Portside Coffee & Gelato

My time in San Diego was not disappointing. Great food, tons of activities and beautiful site seeing locations. Miguel’s Cocina restaurant was amazing and their interpretation of traditional favorites is delightful and delicious. The huge portions allow you to have seconds for later. A must visit while in San Diego. There are several locations in S. D.

Jesus, crushed the service. Fast, polite, and right…give that man a raise! Had the burger, and finished it off with Churos…a perfect day, with the best view. Thank you

Food and drinks were good. People at our table enjoyed the mole and enchiladas the most. If you get there at a good time, or maybe reserve in advance you can get really nice views. Will come back to try more food.

Service was slow in the beginning and picked up after we got our food. This location has parking lot right in front (3 hour limit paid, not complimentary). The ambiance and gorgeous view makes the patio desirable. It was a hot day but there was a nice breeze on the patio in which I had to run to the car to grab a jacket and so did the other people at my table.. So keep that in mind for dress attire if you are sitting on the patio. The margaritas are excellent here and the Faldo 7 Mares soup was so delicious, I ate everything. I normally have leftovers but because it was chilly on the patio and the soup was so good I ate all of it. I will definitely reorder this the next time I visit. It’s about $28-35 per person for an entree and drink, and gratuity.

+5

I recently had an incredible dining experience at Miguel’s Cocina that deserves all the praise! From start to finish, every dish we tried was outstanding. The shrimp quesadilla was a standout. Perfectly cooked shrimp, tender and flavorful, were tucked inside a crispy tortilla with just the right amount of melted cheese. Every bite had a delicious balance of freshness and richness. The Red Chile Caesar Salad was another highlight. It’s a unique twist on the classic Caesar — the red chile dressing added a smoky, slightly spicy kick that made it unforgettable. Crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, and crunchy croutons made it a perfect starter. We also tried the pork belly quesadilla, and it was next-level. The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned, and it paired beautifully with the gooey cheese and crisp tortilla. It was rich without being too heavy—truly comfort food. Finally, we ended the meal with the coconut flan, which was the perfect sweet finish. Silky, smooth, and packed with rich coconut flavor, it had It has just the right balance of sweetness without being overwhelming. It's an absolute must-try if you love coconut! Overall, Miguel’s Cocina delivered an incredible meal with bold flavors, great portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Fast service, a little too fast. Food was great and had a ton of gluten free options - staff is also knowledgeable for celiac. The Coco Pina Margarita was delish, but way way too much ice and such a small glass.

Great Mexican food for a decent price and amazing views! The service was on point; you get chips with salsa and queso as soon as you are seated, and you never run out! Make sure to try the passion fruit margarita!

Sat at the bar and had great service. Shout out to Kim, Sheldon, and Cesar. It was busy, and they were very attentive and friendly to everyone at the bar. The food was also amazing, and the view is one of the best in the area.

Miguel’s Cocina was a phenomenal experience. Came here on a Sunday afternoon with a party of 4 and requested a table outside. I was given a 30 estimated time but waited about half of that time. They brought us water right away and had children coloring page and crayons available right away. Chips and salsa came quickly as well, also cheese jalapeño sauce, yum! The food was really good as well! We ordered the kids the carnitas plate which came with beans and rice, they approved! The carne asada plate was so flavorful I like it better than any other meat I’ve had recently. I ordered the Enchiladas Sucias and was satisfied by how filling it was. There was plenty of shredded chicken in there and the green salsa was so good. Our margaritas did not disappoint as well, strong because of the reposado tequila but yum! Churros and ice cream was delicious! The harbor view was spectacular. Loved it here!

This is a wonderful restaurant with a great view, located on the second floor of the beach. The food is delicious, the service is good, and the prices are reasonable. The most expensive dish was the fried seafood, which was around $24, but most dishes were around $18. I smiled as I watched a few people, who seemed to be friends, sitting at the bar and cheering cheerfully.

Delicious food, upbeat atmosphere, very helpful service, and great waterfront views.

