly regarded by its customers for its excellent service. Many diners have praised the friendliness and efficiency of the servers, with comments such as "fantastic," "friendly," "helpful," and "always good" used to describe their experiences. The restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 stars, based on reviews from 312 OpenTable diners.
The restaurant's location in historic Old Town adds to its appeal, with a vibrant and unique atmosphere that includes lively music and colorful decor. Casa De Freds specializes in tacos and tequila, offering a wide variety of options for diners to choose from. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and a great atmosphere make Casa De Freds a popular choice for a night out.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
8. Pizza Bella Italian Bistro
Family-owned Italian bistro with a cozy atmosphere

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
9. New Orleans Creole Cafe
Rich Southern hospitality and soulful dishes

The food served at the establishment was delicious, with all four tables occupied, leading to slow service. Despite the wait, the food was worth it, and patrons are encouraged to take their time and savor the experience.
Excellent food and top-notch service were offered in a setting that evoked a sense of nostalgia. Diners enjoyed their meals in a courtyard area, while food was served from the cozy cafe quarters. The experience was likened to stepping back in time, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
10. El Sueno

The culinary experience at the establishment is exceptional, with black beans and rice being a clear favorite. The dish is prepared with a perfect balance of vegetables, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal. The service contributes to the overall positive experience, with the waitstaff being welcoming and friendly.
The chips and salsa are another highlight of the menu, receiving high praise for their taste and quality. The outdoor seating area is an attractive feature, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal while soaking up the beautiful San Diego sun. The seating area is tastefully designed, adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
11. Flor's Farm to Table

Flor's Farm to Table's fried rice is a must-try dish due to its unique twist on the traditional recipe. The restaurant uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a flavorful and seasoned fried rice that stands out from the rest.
If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying fried rice dish, Flor's Farm to Table is the place to go. Their fried rice is packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection, making it a standout option for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
12. Que Sazón!
Que Sazón's fried rice is a must-try dish. It stands out for its perfect seasoning and delightful combination of vegetables and protein. A satisfying and delicious experience, the fried rice is generously portioned, making it a great value.
The flavors in the fried rice are incredibly well balanced, making each bite a true pleasure. The vegetables and protein are perfectly cooked and contribute to the overall tastiness of the dish. Whether you're a fan of fried rice or looking to try something new, Que Sazón's version is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
13. Bhojan Griha
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional dishes since 1995

The fried rice at this location is a standout dish, thanks to its expert cooking and seasoning. It is a must-try for any visitor. Bhojan Griha is another place where the fried rice is highly recommended. The dish is packed with flavor and includes a satisfying variety of vegetables.
In both cases, the fried rice is a delicious and enjoyable choice. Its combination of taste and texture make it a memorable meal. The skillful preparation of the rice, along with the use of high-quality ingredients, results in a dish that is sure to please. The vegetable mix in the fried rice from Bhojan Griha adds to its appeal, providing a range of tastes and textures in every bite.
14. D'O Thai Cottage
