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Guide to Encinitas

Fish spots

Fresh fish prepared simply is the only thing that satisfies when the appetite leans toward something light.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Tacos image 1
Los Tacos image 2
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Taco restaurant

Enjoy perfectly grilled fish in tacos with tangy aioli chipotle sauce and pickled veggies. Fresh tortillas and a salsa bar with limes, carrots, and radishes add zest. Cozy, relaxed vibe suits quick orders and fans of authentic Mexican flavors.

Fish tacos feature perfectly grilled fish with tangy aioli chipotle sauce and pickled veggies. Baja fish and shrimp tacos come highly recommended and often tempt repeat orders.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be out of this world."

"The seafood tacos here are outstanding and delicious."

"I thought the fish tacos were fabulous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ceviche is only available on weekends.

2

The burrito called the 'Original' costs $11.55 plus tax.

3

They offer plenty of veggie and vegan options.

02
Agave Birrieria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican takeout spot shines with fresh ingredients and excellent birria tacos. Fish dishes are light and crispy, featuring grilled fish tacos and burritos. Casual vibe with good music makes it a great quick stop.

Fish dishes come light and crispy with dialed in tortillas. Options include grilled fish tacos and fish burritos that pair well with iced tea.

People are saying

"You have to try their Birria; it's some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought the chile verde burrito was the best I've ever had."

"The fish tacos here are some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Agave Birrieria is now just a takeout restaurant.

2

Parking is difficult due to the nearby gas station.

3

The burrito costs $7 for half and is filling.

03
Puntamar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Indoor-outdoor space with vibrant decor offers a lively, beachy vibe with live DJ and mariachi music. Fresh seafood shines in mahi-mahi tacos and ceviche, while a quiet patio suits family events. Perfect for fun and fresh flavors.

Fish dishes feature super fresh mahi-mahi tacos and perfectly grilled fish. Options include ceviche, aquachile, grilled octopus, and fish tacos, all showcasing fresh seafood flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican seafood food here to be authentic and top-notch."

"The ceviche here has the perfect kick."

"The fish tacos here are super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special events.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of menu options, including prefixed menus and ร  la carte.

04
Crack Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space offers energetic vibe with clean design and quick service. Fish tacos shine with crispy texture and unique flavor, while fish and chips highlight classic battered fish. Prices reflect large portions and quality ingredients.

Battered fish tacos stand out with their unique flavor and crispy texture. Fish and chips also appear on the menu, showing a focus on classic battered fish dishes.

People are saying

"The salsas here balance heat and flavor so well."

"These breakfast burritos are huge and incredible."

"I thought the battered fish tacos were so good."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is limited, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices for tacos start at $3.33 each.

3

A bean and cheese burrito costs $11.

05
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with crispy fish tacos and a huge bar. Family-friendly vibe blends with dog-friendly patio and good music. Impeccable decor adds to the casual, inviting energy.

Fish tacos come crispy, fresh, and light with a crunchy texture that is not greasy. They stand out as a very good option among the tacos offered.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan Mexican food here is authentic and tasty."

"The staff made our Happy Hour experience so attentive and friendly."

"The fish tacos are crispy, fresh, and light."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

The happy hour food menu includes items priced around $10 to $12.

3

There are plenty of vegan options available on the menu.

06
Kaito Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar offers a cozy vibe with intimate decor and fresh fish daily, including rare varieties from Japan. Enjoy authentic sushi paired with hot sake and miso soup in a relaxed setting with limited outdoor seating.

Fresh fish arrives daily, with some sourced directly from Japan. The selection includes a wide variety not common at most sushi bars, all at a reasonable price for the high quality offered.

People are saying

"I thought Kaito Sushi offered the best sushi in Encinitas."

"The fish here is so fresh, it's the best I've ever had."

"I thought the food and cozy vibes were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for to-go orders during busy times.

3

The average meal cost is around $80 for two people.

07
Poki Poki - Encinitas image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small dining room with soft romantic lighting creates a calm vibe perfect for quiet chats. Fresh fish shines with great selection and large portions, paired well with avocado and fresh sides. Generous poke bowls attract steady lunch crowds, making it a top spot for fresh, tasty meals.

Freshness stands out with a great selection of raw fish that smells and looks tempting. Portions come large and pair well with avocado, sides, salads, and rice, all very fresh and delicious.

People are saying

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

"The fish portions here are so generous, I was stuffed."

"I considered this the best poke bowl I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

The poke bowls offer a variety of toppings for customization.

