I ate 12 burritos in SF, LA and SD. There's one I still think about.

Key Points:

• A food writer and Southern California bureau chief for SFGATE embarked on a 72-hour, 500-mile burrito tour across California, sampling 12 burritos from San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles to find the state's best burrito.
• San Francisco is noted for its deep cultural connection to Mission-style burritos, with La Taqueria as a gold standard, though the writer found its quality inconsistent during the visit; El Farolito and La Corneta were also highlighted but did not fully satisfy the craving.
• San Diego offers a more casual burrito culture with a focus on overall Mexican food quality; standout spots included Armando’s Taco Shop and La Perla #3, the latter known for its unique Oaxacalifornia burrito wrapped in a quesadilla with melted Oaxacan cheese.
• Los Angeles is less burrito-obsessed but excels in diverse Mexican food offerings; notable burritos came from Cilantro Mexican Grill, La Azteca Tortilleria, and Sonoratown, with the writer ultimately finding the most satisfying burrito at Angel’s Tijuana Tacos, a street food stand known for its al pastor.
• The writer concludes that while no single burrito can claim the title of California’s best due to the state’s diversity, each city offers distinct burrito experiences, encouraging enthusiasts to explore and find their personal favorite.