The best restaurants in San Marcos
255 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in San Marcos today
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Two pinned places a day in San Marcos — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Restaurant Vallarta
RestaurantsFast-casual restaurant serving a variety of Mexican meals, including seafood, along with cocktails and wine.
Restaurant Vallarta
RestaurantsMama Kat's Restaurant
RestaurantsDown-home American favorites like biscuits & gravy & cinnamon rolls served alongside fresh pies.
Mama Kat's Restaurant
RestaurantsROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsCasual eatery for sushi and hand rolls served one at a time, along with beer and wine.
ROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsMr. Taco 2 Fresh Mexican Grill
RestaurantsCasual Mexican eatery known for burritos, tacos and other standards, with friendly service.
Mr. Taco 2 Fresh Mexican Grill
RestaurantsPuesto Park Place
RestaurantsFamily-owned option for tacos and other classic Mexican eats, plus margaritas, beer, and wine.
Puesto Park Place
RestaurantsSOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsStylish local Mexican chain serving mesquite-grilled steak & seafood dishes, plus margaritas.
SOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsPizza Union
RestaurantsLaid-back pizzeria specializing in New York-style fare.
Pizza Union
RestaurantsLa Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsRelaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.
La Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsThe lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsCheerful eatery specializing in custom poke bowls (Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine rolled in bamboo rice), plus sushi burritos.
The lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsEl Rinconcito Fine Mexican and Seafood
RestaurantsCasual, lively eatery featuring Mexican staples such as tacos and enchiladas, plus karaoke.
El Rinconcito Fine Mexican and Seafood
RestaurantsRafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsCreate-your-own pizzas come in several sizes at this basic take-out spot also dishing pasta & salad.
Rafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsLa Torta Loca
RestaurantsTacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats served in a casual, family-friendly restaurant.
La Torta Loca
RestaurantsLeo's Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering vegan options and sushi platters alongside poké bowls.
Leo's Kitchen
RestaurantsPietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsLong-standing outfit in a strip mall preparing pizza & other classic Italian dishes in relaxed digs.
Pietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsCash-only Mexican eatery offers counter-serve Mexican fare & fountain sodas in a basic setting.
Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual joint offering pizza by the slice or pie, including vegan options, and calzones.
Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria
RestaurantsBrio Italian Grille
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.
Brio Italian Grille
RestaurantsBlackstone Pizza
RestaurantsStraightforward outlet dispensing specialty & classic pies along with wings, sandwiches & beer.
Blackstone Pizza
RestaurantsMing's Revolving Sushi & Bar
RestaurantsSushi spot where plates of rolls move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt for diners to pick at will.
Ming's Revolving Sushi & Bar
RestaurantsTwo Brothers From Italy
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving NY–style pies, calzones, subs & pastas in a comfy atmosphere.
Two Brothers From Italy
RestaurantsMarcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsLocal Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.
Marcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsEl Rincon Restaurante
RestaurantsFamily-run venture dishing up Guadalajara cuisine in a bright red landmark with a low-key interior.
El Rincon Restaurante
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsAn array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsPizza Twist
RestaurantsFamily-run eatery specializing in pizzas and wings infused with Indian flavors like paneer and curry.
Pizza Twist
RestaurantsMario's Place
RestaurantsUpscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.
Mario's Place
RestaurantsD'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsCozy, low-key Italian restaurant offering pizza, pasta, sandwiches & salads for dine-in or takeout.
D'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsEl Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsUnassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.
El Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, counter-service sushi restaurant in an airport business center supplying specialty rolls, sashimi, and entrees.
Amagi Sushi
RestaurantsSmall, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.
Amagi Sushi
RestaurantsPizza Nova
RestaurantsCasual Italian place offering specialty pizzas, sandwiches, hearty pastas & classic entrees.
Pizza Nova
RestaurantsEl Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsEnchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.
El Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsMain Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsFamily-friendly Italian eatery serving staples including pizza, pasta & sandwiches.
Main Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsSushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsCasual eatery in a strip mall provides a wide array of sushi & classic Japanese entrees, plus sake.
Sushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsCasa Nori Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsJapanese restaurant offering sushi and other traditional plates, plus a full bar.
Casa Nori Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsRamiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant serving classic favorites such as enchiladas and tamales for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsHabanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsMexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.
Habanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsRiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsDeli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.
RiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsHako
RestaurantsDeep-fried pork and seafood cutlets, plus noodles and sushi rolls.
Hako
RestaurantsIt's Tabu Sushi
RestaurantsTrendy haunt offering Japanese classics including sushi and sake alongside beer.
It's Tabu Sushi
RestaurantsMariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.
Mariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican comfort food such as tacos, mulitas, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.
La Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsBruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsCafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
Bruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsAntonio Pizza
RestaurantsInformal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.
Antonio Pizza
RestaurantsOhana Sushi
RestaurantsThis Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.
Ohana Sushi
RestaurantsPapa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsFamily-owned pizza joint serving thin-crust pies, wings and sandwiches, with a beer selection. Arcade games and darts are on hand too.
Papa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsPuras Papas - Food Truck
RestaurantsCasual spot doling out tacos, papas, burritos, aguas frescas and other Mexican eats from a food truck.