3

Portion sizes have decreased recently, with some bowls now containing only three tiny cubes of fish.

08
Las Olas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican spot offers beachfront views and a lively or relaxed vibe. Enjoy Baja-style fish tacos with large portions and cold beers. Don't miss the open salsa bar and margarita flights for a full flavor experience.

Fish tacos stand out with large, delicious portions and a Baja style that shines in burritos and platters. Mexican classics come with ice cold beers to complement the flavors.

People are saying

"The nachos here are crispy, generously loaded, and packed with flavor."

"I loved the potato tacos; they were so yummy."

"The fish tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with great drink specials.

2

Table service is now available during happy hour.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends due to beachgoers.

09
Kotija Jr. Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Cozy taco spot offers Baja style fish tacos with a crispy battered option and a hearty Fish & Chips burrito. Outdoor patio overlooks a busy highway and park, perfect for people watching. Relaxed vibe with an open salsa bar and TVs in every room makes it great for casual dining.

Fish tacos come Baja style with a battered fish option that stands out. Fish burritos pack a lot of fish and include a Fish & Chips burrito variation.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were the best Mexican food around."

"I loved the fish tacos and salsas with outdoor seating."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available both inside and outside, which is rare in beach cities.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

The restaurant offers a good variety of items that some other Mexican places do not have.

10
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open front wall offers an amazing view near the beach, creating a relaxed, low-key vibe. Generous portions of Mexican food come at affordable prices, with fried fish tacos delivering a unique, flavorful taste. Fish burritos and tacos provide solid options for seafood lovers.

Fried fish tacos stand out with unique, flavorful taste. Fish burritos and tacos appear on the menu, offering solid options for fish dishes.

People are saying

"I loved the burritos and the salsa bar here."

"I found the fish tacos incredibly delicious and memorable."

"The fish tacos are uniquely flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is a 5-7 minute walk from San Elijo campground.

3

The prices are reasonable considering the large portions.

11
Roberto's Taco Shop - Encinitas Blvd. image 1

Garish interior meets super clean spaces. Fish tacos shine with fresh, flavorful fillings. Pricing is on the higher side but the California burritos and Chile Verde fries make it worth trying.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Rolled tacos and shrimp quesadilla also offer solid seafood options.

People are saying

"I loved the BRC burrito with a side of guacamole and red hot sauce."

"I found the Mexican food here to be consistently delicious."

"The staff here is super friendly and provides great service."

Good to know

1

There are good parking options available nearby.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices for items like the Classic Chicken Burrito range from $12 to $13.

12
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop shines with crunchy fish tacos on corn tortillas and options like shrimp and scallops. Outdoor seating features gas fireplaces and a dog-friendly patio. A lively vibe comes from a DJ and fire pits, plus a fresh salsa bar adds zest.

Fish tacos come with a nice crunch and are served on corn tortillas. Options include shrimp, scallops, and fried fish, often paired with carnitas or Birria for variety.

People are saying

"The Mexicali taco here is amazing and super fresh."

"The salsa bar had a nice selection of mango, red, and green salsas."

"I'm telling you, that fish taco was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday at City Tacos includes $2.50 Mexican beer and 10% off food.

2

City Tacos offers vegan options alongside a variety of tacos.

3

Parking is convenient and generally available near City Tacos.

13
Fish 101 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot shines with fresh fish in dishes like Baja fish tacos and fish & chips. Bright, ocean-facing windows create a lively vibe. Casual, family-style dining near the water makes it perfect for relaxed meals.

Freshness stands out with high quality fish used in dishes like fish tacos and fish & chips. The Baja fish taco plate features great sauces and crispy fish, all offered at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The seafood portions here are massive and filling."

"This massive burrito is packed with classic Baja flavors."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak times to ensure a seat.

2

Oysters cost $3.00 at the restaurant, not $1.25 as listed online.

3

Expect limited seating; arrive early to avoid long waits.

14
Juanitas Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Spacious seating and authentic Mexican vibe create a lively atmosphere. Fish tacos deliver genuine fried fish flavor with generous portions. Prices stay reasonable, making it a popular spot for tasty, affordable meals.

Fish tacos stand out with their genuine fried fish flavor and exceptional taste. The fish burritos also offer a delicious option, making the seafood choices consistently satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought their carnitas burrito was amazing and tasty."

"The carne asada here is incredibly flavorful and spicy."

"I found the fish tacos to be exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front, on the side, and in the back.

2

Expect an extra 4% fee for credit card payments.

