Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Sayulitas – San Diego
Sayulitas - San Diego
Photo from Sayulitas
Sayulitas at a glance
San Diego Otay Mesa West
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#619 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#90 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
340
Reviews
52.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Unique flavors
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent quality
- Phone issues
The restaurant Sayulitas, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Otay Mesa West neighborhood, invites you to experience a quick bite of authentic flavors. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, this trendy eatery has you covered. It’s a fantastic destination for delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Sayulitas
Sayulitas offers a culinary experience where generous portion sizes often impress, particularly with their hearty burritos and carne asada fries. Many appreciate the generally friendly staff and the welcoming family atmosphere that makes dining here pleasant.
However, some experiences with customer service have been less than ideal, occasionally leading to frustration. While the food receives considerable praise for its flavors and unique combinations, the perception of value can be a sticking point.
Some find the offerings overpriced, especially considering the overall dining experience. Additionally, the small space and occasional cleanliness issues in the dining area have been noted by patrons.
Average
5.8
out of 10
340
Reviews
52.6%
Satisfaction
146
negative
15
neutral
179
positive
Sayulitas holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 52.6%, indicating a mixed reception from its patrons. This assessment is drawn from 340 customer comments, with 179 positive remarks and 146 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable split in experiences.
Delving into specifics, Food scores an average (6.1), often praised for its generous portions and unique flavors. Ambience also lands in the average range (6), with comments noting a clean, family-friendly setting, though some find the space small.
Service is similarly average (5.3), with many appreciating the staff’s friendliness. However, Value stands out as a weaker point, scoring a poor (3.6), frequently cited for high prices.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Unique flavor profiles
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unreliable phone service
Sayulitas presents a mixed offering, with its 5.8 recommendation score reflecting a balanced view. If you prioritize substantial portions and distinctive flavor combinations, particularly in their burritos and carne asada, it could be a worthwhile visit.
The staff often receives praise for their helpfulness, contributing to a generally pleasant experience. However, be prepared for the pricing, as many customers find it on the higher side, impacting the overall value perception.
While the food can be a highlight, some report inconsistencies in quality and service, especially regarding phone orders. Consider your priorities before visiting to manage expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sayulitas
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers an average experience with a score of 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 56.5%. However, many of the 130 positive opinions rave about the amazing variety and truly large portions. Folks especially love the flavor and unique Filipino twist in many dishes, making for some seriously satisfying meals.
On the flip side, 92 negative opinions out of 230 total point to some significant issues. Some found the food salty and greasy, while others reported inconsistent quality, including uncooked food. A recurring complaint was a general lack of flavor, which can definitely be a letdown.
Food
230
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
92
negative
8
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge portions
- Amazing variety
- Unique Filipino twist
What people don't like
- Salty and greasy
- Inconsistent quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodI tried the Bionic, and it was soooo good! I highly recommend everyone give their food a try. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
- portion sizeThe portion size was great
- burritosOK, seriously, these burritos are ridiculously huge. Usually, I’m not one of those people who are like, 'oh, it’s bigger, so it’s better' – that’s usually not true.
- carne asada friesI tried the carne asada fries which had a good ratio of fries to meat
- portionsportions for burritos and carne asada fries are literally more than enough
- FoodIt's the real deal, offering the BEST chicken fajitas and carne asada. The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- bacon wrapped burritobacon wrapped burrito and it was one of the best burritos I have ever tasted
- burritoGrowing up in San Diego, I've had my share of authentic and delicious Mexican food, but this place served the Best burrito I’ve ever had. The unique combination of Pilipino and Mexican flavors was truly umami!
- carne asadaThey didn't just throw fries in; they were tossed with a cheese sauce first. The big pieces of pork bits were coated with delicious Asian flavors, and the savory carne asada was amazing. Seriously, go there now.
- friesI loved the fries jokes aside
Frequently criticized
- burritosThe worst part is they mix uncooked food with overcooked food, and at the end, they don't even finish cooking. I've gotten burritos with uncooked meat. The hotcheetos burrito was 99% cheetos, 0.
- foodWe went to eat today and were served well, but the food was not to our liking. We received the meat very burned, and it was impossible to eat because it had no flavor.
- meatI ordered carne asada fries, and took my son and mother. The carne asada fries were horrible; the fries were hard as rock, and the meat was dry and burned. We had to return them, and it was hard seeing my family forced to eat it due to how much I had paid.
