El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

Mexican restaurant · San Diego ·

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

Mexican restaurant · San Diego ·

Specializes in tender lamb barbacoa, pozole, and chilaquiles.

Information

4280 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105 Get directions

$10–20

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

On the Grid : El Borrego

"El Borrego is a bright orange beacon amid the multitude of greige storefronts that line El Cajon Boulevard. Literally translating to "the lamb", El Borrego's specialty is lamb barbacoa - lamb slow cooked over an open fire, which is traditionally a specialty of the Hidalgo region of Mexico. Owners Rosaria and Rodina have been in business at this location for 11 years and say they cook about 2,000 pounds of lamb each month. In addition to their many lamb-based menu items, El Borrego carries your usual Mexican favorites and serves breakfast all day. Rosaria shared with us how the opening of the new YMCA just next door has brought in new business. They're now offering fresh raw juices and detox smoothies - perfect post-workout drinks! They've also found success in the catering business for local events. As we finished our meal, Rodina opened the back door of the restaurant and ushered us into a weed-filled, but surprisingly large outdoor space. She shared her plans of an outdoor beer garden, somewhat of a hipster hangout - something the east side of The Boulevard desperately needs. She said their in-process plans show it could seat 80 people and they'll soon be working out permitting and any other red tape they might encounter. She hopes to have something to show by the end of 2016." - Noble Intent Studio

https://onthegrid.city/san-diego/kensington/el-borrego

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

"El Borrego, Kensington by Noble Intent Studio. El Borrego is a bright orange beacon amid the multitude of greige storefronts that line El Cajon Boulevard. Literally translating to "the lamb", El Borrego's specialty is lamb barbacoa - lamb slow cooked over an open fire, which is traditionally a specialty of the Hidalgo region of Mexico. Owners Rosaria and Rodina have been in business at this location for 11 years and say they cook about 2,000 pounds of lamb each month. In addition to their many lamb-based menu items, El Borrego carries your usual Mexican favorites and serves breakfast all day.Rosaria shared with us how the opening of the new YMCA just next door has brought in new business. They're now offering fresh raw juices and detox smoothies - perfect post-workout drinks! They've also found success in the catering business for local events.As we finished our meal, Rodina opened the back door of the restaurant and ushered us into a weed-filled, but surprisingly large outdoor space. She shared her plans of an outdoor beer garden, somewhat of a hipster hangout - something the east side of The Boulevard desperately needs. She said their in-process plans show it could seat 80 people and they'll soon be working out permitting and any other red tape they might encounter. She hopes to have something to show by the end of 2016."

San Diego

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , Curbside Pick Up

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Best Restaurants in City Heights | Eater San Diego

"El Borrego and barbacoa. The two are inextricably linked in City Heights. Perhaps in San Diego. It’s hard to think of one without the other. That’s all due to the exquisite care that the owners, Rodnia Novarro and her mother Rosario Sotelo, put into every dish, from the slow roasted lamb to cafe de la olla. The menu is a window into Mexican cuisine that goes beyond carnitas and menudo, with nopal (cactus) salad, pozole and the juicy meat that makes this place the go-to spot for lamb barbacoa."

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-city-heights-san-diego

El Borrego/Facebook

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

@postcardnews

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Family-run City Heights landmark specializing in Hidalgo-style barbacoa and mixiote, plus pozole and cochinita pibil. Praised by local food writers for years for honest, regional flavors and generous family-style options.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/places/el-borrego-restaurant/

Mexican Food in San Diego (2025)

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El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

Pranjali S.

Google

Good food! We came here on a Sat morning and it was pretty much empty. I don't have all the pictures of the food that we ordered, but my chilaquiles was very good. They give you the option of red/green/mole sauce. I got the mole and my friend got the green. Both were very good. This chilaquiles recipe is one of the better ones I've had. I also got their carrot and ginger juice and it was very good. Affordable pricing. It doesn't look like much when you enter but they have lots of seating in the patio, where it is fresh, airy and spacious. Service was decent but you basically order everything you want at the counter and then find yourself a seat. Parking is street parking. I will come back for their chilaquiles again.

Coryne S S.

Google

Wonderful brekkie experience! I was on a mission, thanks to my sister who recommended the Mixjote de Borrego! The staff was so kind and friendly, and the marinated lamb was outstanding! I appreciated that I was given the entire bottles of sauces to use during my meal 😋 I can't wait to visit again on my next trip to SD.

