Rubio's
Mexican · La Jolla
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About Rubio's
We're Rubio's, a La Jolla institution serving up fresh Baja-style fish tacos and Mexican-inspired seafood entrees that'll transport you to the coast of California. Our beach-themed decor brings the laid-back vibes of the coast right into our restaurant. Customers rave about our generous portions, mo...
We're Rubio's, a La Jolla institution serving up fresh Baja-style fish tacos and Mexican-inspired seafood entrees that'll transport you to the coast of California. Our beach-themed decor brings the laid-back vibes of the coast right into our restaurant. Customers rave about our generous portions, mouthwatering flavors, and attentive service - we're thrilled to have earned a spot on your list of favorite spots in La Jolla!
What Customers Say About Rubio's
Rubio's in La Jolla is praised for fresh, high-quality Mexican food and amazing service, especially from staff like Ilona. The fish tacos are a standout. Some find it pricey outside of Tuesday specials, and experiences vary with online orders and specific dishes.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Ideal for light lunches. Be aware that prices can be high outside of Tuesday specials.
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What to see nearby
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Explore the area around Rubio's
Rubio's is located in La Jolla, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Other Points of Interest
- Nobel Executive Center (A 368m) — building in San Diego
- 8899 University Center Lane (A 424m) — building in San Diego
- 8929 University Center Lane (A 545m) — building in San Diego
- University of California, Sally T. WongAvery Library (A 782m) — academic library building part of the UC San Diego Library
- Q120405650 (A 796m)
- Q121463223 (A 890m)
- Conrad Prebys Music Center (A 997m)
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Frequently asked questions about Rubio's
Rubio's La Jolla Reviews
The food is fabulous and the staff is always helpful. Thanks Rubios!
They really increased their meat portions! And their salsas are 20/10 (not that spicy tho)
Always delicious! Taco Tuesday is a great deal for the meal. My friends and I order the Fish Taco Especial because it comes with guacamole and lime crema ...excellent!
The shrimp tacos are delicious, as are the deep batter fried fish tacos. If it wasn't so expensive, I would eat there more often. Tuesdays, they have a taco deal. Check it out.
They were fast and the food is great!
Consistency. Healthy options. Variety. Friendly and efficient service.
I love eating at Rubio's. I have been eating here since moving to San Diego 21 years ago. I was sad to see 13 locations across San Diego closed abruptly as of last Friday, including the nearby Renaissance Plaza location, but was glad that this location has remained open for business. You cannot go wrong with the original fish tacos, but I also highly recommend the blackened Mahi Mahi grilled tacos and gourmet grilled shrimp tacos.
Wow! This was our first time here. The food was great, nice, fresh, healthy options, but the cashier, Christina, was amazing. She made great suggestions and how they could be altered to our individual tastes. I couldn't believe how helpful she was. I haven't had this good of service for a long time. Thanks Christina for making our first experience at Rubio's amazing.
I love love Rubios...since ever...fresh , great quality, amazing taste and good prices
I love the small interment vibe at this Rubios. It’s a different feeling whenever I and or my family eat there.
My food order was perfect, staff were all super friendly.
I ordered the 2 crispy fish taco plate on my last visit. The fish was huge and crispy and freshly prepared. The cabbage was paper thin and crisp and perfectly seasoned. I couldn't believe how good my dinner tasted. I am a long time Rubios fan boy, but this trip was my best visit in quite a long time.
We've always experienced Rubio's Coastal Grill to be great quality with great service and we weren't let down. However, it wasn't Tuesday and the prices seemed to be through the roof. Yes, it's been quite a while since we've been here. We walked out, got back in the car and Googled to see what else we could find. ...didn't take long to find out other restaurants in the area were in the the same price range. The three of us went back into Rubio's with the comfort of knowing the quality and service we'd be receiving. We shared a quesadilla and had some tortilla chips with some great salsa from the salsa bar. All for less than $17. Next time we'll be showing up on Tuesday
Since all locations in Northern California closed down, once we got to this location here everything was amazing! Food/service fantastic! Wishing that Northern Cali gets Rubios back!
