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San Diego Fish Tacos |
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Deep-fried or grilled fish smothered in crema Mexicana, salsa fresca and slapped between a tortilla … fish tacos just might be San Diego’s prime delicacy. It’s even attracted the likes of the Food Network’s Bobby Flay to have a contest with a local restaurant.
This tasty meal has long been associated as the food of choice for surfers, and legend has it that the recipe crossed the border from Baja California sometime in the 20th century. Thanks those Baja taquerias, San Diego is home to hundreds of satiating fish taco eateries, each offering their own delectable flavor and style.
Mamá Testa Taqueria
When Flay had a fish taco throwdown with the owner of this little Hillcrest restaurant, Flay’s tacos couldn’t compare to Mamá Testa. Known for authentic Mexican taste, Mama Testa churns out a “Guerrero style” (deep-fried, but not quite crunchy) fish taco comprising fried catfish topped with Mexican coleslaw and queso fresco, stuffed into a taco that’s once again deep-fried. The taco is untraditional from the San Diego-Baja style, but the combination is a revelation. Although Mamá Testa doesn’t serve à la carte tacos, the meal comes with black beans and rice. A mandatory visit for any fish taco lover.
Mon.–Thur. 11:30 -9, Fri.–Sat. 11:30–11, Sun. noon–8
1417 University Avenue, Hillcrest
619-298-8226
mamatestataqueria.com
George’s Ocean Terrace
Fish tacos at a fancy restaurant? George’s proves they can make divine tacos that are worth the money. Served during lunch and listed as an appetizer at dinner, this grilled mahimahi fish taco practically melts in your mouth. The fish is first marinated in olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper. Then it’s wrapped with mango salsa, Bermuda onion, cilantro, cabbage, chunky guacamole and jalapeño-lime crème fraîche.
Lunch daily 11–3:45, dinner 5–9:45
1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
858-454-4244
georgesatthecove.com
South Beach Bar & Grill
If you enjoy watching the beach and drinking a cold one, South Beach’s fish taco is the perfect accessory to the moment. Often listed as one of the best fish tacos in San Diego, the Baja-style taco is a crunchy mahimahi sprinkled with cheese, dripping with sauce and wrapped in a soft tortilla. Expect to use more than one napkin as the salsa fresca and white sauce frequently spill from both ends of the taco. The tacos are a reasonable $3.25 price; however, during Happy Hour, Mon.–Fri. 3–6, tacos are $2.50.
Mon.–Thur. 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
5059 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach
619-226-4577
southbeachob.com
The Brigantine
The unhealthiest items on the menu always seem to taste the best. This is also true at The Brigantine, which serves both a grilled and a fried mahimahi taco. The deep-fried fish is divine, and they tweak the taco formula by serving it with grated cheddar cheese. Although these tacos are neither authentic nor served street-style, they still pack a flavor punch.
Locations in Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Point Loma, Poway and EastLake
brigantine.com
The Tin Fish
Only a block from Petco Park, the Tin Fish is a cheaper alternative to the restaurants nearby. The menu has several different types of fish taco, such as Northern-halibut, salmon or even swordfish. The crunchy halibut, deep-fried and served golden, comes in a large portion for its price. Order the criss-cut fries — a delicious necessity when consuming the tacos. The taco is layered with cabbage, ranch and cheddar cheese. The ranch does Americanize the taco, but it’s probably even better than some Baja-style tacos.
Mon.–Thu. 1–7, Fri.–Sat. 11–9, Sun.10–8
170 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
619-238-8100
thetinfish.net
Rubio’s
As one of the most famous fish-taco eateries, Rubio’s tacos satisfy one’s cravings. Additionally, because many Rubio’s restaurants are stationed all over San Diego County, it makes for an easy option. They might not be the best tacos in the world, but they’re satiating — and only $1.25 on Tuesdays.
Many locations around San Diego County and beyond
rubios.com
The Fish Market
Although it generally serves excellent seafood, the Fish Market downtown also serves a great deep-fried fish taco with a side of ranch. The deep-fried fish even tastes fresh from the ocean and the portions are large.
Lunch daily 11–4, dinner daily 4–10
750 North Harbor Drive, downtown, 619-234-4867
640 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858-755-BASS
thefishmarket.com
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Reader Comments:
Rubio's is always my go-to place to eat!! :)
Kari, it's Shalu...I left that Rubio's comment! :)
Yum yum :)
It's about lunch time right and just thinking about the <a href="http://www.rubios.com">fish tacos</a> at these joints is making me drool.. sorry. I agree with the previous posts also, Rubio's serves up mean fish tacos and they're all over San Diego.
Sorry, that nasty fish-goo inside the Rubio's cardboard-tacos is just gross. And that 50/50 mixture of yogurt and mayonaise for the sauce? Seriously?
Hello There, my name is Mark and I am a fish taco fan, I have found the best fish tacos in SD. You need to visit the UTC farmers market on thursdays. This guy make some amazing stuff, Casanova fish tacos. original baja style. simple and flavorful, very traditional. PLease it will be worth it. he's got grilled but the best are the deep fried, very clean and not over batter. he just won 2nd place at the gourmet experience in del mar this year as well as one of the salsas he makes, it took 3rd place at the county fair last year. he is on yelp, facebook and twitter. check him out, this guys put to shame some of the overrated restaurants out there.