Cristian M.

Google

The mole was sweet and a little spicy. The green had a good roasted taste. The chips were perfectly crunchy in the sauce. Both chilaquiles were very delicious.

Axel G.

Google

Muy rico todo! Si regresamos! This place recently went viral and has a line out the door! Delicious barbacoa de borrego lives up to the hype. This is a home cooked meal made by a real Mexican grandmother. If there is a wait due to the instagram foodies, please stay humble. Do not rush your abuelita, thats RUDE. The food is worth the wait. Fall off the bone tender, and ricos chilaquiles. Didn't have time to take a picture of the before, only the after. Enjoy!

Ruth P

Google

Little hidden restaurant, so cute inside. I enjoyed the patio setting with my husband and son. The food was delicious and I was stuffed! I especially enjoyed the guacamole with chips ( extra $)! We ordered 2 of them. My husband got the Lamb plate for $12.99. I got my favorite combo of chicken and cheese enchilada with beans and rice. My son ordered the Lamb burrito. I was very happy, satisfied and couldn't finish it all. Street parking only.

kenny T.

Google

Awesome mom and pop restaurant. Beautifully decorated and food is great! I ordered the lamb special which comes with a lamb rolled taco, lamb taco, and quesadilla with rice and cactus

Erik P

Google

Family owned mexican food restaurant. Food is great and authentic with good portions. Pricing is fair. Parking can be a lil hard to find.

David D.

Google

Really special gem of a place. Everything I’ve tried here is delicious. Service is phenomenal, Rosario is such a warm and kind person, joined by her mom (and all the kitchen staff!), they are an amazing team. Get the lamb tacos with consommé and make sure to try their sopes too.

Shylene B.

Yelp

I've been to El Borrego multiple times, and honestly, it's so hard not to order everything on the menu. Everything I've tried has been fire, and somehow, I always leave thinking, "Okay, next time I'm getting that too." When you come in, you can either order first or keep your tab open- perfect if you're like me and can't resist going back for seconds or thirds. So far, I've had: Rolled tacos with rice and beans - always hits. Jimador burrito - honestly fire, must get it toasted. Rice and beans - pretty good. Side of fresh guac - comes through every single time. I can't remember if I've had the chilaquiles yet, but I'll definitely be back to try them when the craving hits. Oh, and the Oj is solid too. But honestly, my favorite part? The customer service. Everyone here - the staff and even the owner is super kind and genuinely helpful. They'll give you recommendations every time, and every visit the service has gone above and beyond. Parking is street parking, and there's plenty of space for dining both inside and outside, so you can comfortably chow down wherever you like. All around - amazing food, chill vibes, and service that makes you feel like family. Can't wait for my next visit!

Espy M.

Yelp

Borrego Flavor is on point, but the serving portion of meat inside the taco is seriously lacking . I've included a video for reference . I was super disappointed with the tiny amount of meat - tacos are 3.99 My order: Sope de borrego- delicioso Tacos: lacking proportion of meat to tortilla size... even too small of a portion for a mini tortilla :( Tamarind drink : delicious. Music : GREAT Service: lacking - I'm all for showing appreciation for good service, but this restaurant's approach feels more like a guilt trip. Being asked to tip upon ordering feels premature, especially when the service doesn't quite live up to expectations. I had to chase down ice, and was told to go inside the restaurant ( we sat out in patio) and ask the busy cashier for it which wasn't exactly the seamless experience I was hoping for. Cashier was so busy that the same waiter who sent me inside for ice saw me waiting and gave me the ice. So why tip if I need to interrupt my dinning experience to get something from the kitchen. A bright spot, though, was the kind server with blond hair who brought me a straw - thanks for the hospitality!

Chad M.

Yelp

Tell just enough people about this to keep it steady... seriously! Food was incredible. In a city filled with mexican restaurants and taco shops, it's hard to find to stand out. This is one of them. This review is strictly food based and the price is right, right! If you're looking for a romantic dare night, you're probably not going to find it here. Chances are you'll end up somewhere that looks nicer with much worse food.

Pranjali S.

Yelp

Liz L.

Yelp

My favorite local Mexican restaurant in San Diego, and that's saying a lot. Family owned and everything is made fresh to order. They specialize in slow cooked lamb, with lamb tacos and lamb broth that's the best hangover cure there is. They close early (4pm) so get there for lunch or takeout early dinner! Fresh made juices and made to order guacamole are just icing on the cake. And most of their items are gluten free as well!

