I Tried the BEST New Filipino Food in San Diego
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Filipino food is having a major moment in San Diego, and in this episode of @GarethEats, we’re exploring the new wave of Filipino restaurants that are honoring tradition while bringing fresh creativity to one of the city’s most exciting food scenes. From elevated takes on classic comfort dishes to authentic Filipino BBQ and modern interpretations of beloved favorites, these three restaurants showcase why Filipino cuisine in San Diego deserves a spot on every food lover’s bucket list.
Join us as we visit three incredible Filipino restaurants across San Diego, meet the passionate people behind them, and taste everything from smoky grilled specialties to rich stews, crispy pork, and unforgettable desserts. Whether you’re already a fan of Filipino food or trying it for the very first time, this episode is packed with amazing flavors, local stories, and some of the best hidden gems San Diego has to offer. If you love discovering the best restaurants in San Diego, be sure to subscribe for more food adventures every week!
Filipino Restaurants Featured:
1. Sinta by Selly (Chula Vista)
An intimate modern Filipino restaurant where traditional family recipes are elevated with refined techniques, beautiful presentation, and locally inspired ingredients.
2. Tambayan Filipino BBQ & Grill (Paradise Hills)
A neighborhood favorite serving authentic Filipino barbecue and classic comfort dishes, bringing bold charcoal-grilled flavors and the warmth of a traditional Filipino gathering place.
3. White Rice (Adams Avenue)
Chef Phillip Esteban’s modern Filipino eatery reimagines classic dishes with fresh ingredients and contemporary flair while staying true to the comforting flavors of Filipino home cooking.
SUBSCRIBE for more San Diego food videos, hidden gems, restaurant reviews, taco tours, and local eats every week.
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——— WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ———
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel YouTuber with a passion for slow, meaningful solo travel. I have spent the past 15+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
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#SanDiego #filipinofood #filipino #pinoyfood #Foodie #SanDiegoEats #FoodTour #GarethEats #foodlover #mukbang #foodreview
40 Comments
WATCH MORE FILIPINO FOOD EPISODES 🇵🇭👇
Ultimate SD Filipino Food Tour: https://youtu.be/JUe5V1RoKGQ
First Time Trying Jollibee: https://youtu.be/wHn3n8-BOb0
Day in the Life of a Pinoy Chef: https://youtu.be/oyF7P3Ncw9I
Eating Filipino Food in LA: https://youtu.be/lyeUopZ9YkA
Travel Deeper Philippines Series: https://youtu.be/71Qipu3aKgY
@GarethEats – were you in the following Zlatan/Youtube commercial that aired during the 2026 World Cup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEUpTEzEY-0
"Pinoy Appreciator" hahah we need more of your type of influencers 💪 Keep enjoying Filipino Food!
Hope all is well! You haven’t posted travel content in a while but these food videos make me hungry. 😋
So glad you covered Filipino cuisine. White Rice is right down the street now gotta go!
Je ne vais pas prétendre avoir tout compris, parce que ce n'était pas le cas. Pendant des années, j'ai eu l'impression d'échouer à tout prix. J'essayais, j'essayais encore, en vain. Puis j'ai fait le test des archétypes de Vera Hart et ça a fait tilt. Mon archétype me correspondait parfaitement. Pas de moment magique, mais ça m'a enfin donné une direction, au lieu de tâtonner sans cesse. Si vous rencontrez les mêmes difficultés, essayez-le ! C'est gratuit de toute façon.
For years, manifesting felt like something just out of my reach. One day I decided to try Vera Hart's archetype quiz, and it changed everything. My result matched exactly who I am, and only then did I understand how it really works. If you're struggling with it too, give it a chance. It only takes a few minutes. ❤️
14:07 Kuya I'm sorry but I have to fill the quota: Basil? In Filipino Adobo? I've literally never heard of that
Oh hey that’s my cousin James. Hehehehe….but you should try R&B in Mira Mesa if you haven’t yet their food is good too especially the sisig and also lunaslunpia in Poway
I went there to try filipino food… I thought they were gonna shut down like the next day they were just like running on scraps… they were outta lots of stuff and i didnt finish what I ordered just wasn't that fresh and over fried with old oil…glad they hav made it. hope the make the ube burgers a regular thing, they look interesting.
Great video Gareth! That Chicken Adobo needs the sauce on top of it and on the rice. My Fiance in the 1980's was Filipino, she and her mother made really good Chicken Adobo and Lumpia.
Your come back subscriber here. Good luck!
The Ube Smash Burger 🤤
Where is Luna's Lunpias. They won the San Diego Reader best of last year. Where they at?!?! (Poway BTW)
Great spots! all bomb places. I suggest checking out 86'd in North Park inside Coin-Op.
Rice bowl Bodega is the 💩. They used to have a Kare Kare bowl but the Tocino chicken is better than the Adobo
I support saline sacks on milfs
At 14:14 did James mention basil leaves? I do t think Filipinos used basil in there adibo… maybe what he meant is bay leaves?
I'm Mexican, but have many Filipino friends. When I was introduced to Tambayan, it blew my mind! 🤯 Definitely the best spot in all of San Diego in my opinion! I still love Tita's Kitchenette on Plaza Blvd. though! 😅
Calamansi is WAY overdue for it’s shine
Bagoong with Mango. BOMB!
lol love the Filipino Appreciator title
You have to try MABUHI FOOD TRUCK in San Diego!!!!! Hawaiian and Filipino food! 😊🤙
that food made my mouth watery😂
4:45 bibingka donut looks delish and I think it’d take it to another level, and more so nostalgic with a slice or two of duck eggs 😊
14:25 Gareth knows his filo food, he knows that adobo is a tad pale😂
Yummy
I haven't been to fhe first 2 you mentioned… But I've been too white rice…. I'm going to be real… That place isn't the same since I've been there in 2025. Things were slower and the quality was crap. It wasn't the same when i first tired that place in 2023
Cool
We don’t need another $30 burger.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered , “it is written :’ Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD. “🙏🏼❤️🕊Repent, believe in the Gospel, Be Born Again
Horrible do not eat you will have diarrhea
Did she just say “women love that!?” 😂
If you make another video on Filipino food, you should try R&B in Mira Mesa because it has great Sisig, and Cafe 86 also in Mira Mesa because of its pastries, coffees, and halo halos.
Derrell Murrillo is dating Justin Jessop.
you the coolest white boy. Props to you.
Gareth my mom will pack you a to-go box at our next family party 😂 You’re definitely an honorary Filipino!
clicked for the ube, stayed for the buubes
I'm not Philipino I love the food. For some reason bagaon taste amazing with karikari, good stuff!
My brothas really got the 🔥🔥🔥🔥