Fish Tacos Good Surf Are Just Two of the Reasons We Love This SoCal City

Where there’s talk of San Diego, there’s talk of tacos—specifically, fish tacos. The fish taco made its first appearance in San Diego in the 1980s and has since become a staple for locals and a must-try for tourists. But who holds the crown of best of the best? The iconic dish has been reinvented hundreds of times throughout the years, so we did a deep dive to find the freshest, most flavorful fish tacos you can find in America’s Finest City. Trust us—these are a total catch.

 

The Brigantine

Must-Order: The Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos and a Modelo Oro

They don’t call their fish tacos “famous” for no reason. The Brigantine’s tacos are consistently listed as a favorite among SD locals. They serve this gluten-free goodness grilled and topped with cabbage, salsa fresca, cheddar and ranch for a rich and satisfying bite. Wash it down with an ice-cold Modelo Oro—a light cerveza with a crisp, clean finish. You’ll love this downtown waterfront spot for a seafood fix!

Locations: Multiple locations throughout San Diego
@brigantinesd

 

Urbana Del Mar

Must-Order: Baja Fish Taco and a Tradicional Michelada with Corona Light

Innovative fine dining meets casual cuisine at Urbana Del Mar. Since opening in 2021, Del Mar locals and taco connoisseurs alike have experienced upscale, award-winning central Mexican cuisine inspired by cities like Michoacán and Jalisco. With a vibrant and artsy vibe, Urbana Del Mar is the perfect location for a date night! Located inside Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s SkyDeck, this award-winning Mexican gastronomy destination offers an extensive selection of tacos—but the Baja Fish ones are a must-try. These feature the catch of the day, guacamole, pico de gallo, spicy aioli, cabbage and handmade corn tortillas, and you can get two for $12 or 3 for $17!  Be sure to pair your tacos with a michelada made with Corona Light! Stop by for Taco + Tequila Tuesday and enjoy delicious deals on tacos, tequila and mezcal starting at 4 p.m., when tacos are two for $10 and palomas are only $11! Or, hop on over for happy hour every day on Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Be sure to pair your pick with one of their handcrafted cocktails; we love the Golden Hour margarita! What else could you fish for?

Location: Del Mar
@urbanadelmar

 

Pure Taco

Must-Order: Baja Fish Taco

If you’re searching for the best Baja fish taco at the best price point—we’ve got you covered! Pure Taco on State St. offers a specialty Baja fish taco that’s $2.95 all day every day! Served on a fresh, hand-pressed tortilla with seasonal white fish, cilantro slaw, crema and salsa fresca, it’s so delicious that we guarantee you’ll be back for more (maybe even the next day). This all-new modern, American taqueria will be your new go-to spot for good vibes, delicious tacos and specialty margaritas. Sit out on the open-air patio with your taco-lovin’ crew and cheers to your favorite new taqueria!

Local Insight: Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. with stellar deals on drinks and tacos.

Location: Carlsbad
@mypuretaco

 

Pacific Catch

Must-Order: Taco Platter

The beloved Bay Area eatery has finally made its way down to San Diego! La Jolla’s Pacific Catch specializes in serving up fresh seafood in every form imaginable. Snag a seat on the spacious patio or at the open-air bar and sip on a Modelo Negra, savoring the ambiance of this buzzy seafood hotspot. From the islands of Hawaii to the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam, each dish on their extensive menu draws inspiration from a diverse array of cuisines from around the world. The founders’ travels and love for the ocean has shaped the menu wholly, ensuring that each dish is ethically sourced with responsibly raised seafood. Now that’s something to taco ‘bout.

Location: La Jolla
@pacificcatch

 

Casero Taqueria

Must-Order: Grilled Fish Taco

Casero Taqueria’s founders strive to educate their community on Baja soul through the dining experience, so it’s no surprise that among their cuisine’s diverse flavors, the al fresco dining and the modern Baja decor inside, you feel like you’ve made your way to Mexico. Everything is homemade, which includes cooking proteins on an open wood flame and hand-pressing the tortillas.

Local Insight: Casero’s general manager insists you try the homemade churros because “everyone raves about them!”

Location: Carlsbad
@caserotacos

 

Puesto

Must-Order: Baja Fish Tacos

Puesto is the child of first-generation Mexican-Americans who frequently travel back to Mexico City searching for various flavors and family traditions to incorporate into their recipes back here in Cali. Pick a table al fresco or sit inside, where they have a super chic bar and an exhibition kitchen. Their Baja taco comes with a generous portion of beer-battered local fish on a non-GMO, blue corn tortilla and all the proper taco accouterments.

