Quixote San Diego Menu: Oaxacan Food, Mezcal & Cocktail Prices

Quixote San Diego serves Oaxacan-inspired Mexican cuisine by Chef Jose Cepeda. The menu features small plates rooted in Oaxacan family recipes: masa dishes (memelitas, tamales, tostadas), moles, and a rotating selection of larger plates like pulpo (octopus), whole grilled branzino, braised lamb belly, and the shareable Tasajo (salted dry-cured ribeye). The format is primarily small plates -- guests typically order 2–3 per person.

Quixote San Diego is in the $$$ range, with meals typically running $40–$100 per person including drinks. Small plates are roughly $12–$23 each based on aggregator estimates; the Salsa Sampler is confirmed at $12, and the shareable Tasajo ribeye runs approximately $95. The mezcal flight is $55. Wine by the glass ranges from $14–$20 based on the current wine list.

Yes -- mezcal is central to the concept. Quixote is a mezcaleria with 20+ mezcal varieties available by the pour and as curated flights. The mezcal flight is priced at $55. The cocktail program also leans heavily on mezcal (Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Vibras guava Paloma). The bar also stocks tequila and Oaxacan rum.

Quixote San Diego is located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104 in the North Park neighborhood. The restaurant occupies a decommissioned Catholic church inside the Lafayette Hotel -- the space retains the original stained glass and gothic architecture, giving it a distinctive baroque atmosphere.

Quixote San Diego is open daily 12:00 PM–12:00 AM based on publicly listed hours. Hours can change; confirm with the restaurant directly or via their official website at quixotesandiego.com before visiting.

Based on a review of guest reviews on Yelp, OpenTable, and TripAdvisor, the most consistently praised dishes are the Squash Blossom (with mushrooms), the Memelita (duck carnitas on a masa cake), the Flan Oaxaqueno (creme brulee-style Oaxacan flan), the Salsa Sampler, and the Vibras cocktail (guava Paloma with mezcal). The Tasajo dry-cured ribeye is cited as a shareable centerpiece for larger groups.

Yes. Quixote San Diego accepts reservations. Reservations are available via OpenTable, where the restaurant holds a 4.5/5 rating based on more than 1,600 reviews as of 2026. Walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability, particularly at the bar.

Yes. Several small plates and desserts are vegetarian, including the Squash Blossom, Lentil Spread, Huitlacoche Tamal, Ensalada Exotica, Beets, and all desserts (Flan Oaxaqueno, Pastel De Diablo, Fritters). The masa-forward menu naturally accommodates vegetarian guests at the small-plate tier. Confirm with your server for preparation details and cross-contact information if you have a serious allergy.

Quixote San Diego offers a curated wine-by-the-glass list priced from $14–$20 per glass, with selections from Spain (Cava, Albarino, Mencia, Rioja), France (Bourgogne Chardonnay, Saint-Amour Gamay), Austria (Riesling), California (Chenin Blanc), and Baja California (Grenache rose from Valle de Guadalupe). The list pairs well with the Oaxacan food program. Prices sourced from restaurants-info.com; confirm current selections with the restaurant.