Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » EsKiNiTa – San Diego
EsKiNiTa - San Diego
Photo from EsKiNiTa
EsKiNiTa at a glance
San Diego Egger Highlands
- 🇵🇭 Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#20 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Filipino Restaurant out of 3 in San Diego
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
376
Reviews
94.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Authentic food
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Unsanitary environment
- Food display
- Loud music
The restaurant EsKiNiTa is a delightful Filipino Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Egger Highlands neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying small plates and quick bites.
With convenient outdoor seating and excellent wheelchair accessibility, it’s designed for everyone to enjoy a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting EsKiNiTa
EsKiNiTa offers a vibrant experience, often praised for its authentic street food and the warm, welcoming service. Many appreciate the lively vibe that transports them, making for a memorable outing.
The genuine hospitality from the staff and owner often leaves a lasting positive impression on diners. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the cleanliness of the environment and occasional issues with food display.
While the overall experience is largely positive, these aspects are worth considering if you prefer a more conventional dining setting.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
376
Reviews
94.7%
Satisfaction
13
negative
7
neutral
356
positive
EsKiNiTa generally earns high marks, with an impressive overall score of 9.1 and excellent customer satisfaction at 94.7%. This positive sentiment is reflected across 356 positive comments out of 376 total, indicating a largely favorable reception.
The Service (9.5) stands out, often described as exceptionally friendly and attentive, contributing significantly to the positive experience. The Food (9.0) also receives strong praise for its authentic flavors, though a few comments touch on consistency.
The lively Ambience (8.8) creates a distinct atmosphere, while Value (8.1) is seen as fair. Despite these strengths, a small number of negative observations (13) point to areas like environmental concerns or occasional food display issues, which are worth noting.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Authentic street food
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unsanitary environment
- Unorganized food display
- Overly loud music
EsKiNiTa offers a distinctive Filipino street food experience, backed by a strong 9.2 recommendation score. If you appreciate a vibrant, authentic atmosphere and genuinely friendly service, this spot is likely to deliver a memorable meal that feels like a cultural journey.
However, be mindful of the casual, bustling environment, which some find a bit unpolished. If you prioritize pristine conditions over an immersive cultural food journey, you might want to adjust your expectations.
For many, the unique flavors and hospitality make it well worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on EsKiNiTa
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With an excellent score of 9 and a stellar 94.8% customer satisfaction, its clear that diners are absolutely loving the authentic street food experience. Based on 183 positive remarks out of 193 total, guests rave about the flavorful bbq skewers, the unique joy of grilling your own BBQ, and the overall deliciousness of the Filipino street food.
However, a few concerns did pop up among the 6 negative comments. Some mentioned issues like food poisoning and inconsistent sisig, with one opinion noting it was mostly pork skin and fat. There were also remarks about limited food options and problems with the sauce, suggesting some areas for improvement.
Food
193
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic street food
- Flavorful BBQ skewers
- Cook-your-own experience
What people don't like
- Food safety concerns
- Inconsistent sisig
Often praised
- foodThe later you arrive, the better, as it can get very crowded. I was a little disappointed the second time I went because the food was not as tasty and the meat was not as tender, but the first time I went, it was excellent. I will go back for sure.
- skewersThe service, experience, and food were exceptional. The owner is incredibly friendly and will show you how to cook your skewers. I can’t wait to go back and try everything!
- sisigoffered us a small taste of their sisig… & my husband and I fell in love with it
- Filipino street foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly special, far from common backyard grill fare. I was looking for an authentic taste of Filipino street food, and this place delivered! The food was bursting with flavor and incredibly fresh.
- FoodFood:5
- isawThe place feels like home, complete with #PinoyChristmasSongs 🎶. The owners are very friendly 🥰, and we had a good time 👍 enjoying dishes like #beefpares🥩, #chickenfeet, #Goto🥣, #isaw, #chickenliver, and #barbeque🍢.
- Filipino foodIf you’re looking for delicious and authentic Filipino food, Eskinita is the perfect place to be. The owner Rich and their staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, making our experience that much better.
- GotoGoto – it’s like a warm hug from your Lola, but with beef tripe and ginger.
