Looking for some good takeout food places in San Diego? Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or just want to skip the cooking, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of the best spots to grab your favorite dishes without the hassle.
1. Buona Forchetta
Location: Multiple Locations
Buona Forchetta is a go-to for pizza lovers. Their pies are baked to perfection with a crispy crust and gooey cheese. They also offer a range of other Italian delights. Perfect for a romantic night in or a casual dinner with friends.
- Menu Highlights: Margherita Pizza, Lasagna, Tiramisu
- Order Online: Buona Forchetta
2. Cocina de Barrio
Location: Hillcrest
Specializing in Oaxacan cuisine, Cocina de Barrio serves up barbacoa, birria, and memelitas. Their tlayuda is a must-try, a large tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, cilantro, and your choice of meat.
- Menu Highlights: Tlayuda, Barbacoa, Birria
- Contact: (619) 677-2770
3. Phil’s BBQ
Location: Midway District
Phil’s BBQ is famous for its slow-cooked meats and tangy sauces. Skip the line by ordering takeout and enjoy their mouth-watering ribs and brisket at home.
- Menu Highlights: Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken
- Order Online: Phil’s BBQ
4. Dumpling Inn
Location: Kearny Mesa
Craving dumplings? Dumpling Inn offers a variety of boiled, steamed, and fried options. Their menu also features classic Chinese dishes like fried rice and noodles.
- Menu Highlights: Pork and Chive Dumplings, Fried Rice, Lo Mein
- Contact: (858) 268-9638
5. Elizabethan Desserts
Location: Encinitas
Add a sweet touch to your meal with desserts from Elizabethan Desserts. From cookies to pies, they have everything to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Menu Highlights: Cheesecakes, Pies, Cookies
- Contact: (760) 230-6781
6. Fish 101
Locations: Leucadia, Cardiff
Fish 101 is your spot for fresh seafood takeout. Their limited menu includes clam chowder, fish and chips, and poke bowls. Perfect for a beachside picnic.
- Menu Highlights: Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips, Poke Bowls
- Order Online: Fish 101
7. Tributes Pizza
Location: North Park
Tribute Pizza offers a variety of artisanal pizzas with unique toppings. Their contactless curbside service makes takeout a breeze.
- Menu Highlights: Biancoverde Pizza, Weekly Specials
- Order Online: Tribute Pizza
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8. Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Location: North Park
Ethiopian food is perfect for sharing, and Awash offers a variety of dishes that are ideal for date night. Their menu includes vegetarian options, meat dishes, and fish.
- Menu Highlights: Doro Wat, Tibs, Vegetarian Combo
- Contact: (619) 282-8280
9. Bronx Pizza
Location: Hillcrest
With rave reviews and a loyal following, Bronx Pizza serves up some of the best New York-style pizza in San Diego. Their thin crust and generous toppings make for a satisfying meal.
- Menu Highlights: Tomato Basil Pizza, Calzones
- Contact: (619) 291-3341
10. Urban Plates
Location: Carmel Valley
Urban Plates offers farm-to-table dishes that are both quick and healthy. Their open kitchen allows you to see your meal being prepared.
- Menu Highlights: Grilled Chicken, Brussel Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes
- Order Online: Urban Plates
11. Himitsu
Location: La Jolla
For sushi lovers, Himitsu offers a variety of sushi and sashimi platters that are perfect for sharing. Their takeout options are as fresh and delicious as dining in.
- Menu Highlights: Sushi Platters, Sashimi
- Contact: (858) 263-4463
12. Chef Wong Chinese Cuisine
Location: Carmel Mountain
Chef Wong is a newer addition to the San Diego food scene but has quickly become a favorite. Their chow fun noodles and Xiao Long Bao are highly recommended.
- Menu Highlights: Chow Fun Noodles, Xiao Long Bao
- Contact: (858) 538-1388
13. Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe
Location: Carlsbad
While pies might not be a traditional takeout meal, they are perfect for sharing. Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe offers a range of delicious options like banana cream and coconut custard.
- Menu Highlights: Banana Cream Pie, Peach Pie, Coconut Custard Pie
- Contact: (760) 729-6414
14. Liuyishou Hotpot
Location: Kearny Mesa
Liuyishou Hotpot provides hot pot kits for you to enjoy at home. Their menu features a variety of meats, veggies, and broths to mix and match.
- Menu Highlights: Spicy Broth, Sliced Beef, Tofu
- Contact: (858) 598-5300
15. Plumeria
Location: University Heights
Plumeria offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Their flower cups are a must-try, and they reward customers who bring their own takeout containers.
- Menu Highlights: Flower Cups, Sticky Rice and Mango
- Contact: (619) 269-9989
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Location | Highlights | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buona Forchetta | Multiple Locations | Margherita Pizza, Lasagna, Tiramisu | Link |
| Cocina de Barrio | Hillcrest | Tlayuda, Barbacoa, Birria | (619) 677-2770 |
| Phil’s BBQ | Midway District | Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken | Link |
| Dumpling Inn | Kearny Mesa | Pork and Chive Dumplings, Fried Rice | (858) 268-9638 |
| Elizabethan Desserts | Encinitas | Cheesecakes, Pies, Cookies | (760) 230-6781 |
| Fish 101 | Leucadia, Cardiff | Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips, Poke Bowls | Link |
| Tribute Pizza | North Park | Biancoverde Pizza, Weekly Specials | Link |
| Awash Ethiopian Restaurant | North Park | Doro Wat, Tibs, Vegetarian Combo | (619) 282-8280 |
| Bronx Pizza | Hillcrest | Tomato Basil Pizza, Calzones | (619) 291-3341 |
| Urban Plates | Carmel Valley | Grilled Chicken, Brussel Sprouts | Link |
| Himitsu | La Jolla | Sushi Platters, Sashimi | (858) 263-4463 |
| Chef Wong Chinese Cuisine | Carmel Mountain | Chow Fun Noodles, Xiao Long Bao | (858) 538-1388 |
| Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe | Carlsbad | Banana Cream Pie, Peach Pie | (760) 729-6414 |
| Liuyishou Hotpot | Kearny Mesa | Spicy Broth, Sliced Beef, Tofu | (858) 598-5300 |
| Plumeria | University Heights | Flower Cups, Sticky Rice and Mango | (619) 269-9989 |
Conclusion
San Diego offers a plethora of fantastic takeout options, whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, BBQ, or something more exotic. The next time you’re planning a night in, consider one of these top 15 takeout food places for a meal that won’t disappoint.
FAQs
Shan Xi Magic Kitchen, Dumpling Inn, and Chef Wong Chinese Cuisine are among the top spots.
Plumeria in University Heights is a great choice for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Buona Forchetta and Bronx Pizza are highly recommended for their delicious pizzas.
Yes, Elizabethan Desserts and Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe offer a variety of sweet treats.
Phil’s BBQ in the Midway District is famous for its slow-cooked meats and tangy sauces.
