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Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Seafood and Taco Spots

Made for those who believe that the combination of fresh seafood and a well-made taco is the only way to satisfy a specific craving.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
El Viejon Seafood image 1
El Viejon Seafood image 2
El Viejon Seafood image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual, modern, artistic space with lively tropical music that balances energy and conversation. Seating is decent but limited, creating a cozy yet spacious feel without chaos. The vibe recalls a Mexican coastal atmosphere, enhanced by fresh seafood and authentic drinks.

Fresh and flavorful seafood stands out with authentic Baja flavor and complex, sophisticated preparations. Fish tacos and shrimp ceviche shine with generous portions and excellent sauces.

Tacos come warm, soft, and well seasoned with standout options like the grilled octopus taco with pesto and the octopus birria taco. Seafood varieties such as Ahi and smoked fish tacos offer a fresh, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the fish tacos here were the best around."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant can be a challenge, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait during peak hours due to limited seating.

3

Each taco costs around $6-8, with larger sizes available.

02
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Food truck setup offers fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels homey and pairs well with the adjacent brewery, creating a casual spot for eating and drinking. Ordering involves a self-service kiosk, though it can be inefficient at times.

Shrimp dishes come with a good amount of shrimp and no fishy taste. Tacos feature pollo asado, carne asada, and shrimp, all cooked well and not oily.

Tacos come with super juicy carnitas and flavorful chicken options. Street tacos pair well with beer and offer delicious salsas and burritos that satisfy cravings.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"I still dream about the delicious tacos I had here."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

03
Mic Drop Comedy image 1
Comedy club

Small venue with an Alice in Wonderland theme creates an intimate atmosphere where every seat feels close to the action. Professional improv keeps the crowd engaged and the energy fun without crossing lines. Full bar and kitchen offer creative cocktails and distinctive food alongside strong comedy acts.

Shrimp dishes stand out with blackened shrimp that are well charred and shrimp tacos that deliver solid flavor. The shrimp and grits also offer a tasty option among the seafood choices.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Garlic fried rice complements the excellent tacos well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly."

"The birria tacos here are delicious and legit."

"The blackened shrimp were exquisitely charred and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available on site.

2

Mic Drop Comedy does not require a food or drink minimum.

3

Doors open at 9 PM, but seating may be delayed.

04
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill with hand-crafted furnishings and a fast casual setup where orders go at the counter. Atmosphere stays relaxing and friendly with a fun music selection and quiet pace. The place draws steady crowds despite its unassuming, modern storefront.

Fish dishes come fresh with sauces on the side to highlight their quality. Options like fish tacos and rock fish and chips stand out for their balanced seasoning and tasty ingredients.

Fish tacos stand out with ahi sashimi, swordfish, and blackened salmon options. Calamari strips and tuna tacos also feature on the menu.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"I ordered the steak and it was perfectly cooked."

"I loved the ahi tacos; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

05
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere gets crowded during lunch hours, with limited parking nearby. Known for flavorful carne asada and spicy red salsa.

Fish tacos come in large portions with a crispy golden brown batter and tender, juicy fish. Recent changes made the fish smaller, drier, and less flavorful, resembling frozen battered fish, and the mild salsa is now less chunky and less tasty.

Fish tacos stand out with their mild salsa and fresh flavors. This spot offers superior tacos and burritos that many find unmatched in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great value."

"The fish tacos here are huge and really good."

"I believed these tacos were the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

06
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Nori fish tacos feature crispy fried fish and crunchy slaw but come in small portions. The shrimp sandwich offers flawless flavor and quality, while the shrimp burger is light yet flavorful.

Hainan chicken tacos stand out with a unique twist, paired often with a watermelon oat milk drink. The tacos come alongside a chicken salad that also draws attention.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The nori fish sandwich and tacos are delicious seafood."

"The nori fish tacos are delicious with crispy fried fish."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

07
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, mostly standing room and a small counter. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with Mexican music playing and customers often brushing shoulders. Guests can watch homemade tortillas being prepared and enjoy a serve-yourself salsa bar.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a lovely flavor profile and grilled shrimp that tastes great. Fish tacos also impress with freshness and solid seasoning, making them a favorite choice here.

Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Beans come without lard, and mushroom tacos satisfy those seeking a unique option.

People are saying

"These tacos are worth the wait; they're the best in San Diego."

"You must try the California burrito; it's excellent."

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and worth trying."

Good to know

1

The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.

2

Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.

3

I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.

08
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Seafood dishes feature fresh shrimp and cleaned mussels cooked well. Garlic noodles with shrimp stand out for their strong garlic taste and generous portions.

Pork tacos stand out with super fresh corn tortillas and a fatty but tasty filling. They pack actual flavor and come with plenty of meat.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The seafood here, especially the garlic noodles with shrimp, is super garlicky and flavorful."

"The pork tacos are so tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

09
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open, comfortable layout and beachy motifs creates a casual, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere stays active and welcoming, making it suitable for quick, affordable meals. Fish tacos stand out as a signature dish enjoyed by many.

Fish tacos stand out with a variety of styles including beer battered shrimp and keto options. The shrimp chopped salad and burrito plate add fresh, flavorful seafood choices.

Fish tacos stand out with a fresh, unmatched flavor and keto-friendly options. Beer battered shrimp tacos and chicken bacon jalapeรฑo tacos add variety with bold, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"This Diablo sauce for the tacos is so hot and flavorful."

"The staff here are super friendly and solved my order problem quickly."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 original fish tacos all day.

2

Parking is ample and free at this location.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean dining area and restrooms.

10
Soto's Mexican Food #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quick service with huge portions and a varied salsa bar featuring about six options. Atmosphere is laid back and quiet, suitable for a casual, fast meal. Food quality stands out, especially in dishes like carne asada and Albondigas soup.

Shrimp dishes stand out with a spicy shrimp cocktail and a shrimp plate option. Fish appears in the Del Mar burrito and fish tacos, both noted for good flavor and a mix of fried fish and shrimp.

Beef tacos come with a price of $19 for three, which feels a bit high. Al Pastor and fish tacos stand out with really good flavor, while chicken tacos use day-old rotisserie chicken that looks grey.

People are saying

"I loved the huge burritos and carne asada plate."

"The seafood burritos here are really flavorful."

"I found the beef tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect quick service, with some orders ready in under five minutes.

2

Prices are not displayed on the menu, so be prepared for surprises.

3

The restaurant offers a self-serve chips and salsa bar with six salsa options.

11
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Shrimp dishes stand out with garlic sauce, bacon-wrapped Camarones Machado, and fresh mango salsa. Fish tacos also appear frequently and come highly praised.

Shrimp, pork, and carne asada tacos come with fresh flavors and solid preparation. Fish and ground beef tacos stand out for their excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"The Seafood here is amazing and the staff is so friendly."

"I found the ground beef tacos here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

12
La Fuente Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an open layout and fresh salsa bar. Atmosphere stays clean and lively without being too loud. Offers a great burrito selection and a comfortable place to dine with friends or family.

Diablo Shrimp Burrito offers a spicy kick with flavorful shrimp and palpable heat. Seafood options like the Baja fish taco and surf and turf burrito deliver consistent, enjoyable flavors.

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos with solid flavors like the Baja fish taco special and birria tacos. Tacos deliver great taste and value that appeal to families and taco lovers alike.

People are saying

"The Cali burrito here is super flavorful and perfectly filling."

"You have to try their Taco Tuesday; the tortillas are freshly made."

"The seafood here is authentic and great."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and $3.50 mulitas.

2

Expect a reasonable wait time for food during busy hours.

3

Parking is usually available near the restaurant.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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