This Ocean Beach cafe tucked behind a home goods store selling local artisan wares specializes in creative, health-oriented coffee drinks like the Americoco, which blends espresso shots with coconut water. It also features the city’s best acai bowl, with fixings like matcha powder, bee pollen, homemade nut butters, coconut and much more paired with unsweetened acai.

This mostly take-out poke joint specializes in mainland-style poke, meaning a more modern kind of Hawaiian marinated fish and rice. Guests pick from a list of different fish, like big eye tuna, albacore, spicy tuna, Skuna Bay salmon, or octopus. Then, they select a marinade along with toppings, which include scallions, cucumbers, pickled shiitake and more. And a bonus: Those who come after sundown can access the Grass Skirt, the speakeasy tiki bar attached to the restaurant.

Like the name implies, one isn’t going to walk out of Tacos El Gordo feeling light, but that’s not the point of eating Tijuana-style street tacos, anyway. A tradition that skipped the border into San Diego, these small, palm-sized corn tortillas are served with a variety of freshly grilled meats, from marinated pork adobada to beef tongue and everything in between.

This unsuspecting fish joint right on the docks in Point Loma is a no-frills, high-quality place to get any and all seafood. One of their most-loved offerings is their fish taco. Mitch’s version is made the classic way, battered and fried fish is wrapped in a corn tortilla with cabbage, salsa, and a variety of sauces, giving credence to the fact that there’s no reason to mess with a good thing.

Whether it’s part of the weekday morning, post-surf breakfast rush, or the late-night weekend after-bar run, almost-oceanfront Mike’s Taco Club provides the quintessential San Diego burrito experience. Those looking to change up their classic carne asada California burrito order should try the surf-and-turf option, which comes with shrimp.

This unassuming small storefront in downtown Ocean Beach is serving what is some of San Diego’s best poke. The selection here is island-style, meaning you’ll buy it by the pound or in “plate” form, which means scoops of fish, scoops of rice, and nothing else. And that’s the beauty of it.

Oscar’s is a San Diego-based mini-chain that gives those seeking the best of San Diego’s Mexican food a tough choice: fish tacos and burritos. They’re mostly famous for their fish tacos, but their various burrito and ceviche options aren’t to be slept on, either. There are a few locations, but the one in Pacific Beach, right next to the ocean, is the best.

The chef and owner of this restaurant is maniacally committed to only sourcing directly from local farmers and other purveyors. That means an ever-changing menu that’s high on health, creativity, and flavor, something that’s especially exciting when knowing the chef is entirely self-taught. For those looking for the best place to experience San Diego’s farm-fresh bounty, Garden Kitchen is it.