Came as a large group with a reservation and they did excellent in caring for us. Drinks came out all together. Food came out in a quick fashion. It did feel very celebratory. Fajitas are good and prefer the steak. Shrimp was cooked well but I felt could be more seasoned. Chicken and pork were dry. Flour tortillas were the way to go. Carajillo was good.

This place is a fantastic mexican food place! The chips and salsa were amazing, my chicken fajitas wonderful, and the beer nice and cold. Mariana the bartender did a great job and took care of everything for me. This is my third time in San diego and next time I am in the area, I will definitly be hitting this spot up again! Thanks to all the staff for a great experience!

I liked the location, on the water. It was a little too loud for me. No espresso, just regular coffee. Food and service was good.

Couldn’t check-in to hotel, found this place across the street for a nice lunch after landing in SD! Was able to grab a seat on the outside water front deck. Lovely local beer choices and great food!!

First time at Miguel's and hands-down best meal we've had in our week in San Diego. Promptly seated outside at table for two directly on the water at sunset. Service was extremely fast considering how busy it became shortly thereafter. Delicious food and free chips and salsa while we waited. To top it off, we asked for a box for our few remaining chips and they brought us an entire bag of fresh ones! Highly recommended.

While on vacation we were looking for some Mexican food for dinner and actually stumbled into this place. Really glad we did. Great food, great service, and great atmosphere. Well priced selection of food and plenty of food on the plate. Great location as well, with plenty of parking. Bonus, I appreciate when the manager stops by your table and checks on you. Their manager not only stopped by our table, but he also brought more chips and dip. Small thing, but very much appreciated.

Moni G

Miguel’s Cocina was a phenomenal experience. Came here on a Sunday afternoon with a party of 4 and requested a table outside. I was given a 30 estimated time but waited about half of that time. They brought us water right away and had children coloring page and crayons available right away. Chips and salsa came quickly as well, also cheese jalapeño sauce, yum! The food was really good as well! We ordered the kids the carnitas plate which came with beans and rice, they approved! The carne asada plate was so flavorful I like it better than any other meat I’ve had recently. I ordered the Enchiladas Sucias and was satisfied by how filling it was. There was plenty of shredded chicken in there and the green salsa was so good. Our margaritas did not disappoint as well, strong because of the reposado tequila but yum! Churros and ice cream was delicious! The harbor view was spectacular. Loved it here!

Jong Ho Kim

This is a wonderful restaurant with a great view, located on the second floor of the beach. The food is delicious, the service is good, and the prices are reasonable. The most expensive dish was the fried seafood, which was around $24, but most dishes were around $18. I smiled as I watched a few people, who seemed to be friends, sitting at the bar and cheering cheerfully.

Mellissa Wallace

I liked the location, on the water. It was a little too loud for me. No espresso, just regular coffee. Food and service was good.

Dustin Carson

Couldn’t check-in to hotel, found this place across the street for a nice lunch after landing in SD! Was able to grab a seat on the outside water front deck. Lovely local beer choices and great food!!

Aldo Sanchez

Great Mexican food for a decent price and amazing views! The service was on point; you get chips with salsa and queso as soon as you are seated, and you never run out! Make sure to try the passion fruit margarita!

Matt Malone

First time at Miguel's and hands-down best meal we've had in our week in San Diego. Promptly seated outside at table for two directly on the water at sunset. Service was extremely fast considering how busy it became shortly thereafter. Delicious food and free chips and salsa while we waited. To top it off, we asked for a box for our few remaining chips and they brought us an entire bag of fresh ones! Highly recommended.

Armando G

While on vacation we were looking for some Mexican food for dinner and actually stumbled into this place. Really glad we did. Great food, great service, and great atmosphere. Well priced selection of food and plenty of food on the plate. Great location as well, with plenty of parking. Bonus, I appreciate when the manager stops by your table and checks on you. Their manager not only stopped by our table, but he also brought more chips and dip. Small thing, but very much appreciated.

E Lee

Came as a large group with a reservation and they did excellent in caring for us. Drinks came out all together. Food came out in a quick fashion. It did feel very celebratory. Fajitas are good and prefer the steak. Shrimp was cooked well but I felt could be more seasoned. Chicken and pork were dry. Flour tortillas were the way to go. Carajillo was good.

