Clients reviews about Caliente Mexican Food

What's the best taco shop in San Diego? That's a question that is as loaded as it gets here - everyone has their favorite, and Caliente is mine. Huge menu where everything seems to be good, everything is prepared with a high degree of care, not just slopped together, and the staff is friendly and efficient. Carne Asada tacos are my favorite, but the Carnitas are fantastic as well. There's a reason the line is out the door every single day at lunchtime, and it's not just because of their location. The only thing you'll regret about trying Caliente is having to come to Sorrento Valley when you want it again! ~ Christopher S

We’ve been using Caliente Mexican Restaurant for our weekly office lunches for about 10 months now, and they have been absolutely outstanding. Every single week, they deliver the best Mexican food—always fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The food is consistently delicious, with generous portions that leave everyone full and happy. There’s always plenty to go around, and we usually end up with leftovers to enjoy later. Caliente makes the entire process easy and enjoyable. They’re flexible, accommodating all of our requests without hesitation, and their menu suggestions have been spot-on every time. Their service is reliable, professional, and friendly, and the quality never wavers. We’ve tried other places in the past, but no one comes close to the level of food and service Caliente provides. If you’re looking for a catering partner that consistently delivers amazing meals and makes your job easier, Caliente is the one. We couldn’t recommend them more! ~ Daisy V

Perfekt ist mexikanisches Essen. Es handelt sich hierbei um fast food, also das Essen wird sehr schnell serviert. Wie auf meinen Bildern zu erkennen auf Papptellern. Das ist in Ordnung. Die Qualität ist gut und die Portion ist groß. Der Preis ist wirklich sehr günstig. ~ Nonstop a

I believe it was Edgar who helped us. He was soooo kind and welcoming. I saw the photo of the Chilaquiles on Google and that is what made me come to this food spot for the first time. When I arrived around 11:30 he showed me that it was a special ending at 10. But he went way above and beyond, asked the kitchen, and they made it for me!!!! Like wow! Great service! We ate outside and after he even asked how our food was. GREAT food! Like super good. Thank you for making it an enjoyable experience Edgar! ~ Kaitlin R

Caliente is one of the best kept secrets in Sorrento/Carmel Valley! I work right up the street from here and come here all the time to get takeout on the way home from work. Their food is amazing and the portions are huge! My faves are the carnitas tacos 🤤. The pork is juicy and delicious! I also often get their fish tacos and my fiance likes their carbs asada. You really can't go wrong here! If you're in the neighborhood then you definitely need to check them out!!! ~ Not L

This is hands-down the best value for money Mexican restaurant that I’ve visited. It is my go to place, whenever I’m in San Diego, and I’ve been visiting for the last 20 years. The Carnitas and Carne Asada burritos Are just superb, and so are the Carne Asada Fríes. And if you are in the mood for splurging and gorging, then try the chimichanga burrito.If you lean towards spicy,Then you can always add the very piquant hot sauce to Custom make your perfect burrito ~ Anand M

What a great find just north of UCSD/La Jolla. We came on a rainy day but were blown away by their patio space. Will keep in mind for future COVID friendly outings. Food was large portions for a good price. Fatjitas burrito that I got was average (shredded chicken didn't have much flavor to write about), but will be lured back by the patio to try something different next time. The garlic shrimp plate was more flavorful and would recommend (pictured). ~ Julia B

Caliente Mexican Food comes highly recommended for their catering services. We have been working with this restaurant for a few years now and will continue to do so for years to come! They provide delicious food, very generous portions, are on time with the delivery, have options for dietary restrictions, and are reasonable. You will definitely get the most bang for your buck! They can provide services for groups big and small. Thanks Caliente for all the happy customers with full bellies! ~ Dana J

Io can honestly say it has a great variety of crafted burritos and tacos and assorted plates. Doesn't even feel like fast food. I highly recommend. Been here many times as a i travel up and down SoCal. Stop by on your way to San Diego or TJ or on your way back. The steak picado with guacamole and poco de gallo is delicious. They need to bump up the heat on the salsa verde but the habanero salsas are awesome. ~ Sal V

We saw a prior review that everything about this place was A+ and to be honest, I was skeptical that any place could be that good. I thought maybe there was some grade inflation at play in that review. Let me tell you, however, that this place is A+. The burrito tortilla is among the best I’ve ever had. A++. The meat is certainly prepared A+ and the burrito is loaded with meat. The prices are definitely A+. Come here, you will not regret it. ~ Will M

