Growing up in San Diego, we often drove across the border to the beach towns in Mexico. Our family and friends would pile into a beachfront house for a long weekend. The days were spent frolicking in the waves and sipping virgin piña coladas. The evenings were dedicated to exploring the town and eating big family meals. I have early memories of hanging out outside of the swinging doors of Hussong’s Cantina waiting for my parents to finish their margaritas before dinner. While we waited, one of the adults would take us through the shopping district in search of chiclets and magic jumping beans.

It was the unassuming cart or pop-up with their bubbling vats of frying oil that had a special place in my heart. These were the best stops for fish tacos. They had red plastic baskets of halved limes and radishes, a few molcajetes with salsa and a squeeze bottle of white sauce. “Con todo?” the woman frying fish would ask. Meaning, did you want your fish taco dressed with light green cabbage sliced delicately thin and pico de gallo? We stood around and scarfed down freshly fried, perfectly dressed fish tacos.

In honor of this local delicacy, this article is a tribute to the many different kinds of fish tacos we are lucky to enjoy in San Diego. I consumed a lot of fish tacos this past month to thoroughly research this topic. That’s how dedicated I am to you. You’re welcome.

BEST FLOUR TORTILLA

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill (Mission Hills & Ocean Beach) is exactly what it sounds like. A fresh fish counter highlighting various local catches. Their flour fish tacos are a standout menu item: battered or grilled and your choice of fresh fish. Their beer-battered fish tacos are served with cabbage, tomato, onion, white sauce, cheddar cheese, and side of tomatillo salsa. Their OB location is close to the water and has a great view.

BEST CORN TORTILLA

Mitch’s Seafood (Point Loma Sportfishing Dock) is a waterfront restaurant located right in the San Diego Harbor. They pride themselves on serving local and sustainably caught wild seafood from local fishermen. It’s a laid back vibe with an incredible selection of fish. Their locally caught fish is grilled or fried and served with cabbage slaw, salsa fresca and house-made crema. The flavors are vibrant and the ingredients are always fresh. A great spot to take tourists to enjoy the harbor views and friendly service.

BEST CASUAL SIT-DOWN

TJ Oyster Bar (Bonita & Chula Vista) is one of the original Baja-style fish taco spots that has grown into a sit-down restaurant over the years. It’s a casual atmosphere that also serves beer, micheladas and authentic Mexican sodas. Their fish tacos are served beer battered with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and creamy chipotle sauce, wrapped in a warm tortilla. You can easily eat three of these bad boys. Both of their new restaurants have a waiter come to your table, making it the best sit-down spot for fish tacos!

BEST TACO SHOP

El Viejon Seafood is located in a strip mall in Kearny Mesa. Order your tacos at the counter, fill up a few ramekins of salsa and grab a seat. The ambiance is relaxed and unpretentious, creating the perfect setting for a casual dining experience with friends and family. One of the standout offerings at El Viejon Seafood is undoubtedly their fish tacos. They serve their fish taco on a corn tortilla with cabbage, pico de gallo, radish, pickled red onion, house dressing and toasted sesame seeds. Guests rave about the quality of the ingredients used in every dish, from the tender seafood to the crisp cabbage slaw and tangy salsa. The portions are generous and their homemade salsas are delicious.

BEST TACO TRUCK

Mariscos Mi Gusto Es (East Downtown) is a food truck in the Chollas Creek neighborhood of San Diego known for authentic and delicious seafood. They have all of the seafood classics, but their fish tacos are what they’re known for. Fresh fish, crispy batter, and flavorful toppings and salsas. They’re affordable and quick. Look for the vibrant blue food truck. They have a pop-up tent and tables for you to quickly enjoy your tacos or take them to go. Eat immediately!

Runner up: Kiko’s Place Seafood

BEST FANCY

The Fishery (Pacific Beach) makes an excellent fish taco, if you’re looking to enjoy the traditional Baja-style flavors. In addition to sourcing from local farms (Chinos, Schaner, JR Organics and Rieger), they source their fish directly from local fishermen. Their Baja fish tacos are served with crispy beer battered swordfish, cabbage, pico de gallo, cotija, crema, cilantro and lime. They’re only served on their lunch menu.

Also try: Lola 55, Fish Guts, Tahona

BEST NORTH COUNTY

Fish 101 (Leucadia and Cardiff) is a local gem known for their commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood and laid-back vibe. Groms are serving up fish taco plates with three beer-battered fished tacos with corn tortillas and topped with crispy cabbage, tangy salsa and house-made crema. It’s the perfect spot for lunch after the beach.

Runner up: Shoots Oceanside 

BEST VIEW

South Beach Bar & Grill (Ocean Beach) is a quintessential San Diego experience with a view of the water and mouthwatering fish tacos. It’s situated right on the Pacific Ocean. You have an option to choose a flour tortilla with pico, cabbage, cheese and white sauce or corn tortilla with chipotle cabbage, cheese, cilantro, lime and crema. The best are the Baja fish tacos made with fried cod.

Runner up: George’s at the Cove