Puras Papas - Food Truck
RestaurantsMiches De La Baja
RestaurantsTacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.
Miches De La Baja
RestaurantsCocina 35
RestaurantsTacos, burritos & other Mexican favorites presented in an industrial-chic setting.
Cocina 35
RestaurantsMamma Mia
RestaurantsCasual eatery specializing in pizza, pasta dishes and seafood entrees, plus beer and wine.
Mamma Mia
RestaurantsItalianissimo Trattoria
RestaurantsCharming eatery featuring a menu of familiar Italian dishes backed by a robust wine list.
Italianissimo Trattoria
RestaurantsSushi R91
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.
Sushi R91
RestaurantsSushiya
RestaurantsRaw fare & cooked Japanese entrees are offered with beer & wine in a modern branch with a sushi bar.
Sushiya
RestaurantsRubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsBeach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsAvila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsFamily-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.
Avila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsLatte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsUncompromising approach to homemade Italian dishes served in a casual, comfortable setting.
Latte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsSushi Huku
RestaurantsServing Japanese cuisine in a tranquil wood-paneled dining room with a polished wood sushi bar.
Sushi Huku
RestaurantsPizzo's Pizzeria and Wine Bar
RestaurantsThis cozy shopping center eatery offers Neapolitan pizzas, wine & salads, plus outdoor seating.
Pizzo's Pizzeria and Wine Bar
RestaurantsUmami Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsBuzzy, sleek option featuring elevated sushi, ramen & bento, plus wine, sake & outdoor seating.
Umami Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsMomo Sushi
RestaurantsPosh sushi eatery (including sashimi) that offers an omakase menu, as well as an à la carte offering.
Momo Sushi
RestaurantsMi Ranchito Mexican Food
RestaurantsTraditional Mexican meals such as tacos, chilaquiles, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.
Mi Ranchito Mexican Food
RestaurantsSushi Times
RestaurantsJapanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.
Sushi Times
RestaurantsCielito Lindo
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant offering comfort food, late-night hours, and live music.
Cielito Lindo
RestaurantsCenote Grill
RestaurantsTacos, enchiladas, BBQ pork burritos & more Californian-Mexican fare in a casual space & patio.
Cenote Grill
RestaurantsThe Trails Eatery
RestaurantsElevated diner fare & gluten-free brunches served in a sleek, modern space inside a strip mall.
The Trails Eatery
RestaurantsTacos El Gordo
RestaurantsNo-frills Mexican counter-serve joint featuring Tijuana tacos, mulas, loaded fries & more.
Tacos El Gordo
RestaurantsRaising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsEinstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsChain for bagels and breakfast sandwiches as well as muffins, coffee and the like.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsBambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsLocal chain pizzeria offering pies, calzones & pasta plus American classics like chicken wings.
Bambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsBeach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsSports bar serving American grill fare & drinks in an upbeat space with TVs, pool table & DJ nights.
Beach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsPho Truc Xanh
RestaurantsVibrantly colored eatery serving a Chinese-Vietnamese menu of banh mi, pho, fried rice & lo mein.
Pho Truc Xanh
RestaurantsCheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsLaid-back sandwich-shop chain for creative toasted subs, plus snacks & desserts.
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsTaco Nazo
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery known for its fish tacos & other Baja-style Mexican food favorites.
Taco Nazo
RestaurantsSETS Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery featuring burgers, chicken, cocktails and seafood dishes, plus outdoor seating.
SETS Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsEl Gallo Giro
RestaurantsBasic Mexican eatery, part of a local chain, serving homestyle fare & fruit drinks.
El Gallo Giro
RestaurantsRaising Cane's
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's
RestaurantsMoney Pit
RestaurantsLow-key counter-serve spot with everyday American eats, quirky decor & a drive-thru window.
Money Pit
RestaurantsAll That Barbecue
RestaurantsWhen the meat mood hits, All That Barbecue brings 30+ grill-it-yourself proteins to the table, from filet mignon and brisket to beef belly…
All That Barbecue
RestaurantsKoreana Grill
RestaurantsSometimes you just want straight-up tasty Korean BBQ without the scene. Koreana Grill in nearby Riverside keeps it simple with…
Koreana Grill
RestaurantsOB Noodle House & Sake Bar
RestaurantsOB Noodle House & Sake Bar serves steamy pho, char-kissed Vietnamese BBQ, and crispy egg noodles, backed by a deep sake lineup, cocktails,…
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
RestaurantsNEP Cafe - Irvine
RestaurantsRelaxed venue for creatively reimagined Vietnamese food, along with cocktails, beer and wine.
NEP Cafe - Irvine
RestaurantsGolden Egg Omelet House
RestaurantsStoried, homey spot with country decor preparing sizable omelets & other breakfast & lunch classics.
Golden Egg Omelet House
RestaurantsYoshino's Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSimple Japanese mainstay for a variety of sushi, including specialty rolls, plus teriyaki & udon.
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsPezzi del mio Cuore
RestaurantsHandmade, gluten-free pastas and a menu of Italian comfort foods are served at this eatery.