- barbequesmelling their barbeque from the parking lot previously, and it was amazing
- bbqAll bbq is delicious
Frequently criticized
- sisigit lacks authenticity. The sisig was mostly pork skin and fat!
- food optionsFood options to grill at the time was displayed with no cooling
- food poisoningsuffered the worst food poisoning
- saucethey ran out of the sauce
If youre craving authentic, flavorful Filipino street food and enjoy the interactive experience of grilling your own BBQ, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of the few mentions regarding food consistency and safety, especially if youre sensitive to those aspects.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 98.1%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 103 comments, a whopping 101 rave about the friendly people and owner who provide great service and genuinely treats you like family, making every visit feel incredibly welcoming and personal.
However, even excellent service can have minor quirks. Only 2 comments touched on areas for improvement, primarily mentioning occasional waiting time and a desire for the place to be open all the time. ' These are small notes in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive experience, suggesting very few hiccups in their customer care.
Service
103
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Warm hospitality
- Treats like family
What people don't like
- Occasional waiting time
- Limited hours
Often praised
- serviceThe food was bursting with flavor and incredibly fresh. The environment was genuinely fun and welcoming, and I felt treated like family. I left with both my belly and my wallet full.
- ownerThe service, experience, and food were exceptional. The owner is incredibly friendly and will show you how to cook your skewers. I can’t wait to go back and try everything!
- staffThe ambiance is very good, creating a relaxing place with good food. The owner is very friendly, and the staff is great, especially the guy who grilled our food. Thank you!
- RichThe food was absolutely delicious, and the service was incredible. Rich was so inviting. I'm giving it a 10 out of 10 and will definitely be coming back!
- customer serviceMy friends suggested it for a late-night hangout, and it did not disappoint! The smell of the grill, the OPM playing in the background, and the familiarity in their customer service made this place a new favorite. Thank you, Kuya Rich, for having us.
- owner RichThe owner Rich is really nice and caters to all the customers
- ownersThe place feels like home, complete with #PinoyChristmasSongs 🎶. The owners are very friendly 🥰, and we had a good time 👍 enjoying dishes like #beefpares🥩, #chickenfeet, #Goto🥣, #isaw, #chickenliver, and #barbeque🍢.
- peoplethe people were friendly
- ServiceService:5
- experiencea full experience like no other
Frequently criticized
- open all the timeIf only they are open all the time
- waiting timewaited about 8 to 15 minutes people arguing
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, this restaurant is an absolute must-try. The exceptional hospitality alone makes it worth the visit, ensuring a delightful experience that goes beyond just the food.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here is truly a standout, scoring a fantastic 8.8 with an excellent 91.8% customer satisfaction! Guests absolutely rave about the welcoming place and cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the interactive dining experience and the great music that sets the mood. Many feel it has an authentic street food atmosphere and a wonderful chill vibe.
With 67 positive remarks out of 73 total, its clear most people are loving the scene. However, a few of the 5 negative comments mention some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about the sound system being too loud, making communication difficult.
There were also a couple of remarks about the environment feeling unorganized or dirty, with specific mentions of flies' around the food display, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience
73
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Interactive dining experience
- Authentic street food vibe
What people don't like
- Loud sound system
- Unclean environment
- Flies around food
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was AMAZING! The vibe was great, and the atmosphere was so welcoming and bustling. The bbq was insanely good.
- experienceOur group of 17, including family visiting from out of state, had a wonderful time at this Filipino street food spot. The experience brought back fond memories of growing up in the Philippines. We loved choosing our food and grilling it ourselves, just like back home.
- vibethe vibe of this place will bring you an experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibesthe vibes. Oh.my.goodness.
- ambiancethe ambiance to be great
- musicThe music, the food definitely giving bomb street food
- placeplace itself had a great atmosphere
- BBQ vibesDo yourself a favor and head to this Filipino spot! My experience was an awesome experience with great BBQ vibes and excellent customer service. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- Eskinita vibeit really brought back a core “Eskinita” vibe
Frequently criticized
- environmentI am not the target audience for this place. The food tasted good, but the environment was dirty. Food options to grill were displayed with no cooling and had been standing for an unknown amount of time.
- fliesFood options to grill were displayed with no cooling and had been standing for an unknown amount of time. Flies were everywhere, with many landing on the displayed food options.