Aidee P.

Yelp

Ate here for breakfast this morning and will be back when in San Diego. I read this place had the best mexican breakfast and it did not disappoint. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a smile, ordering is simple and the restaurant is nice and clean inside. I had the chilaquiles Verdes and it was amazing. The café de olla was delicious. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food and great service, this is the place.

Jiselle T.

Yelp

Love this place! This is my go to food for chilaquiles and breakfast. Their outdoor patio is very cute! Faves: 1. Café de Olla 2. Chilaquiles 3 Enchiladas 4. Pozole My only complaint is that I wish they would serve more food, the portions are pretty small.

Alexandra E.

Yelp

I love the enchiladas... services always polite and friendly... beautiful outside sitting... I really recommend this place ...more than 3 years coming here

Erik P.

Yelp

Family owned mexican food restaurant. Food is great and authentic with good portions. Pricing is fair. Parking can be a lil hard to find.

Kiki H.

Yelp

I've seen this restaurant many times but never tried it, but today I finally did, and now I'm mad I've been missing out on such great food all this time. Everything we ordered was fresh and hot. My husband enjoyed his pazole. We both liked the chips and salsa (salsa was fresh, good consistency not too chunky not too puréed, and had a nice kick) and guacamole. Guacamole was clearly freshly made and tasted good, but I personally would have liked a bit more onion or kick. I had the huevos revueltos with chorizo and potatoes. They were fantastic! Well prepared scrambled eggs, and perfect ratio of chorizo, eggs, and potatoes. Great flavor and not greasy. I subbed flour tortillas instead of corn, and they were amazing! Homemade, warm and delicious. No complaints about service. Definitely will be back.

Da'Jour T.

Yelp

Stopped by this morning after seeing the great reviews, and they were right! The service was awesome, the owner was super nice, and my breakfast burrito was delicious -- fresh, flavorful, and tasted homemade, not like fast food. The freshly squeezed orange juice was the perfect touch. Definitely a 10/10 spot for real Mexican food!

Hieu L.

Yelp

Came here on a lovely Saturday morning for brunch with my partner. The cashier (I think she is also the owner) greeted us with a big smile which made us feel comfortable and welcome for a first time customer. Additionally, the food was fresh and delicious, one of the best chilaquiles I ever had!! I will definitely be a returning customer.

Anton F.

Yelp

Many visits, first review. Such an awesome neighborhood taqueria. Located in the City Heights area, walking distance from my office, a family owned operation run by a mother and daughter. Always greeted with a warm welcome. The inviting rustic orange hue colors and home vibe makes for a great lunch ambience. I recommend checking out the specials but my favorite entree is the mole enchiladas chicken plate. Never disappoints, good at anytime. Down home San Diego goodness

Neruth P.

Yelp

Soooooo gooooood This spot is a GEM. Luckily I live less than 5 minutes away so I am lucky to enjoy this food more often than others I get the chicken chilaquiles and they are so bomb! They have great dining areas (nice secret patio in the back, just ask them about it) Toluca Burrito, and also their burrito that as Borrego in it is delicious.

A T.

Yelp

My second review for them after 13 years of going to El Borrego! They quickly became a favorite for us - their food just gets better and better! Service is attentive and friendly, plus the food is high quality and made with love. Now they have live music on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings on their oasis of a back patio (Summer 2025), and it's fantastic!!!!

Regina W.

Yelp

Wow, this was one of those times where everything was perfect from beginning to end! Came for Sunday breakfast and had a lovely meal on the patio with live music. Both huevos rancheros and chilaquiles were delicious. Don't miss the cafe de olla. Everything felt freshly made and service was top notch. We'll be back! 5/5 stars.

G K.

Yelp

Delicious Borrego Lamb Combo with rice & beans. Tasty tortillas! Very friendly service. Great outside patio. No parking so park and walk in.

Carolina V.

Yelp

Honestly, the barbacoa is flavorless and dry. I've had my fare share of barbacoa and this is not it. The consome i watered down and the chickpeas are hard. And the tacos are served very poorly.

Dung N.

