Overview: A taste of Mexico in the neighborhood

“One of the goals of our remodel is that we wanted to bring the ambiance of Old Town San Diego to Mission Gorge. Our front patio is dog-friendly, and our back patio has a golf course and a sunset view,” said co-owner Randy Valdespino.

Traditional Mexican food, a margarita, and a view of Admiral Baker Golf Course are highlights of Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Mission Gorge. 

“One of the goals of our remodel is that we wanted to bring the ambience of Old Town San Diego to Mission Gorge,” said co-owner Randy Valdespino. “Our front patio is dog-friendly, and our back patio has a golf course and a sunset view.”

2023 was a year of change for Emiliano’s. 

Ana Maria Valdespino’s parents decided to retire, selling their 18-year-old neighborhood restaurant to their daughter and son-in-law, Randy. The couple immediately began remodeling it and reopened in late 2023. Ana Maria has worked there for the entire time her parents owned it, even while attending San Diego State University.

This neighborhood restaurant serves traditional Mexican comfort food with a full bar. 

“Some of our most popular dishes are: Fajitas, chili verde, enchiladas a la crema, and fish tacos,” Valdespino said. “With our remodel, we have been expanding our menu with items such as fish ceviche or shrimp ceviche, bacon-wrapped deep-fried jumbo shrimp, and an assortment of burritos, including a surf-and-turf burrito. We focus on fresh and quality food.”

Save room for Isabella’s favorite dessert: a deep-fried flour tortilla coated in cinnamon sugar, topped with deep-fried ice cream and churros, drizzled with chocolate and whipped cream.

“We make good food with good quality ingredients,” Valdespino added.

Emiliano’s is located at 6690 Mission Gorge Road. Their phone number is (619) 284-2460. 

Enjoy happy hour all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and half days Thursday and Friday until 5 p.m. One of the happy hour specials is $5 for house margaritas. Celebrate Taco Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with specials on fish, carne, pollo, and carnitas tacos.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday), 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday), and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday).