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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of La Jolla

Seafood and salsa spots

You are looking for a specific heat and flavor profile to accompany your seafood.

Based on 641 Opinions
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01
Taco Time Cantina image 1
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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.

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

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

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.

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 seafood here is served by attentive and friendly staff."

"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.

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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.

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

"The fish tacos here are huge and delicious."

"Their salsas are so flavorful and fresh."

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.

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

People are saying

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

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

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.

05
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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.

Seafood shines in the beer battered fish taco on a homemade flour tortilla and the queso and shrimp tacos. The carne asada with shrimp burrito stands out as well.

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

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

"I considered the shrimp burrito the best I ever had."

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.

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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.

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 fish tacos to be simply to die for."

"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.

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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.

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 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.

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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.

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

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

"Their salsas are amazing and should be sold in stores."

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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Outdoor seating offers ocean views with heaters and umbrellas for comfort. The atmosphere is lively and noisy with live guitar music and football highlights playing. Large, dog-friendly bar and fun, colorful vibe attract a diverse crowd.

Shrimp tacos stand out with rich flavor and are highly praised. Fish tacos come out excellent, and the shrimp ceviche offers plenty of shrimp and good taste. The Shrimp Nachos also get a solid recommendation.

Chips come crispy and pair with salsa that is delightfully spicy. Salsa serves as a flavorful starter alongside queso and complements tacos and nachos well.

People are saying

"The salsa here is fresh, flavorful, and has a nice spice."

"The seafood tacos here are flavorful and really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks and snacks.

2

Discounted tacos are available until 7:00 PM.

3

A surcharge fee applies when paying with a credit card.

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