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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Encinitas

Seafood and fish spots

Fresh seafood that respects the catch without burying it under heavy preparations or unnecessary flair.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Tacos image 1
Los Tacos image 2
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Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers fresh tortillas and an enormous variety of tacos and burritos, including vegan options and hot sauces. The space feels cozy with a relaxed, unpretentious vibe and a salsa bar featuring fresh limes, carrots, and radishes. It suits quick to-go orders and draws a crowd seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Fish tacos stand out for their flavor and quality. The shrimp diabla and ceviche also deliver bold, tasty seafood options.

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 with no dine-in option and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere is casual with good music volume and formerly had nice outdoor bench seating. Known for excellent birria tacos and flavorful dishes.

Tacos feature light and crispy fish with dialed in tortillas. Burritos highlight fresh shrimp and chipotle flavors, especially in the shrimp chipotle burrito and quesabirria.

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."

"The seafood burritos are spicy, fresh, and flavorful."

"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 creates a fun, beachy atmosphere that feels like a little Mexico paradise. Live DJ and mariachi performances add to the lively energy, while a separate patio offers a quieter option. The setting suits family-friendly celebrations and special events.

Fresh, high-quality seafood shines in dishes like shrimp skillet and mahi-mahi fish tacos. Grilled fish cooks perfectly, and shrimp tacos bring tender, flavorful bites with just the right spice.

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."

"I tasted the best authentic Mexican seafood I've ever had."

"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 with limited indoor seating and clean, well-decorated design creates an energetic, welcoming vibe. Tacos and burritos arrive quickly, made with seed oil-free cooking using beef tallow and olive oil. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting large portions and quality ingredients.

Battered fish tacos stand out with their unique flavor and are consistently praised. Shrimp tacos offer a good seafood option, though some find the price high for a single taco.

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
Kaito Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar with cozy vibe and intimate decor offers a relaxed atmosphere and fresh, excellently prepared sushi. Seating is limited, often outdoors on simple furniture. The place serves authentic varieties and features standout items like hot sake and miso soup.

Fresh fish arrives daily, with some sourced directly from Japan. Quality stands out in sashimi and nigiri, alongside Rainbow and Shrimp Tempura rolls at reasonable prices.

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."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I've never had better sushi."

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.

06
Poki Poki - Encinitas image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small dining room offers soft romantic lighting and clean bright decor with nice decorations. Atmosphere stays quiet enough for conversation despite some echo, creating a calm vibe. Fresh fish and generous poke bowl portions draw steady lunch crowds.

Fresh fish stands out with large portions and no questionable quality. Raw fish and avocado come across as very fresh and appealing, complemented by tasty sides, salads, and rice.

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."

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

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.

07
Las Olas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican restaurant offers beachfront views and casual patio seating with an open salsa bar. Atmosphere ranges from lively and loud to relaxed depending on seating and time. Popular for margarita flights and standout dishes like carne asada nachos and fish tacos.

Fish tacos stand out with great flavor and generous portions. Shrimp quesadillas and burritos also deliver well-portioned, delicious seafood options.

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."

"The fish tacos here are really good and super tasty."

"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.

08
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with padded seating and a huge bar offers a family-friendly atmosphere with good music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor patio provides dog-friendly seating and a relaxed vibe. The space combines impeccable decor with a casual, inviting energy.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Fish tacos and other varieties offer solid options. Mango Habanero Aquachiles bring a balanced heat during Happy Hour. Oysters are available but tend to be small in size.

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 ceviche here was good and there was plenty left."

"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.

09
City Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco shop offers outdoor seating with gas fireplaces and a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere stays laid back and fun, featuring a DJ and fire pits that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Salsa bar adds a fresh, generous touch to the experience.

Tacos feature crispy shrimp and rolled shrimp enchiladas with a crunchy texture. Fish, shrimp, and scallops come in delicious, quality seafood tacos.

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."

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

"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.

10
Fish 101 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with large ocean-facing windows offers a fast casual vibe and bright, tight seating that creates a lively, somewhat noisy atmosphere. The menu emphasizes fresh fish dishes with a slight Mexican influence, attracting those seeking casual, family-style dining near the water.

Freshness stands out with high quality fish and very fresh oysters. Dishes like the Baja fish taco plate and fish & chips offer great flavors and reasonable prices.

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.

11
Serranos Mexican food [ENCINITAS] image 1

Taco shop style space with vibrant colors and lively music creates an energetic atmosphere. Salsa bar offers a variety of mild options. Affordable prices and authentic Mexican dishes attract locals and visitors alike.