Pezzi del mio Cuore
RestaurantsMalibu Farm San Diego
RestaurantsStylish eatery featuring locally sourced eats and drinks, plus scenic harbor and ocean views.
Malibu Farm San Diego
RestaurantsSmokin J's BBQ & Taphouse
RestaurantsLocal draft beer accompanies smoked meats at this BBQ joint with a casual atmosphere and a weekend brunch.
Smokin J's BBQ & Taphouse
RestaurantsPho Ba Co
RestaurantsCasual Vietnamese cafe serving up an extensive menu of soups, noodles & bubble teas.
Pho Ba Co
RestaurantsPizza Port Bressi Ranch
RestaurantsLocal pizza chain known for its craft brews, popular with families, beer fans & surfers alike.
Pizza Port Bressi Ranch
RestaurantsRustic Root
RestaurantsModern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.
Rustic Root
RestaurantsSole Toscano Italian Cafe
RestaurantsCasual cafe serving Italian-style sandwiches (piadinas), flatbreads, salads, pasta and beer.
Sole Toscano Italian Cafe
RestaurantsBahn Thai
RestaurantsUnassuming & intimate Thai eatery dishing up spicy curries & stir-fries on disposable plates.
Bahn Thai
RestaurantsHuntress
RestaurantsSleek restaurant serving creative local dishes, including seafood plates, steak & desserts.
Huntress
RestaurantsRomanissimo Cucina Italiana
RestaurantsCasual spot for classic Italian dishes with a heavy emphasis on Roman cuisine.
Romanissimo Cucina Italiana
RestaurantsSizzler
RestaurantsLongtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.
Sizzler
RestaurantsBowlegged B.B.Q
RestaurantsBrisket, pulled pork, and other barbecue staples served in a laid-back setting known for friendly service.
Bowlegged B.B.Q
RestaurantsMOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
RestaurantsBuona Forchetta - San Marcos
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant offering pizza and traditional Italian dishes plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
Buona Forchetta - San Marcos
RestaurantsIrvine Breakfast Club
RestaurantsCasual option for avocado toasts, sandwiches, salads and other familiar breakfast fare.
Irvine Breakfast Club
RestaurantsEpic Wings
RestaurantsCounter-serve local chain that offers boneless & bone-in Buffalo wing combo meals.
Epic Wings
RestaurantsHabit Burger & Grill
RestaurantsCharbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.
Habit Burger & Grill
RestaurantsHammer Burger
RestaurantsCasual, contemporary beer pub offering a variety of smash burgers as well as sweet potato fries and shakes.
Hammer Burger
RestaurantsFarmer Boys
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain for made-to-order burgers & breakfast items, many made with local ingredients.
Farmer Boys
RestaurantsThe Stand - American Classics Redefined
RestaurantsBurgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and shakes are served at this casual eatery, along with beer and wine.
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
RestaurantsIslands Restaurant Mission Valley
RestaurantsBeachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.
Islands Restaurant Mission Valley
RestaurantsConchita’s Bakery Restaurant Market
RestaurantsCasual eatery dishing up burritos, tacos and tortas as well as desserts and ice cream.
Conchita’s Bakery Restaurant Market
RestaurantsRaglan Public House
RestaurantsLarge, modern pub with a New Zealand-themed menu features 100% organic burgers & cocktails.
Raglan Public House
RestaurantsRaising Cane's
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's
RestaurantsHash House A Go Go
RestaurantsHip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys.
Hash House A Go Go
RestaurantsEveryday Eatery
RestaurantsBright cafe offering indoor & outdoor seating, plus staples like sandwiches, breakfast & bowls.
Everyday Eatery
RestaurantsJuniper and Ivy
RestaurantsSpacious, modern restaurant serving imaginative New American fare & drinks in woody, arty surrounds.
Juniper and Ivy
RestaurantsPhở Ca Dao & Grill
RestaurantsWhether you need a weeknight reset or a rainy-day warm-up, Phở Ca Dao & Grill keeps it classic with traditional, authentic Vietnamese food…
Phở Ca Dao & Grill
RestaurantsPiacere Mio
RestaurantsDiners dig into traditional Italian fare at these romantic locales with exposed wood beams & bricks.
Piacere Mio
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsGourmet Burger
RestaurantsInformal restaurant offering generous sandwiches & burgers with fries, plus fried chicken.
Gourmet Burger
RestaurantsSAKE BAR GAGA
RestaurantsRomantic sushi restaurant serving sake and small plates in a trendy setting.
SAKE BAR GAGA
RestaurantsUrban Plates
RestaurantsChef-driven restaurant serving scratch-made plates, salads, sandwiches & bowls, dine-in or to-go.
Urban Plates
RestaurantsWest Coast Pizza Company
RestaurantsSurf-themed pizzeria for thin-crust pies with beer on tap, plus salads and wings.
West Coast Pizza Company
RestaurantsCori Pastificio Trattoria
RestaurantsAt Cori Pastificio Trattoria, Sicilian tradition meets Southern California ingredients in plates of handmade pasta crafted daily by Chef…
Cori Pastificio Trattoria
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