Photographed By: Bhadri KubendranYou’ll Be Hooked on These Top 14 Spots for Fish Tacos in San Diego Marisa Thrasher February 24, 2021 Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on LinkedInShare on InstagramShare on YouTubeShare on EmailShare on WhatsAppFind out for Yourself What’s So Special About One of the City’s Signature Dishes Simply put, for many Southern California residents, fish tacos are a dietary staple. No matter if you prefer them fried or grilled, fancy or casual, the end result is always a solid bite of deliciousness. If you ask anyone who’s spent a significant amount of time in San Diego where to go for fish tacos, they’ll probably eagerly share their favorites in town—and you’ll more than likely end up with a ton of different suggestions. But look no further, because we’ve managed to find the best fish tacos SD has to offer! Fish Tacos in San Diego 1 | Casero Taqueria Fish Tacos in San Diego Must-Order: Fish Taco (Baja-Style or Grilled) Photography Provided By: Casero Taqueria Photography Provided By: Casero Taqueria Photography Provided By: Casero Taqueria Casero Taqueria’s founders strive to educate their community on Baja soul through the dining experience, so it’s no surprise that between their cuisine’s diverse flavors, the alfresco 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 GM, Robert, insists you try the homemade churros because “everyone is raving about them!” Casero Taqueria Location: Carlsbad @caserotacos Eblast Ad Exp 5/19 2 | JRDN Fish Tacos in San Diego Must-Order: Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Photography By: Bhadri Kubendran Not only can you eat one of the best fish tacos in town at JRDN (at the Tower 23 Hotel), but you can also catch an epic sunset from their famous beachfront patio in the heart of Pacific Beach. Chef David Warner recently took over as head chef and is committed to creating classic and flavorful foods. His tacos are so light and fresh that you’ll want to return to this hot spot for more. JRDN Location: Pacific Beach @jrdnrestaurant Exp 5/19 3 | Wonderland Ocean Beach Must-Order: Fresh Fish Taco Wonderland Ocean Beach is not only known for its hospitality and rad views of the beach, but also for its killer fish tacos. Chris, the general manager, says their secret to great tacos is “having fresh fish delivered daily.” This place tends to get busy during sporting events since they keep the games on, but it’s a great space for everyone to enjoy. Wonderland Ocean Beach Location: Ocean Beach @wonderlandoceanbeach 4 | Tocaya Organica Fish Tacos in San Diego Must-Order: Baja Taco With Catch of the Day Photograph Provided By: Tocaya Organica Tocaya Organica is committed to using natural, sustainable ingredients that are locally sourced, and their proteins are free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics—woohoo! Their “modern Mexican” cuisine is upscale yet fast-casual, so it’s perfect for those on-the-run that want to get something healthy. Be sure to try the Baja tacos, which have a perfect portion of shaved cabbage, cilantro, sweet chipotle sauce, a vegan chipotle crema on a corn tortilla, and topped with the catch of the day. Bonus: they’re gluten-free! Tocaya Organica Location: Del Mar @tocayaorganica 5 | Pacific Beach Fish Shop Must-Order: TKO Taco Photo Provided By: PB Fish Shop Photo Provided By: PB Fish Shop Since opening in 2010, the Pacific Beach Fish Shop has been known for its customizable fresh fish dishes, so if you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. You pick your fish, a marinade (for grilled fish), a style (grilled or fried), and obviously, you’re getting it served as a taco since that’s the best way to eat, well, anything. Not feeling creative? Try their award-winning TKO taco marinated in their very own Fish Shop seasoning. It’s beyond tasty. Pacific Beach Fish Shop Location: Pacific Beach @pbfishshop 6 | Lucha Libre Must-Order: Undefeated Seafood Taco With Mahi In 2008, the Rojano brothers opened up their first Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop outpost in Mission Hills. Yes, they incorporated their love of professional wrestling and its vibrant and colorful lucha libre culture. Their Undefeated Seafood Taco comes with seasoned Mahi (or shrimp), jack cheese, pico de gallo, cabbage and serrano sauce. Lucha Libre nailed it. Local Insight: Get extra serrano sauce. The tacos don’t need it, but it’s just that good. Lucha Libre Locations: Mission Hills, North Park @luchalibretacoshop 7 | Puesto Must-Order: Baja Fish Tacos Photographed By: Jenavieve Belair 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 battered cod on a non-GMO, blue corn tortilla and, of course, comes with all the proper taco accouterments. Puesto Locations: La Jolla, Mission Valley, San Diego at The Headquarters @eatpuesto 8 | Casa Guadalajara Must-Order: Ensenada Fish Tacos Photo Provided By: Casa Guadalajara At Casa Guadalajara, you’ll immediately feel the fun, fiesta vibes on the colorful and umbrella-dotted patio. “People come from near and far to enjoy our Ensenada Fish Tacos,” says Owner/Operator Diane Powers. “We only use the finest ingredients to create authentic Mexican flavors that make this dish a customer favorite.” The spicy salsa that tops off their Ensenada Fish Tacos is divine and is a huge hit among guests. Casa Guadalajara Location: Old Town @casaguadalajara 9 | South Beach Bar & Grille Must-Order: Wahoo Grilled Taco South Beach Bar & Grille has SO many fish tacos to choose from—from grilled swordfish, Wahoo and Yellowtail to Mahi Mahi. Another option is the fried Baja taco, which is always a favorite among fish taco lovers. The service is fast and friendly, and they have ocean views for days. They also offer happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6p.m. with half-off all appetizers and tacos for $2.95—the kind of taco day spirit everyone needs! South Beach Bar & Grille Location: Ocean Beach @southbeachbargrille 10 | The Brigantine Must-Order: The Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos 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. You’ll love this spot for a seafood fix! The Brigantine Locations: Multiple locations throughout San Diego 11 | Oscar’s Mexican Seafood Must-Order: Battered Fish Taco Photo By: Jenavieve Belair 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. Plus, they offer a variety of sauces. Sources tell us the green sauce and chipotle are to die for! Oscar’s Mexican Seafood Location: Pacific Beach @oscarsmex 12 | El Zarape Must-Order: Fish-Battered Fried Taco First of all, who sells anything for next to nothing these days?! Well, you’re in luck because El Zarape’s Fished-Battered Fried Taco is only 99 cents! Their chalkboard menu and get-your-own salsa bar give this place quintessential taco shop vibes, albeit a bit fancier. The tacos are super tasty and, let’s be real, how can you go wrong for 99 cents?! El Zarape Location: University Heights @elzaraperestaurant 13 | The Taco Stand Must-Order: Baja Taco There are a few places you consistently see lines out the door. But The Taco Stand is one of them. The ingredients, including the fish, are always super fresh. Their Baja Taco comes battered and is priced at a super reasonable $2.99. Plus, they’re open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, so it’s the perfect late-night delight. The Taco Stand Location: Encinitas, La Jolla, North Park, Downtown, Kearny Mesa @letstaco_ 14 | George’s Ocean Terrace Fish Tacos in San Diego Must-Order: Blackened Fish Taco Photography Provided By: George’s at the Cove, Brogen Jessup Photography Photography Provided By: George’s at the Cove, Brogen Jessup Photography Photography Provided By: Aly Lyng George’s Ocean Terrace offers one of the most unique fish tacos in town, and it’s absolutely delectable. Their taco creation is made with achiote marinated yellowtail and is polished off with cabbage, cilantro, onion, salsa and crema. Also, they have one of the most spectacular views of the ocean from their downtown La Jolla rooftop. It’s not to be missed! George’s Ocean Terrace Location: La Jolla @georgesatthecove