- burritoWe will most definitely come back. However, we were a little sad that one burrito was missing, which is a 30-minute round trip to resolve. Other than that, the customer service and food were great.
- guacamolegotten rotten guacamole on my carne asada fries
- breakfast burritobreakfast burrito. It was super mushy. No flavor
- friesI ordered carne asada fries, and took my son and mother. The carne asada fries were horrible; the fries were hard as rock, and the meat was dry and burned. We had to return them, and it was hard seeing my family forced to eat it due to how much I had paid.
- guacordered a Cali burrito with guac, got charged $2 for extra gauc and didn't even get any
- saltyit was too salty and too greasy.
- sauceNit enough sauce is offered
If you're looking for massive portions and unique flavor combinations, this place might be worth a try. Just be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some dishes can be a hit or miss in terms of quality and seasoning.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some truly pleasant experiences. With 26 positive remarks out of 55 total, patrons often praise the friendly staff and the overall good service, describing it as top-notch or even superb. Many appreciate the good customer service and a positive dine-in experience, noting how staff went out of their way to help, even after closing.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with an equal 26 negative comments contributing to a 5.3 average score and 47.3% customer satisfaction. Some encounters with customer service have been described as terrible or the worst, citing issues like an unhelpful staff attitude or problems with phone service for pickup orders. There are also concerns about order accuracy and feeling ignored.
Service
55
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Superb service
- Attentive assistance
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Staff attitude issues
- Phone order problems
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- staffstaff is always friendly
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service were great
- cash registerthe lady at the cash register was very kind
- dine in experiencegood dine in experience
- honor their food and guaranteethey will honor their food and guarantee
- kitchenthey had just closed the kitchen, and they still went out of their way to fix my burrito situation.
- respect to VeteransSiempre mostrando respeto a los Veteranos
- take outordered take out
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceThe most upsetting thing was that the young lady at the register did not even apologize or even ask why we were taking the tacos home, or if we were satisfied. It was the worst customer service I have ever experienced. No more Sayulitas for our family.
- phone serviceI love the food here, but the phone service is a major issue. Every time I call to place a pickup order, it rings and sounds like they hang up.
- servicethey would not give me anything else or my money back
- staffThe service was super bad. With less than an hour until closing, the young man immediately told us everything was for takeaway without even a greeting. The lady at the cash register was very kind and asked if it was for here.
- attitudea man came out from the back and gave us more attitude
- closing timeThe service was super bad. With less than an hour until closing, the young man immediately told us everything was for takeaway without even a greeting. The lady at the cash register was very kind and asked if it was for here.
- cooksI believe they have changed cooks, they are not the same
- employeeThe employee who took my order wished me well and said goodbye
- employee interactionsI used to love this place, as their food is always good. However, after 6 loyal years, I will not be returning due to employee interactions. We arrived 30 minutes before closing, and the door was locked, though music was still playing loudly.
- ignored meworker who just ignored me
So, should you go? The service here seems to be a roll of the dice. While many enjoy a friendly and attentive experience, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some frustrating customer service issues, especially with phone orders or if something goes wrong with your meal.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
Many guests truly enjoy the atmosphere here, often highlighting the family atmosphere and appreciating the clean and beautiful interior of the place. With 18 positive remarks among 33 total comments, it seems a good number of diners find the vibe enjoyable and welcoming. However, the experience isnt universally glowing, reflected in an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 54.5%.
Some of the 11 negative comments mention the place sometimes smelling old inside, being loud or filthy, and having dirty tables. The space can also feel too small for bigger parties, ' which can make the atmosphere less ideal.
Ambience
33
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Enjoyable atmosphere
- Clean interior
- Family business vibe
What people don't like
- Smells old inside
- Loud and filthy
- Small for groups
Often praised
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- AtmosphereIt's the real deal, offering the BEST chicken fajitas and carne asada. The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- cleanThe place is clean
- family atmospheregood family atmosphere
- family businessnice to know there’s a family business
- interiorThe place looks beautiful in the inside and it was very warming
- locationlocation was easy to find
- placeThe place is small but has style. The food is very good and the price is reasonable.
- salsa barsalsa bar is always clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethey made the atmosphere very hostile
- bigger partiesbigger parties than 6 would not been able to dine in
- door was lockedThe door was locked
- filthyLoud and filthy
- loudLoud and filthy
- placeel lugar no me gustó
- smells old insideit smells old inside there
- spaceWe both had to share it and were completely full. The place itself is clean, however, it is not a big space. This means that bigger parties than 6 would not have been able to dine in.
