Brian Nagele
Chula Vista is one of the San Diego metropolitan area’s must-see cities. This is a coastal city, and there are a plethora of things to do.
Whether you enjoy outdoor and indoor activities, this destination has something for you. I spent a lot of time in Otay Valley Regional Park, hiking and bicycling.
There are also horse trails here, so if horseback riding is your thing, check out this park. You can have a picnic here, too.
And that’s just one of many experiences I had in Chula Vista. One of my favorite things was dining out, as the culinary scene here is top-notch. Check out my list of the best Chula Vista restaurants below!
D’Lish
386 E H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-585-1371
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D’Lish is an iconic Chula Vista eatery, with both indoor and outdoor dining available. This restaurant is all about the Italian spirit, but the menu is more wide-ranging.
You can have not only pizza and housemade pasta dishes here but also burgers. Remember to have a refreshing salad before lunch or dinner, too.
D’Lish is a hangout for locals and tourists as well as a restaurant. There are many scrumptious culinary creations here, such as Baked Penne, Bruschetta, Mediterranean Salad, Greek Salad, and Tequila Chicken Pasta.
I was most looking forward to D’Lish’s Tiramisu, and I promise you I wasn’t disappointed. This restaurant makes this legendary Italian dessert better than anyone else. You’ll discover this restaurant in convenient proximity to the Jacob Dekema Freeway.
Italianissimo Trattoria
323 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-651-1457
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I’m a big fan of Italian cuisine, and that’s why Italianissimo Trattoria was one of my first culinary destinations in Chula Vista.
Most of us enjoy a lovely glass of wine with our Italian food, so choose from this restaurant’s wine list, which is excellent.
Chula Vista serves outstanding cuisine, including legendary dishes such as Mushroom Ravioli, Lamb Shank, Spaghetti Carbonara, Garlic Soup, Pasta Al Forno, and Tortellini Alla Romana.
O decided to order the Capellini Pomodoro, which features angel hair pasta, basil, and tomato sauce. It was sublime. You’ll find Italianissimo Trattoria at a reasonable distance from Bank of America Financial Center.
Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet
100 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-422-8853
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Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet was the first authentic Greek restaurant and buffet that ever opened in Southern California.
It opened way back in 1989, and this restaurant serves classic family recipes. If you’d like some entertainment with your tasty dinner, go to Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet on a Friday or Saturday night.
That’s when Greek dancers put on a memorable show. You’ll find Zorbas on Broadway near D. Street. If you’re planning a weekend Zorbas meal, make a reservation.
The tables get snapped up quickly. When I went to Zorbas, I had Greek Chicken. It was outstanding! Other popular dishes are the Beef Souvlaki and Moussaka.
Talavera Azul
365 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-427-6476
Talavera Azul is an essential Chula Vista destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of a family-owned restaurant, and Talavera Azul has been a family-owned Chula Vista establishment since 2008.
So, what will you order? There’s a great range of dishes here, such as Mole Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles Divorciados, Chilaquiles Verdes, and Poblano Chilaquiles.
This restaurant has options for vegans and vegetarians, so if that’s you, don’t hesitate to visit. Talavera Azul has a casual atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place for a laidback breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Talavera Azul is situated on 3rd Avenue, near Park Way.
La Bella Pizza Garden
289 G St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-426-8820
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Craving pizza or pasta in Chula Vista? Give La Bella Pizza Garden a try. This restaurant has been a Chula Vista institution since 1955.
Go ahead and discover La Bella Pizza Garden on G Street near Park Way and Madrona Streets. So, what kinds of treats are on offer here?
Well, Pepperoni Pizza, Original Buffalo Wings, Original Hot Pastrami, Caesar Salad, and Cheese Pizza, for a start. And those are just the most popular items.
Take a look at the menu and choose whatever takes your fancy. I’m a big Caesar Salad enthusiast. I eat it whenever I can, and the one I had at La Bella Pizza Garden was excellent.
Aqui Es Texcoco
520 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-427-4045
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Ever tried Barbacoa-style lamb? I hadn’t, but I just had to give this classic meal a go when I heard people talk about it in Chula Vista.
Aqui Es Texacoco specializes in this type of lamb. But what is Barbacoa-style lamb? Check out this mouthwatering description.
