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Seafood and taco spots in Costa Mesa

A seafood taco that highlights the freshness of the fish without burying it under a mountain of cabbage.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill image 1
Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill image 2
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Mexican restaurant with lively atmosphere and very loud conga music creates an energetic vibe. It serves fresh, flavorful seafood and juicy, large tacos at reasonable prices. The space is very clean but not family-friendly, and it tends to be quiet with few customers.

Fresh, flavorful seafood stands out here with shrimp cocktails that are consistently delicious. Fish and shrimp tacos also offer tasty options for seafood lovers.

Carne asada tacos feature juicy, huge meat with rich flavor. Shrimp and fish tacos offer solid options alongside the well-prepared carne.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, especially the shrimp tacos."

"I found the carne asada tacos to be really good."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp cocktails, is so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathroom.

2

Prices are reasonable and portions are big.

3

The restaurant is usually not very busy, making it a good option for a quiet meal.

02
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with quick service and mostly metal seating. The space feels comfortable and welcoming, often crowded but relaxed enough for family and friends. Known for affordable, fresh seafood, it stands out for quality dishes like crispy fish sandwiches and flavorful tacos.

Seafood here features fresh grilled fish cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. Dishes like the Cajun shrimp tacos and crispy fish sandwich stand out for their quality and taste.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with Cajun seasoning and miso slaw adding unique flavors. Prices range from about $4.75 to $10, offering good value for quality seafood.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The seafood here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"I found the seafood tacos to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

California Fish Grill does not accept cash payments; only cards and mobile payments.

3

There are plenty of free parking spaces available nearby.

03
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly atmosphere with a relaxed beach-town vibe. Busy and noisy during lunchtime, it offers a big salsa bar and self-service soda machine. Known for fresh fish tacos and generous portions, it blends fast food convenience with quality Mexican flavors.

Blackened fish tacos stand out with flaky, flavorful fish and crisp cabbage. Shrimp tacos come juicy and well-seasoned. Beans, sauces, and salsas add authentic, fresh flavors throughout.

Shrimp tacos come juicy and well-seasoned with bursting flavor. Fish tacos feature flaky, lightly battered or grilled fish with crisp cabbage and creamy sauce. Blackened fish tacos and bowls offer fresh, tasty options with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

"The fish tacos here are flaky, flavorful, and fresh."

"The fish tacos here are flaky, flavorful, and perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

The portions are generous and satisfying.

3

The menu includes burritos, bowls, enchiladas, and vegetarian options.

04
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bar seating and outdoor tables offers an upbeat atmosphere and fresh margaritas. The space feels clean and open with comfortable seats. Regulars enjoy quality tacos and a lively vibe.

Fish tacos stand out with large portions and crispy beer battered fish topped with cabbage and crema. Grilled shrimp, birria, and cochinita pibil tacos also offer solid seafood options.

Steak, al Pastor, and carnitas tacos stand out with bold flavors and a next level corn mix. Fish, birria, and cochinita pibil tacos also offer solid options for variety.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the grilled shrimp tacos were very good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for the price of two.

2

The Taco Tuesday deal costs $11.50 for three tacos.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

05
Tacos Madre Mexican Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic decor featuring a Frida Kahlo mural and lively Spanish music. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, creating a chill, family-friendly vibe. Known for handmade tortillas and excellent fish tacos, it offers a casual spot with limited seating and a local feel.

Fish tacos feature big pieces of fish with not too much breading. They come with a nice crema and great salsa that complement the flavors well.

Fish tacos stand out as amazing and rival other well-known spots. Keto tacos offer a variety of delicious meats. The Taco El Gobernador and barbecue tacos also deliver excellent authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing."

"I thought the tacos tasted homemade and delicious."

"I found the fish tacos to be amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant is very limited, so arrive early.

2

Expect wait times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on tacos.

06
Shuck Oyster Bar image 1

Oyster bar offers a laid-back, cozy atmosphere with fresh, diverse shellfish and dog-friendly outdoor seating. The bar area can feel crowded and separated by plexiglass, while the music sometimes detracts from the vibe. Patrons enjoy excellent oyster variety and refreshing house wines.

Fresh oysters arrive with pure ocean flavor and a variety that stays consistent. Fried oysters offer a perfectly crunchy exterior and creamy inside, while clam and chorizo dishes come with a rich, smooth sauce enhancing their taste.

Small tacos highlight ahi and lobster fillings with strong seafood flavors. Tacos offer great taste and good value for the price.

People are saying

"The oysters here are always so fresh and tasty."

"The seafood here is always so fresh and tasty."

"The ahi tacos here were incredible and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for comfortable seating; walk-ins are seated at the bar or outside.

2

Oyster prices are unmarked, so ask before ordering to avoid embarrassment.

3

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

07
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers American Mexican seafood with a focus on fish tacos that remain fresh and delicious. Atmosphere is themed and clean, with options for dining inside, outside, or to go. The place stays quick and affordable, attracting a steady but not crowded flow of diners.

Fish tacos come with huge portions and fresh, delicious fish topped with a flavorful sauce. Shrimp tacos and a shrimp trio offer great value and tasty options alongside the classic fish taco.

Fish tacos stand out with freshness and generous portions, often loaded with toppings and sauce. Options include blackened taco plates that add extra flavor, alongside affordable steak and chicken tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and tasty."

"These fish tacos are delicious and fresh."

