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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Old Town, San Diego

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254 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town restaurant
1. Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town
4.4
Awesome(1947)
$$$$
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 6 times today
Rockin' Baja is a full service and fun Mexican-Seafood restaurant that offers uniquely prepared Baja style seafood presented in rustic steel buckets. We created a diverse menu filled with exceptionally great, finger lickin’ good fun food delivered fresh to your table daily. Kick back, drink an ice cold beer or margarita, enjoy a shot of tequila and experience all the good times that are Rockin’ Baja.
A photo of El Sueño restaurant
2. El Sueño
4.0
Excellent(367)
$$$$
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 8 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant
3. Miguel's Cocina - Old Town
4.5
Awesome(99)
$$$$
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 10 times today
The Freshest, Best-Tasting, Cali-Inspired Mexican Food. Our full-service, sit-down restaurant is the best spot to bring the whole family to savor handmade tortillas, mouthwatering salsas, and our famous creamy jalapeno white sauce.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
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4. C-Level
4.6
Exceptional(6360)
$$$$
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 181 times today
Located on Harbor Island, C Level Lounge offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. The expansive patio showcases canopy shades, overhead heaters and fire features including an outdoor fireplace on the charming Lanai.The California Coastal Cuisine menu crafted by Chef/Partner Deborah Scott features fresh and innovative seafood dishes and classic dishes for meat lovers.
A photo of El Agave restaurant
5. El Agave
4.7
Exceptional(2657)
$$$$
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 14 times today
Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting withinthe largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – alsorepeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is theperfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax andunwind sipping find tequila with friends.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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6. Kettner Exchange
4.8
Exceptional(1727)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 42 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
7. Cloak + Petal
4.7
Exceptional(1204)
$$$$
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 39 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
8. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.8
Excellent(8326)
$$$$
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 147 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.To make your experience even more rewarding, don’t miss out on our new loyalty program, Friends With Benefits! Instantly unlock member status and get a free appetizer reward to enjoy during your next dining visit. Register today by visiting our website or ask your server for more details.
A photo of Quixote restaurant
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9. Quixote
4.6
Exceptional(1812)
$$$$
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 83 times today
La Única Manera De Hacer Cara Cruz Es A Través DeLa Intuición
A photo of Cocina 35 Liberty Station restaurant
10. Cocina 35 Liberty Station
4.7
Exceptional(420)
$$$$
• Mexican • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
Booked 41 times today
Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jay
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We've been eating at El Agave pretty regularly since we moved to San Diego in 2004. We particularly go for special occasions (wife's birthday last night) or to take friend from out of town to introduce them to the many wonders of Mexican food. (El Agave is one of the two San Diego restaurants we always take out of town guests to. As always we were welcomed immediately and taken to our table. Immediately we got water and appetizers then our waiter came and took our drink orders. He was extremely personal and fun to talk to and the service was perfect. He was very patient while we decide to wait a bit before our food order but was right there when we were ready. The food was amazingly good as always. So we're happy to give it our best rating.
    More info
    El Agave$$$$• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.7
  • Kimberly
    New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From start to finish this place was fantastic, with traditional style mexican dishes with a twist and a whole lot of flavor! If you’re looking for elevated mexican cuisine this is place to be! Si buscas comida mexicana elevada con sazón este es el lugar para ti, tienes que venir y dejar que la experiencia y el sabor te transporte ah diferentes partes de México.
    More info
    Carne & Hueso$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Melissa
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Super fun night with a very friendly chef and waiter who made sure we had the best time celebrating our daughter’s birthday!
    More info
    Benihana - San Diego, CA$$$$• Japanese• Mission Valley
    •
    3.8
  • Amber
    Exclusive •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We’re from out of town and I saw videos of this place online. I’ve really been wanting to go for months and we finally got the chance! I scared Myself on the way there after reading reviews, I was Worried it was going to be mid and I was Gonna disappoint my friends. All was well! We got there for our reservation at 6 and they didn’t even mind that 3 people dropped out of our group. Food was amazing!! The restaurant was so cute!! Really happy it worked out, maybe the reviews vary because it’s take out or Maybe they ate too late but it was fresh for us and tasted great. I loved The chicken fried rice and the mushroom dish! My boyfriend loved the orange Chicken! I think We got general tso as well and it was a little too soy sauce forward for me but that’s just preference!
    More info
    Fortunate Son$$$$• Chinese• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Maria Alejandra
    Mexico City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 30 May 2026
    In love with this place !! Ambience, food, music, service, everything!!
    More info
    Books + Records$$$$• American• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7

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