Yelp

This restaurant is bigger than I thought! They have a huge patio in the back and an altar display to celebrate the Day of the Dead. We ordered a tarmarindo and a hibiscus agua fresca to start with. The drinks came in cute mason jars and were very refreshing. We shared the pozole verde, which is only available Thursdays-Sundays. It was very flavorful and filling. Their house specialty is the lamb barbacoa! I tried that in a taco and it was quite delicious. The pork sope was pretty good and potato taco was alright. They also have tamales available to order for the holidays and carry sweet ones, like pineapple, etc. Overall, the food was pretty good. Service was also friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back for more pozole and barbacoa!

Jose G.

Yelp

Very good homemade food, the best Chilaquiles I've eaten in a long time. Their sheep plates are flavorful. The service is excellent. Outside and inside seating, both are great.

Yael M.

Yelp

I love ordering their 1/2 pound family style meal! It's plenty of food for two! I like to order it with rice and beans as well. Everything is made in house and it's a family-owned restaurant so it's always nice to support local. There's plenty of street parking, too. Check them out for great service, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere.

Kourtney B.

Yelp

This place feels like grandma's cooking dinner for you. It's lucky the times I've found myself here are Fridays, usually cloudy and rainy ones. Perfect time for Pozole! They only sell it Friday through Sunday so if that's what you want- plan accordingly. The pozole here is green, flavorful, and contains the softest pork I've ever had in a soup in my life, served in a generously sized bowl with a plate of crunchy toppings. I kind of want a little more salt in it BUT I also know it doesn't hurt to cut back a little on that in one's diet so that adds to the grandma cooking vibe for me. The star of the show, the lamb, is worth a trip all on its own. The first trip we ordered the Mixiote which so far has been my favorite thing here. The Mixiote (12oz of marinated tender lamb meat, simmered for hours, with 6 corn tortillas on the side, cilantro, onion, and salsas to make your own tacos) is perfection. The flavor, the tenderness, and tacos are always a winner. The second time we wanted lamb but in the burrito already mixed for us, like totally lazy. It was a little more dry (the lack of the juices in the foil packet that the Mixiote is served in) and the lamb flavor was kind of gone, obscured by the beans and rice. But it was filling and if you just wanted a burrito to slather in hot sauce- you can't go wrong with this tender lamb. The chicken enchiladas (served with rice and beans), quesadillas, and agua de jamaica are tasty enough if you're looking for something else to round out your order. My preferred drink, when they have it, is the horchata. In the quesadilla you can pick from a few different options but I like the squash blossom. I'm not sure how it's prepared, but I think it's kind of a brined version that's actually quite nice with the cheese so anybody can enjoy that, not just vegetarians. I love the flower art piece on the wall inside, but their rear patio is where we sit. It's quite well decorated and we get to spend an hour or so getting a little breeze and eating delicious food. Service is great. The team has a few staff, but importantly mom is in the kitchen, daughter at the register and checking in on tables. Even in the patio we're always checked in on. I look forward to heading back for another Mixiote, trying the bean soup and soft pork tacos, and getting another glass (or maybe a pitcher if I'm lucky) of that horchata.

Sydney S.

Yelp

Ordered again and it's still amazing! Only thing, they really skimp out on the rice and beans. I got a whole two bites of rice with the amount they gave me. For an $18 plate I'd expect a little bit more of a serving.

Jack C.

Yelp

Great family owned restaurant- best service in all of San Diego! Try the lamb tacos- absolutely fantastic. Quesadillas were great. The guacamole was fresh and really good and the salsas were fresh and spicy. Sit outside on the back patio, tables are clean and place is very friendly.

Jessica W.

Yelp

The food is amazing !!! Delicious true Mexican food! The lamb is so wonderful and I can't wait to eat here again. Also the staff is so nice and welcoming!

jenny w.

Yelp

This is a delightful place, it doesn't seem as difficult to park as north park or Kensington, there were actually a couple of spots outside on a Sunday. They have a delightful patio, which is available to rent for events in the evening and we loved seeing butterflies floating around enjoying the flowers. The cafe de olla was delicious and I'm glad we saved room for the flan!

Michael W.

