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oChef » The Craft Taco – San Diego
The Craft Taco - San Diego
Photo from The Craft Taco
The Craft Taco at a glance
San Diego Torrey Preserve
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#278 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#29 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
478
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious tacos
- Friendly staff
- Clean ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant The Craft Taco is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the Torrey Preserve neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here, perfect for a casual meal.
One of its standout features is the cozy fireplace, inviting you to relax and enjoy your dining experience. This spot offers a trendy yet comfortable setting where you can savor delicious food and drinks.
Overview: Introducting The Craft Taco
The Craft Taco offers a generally positive dining experience, with many appreciating its delicious tacos and the overall friendly staff. Guests often enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, noting its cleanliness and good vibes.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings tend to shine, making for a satisfying visit. However, some aspects could use refinement.
Diners occasionally find the location a bit hard to find and mention limited seating once inside. There are also concerns about the perceived overpriced nature of some items, and a few experiences with overly spicy food or less attentive service.
Good
7.7
out of 10
478
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
92
negative
25
neutral
361
positive
The Craft Taco generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75.5%. These figures suggest a good experience for most patrons.
The positive feedback, comprising 361 out of 478 total comments, frequently praises the culinary offerings and the welcoming atmosphere. Diving deeper, the Food (8) and Ambience (8.2) stand out as strong points, often highlighted for their quality and enjoyable setting.
Service (7.3) also receives good marks, with many appreciating the attentive staff. However, the Value (4.5) score indicates an area for improvement, as some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh tacos
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Clean, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Value for money
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent service
The Craft Taco is a solid choice if you’re seeking well-prepared food and a pleasant atmosphere, especially if you appreciate delicious tacos and a friendly staff. With a recommendation score of 8.1, it generally leaves a positive impression, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and seating can be limited. If you prioritize excellent food and a good vibe over strict budget concerns or a guaranteed quiet table, The Craft Taco could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Craft Taco
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.4% based on 311 reviews. Guests consistently rave about the incredibly fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, especially praising the crafted tacos and delicious surf and turf burrito options. Many found the quality exceptional, making for an elevated dining experience.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 43 negative comments noting some areas for improvement. A few diners mentioned issues with food temperature, finding dishes served room-temperature or cold. Concerns also arose regarding meat portions being too small, some items being overly spicy, and occasional reports of salty or dry meat, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
311
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
43
negative
18
neutral
250
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Crafted, unique tacos
- Delicious surf & turf
What people don't like
- Cold food served
- Small meat portions
- Dishes too spicy
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially the tacos. Although the place is located in an office complex and can be somewhat hard to find in the dark, the food is worth it. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was also rated highly at 5.
- tacosThe tacos at this place are both visually appealing and absolutely delicious!!
- California burritoone of the best California burritos I have ever had
- California BurritoThe California Burrito is delicious
- FoodFood:5
- craft tacosThe craft tacos are really unique and delicious as well, very interesting flavors that are truly a “craft,”
- fish tacoNY steak and fish taco that I had was delicious.
- freshThe food was absolutely delicious and the portions were very generous. The dorado fish taco was definitely my favorite, so fresh and flavorful!
- fresh ingredientsIt has to be one of the best California burritos I have ever had. The food was super fresh and tasty, and the salsa was delicious. I'll definitely make it a point to stop here from now on when I come down to San Diego.
- ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great taco spot with a straightforward menu and bomb ingredients. The food was beautifully presented.
Frequently criticized
- foodvery spicy food for my kids
- riceThe shrimp tacos and rice were so spicy
- tortillasHe offered an excuse about being suddenly busy, which was unconvincing as I saw another staff member delivering food inside. By the time I picked up my order, the food was cold and the tortillas soggy.
- CarnitasWhile the Carnitas was tender, it came as a whole chunk of meat
- food temperatureHe offered an excuse about being suddenly busy, which was unconvincing as I saw another staff member delivering food inside. By the time I picked up my order, the food was cold and the tortillas soggy.
- tacosmaking the tacos fall apart too easily
- Al PastorThe Al Pastor portion was shockingly small, with barely any meat
- Carne AsadaCarne Asada also had the same hot spice
- DoradoDorado tasted too charred
- RiceRice could be lighter and fluffier
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely fresh, flavorful, and creative tacos, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional hiccups with food temperature or portion sizes, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a delicious meal.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Overall, it seems like the team generally does a pretty good job, earning a solid score of 7.3. While customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 67.3%, many guests rave about the friendly service and helpful staff, often highlighting the owners dedication to a great customer experience.
