Outside the updated Market on 8th. | Candice Woo From carnitas to mariscos, Market on 8th has refreshed its food roster Since unveiling a fresh lineup of mostly Mexican cuisine, Market on 8th is bustling with activity again three years after landing in National City. In 2021, the food hall opened with an exciting list of tenants primarily focused on Asian food, including first-to-market restaurants and new ventures from established chefs. But subsequent changes in the roster and a shift in management contributed to a slow-down of business that seems to have rebounded under its latest operator Roger Cañez (La Central, Chez Loma), who tells Eater that the market is now seeing 1,600 to 1,800 people pass through its doors each day. A veteran restaurateur who was one of the founding vendors signed by Market on 8th owner Joel Tubao, Cañez called on established restaurants like mariscos standout Kiko’s Place and National City carnitas (and chilaquiles) expert Carnitas Quiroga as well as newer entries ranging from Marcella, a popular Neapolitan pizza pop-up, and Coleta, a bustling Mexican brunch cafe from chef Antonio Liui of Gianluca in Tijuana. A Chula Vista residents, Cañez himself runs Xi-Cali, which specializes in Mexicali-style Chinese food, and Tacos La Ocho, a pivot of his Sonoran beef grill. Two favorites from the previous lineup, Ping Yang, and Donburi, have also stayed on. Candice Woo Carnitas from Carnitas Quiroga. Candice Woo Kiko’s Place. The remaining spaces will be filled by a mix of small retail pop-ups and dessert shops, including juice bar Berry Fresh from Liberty Public Market, a stall serving various chamoy-based treats, and Holy Churro, another offering from Carnitas Quiroga owner Darío Villagómez, who also founded Villa Moreliana at LA’s Grand Central Market. Cañez shared that he’s working on bringing a version of Market on 8th to the Otay Ranch community and says that he’s planning other enhancements for the National City venue, from turning its back patio into a Valle de Guadalupe-inspired wine garden to hosting a mix of live acoustic music and cover bands. Candice Woo Coleta brunch cafe. Candice Woo A plate from Xi-Cali.