Yelp

If you are looking for some great Mexican food and can work with the hours try El Borrego. I have seen this place several times and finally looked them up. They looked interesting but the hours closing at 4pm really put a damper on my interest. I finally got a chance to try them for a quick takeout of the borrego (lamb) tacos. They were piping hot and really tender. I was sold on this place but wanted to have a sit down experience. I finally made it in and it deserves a review. When you walk in the menu is written on the wall that you might likely pass on you way to the front counter. If you don't skip it, then you are better than I. Going first thing in the morning I was not sure what to expect for breakfast. It's a smaller menu but it's really good. Ordered a borrego burrito and huevos rancheros. Sat outside and enjoyed the quietness of the restaurant having just opened. I talked to the waitress and let her know that I've been dying to come here for a while but the hours of 8-4 have been difficult to manage. Apparently they have tried multiple times in their 19 years to do later jours, but they had no business when they were open later. It's a shame but hopefully with the neighborhood changing might cause that to change. The outdoor back patio is colorful and they had a dia de los muertos altar. I checked out the bar area that wasn't open yet and could see myself wanting to come back for a happy hour on a warm day. The food came out and it was piping hot. I really enjoyed my burrito from the first bite. I'll definitely come back.

Martin E.

Yelp

Food is really delicious. Food tastes like a home cooked meal. Cafe de olla is good too.

Anthony M.

Yelp

10/10 chilaquiles 10/10 fresh tortillas 10/10 service 10/10 fresh juices This place is incredible. Should have 5 stars. Not many gems like this in SD! 20 years of great food and service, and it shows. Can't wait to come back!

Leah S.

Yelp

My boyfriend and I have eaten here a few times and both times have been AMAZING! Will definitely be repeat customers

Kira M.

Yelp

Outstanding food! The mole was rich and just a little spicy. The Posole broth was flavorful. We also had the fresh orange juice. It's expensive, but tasted like and orange Julius. It was frothy and smooth. I've never had anything like it. We will definitely come back here

Estefania R.

Yelp

The food was delicious coming from a family of four! Got the quesa Birria tacos de a Res 10/10 the cheese omg! Husband got the borrego mixiote 10/10. Suegra got the green chilaquiles which we loved all got to try! Son had a plate of Birria de a res. No left overs here! There were only 2 ladies the owner who took us up at the register and the cook. Owner would be helping the cook of course they were on it. Service 10/10! Visiting from Phoenix Az.

Rayleen L.

Yelp

Microwaved food served here. Heard a microwave being used multiple times as I waited for my order. And the food was still cold. Let me just say not fresh at all. I don't agree with the food here being authentic or good. I would not recommend** 0 Stars

Marianna L.

Yelp

Yummy food & friendly service. The salsas are the cherry on top. Beautiful, chill back patio to enjoy yourself too.

Austin K.

Yelp

The hype is real. I've had this spot on my must try list for a while. It took me a while to make it over there because I am rarely in the area. Order the lamb tacos. The conchinita pibil. And the rajas and onion quesadillas. Arguably some of the best tacos in San Diego. The woman who served me was incredibly sweet. She provided advice on what to order and was extremely helpful.

J K.

Yelp

We love El Borrego!!! I would recommend anything on the menu, especially anything with the lamb barbacoa. The service is fantastic- even though it's order-at-the-front, you get the service of a full sit down dining experience. The patio is very cute, full of plants and always has great music playing. Everyone who works there is kind and very attentive, and tables are always spotless. My only critique is that the sides/apps (rice, beans, guacamole, etc) tend to be small for the price. Highly recommend everyone stop in.

Jim T.

Yelp

I have been going to El Borrego for awhile now, and it was one of the places that I took special care to order from during the pandemic, lest it be lost. Now from outward appearances, you might believe that El Borrego is a taco shop. While it definitely serves tacos, you should not consider El Borrego a taco shop and go there when craving a carne asada burrito. Instead, El Borrego is an oasis of tranquility in the city. Gentle music plays in the background as you sit and enjoy your caffe de olla, or horchata, or even the occasional beer. And then comes the food. El Borrego, as the name suggests, specializes in lamb that has been slowly cooked until it is fall apart tender, but still gloriously juicy. The lamb special, which comes with a lamb rolled taco, a lamb taco, a nopale quesadilla, rice, and nopale salad, is a nice introduction to the lamb they serve. The nopale salad, which seems odd at first (as nopale is a cactus) is bright and refreshing. To my amazement, there is a Sicilian dish that's virtually identical nopale salad served here. El Borrego also serves lamb and cochinita pibil by the pound, which you can order family style. To be honest, I've never ordered the cochinita pibil. Another option is the mixote de borrego - a mix of various cuts of the lamb, along with tortillas and other fixings. Really good stuff. One other dish that's a standout to me is the green pozole, which is served only Thursday-Sunday. It's basically a hug in a bowl, and one I crave from time to time. The chilaquiles are also excellent. As far as service goes, it's not surprising that a place that puts so much love into their food would also have good service. You order at the counter, and the food is brought out to you. Whether you eat inside, or in the much larger patio outside, the vibe is chill, the food is excellent, and the service is friendly. I cannot recommend El Borrego enough.