We were tired after a long day. Long week. Rubios was the only thing open and I thought “ok,” My friend admitted that she had never had it. Never had a cupcake either. So, of course we went to sprinkles and then to Rubios. Ilona at cash register was amazing!! Her energy was amazing and we really needed that. Super attentive and brought fresh limes… right before closing. RIGHT? Who even does that. Ilona does. We enjoyed the food. It nourished our bodies. Ilona nourished our spirits.
I ordered the 2 crispy fish taco plate on my last visit. The fish was huge and crispy and freshly prepared. The cabbage was paper thin and crisp and perfectly seasoned. I couldn't believe how good my dinner tasted. I am a long time Rubios fan boy, but this trip was my best visit in quite a long time.
Since all locations in Northern California closed down, once we got to this location here everything was amazing! Food/service fantastic! Wishing that Northern Cali gets Rubios back!
We've always experienced Rubio's Coastal Grill to be great quality with great service and we weren't let down. However, it wasn't Tuesday and the prices seemed to be through the roof. Yes, it's been quite a while since we've been here. We walked out, got back in the car and Googled to see what else we could find. ...didn't take long to find out other restaurants in the area were in the the same price range. The three of us went back into Rubio's with the comfort of knowing the quality and service we'd be receiving. We shared a quesadilla and had some tortilla chips with some great salsa from the salsa bar. All for less than $17. Next time we'll be showing up on Tuesday
We were tired after a long day. Long week. Rubios was the only thing open and I thought “ok,” My friend admitted that she had never had it. Never had a cupcake either. So, of course we went to sprinkles and then to Rubios. Ilona at cash register was amazing!! Her energy was amazing and we really needed that. Super attentive and brought fresh limes… right before closing. RIGHT? Who even does that. Ilona does. We enjoyed the food. It nourished our bodies. Ilona nourished our spirits.
Very nice place. Quick service. You can order yourself and take the table number and they will serve your food pretty fast. Good portions of food. Lots of taco options. We took the chicken burrito, beer battered shrimp tacos and fries. All of them tasted so so good. The outside vibe is also pretty and nice. We loved the place. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a cheap and good mexican place to eat around La Jolla Coves.
We ordered Rubio's catering for a sports banquet. The Rubio's team did an excellent job of putting our order together and it was done exactly at the time I had requested. There was plenty of food and it was delicious.
We ordered online and we arrived to the location around ten minutes early. A staff member asked us what the name for our order was and they brought it out over five minutes early! Their food was also delicious as always!
All parties at our table agree service was incredible, being happy & friendly serving out food and asking if anything they could get us. The best Rubio’s ever
Had the taco plate with keto style taco, they were amazing! Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
I love love Rubios...since ever...fresh , great quality, amazing taste and good prices
All parties at our table agree service was incredible, being happy & friendly serving out food and asking if anything they could get us. The best Rubio’s ever
We ordered online and we arrived to the location around ten minutes early. A staff member asked us what the name for our order was and they brought it out over five minutes early! Their food was also delicious as always!
Great fish tacos and other offerings. We have them at least once per week. Their salsas are amazing; they should sell them in stores. Recommended!
Wasn't super clean, but food was amazing and everyone was nice
This is a Mexican taco restaurant originating from California, famous for its fish tacos. It offers great value for money and quick service. There is a small condiment station where you can choose your own sauces and side dishes. The location of this restaurant is excellent, with beautiful scenery. Sitting outdoors, you can see the temple. The lobster and beef flavors are also highly recommended—they taste amazing.
Every time I’m in San Diego I have to eat here. We tried the langostinos tacos and quesadillas so yummy. The sauces and spices they offer are a great addition for the food.
I ordered the shrimp bowl. I left off the guacamole because I am not a fan. The bowl was full of spicy shrimp that also had their delicious signature sauce. There was not much lettuce for a “bowl” and some of my rice was crunchy, but it was pretty good.
Mexican Seafood Although this is a chain restaurant, it's a really good option if you want to have a healthy meal with reasonably priced seafood. My husband and I shared the coastal trio - original fish taco (Alaskan Pollock), shrimp taco and wild-caught Mahi Mahi taco and a chipotle orange salad bowl with wild-caught salmon. It was very tasty, fresh and light and we loved the help yourself fresh salsa bar!
