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Welcome to Karina's Cantina Gaslamp

At Karina's Cantina Gaslamp, culinary traditions blend seamlessly with innovation, creating a vibrant celebration of Mexican and seafood flavors. Located in the heart of San Diego, this Latinx-owned establishment invites guests to savor dishes like the signature Ceviche Karina and tantalizing tacos. With a lively atmosphere perfect for groups, the restaurant offers modern amenities, including outdoor seating and a full bar. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted, from the fresh ingredients to the stunning presentation. Diners can expect attentive service and a warm ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether you're dining with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Karina's Cantina promises an unforgettable experience.

Karina's Cantina Gaslamp: Reviews & Ratings

Omar B.
Omar B.

Everything is always 10/10 here from the food to the ambience to the service! It's speedy and everything is delicious, I recommend getting the snapper which will last you 3 days!

Brenna E.
Brenna E.

Such a pretty restaurant. I wanted a cute Mexican restaurant where me and my bachelorette party could dress up and this place was PERFECT! I got the tacos and they were so good. The cocktails were so cute also!

Paola M.
Paola M.

Great food, service and Ambience. Quiet place with great food. We went there at 3 pm. I recommend this place when you are in downtown.

Luisa H.
Luisa H.

I love the red snapper ! Good vibes - food- drinks! I go each time to order the red snapper feeds 1-3 people !

RoseEllen S.
RoseEllen S.

Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen was with a large group of people and this was the place for our lunch. What an incredible culinary experience from the made-at-the-table guacamole to the most intensely delicious ceviche this place was too 5 best places I have eat in SD Gaslamp district. This is a must for anyone who enjoys food. Period. The end.

Colleen C.
Colleen C.

It was an ok place. We had really great ceviche and table side guacamole. Drinks were nice. But it is SO LOUD!! Felt like our party of four had to yell at each other. I think I'd go back for lunch, but probably wouldn't be interested in going again at dinner on a Saturday night.

Ginger D.
Ginger D.

Located in gas lamp right next to AC Marriott hotel is this adorable restaurant! Went in on my birthday with my girl to get some shots... originally! We ended up not getting shots and did the margarita flight! I also got a coke because I needed caffeine! The place is well decorated, aesthetically pleasing and so cute!! We just sat at the bar and the bartender was so sweet! If you are in gas lamp go in and check it out! I recommend the margarita flight!

Mbudi M.
Mbudi M.

All I can say is Wow! (Barrio Logan location) We were greeted with a smile and seated immediately. The ambiance let's you know that you are getting the best seafood possible. Fishing nets as decor tucked above the multitude of seafood for sale in freezers for clientele. I had the pescado tostada, lobster taco and fish taco. The pescado reminded me of the cevixhe I had in Peru! The tacos were by far the best I have had in a long time in San Diego. The prices are more than fair and there was even parking available (small lot). I will definitely be back and I suggest you get here immediately! Side note, I had a bite of my friend's poke and it rivals all the poke I had in Hawaii. It was juicy and had a beautiful kick to it.

Location

Welcome to Karina's Cantina Gaslamp, a vibrant culinary gem located at 755 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. This bustling cantina perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Mexican cuisine, specializing in delicious seafood dishes that are crafted to delight your palate. From the moment you walk through the ADA-compliant entrance, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends casual comfort with trendy elegance.

At Karina's, diners can indulge in a range of exquisite dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Latin culture. Notable highlights from their menu include:

  • Seafood Tower: An extravagant platter featuring fresh crab legs, boiled shrimp, lobster, and oysters served with cocktail sauce and a red wine vinaigrette, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
  • Fried Seafood Platter: A delightful mix of breaded shrimp, fish nuggets, calamari strips, and beer-battered oysters paired with playful dips like tartar and guacamole.
  • Surf & Turf Quesadilla: A harmonious fusion of flavors that brings the best of land and sea to your plate.

In addition to their fantastic food, Karina's Cantina offers a full bar with a variety of innovative cocktails, served in an environment enriched by background music and lively vibes. Many patrons rave about the creative cocktails that complement the food perfectly. Customers like Omar B. and Luisa H. have applauded the quality of the dishes, recommending crowd-pleasers like the red snapper which has earned a cult following for its generous portions and flavor.

Keen on enjoying the outdoors? Karina's features heated and covered outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the lively Gaslamp ambiance while enjoying your meal. They have also made dining accessible by providing QR code menus and various payment options, including cryptocurrency—perfect for both spontaneous visits and planned gatherings.

With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a delightful blend of flavor, ambiance, and excellent service, it’s no wonder that Karina's Cantina Gaslamp stands out among San Diego's dining destinations. Whether you're planning a dinner with friends, a bachelorette party, or simply a casual night out, this gem promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss their popular happy hour specials on Saturdays!

For reservations or inquiries, call (619) 756-7333. Dive into the flavors of Mexico and enjoy a unique dining experience at Karina's Cantina Gaslamp.