With 66 positive remarks out of 98 total, theres definitely a lot to appreciate. However, its not always smooth sailing. Around 29 comments point to some frustrations, particularly concerning wait times and instances of bad or lacking service.
Some experiences mention disappointment with takeout orders or general inattentiveness, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency, especially during busy periods.
Service
98
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Outstanding customer service
- Owner goes extra mile
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
- Takeout issues
Often praised
- serviceI had the pleasure of trying a variety of dishes, and every single one of them was exceptional without exception. The service provided by Cam was outstanding, his friendly guidance and attentive care truly stood out. The restaurant also seemed to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, and I thoroughly enjoyed the overall atmosphere.
- staffThe staff was super helpful and friendly
- ServiceThe Service was outstanding.
- ownerevery dish watched carefully by the owner
- customer serviceThe customer service is amazing
- peopleThe people are so friendly and nice
- workersThe workers adjust everything to your liking
- ChefThe Chef made a special bowl of rice for us
- EddieEddie will take good care of you
- JoseThe flavors, combined with the heat of the freshly made salsa, create a culinary adventure. The frontman, Jose, is very down-to-earth and dedicated to sharing his love of food. If you're nearby, you should definitely try this place.
Frequently criticized
- servicelacking service from the servers away from the main kitchen
- tipcustomized the tip to 15% and all I got dirty look
- bad serviceOverpriced and bad service
- cashierdirty look from your cashier!!!
- conveniencemoney matters vs service or convenience
- counter staffcounter to serve the 3 people in front of me
- cutleryhad to request cutlery after our food had been served
- delivery counterorder bagged up at the delivery counter
- disappointmentSo here I am, sitting with my family again with our room-temperature food while I write this review. The second time I've convinced them to try it, only to deliver disappointment, again, for $50+. The food is good, but I'm not exactly rushing back here unless it's a perfect situation.
- drinksPicked up my drinks personally
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and a good overall vibe, its definitely worth a shot. Just be prepared that during peak times, you might encounter some longer waits or minor service hiccups, especially if you're getting takeout.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a strong overall score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a solid 85.1%. Many folks, about 40 out of 47 comments, really appreciate the clean and cozy atmosphere, often mentioning the lovely decorations, good vibes, and even the perk of being dog-friendly or next to a brewery. It sounds like a place where you can truly relax and enjoy the setting.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments point out some practical snags. While the atmosphere is generally good, some found the place a bit hard to find, and there were recurring mentions of limited seating options and not enough tables inside. So, while the overall feel is great, be prepared for potential seating challenges, especially during busy times.
Ambience
47
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and cozy
- Great atmosphere
- Dog friendly
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Hard to find
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around a very good taco. The service was great, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, though it was quite loud. My only significant concern was the spiciness of the food, which was unexpectedly very spicy for my kids.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessmaintain a high standard of cleanliness
- experienceoverall the experience is amazing
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was great! The space is medium-sized, which makes it feel cozy and contributes to the good vibes. Most importantly, the food was damn good!
- cleaneverything was incredibly clean
- decorationslove the decorations
- dog friendlyThe place is dog friendly
- eateryThis little corner eatery is clean and cute inside
- musicWe are definitely coming back to try other food options. The atmosphere is pretty chill with the music (Bob Marley was playing when we arrived), and it’s a clean restaurant. The staff was also very friendly and helpful.
Frequently criticized
- hard to findMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially the tacos. Although the place is located in an office complex and can be somewhat hard to find in the dark, the food is worth it. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was also rated highly at 5.
- seatingMore seating would be nice too
- seating optionsthere’s limited seating options
- seats insideThe food was good. However, there are not enough seats inside.
- tablesMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. There are not many tables available, and I noticed that you can go across the parking lot to the brewery which has tables. The tacos were pricy, but I found the quality to be good.
If you're looking for a spot with great vibes, cleanliness, and a cozy feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that seating can be limited, so it might be best to go during off-peak hours or be prepared for a bit of a wait.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Looking at value, a few guests found the pricing quite reasonable, with 5 positive remarks highlighting items as well priced and worth it. Some felt the price was truly justified for the quality and portion size. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.5, customer satisfaction is quite low at 22.7%, indicating a mixed perception.
