Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in La Jolla

Fish and salsa spots

The combination of fresh fish and spicy salsa is the only thing that sounds satisfying right now. It is a specific craving that needs to be met.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Taco Time Cantina image 1
Taco Time Cantina image 2
Taco Time Cantina image 3
View all

Bright colors and beautiful decor create an inviting space with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a cozy patio with heaters and cover. Atmosphere feels authentic and relaxing, suitable for casual dining with fresh air and friendly energy. A standout feature is the fantastic salsa bar offering a range of heat levels.

Fish tacos come with perfectly cooked, fresh fish and a nicely seasoned batter. Options include Baja style and fish burritos made to order, all at a very reasonable price.

Homemade tortillas, chips, and salsas stand out here. The salsa bar offers a variety of fantastic salsas, including a medium green salsa and a red hot Chile de arbol hot sauce with strong flavor and heat.

People are saying

"The salsa bar is fantastic, with so many tasty options."

"The Carne Asada is tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The fish tacos are fried to perfection and absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Time Cantina offers unique taco options not available anywhere else.

2

The chef makes everything daily from scratch with over 20 years of experience.

3

Expect a 2% credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

02
La Jollita image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a relaxed beachy vibe with authentic Mexican energy and lively music that keeps noise levels comfortable for conversation. Interior features stunning, detailed decor and a spacious, dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere suits both family outings and date nights, blending cleanliness with uplifting design.

Zarandeado fish comes out cooked perfectly with a smoky flavor. The whole fish and surf and turf taco pair well with famous beans.

Homemade tortillas come with salsa de habanero that tastes delicious and stays mild on spice. The roasted habanero salsa stands out with its rich flavor that shines on its own.

People are saying

"The food here is super fresh and high quality."

"The fish zarandeado was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing."

"The roasted habanero salsa practically shines on its own."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; expect challenges finding street parking nearby.

3

The restaurant has a dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.

03
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Fresh fish arrives daily, making the quality consistently high. Signature items include a fish sandwich and a fish burrito praised for their flavor and freshness.

Chips and salsa come with a fresh avocado addition that complements the meal well. The salsa pairs nicely with the crispy chips, making it a solid starter or side.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"The chips and salsa were a great addition to my meal."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

04
Don Carlos Taco Shopึ‰ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Offers fast, affordable food with outdoor patio seating where people watch happens. Known for flavorful burritos and tacos that stand out in quality and taste.

Huge fish tacos come with an amazing sauce that adds great flavor. The menu includes grilled fish soft tacos that stand out for their tasty and generous portions.

Salsas here are freshly made and spicy, with a standout green salsa that packs a punch. The salsa roja also adds a flavorful kick that complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"I thought this burrito was the best I had ever tasted."

"Their salsas are so flavorful and fresh."

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait at Don Carlos Taco Shop is usually short, even during rush hours.

2

There is limited seating available at Don Carlos Taco Shop.

3

Don Carlos Taco Shop offers a variety of menu options, including vegan choices.

05
Raymundo's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor terrace offers a zen-like, relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a family home, while the indoor space feels dim and cafeteria-like. Counter service supports a casual, affordable dining experience with freshly made tortillas and top-notch beans. The vibe balances simplicity with authentic Mexican flavors in a modest setting.

Fish tacos feature perfectly fried fish with battered coating and come with Baja sauce and green salsa. The fish burrito offers a unique twist with well-seasoned fish and rice.

Salsa here stands out for its exceptional flavor and care in preparation. It pairs well with dishes like burritos and chips, offering a superior taste compared to other local spots.

People are saying

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

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious."

"I thought the salsa they put on the burrito was far superior."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available at this taco shop.

2

The prices are surprisingly low for the area, with generous portions.

3

This taco shop offers a limited vegetarian option.

06
La Corriente La Jolla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends French cafรฉ and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.

Fish dishes highlight freshness caught that morning and perfect preparation. The fish tacos, tostadas, and ceviche stand out with clean, ocean flavors and homemade salsas that add a nice kick.

Spicy salsa stands out with a perfect homemade kick and a super spicy option that adds heat. Salsas come with chips and extras like tostadas and limes, often served generously without needing to ask.

People are saying

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"I've never had a fish taco this fresh and crispy."

"You have to try the spicy salsa; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.

07
Don Bravo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a family atmosphere with nostalgic cantina vibes and a lively, crowded energy. Outdoor patio provides wonderful ocean views that complement the relaxed setting. A salsa bar and food truck add to the casual, authentic experience.

Lightly fried fish tacos stand out with their crispy texture and fresh flavor. They come at a budget-friendly price, often under $10 for two tacos and a drink.

Salsas here include a habanero salsa that stands out for its flavor. They pair well with the great tacos served alongside.

People are saying

"The patio has a nice ocean view, especially at sunset."

"The salsa bar here is nice, with tasty options like habanero."

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

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $3 each.

2

A regular breakfast burrito costs $11.99, with extra charges for substitutions.

3

The two fish tacos and a drink cost under $10.

08
Verdes El Ranchero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy bar and relaxed, friendly atmosphere plays classic rock music, creating a Southern California vibe. The space is dark and loud, attracting a lively crowd. Pets are welcome, adding to the casual, inviting feel.

Fish dishes feature a beer battered fish taco served on a homemade flour tortilla and a fish torta known for its bold flavors.

Hand-made tortilla chips come with excellent salsa that stands out for its flavor. The salsa matches well with the basic northern Mexico style food and enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa were as good as it gets."

"You have to try the beer battered fish taco."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but the restaurant gets busy quickly.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

09
Rubio's Coastal Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers views of a nearby temple and a coastal breeze enhances the relaxed vibe. The atmosphere feels like fast food but with a friendly and quiet setting. Menu includes healthy options and a small condiment station for customizing sauces and sides.

Fish comes deep batter fried with a huge and crispy texture. The original fish tacos offer a complete meal with fresh preparation.

A free salsa bar offers a variety of fresh salsas to try. The salsas are amazing with great flavor but tend to be mild in spice.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos here to be a classic and delicious."

"I found the burrito to be really excellent."

"You can't go wrong with their original fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great deal for meals with discounted tacos.

2

Expect parking to be challenging, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for tacos can exceed $10 for two small ones.

Discover more

La Jolla, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...