Food in Tijuana

[Psychman]

I have been having some excellent dinners at La Justina and its walkable from the zona. Highly recommended, as good as any place in San Diego for half the price.

Love La Justina. Great, creative food and terrific cocktails. The Octopus burger is outstanding, as is the Salmon Creme Brule (sounds gross, but fantastic spin--not a dessert).

Even there homemade ketchup (and I don't like ketchup) is terrific.

[Jackie888]

It is a bit of a mystery why Mexico needs to import beef for quality steaks. But I suppose that is Mexico for you.

Probably a marketing thing? I can distinguish beef based on the cut, or if it's a dairy cow vs roaming. But I can't distinguish based on where the cow was raised. Too advance for my taste. But for rich people, I suspect they linked pricing with quality. So they insist on paying for that little extra because a 9. 9 steak isn't good enough.

[Zenduka1]

I remember watching a show that was doing a special on the beef from Sonora which is a very good quality but most of it is imported to the US. Not sure why the beef couldn't be sold for the same amount in Mexico if they are importing other high quality beef.

I was in a new trendy restaurant in GDL and they specialized in having high end items on most things from types of alcohol to its beef like Kobe beef and Wagu. It seemed like the guests just wanted to have the items because they were rare and different not because they are supposedly so much better. Some people just think that because it's more that it's better.

The Japanese can be a pompous culture sometimes. Every country has that make-believe side starting with the US American belief of exceptionalism. Anyway this Cobe beef thing is something blown out of thin air.

[Zenduka1]

I am missing the steak quesadillas at Azul restaurant more than I am missing the ladies.

I miss their empanadas when they used to be palm sized, now they are equal the surface area of your thumb's nail.

[Sol12]

It is a bit of a mystery why Mexico needs to import beef for quality steaks. But I suppose that is Mexico for you.

I remember watching a show that was doing a special on the beef from Sonora which is a very good quality but most of it is imported to the US. Not sure why the beef couldn't be sold for the same amount in Mexico if they are importing other high quality beef.

I was in a new trendy restaurant in GDL and they specialized in having high end items on most things from types of alcohol to its beef like Kobe beef and Wagu. It seemed like the guests just wanted to have the items because they were rare and different not because they are supposedly so much better. Some people just think that because it's more that it's better.

[Hargow20]

It is a bit of a mystery why Mexico needs to import beef for quality steaks. But I suppose that is Mexico for you.

Guys, check out this video (from 2021). Restaurant "Palominos" in Tijuana. Jorge eats the "Black Onyx" steak imported from Australia. Price: USD 45. Looks delicious. Link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw6NZqVPVHU.

[Hargow20]

Decided to have lunch at El Charussco today. The was okay, but not great. I was disappointed by the service. The meat servers were ignoring so had to complain to the manager. The buffet bar was good. I have been there several times and this will be my last.

[StRobert]

The price of Porterhouse at El Prime & Lorenza is $120. For this price you may as well go to Ruth's Chris and be assured of a good steak. I may try Lorenza. How was the steak at Lorenza? I have also noticed that steaks are more expensive on the west coast.

Guys, check out this video (from 2021). Restaurant "Palominos" in Tijuana. Jorge eats the "Black Onyx" steak imported from Australia. Price: USD 45. Looks delicious. Link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw6NZqVPVHU.

[Explorer8939]

I am missing the steak quesadillas at Azul restaurant more than I am missing the ladies.

[Rambo1969]

Anyone try BBQ chicken from Pollos El Costeñito. Near the cathedral.

Looks like a great price for a whole chicken w potatoes, etc.

Very small place with very little sitting. Mostly to go food.

See photo of prices / deals.

[AmorPorFavor]

I have been having some excellent dinners at La Justina and its walkable from the zona. Highly recommended, as good as any place in San Diego for half the price.

[Hargow20]

Good steak has become so expensive that I am coming to believe it is better to cook it at home. Walmart has very good choice T-bone steaks amazingly enough.

I've been to La Fogata several times. One does not go there for the food, one goes for the ambiance. The piano bar is nice, and AFAIK they still have a trio on certain days who sing all the old "Trio LOS Panchos" style songs. (I haven't been since New Years of last year).

They most certainly do not have prime meat. The food tends toward mediocrity.

I've had the prime steak at Lorenza and, frankly, it wasn't that good. The meat was OK but the preparation lacked a lot. I think the best steak I've had in Tijuana was at El Grill. In Valle de Guadalupe it was Deckman's. Those are two solid choices, but prime beef anywhere is expensive, more so in Mexico.

[Phordphan]

Someone gave these recommendations. Im a considering going La Fogatta. Since they server porterhouse steak. Does anyone know if their beef is prime grade. ? Also considering La Fonda Argentina. ?

Tijuana steak:

La fogata.

La chossa.

La Fonda Argentina.

Rosarito:

Las carracas.

La hacienda.

Lo o porrellas.

I've been to La Fogata several times. One does not go there for the food, one goes for the ambiance. The piano bar is nice, and AFAIK they still have a trio on certain days who sing all the old "Trio LOS Panchos" style songs. (I haven't been since New Years of last year).

They most certainly do not have prime meat. The food tends toward mediocrity.

I've had the prime steak at Lorenza and, frankly, it wasn't that good. The meat was OK but the preparation lacked a lot. I think the best steak I've had in Tijuana was at El Grill. In Valle de Guadalupe it was Deckman's. Those are two solid choices, but prime beef anywhere is expensive, more so in Mexico.

[Sol12]

Someone gave these recommendations. Im a considering going La Fogatta. Since they server porterhouse steak. Does anyone know if their beef is prime grade. ? Also considering La Fonda Argentina. ?

Tijuana steak:

La fogata.

La chossa.

La Fonda Argentina.

Rosarito:

Las carracas.

La hacienda.

Lo o porrellas.

Well I personally haven't been to any of the places that you wrote but I have heard good things about La Fonda. Not sure what grade of beef they use I think the higher end places with Prime steaks will cost close to US prices because they have to import the beef and perhaps Mexico puts a high tariff on them like electronics.

If you want to try a good restaurant with more reasonable prices you can try El Portero, they have a nice fire grill they cook over that is cool because it's open to watch and not a fancy place. It was one of my favorite places in Tijuana.

I think a lot of the Rosarito places are more about the view and maybe not the best food compared to Tijuana. I have eaten at the restaurant in the Rosarito Hotel "Chaberts" and was very happy with the steak. It's not a place with a view but very nice decor inside.

[Hargow20]

The price of Porterhouse at El Prime & Lorenza is $120. For this price you may as well go to Ruth's Chris and be assured of a good steak. I may try Lorenza. How was the steak at Lorenza? I have also noticed that steaks are more expensive on the west coast.

I've been to El Grill, Origen Argentino, and Lorenza they were good but similar price to USA I think El Grill was the best, but Lorenza could be up there as well. Merlinas has Kobe beef from Japan and Australia, but they bring it out in a presentation. Kind of embarrassing when you're just trying to eat dinner, but they make it a show. I didn't like El Rodeo, but Bodega 8 is consistently good. Not sure of Bodega 8 is prime grade, but best bang for your buck.