Order: Surf & turf burrito (lobster + asada) $16
The best premium burrito in the city. Lobster, carne asada, cheese, guac, and rice. A national best-burrito list regular.
We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
Near Hillcrest
Hillcrest doesn't have a burritos spot worth a special trip. The closest picks locals drive to are El Zarape in University Heights and Taco Stand in La Jolla / Downtown / North Park — here's what to order and what you'll pay.
Last updated
Quick answer: Nothing notable in Hillcrest itself — closest picks: El Zarape, Taco Stand, Rudford's Restaurant.
The best premium burrito in the city. Lobster, carne asada, cheese, guac, and rice. A national best-burrito list regular.
Tijuana-style adobada off a trompo. Tourist-heavy but the meat is legit. Best for a coastal weekend lunch.
Diner-style breakfast burrito with hash browns inside. 24 hours since 1949.
The platonic ideal of the California burrito. Crispy fries, well-seasoned asada, no fillers.
The surf-shop California burrito — enormous, cheap, open until 2 AM. Point Loma locals' #1 contender.
A real California burrito has carne asada, fries, cheese, guac, and pico — no rice or beans.
Order it 'wet' with red sauce at Lolita's, Nico's, and Roberto's.
Cash speeds up orders at OG taco shops across South Bay and Barrio Logan.
Breakfast burrito ≠ California burrito. Breakfast = eggs, potato, machaca/chorizo/bacon.
Adobada usually beats al pastor in San Diego — the trompos are better here.
From Hillcrest, the shortest hop for burritos is El Zarape in University Heights — worth combining with other errands in that direction.
Not in Hillcrest itself — nothing there ranks among the county's best burritos. The closest picks are El Zarape, Taco Stand, Rudford's Restaurant, starting with El Zarape in University Heights.
El Zarape in University Heights. Order the Surf & turf burrito (lobster + asada), priced $16. The best premium burrito in the city. Lobster, carne asada, cheese, guac, and rice. A national best-burrito list regular.
Expect $16 to $11 per person at the closest burritos spots. Prices are current for 2026.
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
Published by the Sandi Spots Editorial team at Sleep Coast LLC. Guides combine local perspective and source research. Check the individual guide for firsthand observations and follow official links to confirm current details.