Best Realism Tattoo Artists in San Diego, CA

Top realism tattoo artists in San Diego, CA ranked by review evidence.

Top Shops Top Artists
1. Tony
at Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
HIGH
5 mentions
"Tony did a great job on my sobriety appreciation tattoo aka cross. Great work"
2. Erik
at Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
HIGH
4 mentions
"elped me narrow down a font and style for my tattoo. Highly recommend asking for Erik!!"
3. Marc
at Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
HIGH
4 mentions
"Marc did an amazing portrait tattoo. He had great skills and can tell he paid attention to the smallest details. I am very happy with my 1"
4. Andrew
at Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
HIGH
3 mentions
"Andrew is the best tattoo artist in town! Would not let anyone else ink me."
5. Kipper
at Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
HIGH
3 mentions
"Kipper is the best !! Made me feel comfortable and did amazing on my tattoo. Definitely a great place to stop by or schedule with. They acce"
6. Ceb ✓ verified
at Buju Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"ve all the way from Arizona and it was absolutely worth it. Ceb did an amazing job on a custom piece for me two and a half years ago. It’s still just as flawless as the day I got i"
7. Thi ✓ verified
at Buju Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"of Ceb as a human. Ceb is patient and kind and hardworking. This tattoo was no joke, it was a full day of work! Ceb stayed cheerful, kind, and patient the entire time even through "
8. Buju ✓ verified
at Buju Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions @buju_tattoo
"op I have ever been to! Kaia Love did two of my tattoos and Buju did my first three years ago! I recommend them to everyone! They possess such artistry, kindness and humanity! They"
9. Curtis
at Buju Tattoo
MED
2 mentions
"I worked with Curtis and he exceeded my expectations. From the beginning to the end. We met a few time to discuss what I wanted, the plan. He"
10. Brian ✓ verified
at Buju Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"iendly. The shop was clean and had so many fun decorations. Brian did a wonderful job on the tattoo - and my boyfriend keeps commenting "I didn't even know a tattoo could heal so w"
11. Aquariu
at ALLSVART
LOW
1 mention
"d he replied incredibly fast. I shared my idea which was an Aquarius style water barrier tattoo on my side along with some inspiration photos and he was very friendly and helpful t"
12. Isaac
at Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing
LOW
1 mention
"I’ve had my industrial bar and conch piercing done by Isaac and both experiences were phenomenal! He’s extremely professional, kind, and I’ve had zero complications with either or "
13. Eddie
at Reality Ink Tattoo Art Studio
LOW
1 mention
"ve one. I’m extremely happy with the result. I’d absolutely recommend Eddie to anyone looking for quality work, professionalism, and a solid shop atmosphere."
14. Tristen ✓ verified
at Tristen Tattoo
HIGH
6 mentions @tristenschwanz
"Tristen did an awesome job on my tattoo. He is very professional and responsive when setting up the appointment. He made sure I was comforta"
15. Hi ✓ verified
at Tristen Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"Tristen is the only tattoo artist I go to! His work is not only beautiful and clean, but he also is a very nice guy and takes all your ideas into consideration. Will definitely be "
16. Tristen Absolutely
at Tristen Tattoo
LOW
1 mention @tristenschwanz
"Have had many pieces done by Tristen Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Very welcoming and professional. The detail is incredible. I couldn’t be"
17. Colton ✓ verified
at Chapter One Tattoo
HIGH
4 mentions
"Ive been coming here to see Colton for nearly 8 years. Does solid work. This shop is great. Clean and professional. Anyone will feel comfortable here."
18. Casey ✓ verified
at Chapter One Tattoo
HIGH
4 mentions
"One of the nicest shops I've been in. Casey tattooed me and did an awesome job. Everyone seemed easy to work with there."
19. Cash ✓ verified
at Chapter One Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions @cashscotttattoo
"I spent the last couple months getting my arm done by Cash. I went in with no tattoos and came out with an incredible sleeve. The whole shop is courteous, with great vibes, and wel"
20. Yvonne
at Chapter One Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
"taining decor and art. Very clean and sanitary environment. Yvonne is the best!! Very beautiful soul and extremely talented! Thank you guys!!"
