Filipino restaurants

Tita's Kitchenette

4.6 2,136 reviews 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM 2720 E Plaza Blvd E, National City, CA 91950, United States

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Tita's Kitchenette has carved a niche in the hearts of Filipino food enthusiasts in National City, California. Renowned for its affordable and generous portions, this hidden gem offers a delightful array of traditional Filipino dishes that transport you to the vibrant streets of the Philippines. Reviews highlight the hearty flavors and the welcoming yet bustling atmosphere typical of a Filipino turo-turo setting.

Patrons rave about the BBQ—both chicken and pork—served on skewers that are flavor-packed and cooked to perfection. Dishes like Pancit Palabok and Chicken Mami Soup have garnered praise for their deliciousness and comforting qualities. One reviewer noted, "We got 40 lbs of great food for under 20," emphasizing the remarkable value offered.

The service, while efficient, can be a fun challenge, with a few customers playfully remarking on the intensity when asking questions. Yet the camaraderie and genuine warmth of the staff make each visit worthwhile. As one longtime customer expressed, "Always busy but it's so worth the wait." For anyone seeking an authentic Filipino dining experience, Tita's Kitchenette promises satisfying meals and a hearty dose of nostalgia.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Trendy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Tita's Kitchenette before visiting.

Reviews for Tita's Kitchenette

4.6

2,136 reviews

100%

28%

Review highlights

Based on 2,136 reviews

Tita's Kitchenette is widely recognized for its generous portions and authentic Filipino flavors that attract both longtime patrons and newcomers alike. The restaurant's offerings are consistently praised for their quality, with popular dishes like pork adobo and chicken BBQ highlighting a well-balanced blend of spices and tenderness. Customers appreciate the value for money, noting that meals are filling and reasonably priced. While the establishment embraces a straightforward, no-frills Turo-Turo setting, occasional challenges with service and ordering can arise, particularly for those unfamiliar with the process. Despite this, the atmosphere remains welcoming and the food quality encourages repeat visits. Overall, Tita's Kitchenette stands out as a dependable choice for satisfying Filipino cuisine in a casual, bustling environment with a loyal following.

Gilbert and Karen Gonzalez

Jun 18, 2025

The food is great and A LOT! Service is what you would expect from a Filipino Turo-Turo setting. We were visiting and were not really familiar with the ordering sequence and got skipped and stuck in line since we didnt know all the food they had. Asking question with one of the Titas feels like you will get yelled at lol . So we just had to figure it out ourselves. It was so good that we went back the next morning for brunch.

Sanook Travel

Jun 08, 2025

I've been coming here for over 20 years. affordable prices and really good food. I've had to complain a few times but I was there two days ago and I have not eaten there in the last six months. I was impressed with the quality and temperature of the food especially being served early in the morning. Good experience this time. Maraming salamat! :)

Ron Klasmeyer

May 18, 2025

Low key place, no frills. Clean, efficient service. The food is excellent and price reasonable. I had the two combo meats with pancit and a chicken BBQ stick. Pork Adobo was fork tender and excellent spice and tanginess. Beef was a little over done, fatty but taste was very good. Chicken was moist, sweet, good crust on outside. To quote my dinner companion, "we got 40 lbs of great food for under 20".

Natalie H

May 01, 2025

Always busy but it's so worth the wait. Great service. Best food in San Diego hands down. Been coming here since I was a child and never turned away.

Jon Ray Dantes

Apr 30, 2025

Food portions were fulfilling! Ordered a half rice and half noodle with 2 sides those were for two people and plenty of left overs. Great food flavors!

Doni Lantow

Mar 27, 2025

I love this place. Really great food. Super inexpensive, authentic Filipino food. The atmosphere is okay. Loud, outdated, but they fill your TO GO boxes to the brim, therefore, I always take it to go.

Hitomi Sarah Naito

Mar 17, 2025

Wow what an amazing food place! They served mountain amount of food! I enjoyed in 23 different meals. Super delicious I wish I lived closer. Next door bakery looked great as well. When in National city, I'd come back!

Bianca

Mar 16, 2025

The best bang for your buck! They give soo much food without affecting the quality. Their chicken curry, bbq, turon, lumpia and dinuguan were pretty good. They literally load up your box and then some! There's usually a line but that's usually a good sign. Give them a try!