National City has the densest concentration of Filipino restaurants in San Diego County — the city has had a large Filipino-American community since the post-war Navy years, and the strip of Highland Avenue and Plaza Boulevard is the place to go for sinigang, lechon, and pancit. Mexican food is the other strong category, with several mariscos (seafood) spots near the bayfront.
The best places to eat are not on the tourist map: Manila Sunset Grill, Manna Korean BBQ, Tita's Kitchenette, and the unpretentious Lechon Republic. Highland Avenue between 12th and 30th Streets is the strip to walk.