21. Slaine ✓ verified
at Funhouse Tattoo
HIGH
6 mentions
"to see, incredibly happy. They can't "wait to draw more." Slaine was my artist. He was kind and welcoming. The banter was great! Slaine was VERY patient with me. He answered all o"
22. Brandon ✓ verified
at Funhouse Tattoo
HIGH
5 mentions
"reat shop to get a tattoo at. I had a great experience with my artist Brandon, who did a killer job on the tattoo I wanted! The vibe and music of the shop were awesome as well. Hig"
23. Anna ✓ verified
at Funhouse Tattoo
HIGH
4 mentions
"e time. If you’re thinking about getting work done, I can’t recommend Anna enough—she’s phenomenal."
24. Alana
at Funhouse Tattoo
HIGH
4 mentions
"ed artists on board. Ive already been back twice! Check out Alana's work. A++++++ will let ink me again!"
25. Skott ✓ verified
at Funhouse Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
"Skott did a killer job on my tattoo and freshening up an old one! Off the bat had a great vibe, Skott was very professional and creative. Co"
26. Jadd ✓ verified
at Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
9 mentions
"I love my tattoo!! Jadd is amazing and I highly recommend Sailor's Grave for any cover-ups you might be needing!"
27. Josh ✓ verified
at Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
6 mentions
"truck (2hours) All around an amazing experience!! Strongly recommend Josh and Sailors Graves Tattoos!!"
28. Mikey ✓ verified
at Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
5 mentions
"e board and time flew by while I was getting my piece done! Mikey was my artist (awesome handiwork and super chill), and the same could be said for everyone that was working at the"
29. Trevor
at Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
MED
2 mentions
"This was second getting tattooed & I’m SO happy with them! Trevor is amazing! Highly recommend👌🏻"
30. Nick Rank
at Sailor's Grave Tattoo Gallery
MED
1 mention
"Did a walk-in at Sailors Grave Tattoo Gallery and got tattooed by Nick Rank. Awesome experience from start to finish. Nick is super focused, thorough, and clearly takes a lot of pr"
31. Terry ✓ verified
at Remington Tattoo Parlor
HIGH
19 mentions
"We fly down to Remington from the Bay Area to get work done by Terry. Great artists as well as great people in a cool little neighborhood. 5 stars all day. 👍"
32. Jasmine ✓ verified
at Remington Tattoo Parlor
HIGH
8 mentions
"orates photos I’ve taken of one of our local estuaries, and Jasmine did an incredible job turning them into a stunning, artistic layout. I genuinely feel like I have a piece of art"
33. Remington ✓ verified
at Remington Tattoo Parlor
HIGH
3 mentions @remingtontattoo
"but not too bad, that is not the shops fault. 10/10, would recommend Remington and Terry 100%. great experience, great vibes and i will be going back to get more when time, money "
34. Shannon
at Remington Tattoo Parlor
HIGH
3 mentions
"as a walk-in and they gladly accepted me. The tattoo artist Shannon did a rescue mission on a tattoo I had wanted covered up. There are beyond talented individuals that work here. "
35. Marty Boe ✓ verified
at Bearcat Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
2 mentions
"at vibe. Cynthia at the desk was so sweet and friendly! Our artist Marty Boe was awesome! We LOVE our tattoos and he made them look even better than the reference we had. Super coo"
36. Matt Heinz
at Bearcat Tattoo Gallery
MED
2 mentions
"time I was incredibly happy with the results. I’ve had work done by Matt Heinz and Marty Boe and they are both very professional, detailed, creative, and thorough with their work. "
37. Mike ✓ verified
at Bearcat Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
1 mention
"Mike is amazing! If you looking for perfect lines and amazing details go see him. I've never been so happy with a tattoo this sleeve is perf"
38. Marty ✓ verified
at Bearcat Tattoo Gallery
HIGH
1 mention
"Marty is the best."
