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Top picks in La Jolla

Seafood and fish spots

A fish dinner that prioritizes the catch of the day over the convenience of a frozen supply chain.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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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 fried to perfection with high quality ingredients and tasty salsas. Shrimp tacos feature a roasted poblano pepper layer that stands out.

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.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are fresh, perfectly cooked, and amazing."

"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.

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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.

Fresh seafood stands out with real Mexican flavors. The zarandeado fish cooks perfectly, highlighting the quality and care in preparation.

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

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is served by attentive and friendly staff."

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.

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Small sushi restaurant with authentic atmosphere and subtle Japanese decor creates a quiet, intimate vibe. Space feels comfortable and unpretentious, with an open front allowing fresh air inside. Fish quality stands out as exceptionally fresh and high-grade.

Fish comes extremely fresh, almost like it was just caught, with high quality cuts like Hon maguro and hamachi. Sushi includes shrimp and uni with innovative sauces and beautiful presentation.

Fish here is exceptionally fresh, almost like it was just caught. Quality is very high, with each piece made with care and intention for a great sushi experience.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it tastes like it was just caught."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to limited seating.

2

Omakase is available Monday through Thursday with 24 hours advance reservations.

3

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

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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.

Offers freshest seafood with consistently high quality. Features a true fish market atmosphere combined with a restaurant serving standout items like the best fish sandwich and fish burrito.

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.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

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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 Baja sauce and green salsa that stand out. The fish burrito offers a unique twist, while shrimp tacos are seasoned but less impressive.

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.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be simply to die for."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious."

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.

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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.

Shrimp burritos and fish tacos stand out for their freshness and flavor. The fish tacos are huge and tasty, often paired with an amazing sauce that complements the grilled fish well.

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.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

"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.

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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. Octopus tacos also feature, paired with affordable prices under $10 for two tacos and a drink.

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.

People are saying

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

"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.

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Cozy converted building with indoor and outdoor seating including a heated shaded patio creates a homey vibe. Numerous sports screens and live music add casual energy. The atmosphere feels low-energy and relaxed, attracting those who enjoy a quiet spot for drinks and games.

Shrimp burger comes with crispy fries. Fish tacos and fish and chips stand out with lemon pepper aioli and chipotle aioli. Bruschetta also adds a nice touch to the seafood options.

Fish tacos come with lemon pepper aioli and chipotle aioli that add bold flavors. Fish and chips taste delicious and pair well with these sauces.

People are saying

"I found the fish and chips to be very good."

"I enjoyed the battered fried fish and chips."

Good to know

1

Half-off burgers are available on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour offers daily specials, including half-price sliders.

3

Parking is plentiful near the restaurant.

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Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Oysters come grilled or raw and are consistently delicious. The menu features seafood stew, shrimp tacos, and a whole grilled branzino, all fresh and flavorful.

Fresh fish shines in the whole grilled branzino and rock fish tacos. Fish dishes come with unique touches like slate plates for fish and chips.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazing and so affordable."

"The whole branzino fish is perfectly cooked and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

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Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

Fish tacos stand out with their blackened seasoning and bold flavor. The fish and chips come highly recommended and deliver a delicious, crispy experience.

Fried fish tacos stand out with a blackened, flavorful taste. The fish and chips feature a crispy, delicious batter, and the Mahi Mahi tacos offer a satisfying fried option.

People are saying

"I found the beer battered cod to be delicious."

"I enjoyed the fish and chips; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

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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 tacos come in huge, crispy portions with fresh fish and good texture. Options include deep batter fried, blackened Mahi Mahi grilled, and gourmet grilled shrimp tacos, all providing a complete meal.

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

People are saying

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

"Their fish tacos are huge, crispy, and freshly prepared."

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.

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La Jolla, San Diego

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