San Diego is one of the greatest restaurant hubs in the country. From fresh seafood and sushi to hearty steaks and tacos, this town surely has something to entice your palate. While many cuisines grace California’s shores, there are a few that stand out among the rest. Leaving famous steakhouses and Italian restaurants to Manhattaners, San Diegans have tapped into the rich flavors of two colorful cultures: Mexico and Japan.

For starters, Mexican cuisine runs rampant throughout San Diego, and most of the best Mexican style restaurants in the area are found in the southern half of the county, closest to Mexico.

Candelas on The Bay offers a beautiful view overlooking the Coronado Bay. Their food consists of Mexican city style cuisine, just like their sister restaurant located Downtown. The cuisine, the view, and the beachgoers walking by all create a wonderful atmosphere for your dining experience.

Achiote Restaurant is also located on Coronado Island. Moderate portions with beautiful presentations are served at this Mexican Restaurant. The old town style coupled with delicious menu items makes you wonder if you actually crossed into Mexico.

If you are looking for that old town, touristy feel, you can always head to Old Town San Diego. This neighbor hood is just above Little Italy and has everything from in-action ceramic-making to in-action flour tortilla making. Any one of the Mexican Restaurants here such as Old Town Cafe or Coyote Cafe is sure to fulfill your enchilada or burrito craving.

The second cuisine frequently associated with San Diego is Japanese or Asian, most commonly sushi. The highest density of Sushi restaurants can be found in Hillcrest and Downtown.

One of the most highly regarded Japanese restaurants in the area is Cafe Japengo, in La Jolla. It is a bit upscale, and combines Pacific Rim favorites with other Asian fusion styles.

Located in the Uptown area, is Kemo Sabe. Hillcrest’s artistic soul inspires beautiful and creative flavors and presentations at this Pacific Rim style restaurant.

Moving downtown, Taka Sushi, located on 5th Avenue, has taken their sushi to another level. With detailed precision, Taka Sushi creates dishes that can change the way you eat sushi forever.

Also located downtown, Nobu, in the Hard Rock Hotel, has all that you might desire from the famous New York sushi chef, Nobu Matsuhisa. Just across from the convention center, this Japanese sushi restaurant lives up to its name.