- placethis place i just felt like its unorganized
- sanitary conductisn't practicing sanitary conduct
- sound systemThe portion sizes and flavors were good, and the customer service was very good. My recommendation for improvement is to lower the blaring sound system, as it is difficult to communicate when ordering food.
If you're looking for a vibrant, interactive, and authentic street food experience with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few guests noted issues with the loud sound system and occasional concerns about cleanliness, which might impact your visit if those are high priorities for you.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to Value, this place truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a strong 71.4% customer satisfaction. Patrons consistently praise the price, affordable options, and excellent price point, often noting they leave with their belly AND their wallet full. These 5 positive remarks out of 7 total comments highlight the amazing value.
Whats truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. There were zero negative mentions among the 7 total comments, indicating that guests universally feel theyre getting a fantastic deal and excellent bang for their buck.
Value
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Wallet-friendly
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricegrilled out front at a fair price
- affordableFood was very afforable as well
- price pointPrice point is very affordable
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You can expect to enjoy great food without breaking the bank, leaving both your stomach and wallet happy.
How are the prices at EsKiNiTa?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are indeed in that $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are plenty of options for a quicker, cheaper bite, and even a few who splurge for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Filipino Restaurant, offering good value whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a more substantial dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about EsKiNiTa
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Experience, Can't Wait to Return!
My experience at this restaurant totally exceeded my expectations! The service, experience, and food were exceptional. The owner is incredibly friendly and will show you how to cook your skewers.
I can’t wait to go back and try everything!
- service10
- food10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Filipino Gem with Stellar Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional! It's a true hidden gem for anyone seeking authentic Filipino food. The service was incredible, with the owner personally greeting us and providing a comprehensive rundown, creating an unparalleled experience.
Everything was 10/10!
- Filipino food10
- service10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Good Food, Terrible Aftermath
The food was great during my visit. However, upon returning home, I experienced the worst food poisoning I've had in nearly 7 years. I was sick for over an hour, and my partner also became ill.
It appears the establishment may not be practicing sanitary conduct, despite the otherwise good taste of their food.
- food8
- food poisoning1
- sanitary conduct1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing BBQ, Great Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was AMAZING! The vibe was great, and the atmosphere was so welcoming and bustling. The bbq was insanely good.
I highly recommend coming here; it’s so worth it.
- bbq10
- vibe9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Filipino Flavors & Warm Welcome
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I discovered them on Instagram while searching for "isawan" in San Diego, and the vibe was exactly as others mentioned – on point! I absolutely loved the atmosphere.
From the moment we stepped out of the car, we were warmly greeted by Kuya, who I believe is the owner. He welcomed us, and upon learning it was our first time, he kindly guided us through the menu and highlighted their specialties. We sampled the beef pares and sisig, and they were absolutely bomb!
We ended up ordering the beef pares, sisig, and beef mami, which were "saraaaapp! " Thank you for treating us like family and making us feel so welcome. We will definitely be back!
- atmosphere10
- greeting10
- menu guidance9
What EsKiNiTa offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience does EsKiNiTa offer you?
At EsKiNiTa, you can savor authentic Filipino cuisine, specializing in small plates and quick bites. The atmosphere is casual, making it a relaxed spot for dinner or lunch. You have the flexibility of outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery options.
Is EsKiNiTa accessible and family-friendly for your visit?
Absolutely! EsKiNiTa ensures a welcoming experience with wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and seating. Plus, it’s known to be good for kids, making it an ideal spot for family outings. You’ll also find plenty of free street and lot parking available.
How does EsKiNiTa rate overall?
EsKiNiTa holds an excellent overall score of **9.1**, with customer satisfaction at **94.7%**. Its **Service** (9.5) and **Food** (9.0) are particularly highly rated, followed by its lively **Ambience** (8.8) and fair **Value** (8.1).
What kind of experience can I expect at EsKiNiTa?
You can expect an authentic Filipino street food experience with a lively, welcoming **vibe**. Many guests enjoy the unique atmosphere and the chance to choose and grill their own food, reminiscent of street food back home.
Are there any common concerns about EsKiNiTa?
Some guests have noted concerns regarding the **cleanliness** of the environment and the display of food options. There have also been occasional comments about the sound system being too loud.