3

The burrito is priced about $3-4 higher than average.

15
Serranos Mexican food [ENCINITAS] image 1

Vibrant taco shop buzzes with lively music and energetic atmosphere. Fish tacos shine as a delicious bargain on Taco Tuesday and all week. Salsa bar offers variety of mild options while authentic dishes stay affordable for locals and visitors.

Fish tacos come at a dollar price during Taco Tuesday and all week long. These street tacos offer a delicious bargain alongside al pastor options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and bursting with flavor."

"This burrito is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients."

"The fish tacos here are only $1."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1 each, making them very affordable.

2

Daily specials are offered, enhancing the menu variety.

3

No online pickup for $1.69 tacos; must order in person.

16
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill Live Music image 1

Bar blends live jazz with a loud jukebox and sports screens, creating a lively divey vibe. Outdoor seating is heated and quiet, perfect for relaxed evenings. Fish tacos stand out with fresh, crispy batter, while fish and chips offer crispy fries but can be oily.

Fish tacos come battered and fried fresh with great flavor and are consistently described as excellent or amazing. Fish and Chips offer crispy fries and delicious fish, though sometimes a bit oily.

People are saying

"The bar food here is surprisingly good and hits the spot."

"The prime rib here is a great deal and cooked perfectly."

"The fish tacos here are amazing and first rate."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with great drink specials.

2

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a lively atmosphere.

3

The bar serves food until 10 pm, making it a late-night option.

17
China Gourmet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Enjoy steamed fish with ginger and scallions in a cozy space filled with traditional Chinese decor. Soft music keeps the mood calm while the restaurant buzzes with a pleasant vibe. Fish slices are a standout dish loved by many.

Steamed fish with ginger and scallions offers a tender texture and rich flavors. Fish slices stand out as a favorite among the dishes.

People are saying

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

"The owner gave me personal advice and extra hot mustard for my Egg Rolls."

"The fish slices were so tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect small portion sizes for the price, especially on meat entrees.

2

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

18
Haven Farm + Table image 1

Large space blends farm-to-table with natural light and outdoor spots. Fish dishes offer strong flavors but need better cooking technique. Full bar with on-site brewed beer and cozy fireplaces adds to the lively, scenic vibe.

Fish dishes include a fish special and fish with shishido peppers, both noted for strong flavors. Some preparation lacks consistency, with the kitchen needing to improve cooking technique for fish.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, clean, and fresh."

"The farm to table food was creative and delicious."

"The fish with shishido peppers was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as walk-in tables are not common.

2

Parking can be challenging around 5:15 PM; consider arriving earlier.

3

The restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu, but options may be limited.

19
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot buzzes with beach-town energy and offers crispy fish tacos with fresh cod and green salsa. Outdoor seating near the ocean adds to the laid-back vibe. Locals love the authentic, affordable food and wide variety of fresh salsas.

Fish tacos come crispy and fresh with large portions of cod. Green salsa pairs well with the tacos, though some find the fish dishes just middle-of-the-road.

People are saying

"I found the cheapest and most delicious burrito I could find."

"The homemade salsa here is so tasty and spicy."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor and outdoor seating available.

2

Parking can be found nearby, but it may take some time.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

20
Sushi Bar Blue Fin image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tiny, comfortable space feels like a friend's kitchen with a warm atmosphere and Jazz and Funk music. Chefs craft sushi with precision and pride, offering fresh, authentic Japanese sushi and an extensive fish selection. Every piece of fish shows incredible flavor and creativity.

Fish here shows outstanding creativeness and incredible flavor. Every piece is fresh and smooth, matching top-quality standards.

People are saying

"I ate some of the best sushi I've ever had here."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've had outside of Japan."

"The fish here is so fresh and has incredible flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a $2.95 credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

2

Most places charge $23 to $25 for chirashi.

3

The menu features an expansive selection of sushi and Japanese dishes.

21
Kai Ola Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with plywood walls creates a loud, lively vibe filled with chatter. Fish is super fresh and buttery, served in thin, delicate nigiri. Funky, earthy design blends with a relaxing surfer vibe making it casual and bright.

Fish comes super fresh and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Nigiri features fish cut very thin, almost as small as possible.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is unbelievably fresh and creative."

"The food here is fresh, creative, and expertly prepared."

"The fish here is buttery and melt-in-your-mouth fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider parking across the street.

2

Items for four people are ready in about 15 minutes.

3

The restaurant adds a 3% service charge to the bill.

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Encinitas, California

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