James L (Jflash26)

This place is a fantastic mexican food place! The chips and salsa were amazing, my chicken fajitas wonderful, and the beer nice and cold. Mariana the bartender did a great job and took care of everything for me. This is my third time in San diego and next time I am in the area, I will definitly be hitting this spot up again! Thanks to all the staff for a great experience!

5 stars all around. Amazing food, big portions, great value. Service is top notch and beautiful views. When the sun started to heat up the outside, they accommodated by table where people wanted the blinds lowered to. All around phenomenal place to eat and have an amazing experience.

Loved my margarita, chips and salsa . And loved MIGUEL’S 1/2 POUND CANTINA CHEESEBURGER Bacon, guacamole, pepper jack cheese & spicy chile mayo; served with French fries. I added some Jalapenos to it. Family got Steak fajitas, taco trio, chicken millenesa , and Caldo de Mar. Service was great, loved sitting by the window , Was able to enjoy the ocean view.

Food was amazing! Skip the margaritas… Note the wine pours are 6oz, fair price for the cost. Server checked in once during all of dinner.

The food and the cocktail were not that great. We had the fajitas and the meat tasted like it had been cook for a little while. The service was ok. Nothing out of the basic.

Fast seating without a reservation. Excellent service and delicious food

We sat outside and the sun hits too hard but the view is beautiful. Service is great and everyone is so friendly. In my personal opinion (or it could be my drink choice) I don’t think cocktails are their forte. Food was good, not authentic Mexican and the flavor is a little bland but big quantity. Restrooms are shared but clean, I just didn’t like that you have to exit the restaurant to go use the restroom. Parking is… well we all know how parking is at the bay. I would go back to give it another chance but I would not order the enchiladas again, they were lacking sauce and flavor.

The location and view was great right on the San Diego Harbor. We sat next to the water and overlooked the harbor and boats, however it gets very hot. Unfortunately not all areas have a shade. I started sweating during dinner. The food wasn't the most amazing Mexican food I've ever had, but very good for the touristy type of restaurant. I appreciated the included chips, salsa, and queso. The service was just okay. Overall, I would visit again.

Miguel’s Cocina in San Diego is a wonderful place to enjoy Mexican food with an amazing ocean view. The restaurant is located right by the water, and one of the best parts of the experience is being able to enjoy the view from your seat. Whether you’re visiting during the day or around sunset, the scenery adds a relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere that really elevates the meal. The restaurant itself has a lively yet comfortable vibe, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors. The seating is well arranged to take advantage of the water view, and it’s a great place to sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food with friends or family. Service was friendly and attentive, even though the restaurant can get busy due to its popular location. We started with the calamari, which was surprisingly different from the usual style. Instead of being overly crispy or heavy, it was very soft and tender. This made it stand out compared to the typical fried calamari you find at many restaurants, and it was enjoyable in its own way, especially if you prefer a lighter texture. We also ordered tacos, and they were very good. The flavors were well balanced, the ingredients tasted fresh, and the portions were satisfying. Overall, Miguel’s Cocina is a great choice if you’re looking for tasty Mexican food paired with a beautiful ocean view. It’s a place worth visiting at least once when you’re in San Diego, especially if you enjoy dining with a view.

Great food. The fried squid was the most perfectly soft succulent I've ever had in my life. Just wow. The view of the harbor was nice. The waiters were quite busy. I only saw my server twice. That was a bit disappointing, but it did keep me from over ordering food.

