A new taqueria is getting ready to shake up the La Jolla dining scene. Taco Time Cantina is set to open in the space most recently occupied by Ambrogio by Acquerello.
The incoming Taco Time Cantina will bring authentic Mexican street food and drinks to the heart of the seaside community, courtesy of a team with deep ties to San Diego's culinary scene. The new concept is helmed by restaurateur Ryan Elias Salem, known for his work with Johnny Mananas in Oceanside and Ocean Beach. Salem is joined by partners Samer Cholakh, Dean Michael De Angelis, and Cesar Antonio Sanchez Duenas, operating under their newly registered entity, Tacos Elevated Inc.
Taco Time Cantina promises a fresh, flavorful experience in a casual and community-driven environment. Patrons can expect a lively atmosphere with a menu focused on elevated tacos and other classic street food staples. The group behind the project has emphasized their passion for bold flavors and creating a neighborhood hub that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
As part of its culinary vision, the team is also launching a signature "Tacos Through Mexico" series - an ongoing menu experience that highlights regional specialties from across the country. Diners can travel the taco trail from the citrusy cochinita pibil of Yucatán to the smoky carne asada of Baja California, discovering the unique stories, traditions, and ingredients that define each dish. It’s not just about eating -it’s about understanding the roots and culture behind each bite.
Among the tacos making their debut is a homage to the iconic taco al pastor, a Mexico City staple with Lebanese roots that combines spit-roasted pork, pineapple, and warm corn tortillas. The cantina is also honoring Baja's culinary legacy with breaded shrimp tacos inspired by Ensenada's famed seafood stalls, nodding to the 1950s Japanese tempura influence that helped shape the region’s crispy fish taco tradition.
"At Taco Time, every taco tells a story," said the team. "We believe food is more than flavor—its heritage, history, and heart. That’s why we honor the origins of every ingredient and the hands that shaped our recipes."
The incoming Taco Time Cantina will bring authentic Mexican street food and drinks to the heart of the seaside community, courtesy of a team with deep ties to San Diego's culinary scene. The new concept is helmed by restaurateur Ryan Elias Salem, known for his work with Johnny Mananas in Oceanside and Ocean Beach. Salem is joined by partners Samer Cholakh, Dean Michael De Angelis, and Cesar Antonio Sanchez Duenas, operating under their newly registered entity, Tacos Elevated Inc.
Taco Time Cantina promises a fresh, flavorful experience in a casual and community-driven environment. Patrons can expect a lively atmosphere with a menu focused on elevated tacos and other classic street food staples. The group behind the project has emphasized their passion for bold flavors and creating a neighborhood hub that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
As part of its culinary vision, the team is also launching a signature "Tacos Through Mexico" series - an ongoing menu experience that highlights regional specialties from across the country. Diners can travel the taco trail from the citrusy cochinita pibil of Yucatán to the smoky carne asada of Baja California, discovering the unique stories, traditions, and ingredients that define each dish. It’s not just about eating -it’s about understanding the roots and culture behind each bite.
Among the tacos making their debut is a homage to the iconic taco al pastor, a Mexico City staple with Lebanese roots that combines spit-roasted pork, pineapple, and warm corn tortillas. The cantina is also honoring Baja's culinary legacy with breaded shrimp tacos inspired by Ensenada's famed seafood stalls, nodding to the 1950s Japanese tempura influence that helped shape the region’s crispy fish taco tradition.
"At Taco Time, every taco tells a story," said the team. "We believe food is more than flavor—its heritage, history, and heart. That’s why we honor the origins of every ingredient and the hands that shaped our recipes."
Location Matters, a commercial real estate firm specializing in restaurant deals, facilitated the sale. In a public announcement, the brokerage expressed excitement about connecting the sellers of the former fine-dining space with Taco Time Cantina’s visionary team.
Taco Time Cantina is expected to host a grand opening on Saturday, June 14 at 7556 Fay Avenue in San Diego's La Jolla. For more information, follow @tacotimecantina on Instagram.
Originally published on May 27, 2025.