It is marinated in a sublime mixture of fresh habanero, mescal, various spices, and mustard. The Lamb Barbecue Plate is especially iconic.
You can also get quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, and much more at Aqui Es Texcoco. Aqui Es Texcoco has the right kind of casual atmosphere for a relaxed and hearty lunch or dinner.
Galley at the Marina
550 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-422-5714
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As well as fantastic food, Galley at the Marina offers a beautiful bay view. This restaurant is all about fun and friends. Find out when there’s live music on offer.
Try one of the many well-loved dishes here, such as the Fish and Chips, Baja Fish Tacos, and Clam Chowder Bowl.
Galley at the Marina also offers breakfast and brunch. This local eatery offers a wide range of menu options, including items perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
Breathe in the fresh air on the outdoor patio. I appreciated how Galley at the Marina is quite close to Bayside Park. Go and give this restaurant a try!
Tacos El Gordo
Multiple Locations
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Tacos El Gordo is a Chula Vista culinary treasure specializing in Mexican fare. If you’re a taco lover, this is the eatery for you.
There’s a great variety here. I tried (and loved) the Suadero, which boasts brisket beef with whatever fresh toppings you desire, served in a corn tortilla.
There are quesadillas, tostadas, mulas, and sopes available here, too. Yum! You can also get fries with fresh Mexican toppings.
Tacos El Gordo is a casual restaurant with a walk-up counter where you place your order. Tacos El Gordo is found on H Street, in a busy part of Chula Vista. Stop by as you explore the city.
Italgo Pasta Bar
635 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-651-8247
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Conveniently situated on Broadway quite near Halsey Street, Italgo Pasta Bar is not-to-be-missed if you love Italian food as much as I do.
The aptly named Italgo Pasta Bar has an exciting range of pasta dishes, as well as pizzas, salads, and starters.
Pair your meal with the perfect glass of white wine, sparkling wine, or red wine. There’s an impressive variety available. I enjoyed my glass of Sauvignon Blanc with a delectable plate of Pesto Pasta.
For your starter, I recommend the Caesar Salad. If you want a salad as your entree, you have Salmon, Steak, Chicken, and Shrimp Cobb to choose from.
El Patio
410 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-422-9745
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El Patio is truly in the thick of things on Broadway, near G Street. This restaurant is all about authentic Mexican cuisine.
It’s best known for enchiladas and fajitas, as well as a host of other iconic Mexican creations. And don’t forget to enjoy an El Patio signature margarita.
Ask the locals about great dishes here and you’ll get a long list. Some of the top picks are Shredded Beef Burrito, Flying Saucer, Caldo De Res, Carne Asada Plate, Chicken Enchiladas, and Shredded Beef Enchiladas.
This eatery’s dining room has recently been redecorated, creating an even better experience than before.
La Quinta Grill Restaurante
625 E St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-476-7610
For Tex-Mex in Chula Vista, a visit to La Quinta Grill Restaurante is a must. This spacious culinary destination includes a bar, and it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing margarita.
If you’re lucky, there may be a live mariachi music performance while you’re there! Partake in lunch or dinner at La Quinta Grill at least once during your Chula Vista adventures.
Choose one of the many fantastic dishes here, such as Carne Asada Plate, Green Chicken Enchilada, Cadillac, and Chicken Enchiladas Suizas with Refried Beans.
La Quinta Grill Restaurante is situated on E Street, at Broadway and Jefferson. Don’t’ leave the city without trying the food (and drinks) here!
Final Thoughts
So, where will you start first? It’s hard to choose, but make time to visit at least a few of the culinary destinations listed above.
I know, there’s a lot to see and do in Chula Vista, but dining out should be high on the list. While you’re still in the San Diego area, check out our list of the best BBQ food restaurants you can find here.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list of the best restaurants in Chula Vista, California? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
Best Restaurants in Chula Vista
- D’Lish
- Italianissimo Trattoria
- Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet
- Talavera Azul
- La Bella Pizza Garden
- Aqui Es Texcoco
- Galley at the Marina
- Tacos El Gordo
- Italgo Pasta Bar
- El Patio
- La Quinta Grill Restaurante