Just walking into Miguel’s Cocina you’re surrounded by eye pleasing decoration pieces and the vibe of a waterfront restaurant. The music is very well selected, so the ambient is set up good. I sat on the outside tables next to the water and they even asked if the sun was too hot so they could bring the shade down. Initially they brought out corn chips which were warm and recently made as well as the salsa which was tomato based, tasty, and well seasoned. It wasn’t too hot, but you can feel the spice. They also brought out their signature white sauce which tastes like drippy white cheese mixed with some peppers, it’s a 10/10 sauce. I ordered the Carne Asada (Medium). The carne asada was cooked all the way through, so it wasn’t medium except on the thicker part which was maybe a bite size area. However the seasoning and marinade was tasty and the little char pieces also added flavor. The orange rice is a classic and the flavors were there, the beans with the cheese on top were also flavorful and the texture on both was great. They also serve the dish with three tortillas and they also tasted delicious. I ordered the Calamari which i’ve never tried before so I didn’t have a reference to, but it tasted bland. Not sure if the calamari itself was not seasoned correctly or if the breading wasn’t seasoned well, but it was only alright. They served the calamari with the white sauce, a lime wedge, a green onion, and some pico de gallo. Overall experience was great, but the food might need a little bit more work done. GREAT service, Mariana was keeping up with the food and her attention was amazing. Would come again mainly for the ambient and location.

The food is amazing but honestly the staff was even better. We had a great time. We had fish tacos, carne asada, and taco of the month. Also Passionfruit margaritas was delicious. If you can get a outside seat do it! The views are beautiful.

The food is great—I actually had different expectations about the vibe going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s lively, with a spacious indoor-outdoor layout. The outdoor seating area is especially gorgeous at sunset. Bottom line: • Just dank food and drinks—worth every penny, and surprisingly affordable. • We got 2 cocktails, an appetizer, and 2 main dishes for just under $85. Not sure if living in San Diego has warped my sense of what things should cost… or if this spot is just that dope. Every once in a while, you hit a place you think you’ve already figured out, then get completely reintroduced in the best way. This was one of those times.

Food was good, not wow! Vibe/atmosphere 10/10. The nachos to start were 10/10. Fish tacos were 7/10, fajitas were 8/10, raspberry mojito 9/10, cake 10/10.

Miguel’s Cocina at Portside Pier is a great spot if you want good Mexican food with one of the best views in San Diego. The chips and salsa are a strong start, and the jalapeño white sauce is something you’ll want to try with everything. Good prices and excellent service.

This chain Mexican restaurant is a pretty good option when you’re craving Mexican food and want something convenient. We went on a Friday night, and even though it was very busy, we were able to snag two open seats at the bar right away. The bartender was friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. One thing I really appreciate is that they offer complimentary chips with salsa and queso—and honestly, who doesn’t love queso? My husband and I split the fajitas, and even between the two of us, we still had leftovers for the next day. The food is decent—it’s not the best Mexican food I’ve ever had, but it’s good enough that we find ourselves going back, especially since it’s the closest Mexican restaurant within walking distance for us. Overall, it’s a reliable spot when you’re looking for something casual, quick, and satisfying.

Miguel's is a great contemporary mexican restaurant. It's beautifully in downtown San Diego, with great views of the port of San Diego. The food was really fulfilling, and cocktails were tasty.

Rina

Miguel’s Cocina in San Diego is a wonderful place to enjoy Mexican food with an amazing ocean view. The restaurant is located right by the water, and one of the best parts of the experience is being able to enjoy the view from your seat. Whether you’re visiting during the day or around sunset, the scenery adds a relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere that really elevates the meal. The restaurant itself has a lively yet comfortable vibe, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors. The seating is well arranged to take advantage of the water view, and it’s a great place to sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food with friends or family. Service was friendly and attentive, even though the restaurant can get busy due to its popular location. We started with the calamari, which was surprisingly different from the usual style. Instead of being overly crispy or heavy, it was very soft and tender. This made it stand out compared to the typical fried calamari you find at many restaurants, and it was enjoyable in its own way, especially if you prefer a lighter texture. We also ordered tacos, and they were very good. The flavors were well balanced, the ingredients tasted fresh, and the portions were satisfying. Overall, Miguel’s Cocina is a great choice if you’re looking for tasty Mexican food paired with a beautiful ocean view. It’s a place worth visiting at least once when you’re in San Diego, especially if you enjoy dining with a view.

Jeran Cox

Great food. The fried squid was the most perfectly soft succulent I've ever had in my life. Just wow. The view of the harbor was nice. The waiters were quite busy. I only saw my server twice. That was a bit disappointing, but it did keep me from over ordering food.

