Overview

Quiero Restaurants stands out as a vibrant taco haven nestled in the heart of San Diego’s waterfront at 879 W Harbor Dr. This spot brings together authentic Mexican flavors with a modern seaside dining experience, perfect for locals and tourists seeking both quality and atmosphere.

Specializing in tacos, Quiero offers a well-curated menu that balances traditional tastes with creative flair. Signature dishes such as the Birria De Res and Spicy Shrimp Taco showcase robust, layered flavors that deliver on freshness and authenticity. Alongside these, the Quesi Birria Tapatia provides a savory, meaty alternative, while the Kids Quesitacos thoughtfully cater to younger diners, making it a welcoming spot for families. Sides like Frijoles Charro and Elote Asado bring comforting, familiar elements that complement the main offerings beautifully.

The dining environment is casual and inviting, with an intimate indoor setting and outdoor seating that opens directly onto picturesque waterfront views. This connection to the sea amplifies the dining experience, lending a relaxed yet lively vibe that diners appreciate. The atmosphere has earned praise for being friendly and authentic, embodying a small local gem where conversation and good food flourish.

Quiero’s drink selection, including local brews from Mike Hess Brewing, pairs well with the menu’s coastal influences, especially the ceviche and seafood tacos. Though the non-alcoholic drink options are limited, the overall beverage offerings complement the fresh and spicy flavors of the food without overpowering them.

What truly elevates Quiero is its ability to serve flavorful, hearty Mexican fare at affordable prices, all while delivering a memorable waterfront backdrop. Whether you’re craving a satisfying breakfast burrito or indulging in traditional desserts like Churros Rellenos Con Canela, the restaurant caters to a diverse audience—families, casual diners, and seafood lovers alike.

In summation, Quiero Restaurants perfectly marries authentic Mexican cuisine with a scenic coastal setting. It’s a must-visit for anyone in San Diego who values great tacos, scenic dining, and a welcoming neighborhood feel. The blend of traditional dishes with a relaxed waterside ambiance makes it a standout destination in the city’s Mexican food scene.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

What Customers Say

Hudson
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Amazing!! The food was absolutely incredible — fresh, flavorful, and full of taste! The atmosphere was such a vibe — small, local, friendly, and welcoming!!
Jaewon Lee
Mar 25,2026
5/5
This it the first restaurant I ate at after landing in SD for the first time in over a decade. I got the Mike Hess fish taco, camaron enchilado taco, and the pineapple soda as per my friends recommendation. The fish taco was about average, but the spicy shrimp taco absolutely hit the spot. The outdoor seating had a direct view to the waterfront, which was nice as well.
Review Monster
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Great waterside restaurant! I had 2 veggie tacos and I loved them - can absolutely recommend Avo City. Tasty and not too pricey given the location. Non alcoholic drink selection are few. Good service too. Ps: you can take the alu cups home!
Ken Wong
Mar 25,2026
5/5
December 2021: Stopped by for lunch and was very pleasantly surprised to find Mike Hess brewing sharing the space! My favorite was the fish taco. They fried the fish so it tasted very delicate! Would come back again for more of the fish taco! I also tried the quesi birria tapatia. This was like a quesadilla with less cheese. Was very good but heavy on the meat! Also tried the frijoles charros! Delicious . Also tried the papa con rajas which was nice and light. Would get that again. Lastly, tried the chile relleno taco. Was good but not as flavorful as the others. Overall, five ⭐ for the great Mexican food.
Alissa Nuttall
Mar 25,2026
5/5
My new favorite fish taco in San Diego!! The spicy shrimp taco is pretty awesome too. The menu is simple, but delicious and reasonably priced. You really can’t beat the price, the drinks and the VIEW! This is one of our favorite local spots.
Naske
Mar 25,2026
5/5
This place is invisible, we had hard time finding it, but totally worth it. We loved tacos and burritos. My daughter loved the corn. It has upstairs and you can enjoy the view.
steve moses
Mar 25,2026
4/5
The setting is very nice, second floor overlooking the harbor. The food was hit or miss. The tuna tower was excellent, except for the bitter cucumber bits. The shrimp cocktail was very good but a bit spicy. The ossobucco and scallop tacos were excellent. The chicken (pollo asado) and carne asada tacos were also excellent. The ceviche was very nicely done with excellent home made chips. Lastly the birria tapitia was burnt an bitter. I would definitely go back for the view and the atmosphere, however, the food still needs some work.
Charlotte Ridgeway
Mar 25,2026
4/5
This is upstairs inside Mike Hess Brewery, there is no sign for "Quiero". You order at the bar in the brewery. Great vegetarian tacos. Great view no matter where you sit. The whole place is open air, but since tables are covered. Pretty small, only one low table that can accommodate a high chair. For kids they have fries, quesadilla and some meat option.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
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