Fabian L.

Yelp

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN SAN DIEGO! I've been coming to El Borrego for years and the food is always beyond delicious. This Family-run restaurant uses quality ingredients, which enhances their authentic flavors. Plus they give the best service in town! Their Mixiote is amazing, the green pozole and mole chilaquiles are incredible, huitlacoche quesadillas yummm. Café de la hoya is the best! Thank you all at @el_borrego_restaurant for the best Mexican experience in town. Don't forget to check out the cute patio in the back.

b s.

Yelp

Happened to stop by this cozy, cool family run spot that serves authentic, flavorful cuisine. The menu has many traditional items, their specialty is lamb and it is out of this world delicious. Service is prompt, friendly and with a smile. We are happy to have found this hidden gem. If you like a family welcome and exceptional food give this place a try, you won't be disappointed.

Mateo V.

Yelp

Great little spot. We went here for breakfast before our son's soccer game at Hoover High School. The women at the counter was extremely friendly and welcoming and helped us with the menu with recommendations and clarifications. We got the chilaquiles (with chorizo) and a carne asada burrito. Both were great!!

Arturo A.

Yelp

Amazing food and will hopefully stay like this for a long time. We have been stopping by many years now, and we live in Orange County

Summerelli S.

Yelp

We went today and it was fantastic! I had the borrego burrito(juicy, tender lamb barbacoa, pinto beans, rice and salsa) and hubs the lamb special(one lamb soft taco, one lamb roll taco topped with crema & cotija cheese, and one rajas stuffed quesadilla served with a side of rice & cactus salad)! The owner was there, she was friendly, warm and inviting, we sat in the patio area. Definitely coming back!

Alfonso D.

Yelp

The food was amazing everything on point Especially the huevos rancheros ... this type of food reminds me of home .. very very delicious I recommend you to come here .. you won't be disappointed !!

Kevin N.

Yelp

Had the Toluca burrito and it was great! Definitely smaller burrito compared to other places but it's packed with flavor and I was perfectly full when I finished it. Comes with small bag of chips and the red sauce was my favorite. Will definitely be coming back!

Siria F.

Yelp

I had the Borrego Burrito and it was delicious! The agua frescas (horchata & jamaica) we're delicious as well. The owner was in the kitchen cooking every plate ordered. The cashier and waiter were very friendly. The ambiance is warm and welcoming.

Diana M.

Yelp

We absolutely love El Borrego! We have eaten there three weeks in a row with two different sets of friends and our son and his family. Every single item we have ordered is delicious and prepared carefully and expertly. The patio is charming and the service is perfect. The restaurant is run by a lovely family who are so welcoming and charming. El Borrego has become our favorite restaurant and we are looking forward to our next visit.

Anita S.

Yelp

I keep coming back to this restaurant and every time I come I am very happy with the food quality and service. The family that runs this restaurant is very sweet and welcoming and their food is excellent and consistent. Also, their cafe de olla is a must try! Lovely garden atmosphere too - highly recommend!

Myphuong L.

Yelp

No dogs allowed. They have a very nice outdoor patio but they had a recent incident where a dog bit a child and now no dogs are allowed. Very bummed because we had brought our dog and ended up ordering take out. Parking is not that easy here. No lot, it's all street and there's construction going on and lots of red curb. It's one of those places where you order first then seat yourself. We got chilaquiles with green sauce ($10.99), added chicken ($4.25) and 1 egg (1.99). Also got huevos rancheros ($11.99). It was two over easy eggs over corn tortilla with 2 extra corn tortilla, rice and beans. I am not impressed with the home made chips. It's not an airy crispy that I like, it has a dry hard crunch and it gets soggy in the sauce. However, their sauce is good. Thumbs down on the small portion and price. The huevos rancheros is meh. Over easy egg was more like well done. No yolk oozed out. Overall, food was average to my liking. Service and atmosphere was exceptional.

M F.

