A coastal city that’s also a haven for food lovers? Count us in. Downtown San Diego area, offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best of what the ocean has to offer. And when it comes to iconic dishes, few can compete with San Diego’s love affair with fish tacos.
Fish tacos are more than just a meal in this city—they are a cultural experience. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat in the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic part of Downtown San Diego, or visiting Point Loma for a peaceful retreat, there’s no shortage of amazing fish taco spots to explore. The combination of fresh fish, crispy corn tortillas, and zesty lime juice has made these tacos a local favorite, and we’ve rounded up our top 9 picks for the best fish tacos in San Diego.
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Located right on the water, The Fish Market in Downtown San Diego is a classic spot for seafood lovers. The ambiance is unbeatable, offering stunning views of the harbor while you dine on some of the best fish tacos in San Diego. Their fish taco recipe includes fresh grilled white fish, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection over medium-high heat.
Address: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: $10 – $20 (for fish tacos and other dishes)
For a more unique experience, Lucha Libre Taco Shop offers an inventive twist on the classic fish taco. Known for its “Surfin' California” fish taco, Lucha Libre has won awards for its flavorful approach to seafood.
Address: 1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92110
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood has long been a local favorite, especially when it comes to their fish tacos. Whether you opt for their fried fish or grilled fish, each taco is crafted with care. The fish is always fresh, and the combination of grilled white fish, pico de gallo, and tangy lime juice makes each bite an explosion of flavors. The fish taco recipe here also incorporates a bit of cilantro, adding freshness to every bite.
Address: 703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109 (Main location)
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: Closed
Price Range: $2.50 – $5 (per taco)
If you’re looking for an authentic San Diego seafood experience, Mariscos German is the place to go. This family-owned spot offers a variety of seafood dishes, but their fish tacos are the star of the show.
Address: 3760 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: Closed
Price Range: $2 – $6 (per taco)
Located in the heart of Point Loma, Point Loma Seafoods has been serving up fresh seafood for over 50 years. Their fish tacos are some of the best in the city, featuring grilled white fish or fried fish, depending on your preference.
Address: 2805 Emerson St, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: $3 – $7 (per taco)
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill offers some of the freshest seafood in San Diego, and their fish tacos are no exception. The tacos here feature grilled white fish, marinated in a zesty mix of lime juice and olive oil before being cooked to perfection. Served in soft corn tortillas, the tacos are topped with fresh salsa, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for the perfect bite.
Address: 3660 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price Range: $4 – $8 (per taco)
Located just outside of Downtown San Diego, Fish Taco Shop is a hidden gem that locals swear by. Known for its flavorful fish tacos, Fish Taco Shop offers both fried and grilled options, each one featuring high-quality white fish and served in soft corn tortillas.
Address: 1231 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range: $3 – $7 (per taco)
If you find yourself in the Gaslamp Quarter and are craving fish tacos, look no further than City Tacos. This trendy taco shop serves up a variety of fish tacos, including their famous Baja fish taco made with fried fish, cilantro, onions, and lime juice.
Address: 2004 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: $3 – $6 (per taco)
El Indio Mexican Restaurant is a San Diego institution, serving up traditional Mexican fare since 1940. Their fish tacos are a great blend of tradition and innovation, with the option to choose between grilled or fried fish.
Address: 3695 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: $2 – $4 (per taco)
What if you could enjoy every minute in the city without the burden of your bags?