This is a Mexican taco restaurant originating from California, famous for its fish tacos. It offers great value for money and quick service. There is a small condiment station where you can choose your own sauces and side dishes. The location of this restaurant is excellent, with beautiful scenery. Sitting outdoors, you can see the temple. The lobster and beef flavors are also highly recommended—they taste amazing.
Every time I’m in San Diego I have to eat here. We tried the langostinos tacos and quesadillas so yummy. The sauces and spices they offer are a great addition for the food.
I ordered the shrimp bowl. I left off the guacamole because I am not a fan. The bowl was full of spicy shrimp that also had their delicious signature sauce. There was not much lettuce for a “bowl” and some of my rice was crunchy, but it was pretty good.
Mexican Seafood Although this is a chain restaurant, it's a really good option if you want to have a healthy meal with reasonably priced seafood. My husband and I shared the coastal trio - original fish taco (Alaskan Pollock), shrimp taco and wild-caught Mahi Mahi taco and a chipotle orange salad bowl with wild-caught salmon. It was very tasty, fresh and light and we loved the help yourself fresh salsa bar!
Ideal for light lunches! Not cheap, 2 small tacos will cost you more than 10$
The “goodies” in the tortilla soup is great. However, there needs to be more broth. I have purchased the soup for YEARS and have always enjoyed it. The broth years ago was abundant but not with the newer recipe.
The “goodies” in the tortilla soup is great. However, there needs to be more broth. I have purchased the soup for YEARS and have always enjoyed it. The broth years ago was abundant but not with the newer recipe.
Came in right as it opened, pleasant greeting from staff, they were patient while I decided the order and helpful with questions. Had the Oaxaca shrimp bowl, flavor and freshness of the shrimp was great. Just disappointed that 80% of the bowl was rice with a little scoop of guac, little scoop of salsa fresca and literally 3-4 small pieces of romaine lettuce. Next time I will ask to put more lettuce.
Service was great, but my grilled, blackened fish taco was over salted. Last time I had a meal from Rubio’s I ordered battered fish and there was more batter than fish. I only came this time because I received a gift card. Never again will I dine at Rubio’s. The food quality has gone down considerably. My daughter says her burrito was good, but she is 14 yo and was very hungry.
3rd time visit, but didn't expect to have a bad experience after visiting multiple times, so for the second time I thought I will have the Mahimahi burrito 🌯 again and when I got to almost finishing the burrito, not one but two huge splinter fish bone almost choked and damage my teeth😳 so maybe they should warn people before they sell fish? 🤔
Ordered 6 fish tocos witch ended up being to many. The fish has to much breading for my liking. The breading didn't add much flavor combined with the thick corn tortilla that seemed undercooked and rubbery. The first table I sat at was very sticky like someone had spilled soda 2 hours prior. The table was uncomfortably wobbly. Overall the staff was nice and food came out quickly. Very meh
Ordered 6 fish tocos witch ended up being to many. The fish has to much breading for my liking. The breading didn't add much flavor combined with the thick corn tortilla that seemed undercooked and rubbery. The first table I sat at was very sticky like someone had spilled soda 2 hours prior. The table was uncomfortably wobbly. Overall the staff was nice and food came out quickly. Very meh
Service was friendly and quick. My family enjoyed their burritos. I tried their signature fish tacos with rice and beans. Fish had good texture, but all around very bland (slaw with not enough vinegar, beans & rice with no salt etc). Fine for a quick meal.
Service was friendly and quick. My family enjoyed their burritos. I tried their signature fish tacos with rice and beans. Fish had good texture, but all around very bland (slaw with not enough vinegar, beans & rice with no salt etc). Fine for a quick meal.
I ordered the chicken burrito and the chicken was burned. Dry and charcoal-like. I was too hungry to fight through the line again to complain. I typically go to Rubios in North County and they have all been great. My first time at this one.
They always burn my keto tortillas. Food always has some kind of moldy flavor. Looks like they bought leftovers surplus of shrimp from Red Lobster after they closed down. I came here a few times a year to try out new items they have and so far not good.