Locations: La Jolla, Mission Valley, San Diego at The Headquarters
@eatpuesto

 

Fish Shop

Must-Order: Grilled Ahi Taco With Fish Shop Seasoning 

As the name would suggest, it’s your local one-stop fish shop. Here you’ll find a true build-it-yourself experience with the choice of eight marinades, 11 fresh fish options, and your choice of fried or grilled fish atop a flour or corn tortilla. As if that weren’t homemade enough, you can also buy fresh fish (by the pound) at the counter to cook at home.

Local Insight: Bring your own wine along to pair with your tacos for only a $5 corkage fee!

Locations: Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Encinitas
@pbfishshop, @plfishshop, @encinitasfs

 

Lola 55

Must-Order: Baja-Style Fish Taco

Elevating the famous Tijuana street taco and classic Baja California eats is East Village’s very own Lola 55. Lola’s menu offers a modern twist on the classics with options every age can enjoy. They even offer a tantalizing vegan menu that has stolen even the most loyal of carnivore’s hearts and bellies—just ask the cauliflower taco.

Locations: Downtown San Diego, Carlsbad Beacon
@lola55_sandiego

 

City Tacos

Must-Order: Mexicali Taco

City Tacos stay true to its name by serving up unique tacos all over the city of San Diego—all the way from Imperial Beach to Encinitas. Specializing in combining traditional recipes with a hint of SoCal inspiration, no taco here is created equal. Grab yourself an innovative street taco loaded to maximum capacity in a casual, upbeat atmosphere. Spice up each bite with a variety of creative homemade salsas; the more flavor the merrier!

Local Insight: Cruise over on Taco Tuesday for $2.50 Mexican beers and 10% off all food!

Locations: Multiple San Diego locations
@citytacossd

 

¡SALUD TACOS!

Must-Order: Shrimp Diabla and a Modelo

Stumble upon stellar tacos just outside of Barrio Logan’s historic Chicano Park at ¡SALUD TACOS! With a menu of Northern Mexican street food and ambient Southern California vibes, it’s been the taco spot in the town since opening its doors. Complete with vegan taco options and a variety of craft cocktails and beers, including classics like Modelo, come take a bite of tradition and experience a touch of Chicano flair from taco to tattoo-inspired murals. 

Location: Barrio Logan
@saludtacos

 

TJ Oyster Bar

Must-Order: Stingray Taco and a Corona

What started as a modest taco shop has become an award-winning locals’ hideaway with several locations. Specializing in baja-style fish tacos in a casual atmosphere, TJ Oyster Bar prides itself on offering a simple, authentic take on the fish taco, but if you’re feelin’ frisky, try their stingray taco and pair it with a Corona! Prepare for a fresh, flavorful experience—that is if you can patiently wait in the typically long line out the door.

Locations: Bonita, Chula Vista
@tjoysterbar

 

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Must-Order: Battered Fish Taco

The first thing you’ll notice about Oscar’s is their generous portions. The veggies are just as crisp as the fish and make for the perfect lunch or dinner. They also offer a variety of sauces; sources tell us the green sauce and chipotle are to die for!

Locations: Pacific Beach, Hillcrest
@oscarsmex

 

Mariscos Mi Gusto Es

Must-Order: Pescado Ahumado Taco 

Ain’t no taco like a food truck taco. Taste the authentic touch of Mariscos Mi Gusto Es, a top-tier taco truck located in San Diego’s very own East Village. Loaded with fish and flavor and topped off with the classic fixings, it’s a true classic-meets-classic experience that we can’t recommend enough. Take your taco to go and wander for a true downtown San Diego experience.

Location: East Village

 

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill

Must-Order: Blue Water Tacos

There’s fresh, and then there’s Blue Water fresh. This beloved San Diego staple is part seafood market, part casual eatery, and fully committed to getting you the highest-quality fish taco possible. You start by choosing your fish (options include mahi, rockfish, yellowfish, or even wahoo), and then the crew sears it to perfection, loads it into a warm tortilla, and tops it with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cheddar, and a housemade white sauce. The chipotle and garlic butters are fan favorites. Everything’s cooked to order, and it shows in every bite. Whether you’re dining inside with a local craft beer or grabbing takeout on your way to the beach, it’s a low-key, high-reward experience. Both their Mission Hills and Ocean Beach locations draw steady lines for good reason: this is fish taco excellence without the attitude. Just bring your appetite and a napkin or two if you’d like.

Local Insight: Ask for your fish “blackened” for an extra kick. It’s not on the menu, but the staff will know what to do.