Marcos Castaneda

Just walking into Miguel’s Cocina you’re surrounded by eye pleasing decoration pieces and the vibe of a waterfront restaurant. The music is very well selected, so the ambient is set up good. I sat on the outside tables next to the water and they even asked if the sun was too hot so they could bring the shade down. Initially they brought out corn chips which were warm and recently made as well as the salsa which was tomato based, tasty, and well seasoned. It wasn’t too hot, but you can feel the spice. They also brought out their signature white sauce which tastes like drippy white cheese mixed with some peppers, it’s a 10/10 sauce. I ordered the Carne Asada (Medium). The carne asada was cooked all the way through, so it wasn’t medium except on the thicker part which was maybe a bite size area. However the seasoning and marinade was tasty and the little char pieces also added flavor. The orange rice is a classic and the flavors were there, the beans with the cheese on top were also flavorful and the texture on both was great. They also serve the dish with three tortillas and they also tasted delicious. I ordered the Calamari which i’ve never tried before so I didn’t have a reference to, but it tasted bland. Not sure if the calamari itself was not seasoned correctly or if the breading wasn’t seasoned well, but it was only alright. They served the calamari with the white sauce, a lime wedge, a green onion, and some pico de gallo. Overall experience was great, but the food might need a little bit more work done. GREAT service, Mariana was keeping up with the food and her attention was amazing. Would come again mainly for the ambient and location.

Alexandria Bolduc

The food is amazing but honestly the staff was even better. We had a great time. We had fish tacos, carne asada, and taco of the month. Also Passionfruit margaritas was delicious. If you can get a outside seat do it! The views are beautiful.

Patrishya Allis

Food was good, not wow! Vibe/atmosphere 10/10. The nachos to start were 10/10. Fish tacos were 7/10, fajitas were 8/10, raspberry mojito 9/10, cake 10/10.

Darryl Gordon

Miguel’s Cocina at Portside Pier is a great spot if you want good Mexican food with one of the best views in San Diego. The chips and salsa are a strong start, and the jalapeño white sauce is something you’ll want to try with everything. Good prices and excellent service.

I C

Miguel's is a great contemporary mexican restaurant. It's beautifully in downtown San Diego, with great views of the port of San Diego. The food was really fulfilling, and cocktails were tasty.

Sarah D

This chain Mexican restaurant is a pretty good option when you’re craving Mexican food and want something convenient. We went on a Friday night, and even though it was very busy, we were able to snag two open seats at the bar right away. The bartender was friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. One thing I really appreciate is that they offer complimentary chips with salsa and queso—and honestly, who doesn’t love queso? My husband and I split the fajitas, and even between the two of us, we still had leftovers for the next day. The food is decent—it’s not the best Mexican food I’ve ever had, but it’s good enough that we find ourselves going back, especially since it’s the closest Mexican restaurant within walking distance for us. Overall, it’s a reliable spot when you’re looking for something casual, quick, and satisfying.

AJ Hmoud

The food is great—I actually had different expectations about the vibe going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s lively, with a spacious indoor-outdoor layout. The outdoor seating area is especially gorgeous at sunset. Bottom line: • Just dank food and drinks—worth every penny, and surprisingly affordable. • We got 2 cocktails, an appetizer, and 2 main dishes for just under $85. Not sure if living in San Diego has warped my sense of what things should cost… or if this spot is just that dope. Every once in a while, you hit a place you think you’ve already figured out, then get completely reintroduced in the best way. This was one of those times.

We stopped in since it was right across from our hotel and offered a free appetizer. The food overall was okay, but nothing really stood out. The calamari came complimentary. The batter had a nice flavor, but the octopus itself was a bit bland and had a soft texture. The sauce didn’t add much either. The Sesame Seared Tuna Salad was average—fresh enough, but not particularly memorable (6/10). The Chicken Chimichanga was similar—fine, just nothing special (7/10). The Kids Bean and Cheese Burrito sounded better than it tasted, though it ended up being the dish we liked most. Service was so-so, not bad but not especially attentive. The view, however, was very nice and easily the highlight of the visit. Overall: Decent spot with a great view, but the food and service were just okay.

