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Santa Monica's best

Fish taco spots

Made for those who have refined their palate to specifically seek out fish tacos.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 2
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Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and pack a lot of flavor. Options like fish, shrimp, carnitas, and steak offer fresh, spicy, and satisfying tastes.

Fish tacos feature fresh fish with a good amount of spice and balanced flavors. Shrimp and fish burritos come flavorful and filling, paired with thick homemade tortillas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"The fish tacos here have thick crusts and plump fillings."

"I found some of the best tacos I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

02
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1

Frank Gehry-designed space offers a gorgeous architectural setting with chic decor and warm, comfortable vibes. Music from a DJ energizes the atmosphere, creating a lively and busy environment. Outdoor patio features vintage Los Angeles clips, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Fish tacos come in impressive portions and deliver strong flavor. Duck tacos offer tender meat with unique flavors.

Fish dishes feature perfectly salted and beautifully cooked fish. The fish sandwich stands out as exceptionally good, and the fish tacos come in impressive portions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The duck tacos here are tender and packed with unique flavors."

"I thought the fish sandwich was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $10.

2

Parking is available, but not validated.

3

The restaurant has a family-style dining option for sharing.

03
Library Alehouse image 1
American restaurant

Gastropub offers a library of craft beers with options like Pliny the Elder on tap and Russian River brews. Back patio features green plants and a quiet, comfortable space with dog-friendly seating. Interior feels warm and inviting but can be loud and crowded due to dense seating arrangements.

Crispy fish tacos stand out with outstanding flavor and come with a big portion of beans and rice on the side. Shrimp tacos also feature generous servings, and the taco plate offers a solid variety.

Fish and chips come in generous portions with a perfectly crispy and tasty coating. Fish tacos stand out as crispy and highly flavorful.

People are saying

"They have an awesome, wide selection of craft beers."

"I loved the fish and chips; they were perfectly crispy and tasty."

"I had the crispy fish tacos; they were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm Monday to Friday with great deals.

2

Trivia night is held every Wednesday evening in the back area.

3

Parking can be challenging, but there are usually spots available nearby.

04
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Squash blossom tacos offer a melting cheesy flavor that stands out. Fish tacos come fresh, never frozen, ensuring high-quality taste.

Fish dishes feature never frozen fish with the tacos standing out as incredible. The fish curry offers a special flavor that sets it apart.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they were incredible."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

05
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Seafood tacos stand out with baja style and wild fish options that deliver fresh, full-size servings. Shrimp and fish tacos offer a variety of fillings, matching their quality to the price.

Fish here stays fresh and high quality consistently. The grilled white fish comes out moist and flaky, and the menu offers varied choices like lobster rolls and fish tacos with generous portions.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is super fresh and delicious."

"The seafood tacos here are fresh and well prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

06
Shirubē image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Pork belly taco stands out for its flavor and value at $6. Sushi tacos and toro tacos offer unique options. Corn ribs add a tasty side to the taco selection.

Fish here is incredibly fresh and tender, especially in the sashimi and nigiri. Unique items like the Aburi Shime Saba offer a cured flavor that pairs well with the raw fish.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The pork belly taco has a great umami flavor."

"The fish here is unbelievably fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

07
The Cloverfield image 1
American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Fish tacos stand out with solid flavor and fresh ingredients. Sharing four tacos offers a good variety alongside options like the veggie burger and sweet potato fries.

Fish tacos stand out as a solid entree here, noted for their flavor and quality. They pair well with sides like sweet potato fries.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

"I highly recommend their ahi tuna tacos."

"I thought the fish and chips were good."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

08
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Taco Tuesdays offer a flavor fiesta with crispy fish tacos and Margaritas. Tacos come without salsa, and even kids enjoy the plain versions.

Fish and chips come with actual vinegar and a crispy texture. The menu includes crispy fish tacos, lobster roll, oysters on a half shell, clam chowder, and yellow fin tuna nachos.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"I thought the crispy fish tacos were amazing."

"I loved the fish and chips, it's so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

09
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Blackened ahi and chicken tacos offer varied tastes that complement the menu well.

Fresh fish shines in the Fish & Chips with generous portions and perfect cooking. Steam lobster, white sauce mussels, and clam chowder also highlight the seafood offerings.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish and chips here are amazing and crispy."

"You've got to try the Mahi Mahi tacos; they were great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

10
Jameson’s Pub image 1

Irish pub with authentic decor and many TVs creates a lively sports bar atmosphere. Live music and karaoke add to the energetic vibe, while indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beachside feel without sand. The crowd varies from chill on weekdays to busy and spirited on weekend nights.

Fish tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and quality. Taco Tuesdays offer an all-you-can-eat deal for $12.99, paired with 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour.

Fish tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and are often described as amazing. Fish and chips come with a great batter and a large portion of plank fries.

People are saying

"It's a lively bar with a fun, energetic atmosphere."

"You can get all-you-can-eat tacos for $12.99 on Tuesdays."

"The fish and chips here are so good, I kept trying them again and again."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 7pm with 2-for-1 drink specials.

2

A cover charge applies after 10 PM on Saturday nights.

3

The pub can get very crowded during football season.

11
Lula Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, artsy decor fills the open, lively dining room and back patio where dogs are welcome. Warm outdoor heaters and live music create a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of regulars and visitors. Strong margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes complement the festive vibe.

The Taco Tuesday Special offers two tacos of your choice plus a House Margarita for $18. Shrimp, crispy fish, carne asada, and sweet potato tacos stand out as delicious options.

Crispy fish tacos stand out with a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor. Fried fish dishes come across as decent, while shrimp options deliver amazing taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff are so friendly."

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

"You have to try the Taco Tuesday special; it's unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Draft beer is $6 and margaritas are $10 during happy hour.

3

Most dishes on the happy hour menu are priced between $8 and $10.

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