"The seafood tacos here are delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains cleanliness and has clean bathrooms.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

3

Dining options include inside, outside, or to go.

08
Wahoo's Fish Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a modern, simple design that feels clean and tranquil. Offers healthy, Cali-inspired cuisine with consistently good fish tacos and generous portions at reasonable prices. Family-friendly atmosphere with a surf and skate culture vibe.

Fish tacos come with a good amount of fish and are available grilled or fried. The blackened fish taco pairs well with a mushroom enchilada and green sauce. Sides include white rice and black or spicy pinto beans.

Fish tacos come with a good amount of fish and are available grilled or fried. Combos like the 80s fish taco with red chicken enchilada and sides such as black beans and white spiced rice are common choices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I thought the fish tacos were delicious and had a good amount of fish."

"The fish tacos here are delicious and have a good amount of fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

2

Expect quick service with most orders ready in under 10 minutes.

3

Prices are reasonable, with most items under $15.

09
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs spinning records. Outdoor patio seating adds a relaxing atmosphere complemented by heaters when needed. The space feels modern and artful, creating a welcoming and lighthearted environment.

Fresh seafood shines in dishes like pesto pasta, paella, and shrimp tacos. Options include ceviche, fish and chips, and seafood paired with homemade chorizo pasta.

Pork belly tacos stand out with rich flavor and generous filling. Steak tacos offer a tender, satisfying bite that many find memorable.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"I thought the pork belly tacos were stuffed and delicious."

"I loved the seafood paella; it tasted so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

10
Mercado González Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Bright lighting highlights the fresh seafood section, making fish and shellfish look incredibly fresh and affordable. Options include Seabass fish ceviche, Mango Shrimp ceviche, and fish tacos near the sushi spot.

Fish tacos near the sushi corner stand out with fresh flavors. Tacos come with fresh-made salsas that add a vibrant kick. Options include asada and pollo tacos, all served with classic sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"I loved their chicken tacos and fish tacos."

"I loved their fresh fish ceviche and tacos."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

11
Super A's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a homey neighborhood vibe and family-oriented atmosphere feels like eating in a big house. Energy stays top notch with loud, lively noise levels, especially during sports events. Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a mammoth selection of dishes and reasonable prices.

Garlic Shrimp stands out as a favorite, often ordered alongside shrimp fajitas and Diablo shrimp. Shrimp cocktails appear frequently, though the shrimp and octopus cocktail receives mixed reactions.

Tacos come with Chile Verde and lunch specials that include soup. Taco Tuesday offers a bargain and the tacos pair well with favorite beers.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is awesome, with delicious enchiladas."

"The enchiladas here are delicious and Kid Friendly."

"I found the tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Lunch specials are available daily, providing good value for money.

3

The restaurant is family-owned, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

12
Holé Smokes BBQ image 1

Smoke fills the air alongside the scent of barbecue, while old wood floors scattered with peanut shells create a Texas BBQ vibe. Neon beer signs and multiple TVs support a lively sports-friendly atmosphere. Seating accommodates both groups and families, with a comfortable patio adding to the space.

Smoked shrimp stands out with a unique flavor. Shrimp tacos deliver a bold taste and rank above other taco options like fish and carnitas. Yellow chile also pairs well with the seafood choices.

Brisket tacos stand out with tender meat and bold flavor. Fish tacos, especially the taco de pescado, offer a consistent choice. Chicken tacos add a crunchy twist to the menu.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, just melts in your mouth."

"I loved the smoked shrimp; it was like nothing I'd ever had."

"I'd mainly recommend the shrimp taco."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm on weekdays and 3 to 6pm on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday features special menu items and pricing.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

13
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a tropical outdoor patio featuring a fireplace and live music. Upbeat cantina atmosphere blends casual, beachy interior with a family-friendly vibe. Generous margaritas and colorful patio make it a lively spot for relaxing and socializing.

Prawn cocktail features six fresh king prawns on the glass rim with shrimp inside. Baja fish tacos and shrimp enchiladas with crab in green sauce stand out. Steak and shrimp fajitas arrive sizzling.

Baja fish tacos stand out with fresh, bold flavors. The Birria Tacos come with tender beef and a consommé for dunking. Taco Tuesday offers great deals and vampire tacos that elevate the experience.

People are saying

"I found the handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican food to be great."

"The fish tacos here are delicious."

"The seafood tacos here are unbelievable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 8pm with drinks starting at $4.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

The lunch buffet costs $14 for all-you-can-eat options.

14
Catalina Fish Kitchen & Seafood Deli image 1

Casual seafood spot with Hawaiian surfer theme and old surf movies playing on large screens creates a laid-back beach vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and chill, complemented by a salsa and dressing bar. Fish dishes attract locals with fair prices and a focus on fresh, tasty options.

Fresh fish stands out with a great selection and quick preparation. Fish tacos feature tender, not hard, chunks, and seafood combos offer variety at excellent prices.

Fish tacos come on corn tortillas with no crema salsa. Options include Mahi Mahi, Ono, and swordfish, with fish pieces tender and not hard. Some tacos have shredded cheese, so ordering preferences matter.

People are saying

"I loved the fish tacos, especially the Mahi Mahi."

"I thought the fish tacos were great and tasty."

"I really enjoyed the Mahi Mahi fish tacos."

Good to know

1

The seafood selection is good with reasonable prices for quality.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

Parking is available nearby, especially during off-peak hours.

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Costa Mesa, California

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