Tacos, Margs, Ceviche and Everything in Between
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
Photography Provided By: Karina’s Cantina La Jolla
Aside from San Diego’s superb climate, stellar surf spots and award-winning breweries, the expansive city boasts a slew of seafood-centric eateries that’ll have you hooked. And while many of these time-honored establishments have made their mark over the years on the foodie scene, we’re here to introduce you to the new kid on the block. Now if you’re not one to switch things up, we get it; we all have our favorite local restaurants that we will eat, live and eventually die in (lol). But if you’re ready for something fresh-faced and new, this La Jolla cantina is sure to please your palate.
Meet, Karina’s Cantina! Karina’s Cantina La Jolla
This adorable Mexican-inspired eatery opened this October with ambitions to offer locals a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. Now if the name Karina’s sounds familiar, it may be because the restaurant has been around since 1981, when the late Don Arnulfo Contreras and wife María Inés Curiel opened the first of many Karina’s restaurants in a small space in Spring Valley. Today, there are several “types” of Karina’s sprinkled throughout San Diego, including Karina’s Mexican Seafood Cuisine, Karina’s Ceviches & More, Karina’s Taco Shop and now, Karina’s Cantina—each offering a unique take on the original.
At Karina’s Cantina, you’ll find a variety of different seafood-based dishes, such as shrimp tacos, lobster burritos, surf-and-turf fries and a large selection of ceviche. The 2,000-square-foot space also features a large patio and a full cocktail bar. Pair one of these delectable dishes with one of their handcrafted cocktails, margaritas, signature Michelucas and micheladas or an ice-cold draft beer! Whether it’s date night, post-work margs with the girls or a night out with the family, Karina’s Cantina’s eclectic mix of colorful decor and savory aromas create an inviting interior, perfect for any occasion.
Karina’s Cantina
1055 Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.999.0744 Karina’s Cantina La Jolla