39. Mariana
at Family Business Tattoo San Diego
HIGH
8 mentions
"I've had two tattoos done by Mariana and can't recommend her enough! She's not only detail oriented and precise but also the sweetest person. The vibe at Family"
40. Family Business ✓ verified
at Family Business Tattoo San Diego
HIGH
4 mentions @familybusinesstattoosd
"ith my tattoos and will absolutely be coming back. I highly recommend Family Business Tattoo, especially Mariana and Ronaldo, to anyone looking for high-quality American traditiona"
41. Carrie
at Family Business Tattoo San Diego
HIGH
4 mentions
"just happens to be insanely talented with needles ;) can’t recommend Carrie enough!!"
42. Yasser
at Family Business Tattoo San Diego
HIGH
3 mentions
"tattoo cover-up at Family Business Tattoo San Diego by the artist Yasser. I am so impressed and stoked about my new tattoo. he works with absolutely professional hands with on Po"
43. Bobbi
at Family Business Tattoo San Diego
HIGH
2 mentions
"t truly took the stress out of my first tattoo. When you go ask for Bobbi, she will make your vision come to life! I’ve caught the bug thanks to her lol."
44. Chely
at Guru Tattoo
HIGH
3 mentions
"Pretty awesome experience, highly recommend this place. Chely was my artist and didn't disappoint. Im in love with the piece and will be going back soon."
45. Andi ✓ verified
at Guru Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"I had a terrific experience with my artist Andi and the rest of the staff I interacted with. Andi is a very talented artist and I am absolutely thrilled with my new tattoo!"
46. Bean ✓ verified
at Guru Tattoo
HIGH
2 mentions
"ool place with a lot of great artists. I had some good work done by Bean."
47. Phil
at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo and Museum
HIGH
3 mentions
"riend's tattoo looks great today. Everyone's does. I highly recommend Phil even if you're not looking for American Traditional (he does more styles, check his Instagram)."
48. Ray Prather ✓ verified
at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo and Museum
HIGH
2 mentions
"Had a great experience today as a walk in rib tattoo, my artist Ray Prather was quick, helpful, kind, and professional! Could not recommend this location or artist more!"
49. Shawn Henry
at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo and Museum
MED
2 mentions
"e going back 70 years and 3 generations, this is it. Highly recommend Shawn Henry. Incredible, crisp lines and vibrant colors. His custom work is off the chain."
50. Buddy
at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo and Museum
MED
2 mentions
"I highly recommend Buddy. He's very talented!"
51. Painless Al ✓ verified
at Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo and Museum
HIGH
1 mention
"I walked in and helped me right away. Got my small tattoos done by Painless Al Avila and the experience and conversation was great. I most definitely recommend this place. Thanks f"
52. Propaganda ✓ verified
at Propaganda Tattoo
HIGH
1 mention @propagandatattoo
"for the beautiful work and making this so enjoyable. Highly recommend Propaganda for excellent quality tattoos and it’s a great place to go for anyone getting their first piece and"
53. Kevin
at Propaganda Tattoo
LOW
1 mention
"I got my tattoo as a walk in and was treated very well. The artist Kevin took the time to draw a new design that I really enjoyed. As far as the tattoo I really enjoy it. There are"
54. Jason
at Propaganda Tattoo
LOW
1 mention
"The shop is clean and spacious. Everyone is very friendly. Jason did my tattoo and was awesome! Very easygoing and thorough. Highly recommend! FYI: Cash only, atm on site."
55. Isaiah
at Beauty and Ink
LOW
1 mention
"Isaiah did an AMAZING JOB!! As soon as my husband & I walked in they took care of us & were very polite ! The details on this piece are beyo"
56. Santos
at Beauty and Ink
LOW
1 mention
"Santos did a great job, worked with me on the design, made sure the whole piece had character, and had great design input to make the piece"
57. Adrain
at Beauty and Ink
LOW
1 mention
"riendly staff, nice clean shop! My wife and I both got work done by Adrain. He does amazing work! We'll definitely be back next time we're in town."
58. Lion ✓ verified
at Lions Den Tattoo Studio
HIGH
1 mention @lionsdensd
"I highly recommend Lion’s Den! The vibe is super relaxed, the place is clean, well lit, and well decorated. The staff were all really friendly and we"