I went here looking at the high rating. Either people haven't had good mexican food or it's for the location. I ordered Mar Y Tierra ($30) for dinner. The service was very slow, meat was chewy and didn't go well with the shrimp tamale. The only flavorful thing on the plate was the refried beans! I can see the appeal because this restaurant is right on the water, but I would rate the food as very good.

I was actually disappointed with this restaurant and was expecting something better. The view is great, and the French doors allow for a very nice breeze. The decorations are very nice, it’s cultural and fancy. Overall the atmosphere is very pleasant and fresh. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and there’s access to the water from the side. That said, staff at the front was cold with us when we asked for a table. We had settled into our table and decided to use the bathroom, leaving our stuff on our seats and with chips on the table. We came back from the bathroom and the table had been cleared out and given to someone else as “they assumed we left” even though our stuff was still at said table- we had to be given a different table. We ordered fajitas to split since the plates are big. The food looked great but it came out cold, overcooked, and under seasoned. When we told the server he was kind enough to comp our sodas. We didn’t finish the food and decided not to take the leftovers. I love eating in San Diego and was told good things about this place and was disappointed. Have not ate there since and I probably won’t again…

Went for a galentines dinner on fri 2/13 for a reservation at 8pm. Whoever the hostess was at this date/time greeted us while her face lay rested in her hands as if to tired or careless to greet us warmly. When I told her our reservation she said 2 ppl in our party were already seated and would show us to our table. Rather than walk us to our table (like every restaurant experience has been) she directed us where to go by pointing which direction our table was. Her welcome or lack there of and the start of our experience here was so off putting.

This Mexican restaurant has a fun atmosphere, but our service was delayed. After being seated for several minutes, I had to ask the manager if someone could take our order. The service felt a little all over the place, and we had to wait for refills as well. It was slower than expected.

Varun Gupta

I went here looking at the high rating. Either people haven't had good mexican food or it's for the location. I ordered Mar Y Tierra ($30) for dinner. The service was very slow, meat was chewy and didn't go well with the shrimp tamale. The only flavorful thing on the plate was the refried beans! I can see the appeal because this restaurant is right on the water, but I would rate the food as very good.

Angelica Lopez

I was actually disappointed with this restaurant and was expecting something better. The view is great, and the French doors allow for a very nice breeze. The decorations are very nice, it’s cultural and fancy. Overall the atmosphere is very pleasant and fresh. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and there’s access to the water from the side. That said, staff at the front was cold with us when we asked for a table. We had settled into our table and decided to use the bathroom, leaving our stuff on our seats and with chips on the table. We came back from the bathroom and the table had been cleared out and given to someone else as “they assumed we left” even though our stuff was still at said table- we had to be given a different table. We ordered fajitas to split since the plates are big. The food looked great but it came out cold, overcooked, and under seasoned. When we told the server he was kind enough to comp our sodas. We didn’t finish the food and decided not to take the leftovers. I love eating in San Diego and was told good things about this place and was disappointed. Have not ate there since and I probably won’t again…

The food was amazing. I give 1 star because you need to be careful. The server served us a $90 shot of tequila when she asked for a $25 shot. We feel quite taken advantage of for sure and won't be back for this reason.

+2

Came here with friends after visiting Old Town and decided to eat here. We were seated but waited about 20 minutes before our server took our order. When ordering, we asked about portion sizes and were told multiple times that the plates were “shareable.” When the food arrived, the portions were much smaller than described, which forced us to order additional food. I ordered the Fajitas Supremo, which was just okay. Our server did mention that there was a rush and that they were understaffed, but the main issue was the clear difference in service. Throughout our visit, other tables—who were non-Mexican—received faster service, more attention, and noticeably friendlier interactions. We had a child with us who ordered a kids’ plate and did not receive any condiments, while another child at a nearby table did. We also asked our server for another basket of tortilla chips and never received it, having to ask another server instead. Additionally, we were never given straws for our drinks, while surrounding tables had them. While we understand being busy and understaffed, that should not result in certain guests being treated noticeably worse than others. As customers of Mexican descent, it was uncomfortable and disappointing to feel treated differently at a Mexican restaurant. Because of this experience, we would not return or recommend this place.