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Top picks in Hillcrest

Fish spots

You have a specific standard for how fish should be prepared and you are not willing to compromise on the quality.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with fresh fish that tastes ocean-fresh and a modern interior featuring stunning Japanese murals. Creative specialty rolls add flair, while the warm, intimate vibe balances occasional loud music for a unique dining experience.

Fish tastes exceptionally fresh, like it just came out of the ocean. The quality and care show clearly in the freshness and high-quality selection.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"You have to try the matcha flan; it's the best dessert I've ever had."

"The fish here is so fresh, it's like it just swam onto the plate."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Parking is limited; allow extra time to find street parking.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

02
Makai Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with a laid-back Hawaiian vibe offers fresh fish and high-quality sushi. Casual, inviting atmosphere with a welcoming patio and neat indoor seating. Sophisticated music adds to the relaxed energy.

Fish here is consistently fresh and of excellent quality. Bowls like the Godzilla and poke highlight the quality fish paired with solid sauces.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be the freshest I've ever tasted."

"The owner Matthew makes you feel right at home during lunch."

"The fish here is amazingly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

03
Cluck N' Sip image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot offers juicy chicken and southern-style fish sandwiches with a spicy option. Friendly vibe with Mandarin music and affordable prices make it a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Fish sandwiches come with southern-style seasoning and can be made spicy. Fried fish is cooked to perfection and priced around $6, often served with pickles.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is so juicy and crispy."

"I loved the spicy Mac and Cheese; it scored a perfect 10."

"I found the fish sandwiches to be seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

04
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

Open dining space with bright murals sets a casual tone. Fish tacos are massive and flavorful, priced affordably for happy hour. Self-serve salsa bar adds interactive flavor options, making it great for relaxed meals with friends.

Massive, battered fish tacos stand out for their size and flavor. Prices stay low with deals like $1.70 to $2.50 per taco, often paired with draft beer during happy hour.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be fantastic and packed with flavor."

"The fish tacos here feel like family thanks to Matthew's warm welcome."

"These fish tacos are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

05
Gelabong image 1
Bubble tea store

Bright pastel blue shop offers fresh mochi donuts and crunchy fish waffles paired with ice cream. Sweet-smelling air invites guests to relax at outdoor tables. Unique fish ice cream blends sweet and savory for a special treat.

Fish waffle comes freshly made and crunchy, often paired with ice cream for a unique treat. The fish ice cream offers a sweet and savory combo that stands out.

People are saying

"I loved the milk tea and boba here."

"You have to try the mochi donuts; they have an amazing texture."

"The fish waffle ice cream is delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is small and often full; metered street parking is available.

2

Free 45-minute parking is offered in the lot near Gelabong.

3

Gelabong offers a variety of milk alternatives, including oat milk and lactose-free options.

06
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro offers authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting for a warm vibe. Fish tacos shine with crispy batter and fresh mahi mahi. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide flexible spaces for dining and meetings.

Mahi mahi stands out as a delicious fish dish here. The fish tacos, especially the grilled and Ensenada style, come with perfectly thin, crisp batter and are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the fresh tortillas and flavorful tacos."

"The tableside guacamole with homemade chips shows extra effort."

"I thought the fish tacos were incredible."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

07
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican spot boasts spicy fish tacos with bold salsa and fresh flavors. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating includes a breezy patio perfect for people watching. Enjoy a lively bar serving fresh margaritas in a stylish, welcoming atmosphere.

Fish tacos come with a spicy salsa that stands out. The fish is flavorful and generally prepared well, but onion content can be inconsistent despite staff confirmation.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"The French toast and birria tacos are amazing for brunch."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

08
Pokรฉ Chop image 1

Small poke bar offers super fresh fish in generous portions with a trendy, clean interior and good vibes. Football games play on TVs while great music fills the air. No wait times make for a smooth, satisfying visit.

Super fresh fish arrives in generous portions. The texture is tender and smooth, melting in your mouth with a really good taste.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be the best I've ever tasted."

"I found the parking to be limited."

"The fish here is super fresh and tastes so good."

Good to know

1

Parking at Pokรฉ Chop can be a nightmare, but there is a lot available.

2

The medium size poke bowl comes with three scoops of protein.

3

Avocado costs $1 extra for about 5-7 slices.

09
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican decor create a lively vibe. Fish tacos come in blackened, grilled, and battered styles with outstanding flavor. Unique salsa bar and flavorful micheladas add to the fun atmosphere.

Fish tacos stand out with options like blackened, grilled, and battered styles. The tacos deliver delicious, outstanding flavor that draws attention even from those not fond of fish.

People are saying

"I ate the best tacos I have ever eaten here."

"The Bisteces Rancheros seafood is so good, my tastebuds went wild."

"These fish tacos were outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 2 tacos for $8 and $9 house margaritas.

2

Happy hour runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 6 pm.

3

Each canned or bottled soda is priced at $4.

10
Crest Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Open kitchen and standing tables create a clean, inviting atmosphere. Bright yellow umbrellas and a bar add a casual, social vibe. Beer-battered mahi mahi shines in freshly grilled tacos at great prices.

Beer-battered mahi mahi features in tacos that come at a great price. Fish is perfectly cooked and appears in various dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and crunch wraps.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is made with genuine care and warmth."

"I loved the rich flavors of their fantastic salsas."

"The fish here is perfectly cooked and delicious."

Good to know

1

Crest Taco offers a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

2

Fish tacos are available for $1.99, making them a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is open late on weekends, perfect for late-night cravings.

11
RK Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers fresh fish with tender texture and balanced sauces. Cozy, family-friendly vibe blends with vibrant energy from loud music and chatter. Quick lunch service makes it a reliable choice for a tasty, fast meal.

Fish tastes incredibly fresh and tender here. Sushi balances fresh fish flavor with sauce perfectly, and the Try This roll features notably fresh fish.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is fresh and tastes great."

"I thought the spicy ramen was legit and pretty good."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on select items.

2

The all-you-can-eat menu is $40 but has limited options.

3

Parking is available in a small lot with about 10 spaces.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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