Yelp

No pork, No Pozel... so we ordered something else we didn't really want and we heard a microwave warming up our food. So disappointing and some of the food was still cold like the rice especially. We love going to many mexican restaurants and this one we came because the reviews.. Wouldn't come back because I don't think a microwave should be in ANY restaurant, Make the food FRESH.. you can definitely tell the difference between FRESH food and microwave food

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

On the Grid : El Borrego

https://onthegrid.city/san-diego/kensington/el-borrego

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 834 Cities

San Diego

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , Curbside Pick Up

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Best Restaurants in City Heights | Eater San Diego

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-city-heights-san-diego

El Borrego/Facebook

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

@postcardnews

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/places/el-borrego-restaurant/

Mexican Food in San Diego (2025)

View this post on Instagram

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

Pranjali S.

Google

Coryne S S.

Google

Cristian M.

Google

The mole was sweet and a little spicy. The green had a good roasted taste. The chips were perfectly crunchy in the sauce. Both chilaquiles were very delicious.

Axel G.

Google

Ruth P

Google

kenny T.

Google

Awesome mom and pop restaurant. Beautifully decorated and food is great! I ordered the lamb special which comes with a lamb rolled taco, lamb taco, and quesadilla with rice and cactus

Erik P

Google

Family owned mexican food restaurant. Food is great and authentic with good portions. Pricing is fair. Parking can be a lil hard to find.

David D.

Google

Shylene B.

Yelp

Espy M.

Yelp

Chad M.

Yelp

Pranjali S.

Yelp

Liz L.

Yelp

Aidee P.

Yelp

Jiselle T.

Yelp

Alexandra E.

Yelp

I love the enchiladas... services always polite and friendly... beautiful outside sitting... I really recommend this place ...more than 3 years coming here

Erik P.

Yelp

Family owned mexican food restaurant. Food is great and authentic with good portions. Pricing is fair. Parking can be a lil hard to find.

Kiki H.

Yelp

Da'Jour T.

Yelp

Hieu L.

Yelp

Anton F.

Yelp

Neruth P.

Yelp

A T.

Yelp

Regina W.

Yelp

G K.

Yelp

Delicious Borrego Lamb Combo with rice & beans. Tasty tortillas! Very friendly service. Great outside patio. No parking so park and walk in.

Carolina V.

Yelp

Honestly, the barbacoa is flavorless and dry. I've had my fare share of barbacoa and this is not it. The consome i watered down and the chickpeas are hard. And the tacos are served very poorly.

Dung N.

Yelp

Jose G.

Yelp

Very good homemade food, the best Chilaquiles I've eaten in a long time. Their sheep plates are flavorful. The service is excellent. Outside and inside seating, both are great.

Yael M.

Yelp

Kourtney B.

Yelp

Sydney S.

Yelp

Jack C.

Yelp

Jessica W.

Yelp

The food is amazing !!! Delicious true Mexican food! The lamb is so wonderful and I can't wait to eat here again. Also the staff is so nice and welcoming!

jenny w.

Yelp

Michael W.

Yelp

Martin E.

Yelp

Food is really delicious. Food tastes like a home cooked meal. Cafe de olla is good too.

Anthony M.

Yelp

Leah S.

Yelp

My boyfriend and I have eaten here a few times and both times have been AMAZING! Will definitely be repeat customers

Kira M.

Yelp

Estefania R.

Yelp

Rayleen L.

Yelp

Marianna L.

Yelp

Yummy food & friendly service. The salsas are the cherry on top. Beautiful, chill back patio to enjoy yourself too.

Austin K.

Yelp

J K.

Yelp

Jim T.

Yelp

Fabian L.

Yelp

b s.

Yelp

Mateo V.

Yelp

Arturo A.

Yelp

Amazing food and will hopefully stay like this for a long time. We have been stopping by many years now, and we live in Orange County

Summerelli S.

Yelp

Alfonso D.

Yelp

The food was amazing everything on point Especially the huevos rancheros ... this type of food reminds me of home .. very very delicious I recommend you to come here .. you won't be disappointed !!

Kevin N.

Yelp

Siria F.

Yelp

Diana M.

Yelp

Anita S.

Yelp

Myphuong L.

Yelp

M F.

Yelp

El Borrego Restaurant Caterer, Outdoor Venue , outdoor patio

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On the Grid : El Borrego

Best Restaurants in City Heights | Eater San Diego

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On the Grid : El Borrego

Best Restaurants in City Heights | Eater San Diego