Why you should visit Casa de Reyes in Old Town San Diego.
Casa de Reyes is a joyful blend of authentic Mexican cuisine, live music, and festive spirit nestled within Old Town State Historic Park.
Step into its open-air courtyard and you’re instantly surrounded by color and life: marigold-hued umbrellas, hand-painted tilework, and the aroma of sizzling fajitas drifting through the air. The restaurant captures the heart of Mexican hospitality — laughter spilling from every table, pitchers of margaritas gleaming in the sun, and mariachi bands filling the air with rhythm and soul. Every meal here feels like a celebration, where locals mingle with travelers under twinkling lights and the hum of conversation lingers long into the night. More than a restaurant, Casa de Reyes embodies the living heartbeat of Old Town — a place where history, flavor, and community converge effortlessly.
What you didn’t know about Casa de Reyes.
Part of the Fiesta de Reyes complex, Casa de Reyes was designed by restaurateur Diane Powers, the same visionary behind Bazaar del Mundo, to showcase the warmth and tradition of Mexican dining.
The menu blends regional recipes with California freshness — think carne asada marinated for 24 hours, handmade tortillas pressed to order, and tableside guacamole crafted with care. The décor, from rustic wood beams to vibrant folk art, draws inspiration from colonial Mexico and the haciendas of Jalisco. But what makes Casa de Reyes truly special is its atmosphere: live mariachi performances, folklórico dancers spinning in bright skirts, and staff who treat guests like family. Even on quieter afternoons, there’s a pulse to the place — a sense that every plate and every song carries a story.
How to fold Casa de Reyes into your trip.
Located in the heart of Old Town San Diego, Casa de Reyes sits just steps from the Old Town Market and Whaley House Museum.
Come for lunch if you want to enjoy the courtyard under full sun, or book a dinner table to dine by lantern light as the music swells. Order the house margarita — citrus-forward and perfectly balanced — alongside signature dishes like enchiladas suizas or pollo con mole poblano. After your meal, linger for the live music or wander the surrounding Fiesta de Reyes shops filled with pottery, textiles, and artisan crafts. If you visit during the weekend, expect a crowd — but that’s part of the charm. Casa de Reyes isn’t meant for silence; it’s meant for stories, laughter, and the kind of warmth that leaves you glowing long after you’ve left.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“Cobblestone streets glow with lantern light as mariachi music drifts through the air. Every corner feels like a portal into San Diego’s earliest days, alive with color and charm.”
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