Cocina De Barrio, an Oaxaca-inspired Mexican restaurant, is further expanding its presence in San Diego by taking over the former Saiko Sushi space in North Park.
In November 2019, Executive Chef and co-owner Jose J. Flores and Swami's Cafe founder Jaime Osuna opened the first Cocina de Barrio restaurant in San Diego's Hillcrest community. In its nearly five year tenure, the all-day eatery has received rave reviews for its menu of Oaxacan-style Mexican cuisine. A second Cocina de Barrio opened in 2022 in the space that previously housed a Swami's Cafe on West Point Loma Boulevard in the Midway area of Point Loma, and the third branch of Cocina de Barrio opened earlier this year space previously occupied by Lumberyard Tavern & Grill in Encinitas.
The fourth area location of Cocina De Barrio will open in the 3,200 square-foot unit that last house Saiko Sushi, which closed earlier this summer after a decade in business. Like other locations, expect offerings like tlayudas "Oaxacan pizza", enfrijoladas fried tortillas, tacos on hand-pressed tortillas, tamales, and a multitude of moles, as well as Mexican brunch and a full mezcal bar with cocktails, beer, Micheladas and wine.
Cocina De Barrio is expected to open this October at 2884 University Avenue in San Diego's North Park. For more information, visit eatcocinadebarrio.com.