Food was great but no soap dispenser in the bathroom I used (right side) is disgusting!! Could not find their rating posted up front, starting to wonder??
Food was excellent, really liked it and would eat here anytime for the food. A man that appeared to be unhomed came in for a minute out of the rain and I bought him a burrito. The machine didn't give us a receipt. The staff tried to say that he never bought the food and weren't going to serve him until I showed them the transaction on my credit card statement. The bathroom had a leak in the ceiling that was dripping right into the toilet where one would sit when using it. Good food, bad staff, and atmosphere. Only one spot in store for group larger than 3-4 people.
Food was great but no soap dispenser in the bathroom I used (right side) is disgusting!! Could not find their rating posted up front, starting to wonder??
I ordered a lunch for 30 nurses for a meeting during their lunch hour. Rubios didn't even start the order when the driver arrived at 11:45. These poor nurses didn't get lunch and it showed up an hour and half late. So unacceptable.
I Is this supposed to be a Rainbow Bowl?! I honestly couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not. What I got was just rice and chicken, nothing close to what was described or shown. Ordered online for pickup and this is what I ended up with. Completely ridiculous and disappointing.
POOR SERVICE!!! I doordashed an order for 5 people from this location, food was pretty good except for the chopped salad. My vegan friend ordered a chopped salad and substituted with the avocado vinaigrette. When I think vinaigrette I don't think a white, cream colored sauce. Now, tell me WHY ON EARTH we got exactly that. I decided it was a new restaurant, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. So I call and got hung up on before even speaking to a representative. No hold or anything. I called another location which tried to be helpful but understandably it was difficult considering they didn't know our order and weren't able to see what the sauce was. I wish this location was more helpful. I understand restaurants get busy but it was very frustrating. Maybe we'll get a reply and know if its vegan or not for future reference. We also never got the $5 diet coke. thanks a lot rubios.
DO NOT EAT HERE. Walk over to Whole Foods, cava, whatever. Pollock in the $12 fish burrito? Bottom barrel fish but ok. Burrito came out so small. Partner got a bowl…only half full with barely a half slice of avocado. Salsa bar still not open every other Mex place is. For $25 walked away with half a meal for 1. Not to mention the inferior ingredients to its competition around. Edit: Rubios responded below with a link to nothing but a survey. Classic corporate response. I repeat, don’t eat here
I Is this supposed to be a Rainbow Bowl?! I honestly couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not. What I got was just rice and chicken, nothing close to what was described or shown. Ordered online for pickup and this is what I ended up with. Completely ridiculous and disappointing.
POOR SERVICE!!! I doordashed an order for 5 people from this location, food was pretty good except for the chopped salad. My vegan friend ordered a chopped salad and substituted with the avocado vinaigrette. When I think vinaigrette I don't think a white, cream colored sauce. Now, tell me WHY ON EARTH we got exactly that. I decided it was a new restaurant, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. So I call and got hung up on before even speaking to a representative. No hold or anything. I called another location which tried to be helpful but understandably it was difficult considering they didn't know our order and weren't able to see what the sauce was. I wish this location was more helpful. I understand restaurants get busy but it was very frustrating. Maybe we'll get a reply and know if its vegan or not for future reference. We also never got the $5 diet coke. thanks a lot rubios.
DO NOT EAT HERE. Walk over to Whole Foods, cava, whatever. Pollock in the $12 fish burrito? Bottom barrel fish but ok. Burrito came out so small. Partner got a bowl…only half full with barely a half slice of avocado. Salsa bar still not open every other Mex place is. For $25 walked away with half a meal for 1. Not to mention the inferior ingredients to its competition around. Edit: Rubios responded below with a link to nothing but a survey. Classic corporate response. I repeat, don’t eat here
I ordered a lunch for 30 nurses for a meeting during their lunch hour. Rubios didn't even start the order when the driver arrived at 11:45. These poor nurses didn't get lunch and it showed up an hour and half late. So unacceptable.
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8855 Villa La Jolla Dr Suite 404-06, La Jolla, CA 92037
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8855 Villa La Jolla Dr Suite 404-06, La Jolla, CA 92037
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