On this episode of Shark Week! So, I was in the area and I looked up restaurantson Google Maps. I found this place. I ordered the Carne Asada Burrito. The Carne Asada was juicy and tender. Veddy Veddy Guud. After the first bite I began attacking like I was the star of Shark Week. I went into a feeding frenzy do to how delicious it was. The red sauce was just as tasty with huge amounts of flavor. I highly recommend Caliente Mexican Food. ~ Dave “

I work down the street from Caliente, I've eaten there mutiple times, tried just about everything on the menu. Honestly as far as Mexican Food goes, this place is amazing. The food is always consistent, the chefs have been working there for quite some time, you always know what to expect. Hands down, best breakfest burrito i've had since i moved down here to San Diego. ~ Dom M

Awesome fast Mexican food! Got the California Burrito and loved it! Steak was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. Fresh guacamole, tomatoes and cheese inside. Fries inside added a perfect contrast to the rest of the burrito. Topped it all off with a Mexican Coke!! It doesn't get much better! Loved it and will go there again next time I'm in town! ~ Jay S

Delicious food! Had the burrito and quesadilla. Both very well prepared! The green sauce was lacking a little. Lots of other options available. Very filing! Saved some of the burrito for later -- continued to taste excellent as leftovers. Service is friendly and quick. Parking is plentiful. Shares space in an old house with other food and drink places. Cool spot, delicious food, very enjoyable! ~ Daniel P

Awesome California Burrito, good value for money. They even have real Mexican coke. The service is super fast, I didn't wait longer than 5 minutes for my Burrito. The fish burrito and tacos are delicious as well, best take the beans and rice combo as a side. The hot sauce could have a little more kick for my taste, but I got as much as I wanted to make it spicy enough for my taste. ~ Robert K

I had a catering order and the service and food were amazing! Moreover, the portions were big. The guac is one of the best I ever had, and everyone that had it agreed, and everyone loved the food too. A side note - I have order catering dozens of times and this was one of the only few places that called me in advance to confirm my order, which is a great surprise :) ~ Carolina M

Caliente is one of our favorite lunch spots! My coworker and I go there during our break, and it’s always a great time. Jorge is super sweet and makes everyone feel welcome. The food tastes like it was made at home so good and full of flavor. You can tell they care about what they cook. If you want tasty Mexican food and kind service, Caliente is the place to go! ~ Jackie R

My favorite burritos in San Diego. I grew up on Mission-style burritos in the bay area. Impossible to find those in San Diego, but at Caliente I get the veggie burrito and add whatever meat I want. That is as close to a Mission-style burrito I can find in town. Everything is excellent, fresh, and good quality. Ask for the orange habanero sauce, it’s amazing! ~ Alex K

I work down the street from here and I come here at least twice a week for lunch. I love the food, everything is always fresh and hot. The wait isn't very long so it's a great place to go if you need to grab a quick lunch. I recommend this place to anyone looking for really good Mexican food at a decent price and served in great time. ~ Marquise W

I love everything about this place. The homemade hot sauce, the juicy carnitas, the trees you sit under. They are quick, friendly and quality-consistent. My place to go whenever I'm around in the Del Mar area or passing by on the 5. Can get crowded with people from the surrounding businesses for lunchtime. ~ Markus K

Carnitas quesadilla and dunk it in hot sauce= heaven. Perfect for those looking for that greasy, delicious Mexican food that can only be made in a dirty building with an old kitchen. If you're looking to get a little messy and fill up your belly this hidden gem under the freeway will not disappoint. ~ James L

I visit occasionally for lunch since I work near by. The service is always very friendly and personable. Don't believe menu prices online, it is higher than their website but still good value. Their quesadillas are delicious and HUGE! Outdoor patio seating and plenty of parking. Other dining attached. ~ kristin w

The food in this restaurant is so good. They also serve big portions and the price is reasonable. It’s too bad there’s no Mexican restaurant where I live that makes good food like Caliente. May I add that my boyfriend is a very picky eater but I was so surprised he loved the food he ordered here. This place is highly recommended! ~ R M

Caliente has the best salsa of any Mexican place in the area. It's not glamorous, but the food is really good and inexpensive, and the outdoor seating is charming in a quirky way with good views of nature. Definitely a keeper for a casual lunch place or a starting point for a walk down by the coastal marshes that starts just down the street. ~ Mark L

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