- tablesThe tables are dirty
If youre seeking a cozy, clean spot with a family-friendly vibe and dont mind a potentially smaller setting, this place could be a good fit. However, if you're sensitive to noise or odors, or planning a large gathering, you might want to explore other options.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to have a tough time, with a score of just 3.6, which is considered poor. While a few folks found it perfect for the price, especially if youre on a limited budget or looking for a deal like "Taco Tuesday, " the overall sentiment isnt very strong. Out of 22 customer remarks, only 5 leaned positive, highlighting that it can be worth it under specific circumstances.
However, the overwhelming majority, 17 out of 22 comments, point to significant concerns, leaving customer satisfaction at a poor 22.7%. Many feel the prices are too high, describing items as overpriced, expensive, and even a waste of money. It seems the total cost for things like burritos and drinks often leaves customers feeling like theyre not getting their moneys worth.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Taco Tuesday deal
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Expensive drinks
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceThe place is small but has style. The food is very good and the price is reasonable.
- Taco Tuesdaytheir Taco Tuesday is incredibly well priced
- limited budgetif you are very hungry with a limited budget
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was regular, and the price was very high for the place. There are better taco shops for that price.
- PriceNot cheap either cost $22.
- Spam burritoEdible but not worth the money, IMO.
- burritosAnd just as well since they’re around 20 bucks each. While the quantity is appropriate to the price, the flavor definitely isn’t.
- drinkslas bebidas me parecen muy caras
- expensivenow it’s expensive
- extra guac chargegot charged $2 for extra gauc and didn't even get any
- overpricedThis place is overpriced
- pricesThere prices is one and what they charge is a lot higher
- priceyit's pricey
If youre eyeing a good deal, your best bet might be their "Taco Tuesday" special, as thats where the value truly shines for some. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher prices that many customers found to be a significant drawback, making it a place where you might feel you're overpaying.
How are the prices at Sayulitas?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 84 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, most guests actually spend a bit less, with a large number of prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. This shows a nice spread, offering both affordable options and slightly higher-priced experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. It offers flexibility, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sayulitas
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Burrito Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito, but only received a cheese burrito. The cheese wasn't melted, and the presentation was messy.
The burrito fell apart, which was horrible. I'll never order from here again.
- bean and cheese burrito2
- cheese burrito2
- cheese1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Worth the Price at Sayulitas
My experience at Sayulitas was excellent. I can't go wrong with this place. The food was fantastic, earning a perfect 5/5.
While it is a bit pricey, I found it to be worth it. The service was also top-notch, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was enjoyable at 4/5. I visited for lunch and experienced no wait time.
- food10
- worth it9
- service10
- pricey4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Bionic Dish - Must Try!
My first time at this restaurant was a fantastic experience. I tried the Bionic, and it was soooo good! I highly recommend everyone give their food a try.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. The noise level was moderate, and the food received a perfect score of 5.
- Bionic10
- food10
- Atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Scammed by Campechana Fries!
I feel scammed ðŸ˜. Their campechana fries were 80% fries. Initially, it seemed the box was stacked and a good value, but as soon as you eat the top, thin layer of meat, all you get is fries.
- campechana fries2
- value2
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
6
Disappointed by Missing Salsa
My recent experience was disappointing because the burritos and rolled tacos did not come with a side of hot sauce (salsa), which is usually included. I paid for extra salsa and expected to receive both the usual portion and what I paid for. It's a small sacrifice to keep customers coming back.
- burritos3
- rolled tacos3
- extra salsa2
What Sayulitas offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does Sayulitas Mexican Food provide?
At Sayulitas Mexican Food, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also offer convenient services like delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food however you prefer.
What are the parking and accessibility features at Sayulitas Mexican Food?
Sayulitas Mexican Food offers excellent convenience with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually providing plenty of space. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it welcoming for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment and score for Sayulitas?
Sayulitas has an overall **Restaurant Score** of **5.8** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **52.6%**, indicating a mixed reception. While **Food** (6.1), **Ambience** (6), and **Service** (5.3) are generally average, **Value** (3.6) is a notable area of concern due to pricing.
Are the food portions at Sayulitas generous?
Yes, many customers frequently mention the generous portion size of the food, especially for items like burritos and carne asada fries, often finding them more than enough.
Is Sayulitas considered expensive by customers?
Many customers describe Sayulitas as expensive or overpriced, with the **Value** topic scoring poorly at (3.6). Some opinions specifically mention high prices for drinks and certain burritos.