Fish tacos cost $1.69 and offer great value. The Surf-n-Turf Fries combine crispy fries, succulent shrimp, and savory carne asada for a tasty mix.

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."

"The fish tacos here are unbeatable."

"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.

12
Roberto's Taco Shop - Encinitas Blvd. image 1

Interior shows garish design with super clean and well-maintained spaces. Menu highlights include best California burritos and tasty Chile Verde fries. Pricing leans toward the higher side compared to similar spots.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Rolled tacos and shrimp quesadilla also feature prominently, offering a variety of seafood options alongside classic burritos.

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."

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

"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.

13
Kotija Jr. Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Cozy taco restaurant with outdoor patio seating overlooking a busy highway and park, offering open salsa bar and TVs in every room. Atmosphere is relaxed and sleepy, suited for casual dining and people watching. Known for excellent fish tacos and generous portions, especially seafood options.

Fish tacos stand out with Baja style preparation and battered fish options. Burritos like the Fish & Chips and diablo shrimp offer hearty seafood choices packed with generous portions.

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

"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.

14
Juanitas Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco shop with spacious seating including outdoor tables offers an authentic Mexican vibe that feels unchanged for decades. Atmosphere varies from cool and popular to occasionally noisy and chaotic. Known for generous portions and reasonably priced tacos and burritos.

Fish tacos stand out with genuine fried fish flavor and a taste that keeps drawing orders. Shrimp burritos and other seafood options like fish burritos also deliver solid flavors.

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
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open front wall creates an outdoor feel with an amazing view near the beach. Atmosphere stays relaxed and low-key with a calm, open vibe. Frequented by those seeking generous portions of Mexican food at affordable prices.

Fried fish tacos offer a uniquely flavorful and delicious taste. Some find them memorable, while others see them as just good enough.

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."

"The fish tacos are uniquely flavorful and delicious."

"The seafood here is 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.

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

Bar offers live jazz music with loud jukebox and multiple screens for sports. Outdoor seating is heated and quiet, creating a pleasant space. Atmosphere mixes divey vibe with fun energy and talented musicians.

Fish tacos stand out with great flavor and consistent quality. Fish and chips offer delicious fish and crispy fries that are not greasy.

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 fish tacos here are amazing and fried right there."

"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

Space features beautiful traditional decor with Chinese furniture, lanterns, and art, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Music remains calming while the restaurant maintains a pleasant and busy vibe during typical evenings.

Steamed fish with ginger and scallions stands out for its delicate flavor. Shrimp dishes vary from spicy honey shrimp with a light breading to sweet and sour shrimp and fried shrimp with a batter like sweet cornbread.

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 seafood here is so tender and full of flavor."

"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
Sushi Bar Blue Fin image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tiny, comfortable space feels like a friend's kitchen with warm, inviting atmosphere and Jazz and Funk music. Chefs craft sushi with precision and pride, offering fresh, authentic Japanese sushi and an extensive fish selection. Walls display photos of famous people, adding a local, welcoming vibe.

Freshness stands out with super smooth fish and incredible flavor. The quality matches top sushi spots, and the Seafood Salad highlights the menu.

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 seafood here is so fresh and delicious!"

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.

19
Kai Ola Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with plywood walls creates a loud, echoing atmosphere filled with employee chatter. Funky, earthy design blends with a relaxing surfer vibe that feels casual and bright. Busy dinner times bring a lively crowd enjoying fresh, flavorful sushi and specialty rolls.

Fish comes super fresh and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Nigiri features very thinly cut fish, and rolls are perfectly made.

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

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.

20
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with beach-town energy and laid-back vibe offers outdoor seating near the ocean. The place serves affordable, authentic Mexican food with a wide variety of fresh salsas and sauces. It feels down-to-earth and family-owned, attracting locals looking for quality and value.

Fish tacos come crispy and fresh with a generous size. Green salsa pairs well, though some find the flavor just middle-of-the-road.

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."

"I loved the fish tacos; they were crispy and delicious."

"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.

21
Haven Farm + Table image 1

Large, thoughtfully designed space blends farm-to-table concept with natural light and outdoor lounging spots. Atmosphere mixes lively music with scenic views and a cool, San Diego farm-style vibe. Full bar features on-site brewed beer and cozy fireplaces, creating a unique dining experience.

Oysters stand out with a unique flavor. Fish dishes come with risotto, shishido peppers, and lobster appetizers, all showing strong seafood variety.

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 seafood, like the oysters and fish, was fantastic."

"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.

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Encinitas, California

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