 

Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill

Must-Order: TKO Style Taco

A fish taco tastes better with an ocean view (science probably says so). Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill in Mission Beach makes the most of that fact, serving up next-level tacos on a breezy rooftop overlooking the waves. Their TKO Style Taco has earned its stripes: a cotija-crusted flour tortilla, chipotle aioli, escabeche slaw, lime crema, spicy guacamole, and topped with just enough crispy onion strings to keep things interesting. Or go for the Beach Style Taco for a lighter but still flavorful option. Tacos come with all the essentials: house chips, guacamole, and beans. Beyond the tacos, the full bar is stacked with local brews and spicy margaritas that round things out perfectly. Sports games play on every screen downstairs, but upstairs is where you want to be, especially around sunset. It’s casual, coastal, and just the right kind of lively. It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh off the beach or in the mood for a sunset happy hour; Sandbar hits the fish taco sweet spot.

 

The Taco Stand

Must-Order: Baja Taco

If you know, you know; if you don’t, consider this your official invitation. The Taco Stand is San Diego’s go-to for Tijuana-style street tacos, and their fish tacos are absolute essentials. You can go grilled or crispy, but either way, you’re getting fresh fish on a housemade tortilla topped with shredded cabbage, creamy chipotle sauce, and the kind of salsa that makes your eyes light up. Add a squeeze of lime, and you’re good to go. The vibe here is always buzzing, but the line moves quickly, and you’ll want the extra time to decide between the guacamole, Carne Asada Fries, and a churro or two for dessert. Each location (La Jolla, Encinitas, Downtown and more) keeps things consistent, both in flavor and energy. It’s fast-casual, done right, with a strong focus on quality and a menu that never disappoints. Come hungry and leave seriously satisfied.

Local Insight: Don’t miss the salsa bar, complete with housemade options like a secret habanero blend the locals love.

 

The Waves Taco Club

Must-Order: Grilled Mahi Mahi Taco

Fish tacos, but make them stylish. The Waves Taco Club in the Gaslamp Quarter brings a modern edge to the classic Baja experience. Open since 2022, this vibrant eatery sources high-quality, sustainable seafood and pairs it with bold flavors and bright ingredients. Think grilled mahi mahi with crispy onions, melted cheese, and sriracha mayo, and rotating specials that lean global. It’s the kind of place where your plate looks just as delicious as it tastes. The space itself feels like a coastal-meets-urban mashup, with colorful murals, local art, and an upbeat vibe that keeps things fresh. Dropping in for a quick lunch or kicking off a night downtown? The Waves checks all the boxes: good food, good drinks, and good energy. Their cocktail list is just as considered, with mezcal-forward drinks and agua frescas that pair perfectly with the spice on your plate.

 

Kiko’s Place Seafood

Must-Order: OG Fish Taco

For no-frills, all-flavor fish tacos, Kiko’s Place is the move. This family-run food truck has carved out a loyal following by keeping things simple: fresh fish, golden fry, a little crunch, and sauces that bring the heat. Their crispy fish taco is legendary, layered with cabbage, crema, and a smoky house salsa that makes everything pop. If you’re not in the mood for fish, the shrimp tacos and seafood cocktails are equally crowd-pleasing. The truck is usually parked off the Pacific Highway near downtown, drawing everyone from construction workers to downtown office crowds (and for good reason). It’s fast, affordable, and full of character. Seating is minimal (aka curbside), but the flavor is complex enough to make you forget you’re standing. There’s a reason Kiko’s has held it down for years without changing much: it’s consistent, crave-able, and pure San Diego street food at its finest.

Local Insight: Bring cash, as Kiko’s is a cash-only establishment.

 

Taco Surf

Must-Order: Grilled Snapper Taco

This is what post-beach meals are made for. Taco Surf in Pacific Beach has been serving up SoCal-style Mexican food since 1989, and their fish tacos remain the main event. Go grilled for a lighter bite or battered for that golden crunch, ‘cause both come dressed with shredded lettuce and creamy white and red sauces you’ll want more of. The shop’s retro interior (surfboards, beach posters, neon) adds to the laid-back charm, but don’t let the throwback vibe fool you: the food still hits like day one. Portions are generous, prices are wallet-friendly, and the salsa bar is loaded. You’ll usually find surfers, families, and hungover brunchers all in the mix, which is honestly part of the fun. It’s classic PB: no-frills, big flavor, and a spot you’ll end up returning to time and time again. Order extra chips and salsa—you’ll want them while you wait.

Local Insight: Call ahead for large orders, especially on sunny weekends when the post-beach crowd flocks in.