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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the Gaslamp Quarter

Fish spots

Fresh fish prepared simply is the only thing that sounds right for dinner.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
The Waves Taco Club image 1
The Waves Taco Club image 2
The Waves Taco Club image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Bright walls showcase hand-painted murals and vibrant artwork that draw attention throughout the space. A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of sauces and toppings, adding flavor options to meals. The atmosphere combines lively music with a casual, downtown vibe.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and authentic Mexican flavors. Dishes are never greasy or cheap tasting, and portions leave no leftovers.

Fish tacos stand out with fried and breaded white fish and grilled Mahi options. The menu also features scallop and garlic shrimp tacos, all priced reasonably with combos including a beer.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing, especially the chipotle shrimp."

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

"I found the fried fish taco to be one of the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the corner from the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have public restrooms for customers.

3

Expect no wait to order on Sunday nights.

02
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.

Food comes freshly made to order with a noticeably fresh taste and fast preparation. The menu features clean Mexican flavors with some experimentation on new tastes.

Fried fish tacos come with a generous amount of cabbage and a spicy avocado dip. Freshness and flavor stand out, making the fish tacos a favorite choice among the options.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"The food here is great, especially the salsa bar with its good variety."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

03
Taka Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with cozy, laid-back vibe and polished, low-key luxe decor. The space is small and sleek, with well-lit interiors and occasional outdoor seating to escape noise. It attracts diners seeking fresh, high-quality sushi paired with a notable sake selection.

Food here is fresh and expertly prepared with high quality ingredients. Dishes like the Dynamite plate stand out for their delicious taste and artistic presentation.

Fresh fish arrives consistently, with pieces that almost melt in your mouth. Sashimi comes in generously sized portions showcasing excellent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've ever had."

"The food here is on another level, truly world-class."

"The fish here is so fresh, it has no fishy smell."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required before dining at Taka Restaurant.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Fresh wasabi is available as a $9 add-on.

04
Zama San Diego image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant with beautiful Tulum-inspired decor and a magical patio creates a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, often featuring DJs and dancers, making the vibe energetic and festive. Celebrations include sparklers and indoor fireworks, adding to the dynamic party energy.

Food here stands out for its exceptional quality and phenomenal service. The combination of great ambiance and well-prepared dishes creates a memorable dining experience.

Fresh fish stands out with the Salmon Sashimi and Chilean Sea Bass offering great taste. Sushi platters feature fish that practically melts in your mouth with balanced flavors throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor."

"The service here makes your date feel like a million bucks."

"The fish here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

05
Hasta Maรฑana Cantina image 1

Lively restaurant with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music that creates a high-energy atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks. Outdoor seating provides a shaded area for a more relaxed experience.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with steak tacos that are juicy and flavorful. The dishes are crafted with packed flavor and served in a lively setting with upbeat music.

Fried fish tacos come true Baja style with crispy texture. White fish ceviche offers a bright acidity paired with seasoned, thick tortilla chips.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The Carne Asada, especially wagyu skirt steak, was amazing and flavorful."

"The fried fish tacos are prepared true Baja style."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

06
AKA San Diego image 1
Restaurant

Interior features Asian-inspired decor with stylish, romantic design and photo-friendly artwork. Atmosphere balances warm, welcoming vibes with lively music and dancing, creating a fun environment for groups. Cocktails and sushi stand out as notable highlights.

Food here is consistently delicious and fantastic, paired with impeccable service that enhances the dining experience.

Fish dishes show super fresh quality with some ranking among the top ever tasted. Sushi fish sometimes carries a chemical taste, and nigiri rice lacks enough stickiness to hold well.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"You have to try Tommy's lychee martini; it's unforgettable."

"I had one of the top three best fish dishes ever."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant turns into a nightclub on weekends after dinner.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

07
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Food features great flavors with blackened fish tacos and mussels standing out. Service stays outstanding even when busy.

Fish dishes feature blackened fish tacos that come in large portions and are well seasoned. The menu also includes a flavorful fish bowl, mussels, crab legs, and shrimp, all cooked with care.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The seafood buckets here are scrumptious and seasoned with a whisper of Mexican spice."

"The fish tacos here are legit and tasty."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

08
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks waterfront with stunning harbor views and a coastal-meets-urban vibe. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere, especially before sports events. Playful, colorful decor with nautical touches complements the bright, airy indoor space.

Food features fresh, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Dishes like the surf and turf burrito and Tres Amigos taco platter stand out for their taste and creativity.

Crispy, perfectly battered fish shines in the Baja-style fish tacos topped with tangy slaw and creamy sauce. The blackened white fish bowl offers a flavorful alternative with bold seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"The outdoor seating is perfect for catching a tasty meal before a Padres game."

"The fish tacos here are pretty great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with 32-ounce Coors for $12.

2

Expect longer wait times during conventions or special events.

3

The kitchen closes early, so check before arriving.

09
El Chingon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and a large dancefloor with bar inside. Music ranges from live Mariachi bands to DJ sets playing Mexican and Spanish tunes, creating a lively, dancing vibe at night. Decor includes comic-themed staff shirts and cartoon wall art, adding a unique, playful touch.

Food arrives promptly and offers good value for the portion size. Dishes feature amazing flavors and consistently deliver a very good Mexican food experience.

Fish tacos come large and well served with fresh toppings. The Baja Fish Burrito and fish tacos stand out as exceptionally delicious and well seasoned.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican Food here has super friendly and attentive staff."

"The fish tacos here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers half-price tacos all day.

2

Happy hour includes discounted margaritas and appetizers.

3

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially after 8pm.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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