However, the majority of the 22 comments, specifically 15 negative ones, point to significant concerns. Many found items, particularly the tacos, to be expensive and overpriced. There were also mentions of a high 22% tip and disappointment with the price of a taco not matching expectations, suggesting that for many, the value just isn't there.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- High mandatory tip
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricethe price was very reasonable
- craft tacoeach are $10 but it’s truly worth it as they’re bigger as well!
- well pricedEverything was fresh, delicious and well priced
- worth itbut so worth it!
Frequently criticized
- priceThe portion, price and taste is not as good
- expensiveA bit expensive compared to other local taco shops
- 22% tipthey will try to charge you 22% tip
- Monday happy hourMonday happy hour doesn't apply if you want takeout
- OverpricedOverpriced and bad service
- price of a taconot that much better for price of a taco
- pricesPrices can be a little high
- tacoFor $5 a taco, I expected more
- tacosPricy tacos
- tacos (Taco Plate)The tacos (Taco Plate) are overpriced for the quality
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a mixed bag on value. While some find certain items reasonably priced and worth it, a significant number of customers feel the offerings are overpriced, especially the tacos. It might be worth trying if youre not on a strict budget, but be mindful of potential costs.
How are the prices at The Craft Taco?
You’re looking at roughly $21 per person – reported by 88 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around $21, we see a good mix of spending, with many guests opting for options in the $11–$20 range, alongside those spending a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find something delicious whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Craft Taco
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Craft Tacos with Friendly Service
Wow! My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The tacos were both visually appealing and absolutely delicious.
Although it's located in a business district and the place is fairly small, with most people opting for takeout, we chose to dine in. You order at the register, and they offer a great selection of classic street tacos. You can pick three to build a taco plate, which includes beans and rice.
The craft tacos were particularly unique and delicious, offering very interesting flavors that were truly a "craft. " Each craft taco was $10, but they were larger and truly worth the price. Throughout our meal, three different waitresses and waiters checked in with us, and they were all super friendly!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place!
- tacos9
- craft tacos10
- waitresses and waiters10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Tacos and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their great tacos and burritos. The a-la-carte tacos were huge, while the street tacos were more comparable to what you'd find elsewhere.
The service was very friendly, and we will definitely be coming back!
- tacos and burritos9
- a-la-cart tacos9
- street tacos6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Tacos Worth the Search
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially the tacos. Although the place is located in an office complex and can be somewhat hard to find in the dark, the food is worth it. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was also rated highly at 5.
The atmosphere was good, scoring a 4. The price per person is between $10–20.
- tacos10
- food10
- hard to find3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Craft Tacos Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the best craft tacos ever. Oh my god, they were so delicious and juicy, packed with incredible flavor and made with fresh ingredients.
I highly recommend!
- craft tacos10
- flavor9
- fresh ingredients9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Rarely happy, but this place did it!
Our group of four was very happy with the food, which is rare for us. The street tacos were well-made, featuring fresh lime and red onion. The guacamole was fresh, and the salsas were tasty, unlike what one often finds.
The service was very accommodating as my family kept changing their minds, and they were very sweet about it. If I lived here, I would be frequenting this place.
- street tacos9
- guacamole9
- salsas9
What The Craft Taco offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at The Craft Taco in Torrey Preserve?
At The Craft Taco, you’ll find convenient free parking in a lot that usually has plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.
Can you tell me about the dining experience and offerings at The Craft Taco?
The Craft Taco offers a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You can enjoy small plates, vegetarian options, and a selection of alcohol, wine, and beer. They also provide outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.
How does The Craft Taco rate overall?
The Craft Taco holds a restaurant score of **7.7** out of 10, with a customer satisfaction rate of **75.5%**. Its **Food** (8), **Ambience** (8.2), and **Service** (7.3) are rated well, though **Value** (4.5) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food?
Many customers praise the delicious tacos and California burritos, often highlighting the use of fresh ingredients and unique flavors.
Are there any common concerns about dining at The Craft Taco?
Some diners note that the prices can be a bit high, and there are occasional comments about limited seating and the food being unexpectedly spicy for some.