San Diego is famous for fish tacos, a simple, yet satisfying dish with roots in Baja, California, where it was a favorite among surfers. The exact date the dish crossed the border is uncertain, but many people credit Ralph Rubio (of the Rubio's chain) for bringing fish tacos to the masses in the early 1980s. Since then, several taquerias in San Diego have added them to their menus and today, fish tacos are one of San Diego's most iconic foods. 

Before you get grossed out and picture a fast food taco with fish instead of ground beef, let me assure you that fish tacos are not served in a deep-fried shell and do not contain molten synthetic cheese. Instead, traditional fish tacos feature fried or grilled fish topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a sour cream/mayo sauce in a corn tortilla. They have a lot more in common with street tacos or tacos de asador (authentic, grilled tacos) than fast food or "Tex-Mex" tacos.

Fish tacos are available in abundance around San Diego, including chains like Baja Fresh, any of which are ok in a pinch...but for the best experience, try some of these local favorites:

Photo: Mariscada taco from Mariscos German by y6y6y6, Creative Commons 2.0 on Flickr

Some of San Diego's tastiest fish tacos can be found at Mariscos Germán, a collection of family-owned food trucks. The accent on the "a" in the name is important to note: slip up and pronounce it as "jer-man" instead of "her-main" and you'll immediately lose all cred with the locals. Here, fish tacos start at $1.25 for your standard battered fish, but the real stars are the other options, which are a bit more expensive, but so loaded down with fish that two is all you'll need to be full. There's lots to choose from, including  octopus (pulpo), scallop (callo), and multiple shrimp (camaron) tacos. Popular choices include the gobernador, made with spicy shrimp with grilled tomatoes, celery, peppers, and cheese, and the smoked marlin taco. Another smart choice is the mariscada taco, which comes with a bit of everything, including shrimp, scallops, oysters, and white fish. Complimentary shrimp soup comes with all orders. All locations are cash only, so hit the ATM before you visit.

Logan Heights: Mariscos German, 2802 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113, (619) 239-3782
Chula Vista (Taco Truck #1): 3269 Beyer Way, San Diego, CA 92154
National City (Taco Truck #2): 1740 S 43rd St, San Diego, CA 92113 
Normal Heights (Taco Truck #3): 3504 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Photo: Swordfish and mahi-mahi tacos at Blue Water Seafood from cogdogblog, Creative Commons 2.0 on Flickr

Blue Water Seafood in MIssion Hills offers an astounding selection of fish tacos, including red snapper, yellowtail, shark, calamari, seared ahi, halibut, jumbo (and regular) shrimp, salmon, albacore, mahi, swordfish, wahoo, and soft shell crab. With so many finned friends on offer, Blue Water Seafood is the type of spot that demands multiple visits to appreciate the full scope of the menu and find your favorite taco. Portions are generous and two tacos ($4-$8 each) makes a perfect meal. 

Blue Water Seafood, 3667 India Street San Diego, CA 92103, (619) 497-0914

Photo: Fish tacos from South Beach Bar & Grille by mylerdude, Creative Commons 2.0 on Flickr

South Beach Bar & Grille in Ocean Beach is a great place to sample an assortment of fish tacos, both grilled and fried. On the grilled side of the menu, you'll find mahi, wahoo, shark, lobster, ceviche, and shrimp, while fried options include oyster, calamari, baha, and shrimp (which swings both ways). Tacos are served with flour tortillas, instead of the traditional corn, and dressed with tomato salsa, white sauce, and shredded purple cabbage for some crunch. The best time to visit is on Taco Tuesdays, when all tacos (including the steak and chicken, for the fish-phobic) are $2.50, or during happy hour (Monday-Friday, 3-6pm) when you can get a mini taco platter with five types of fish tacos for half price ($5.50). 


South Beach Bar & Grille, 5059 Newport Avenue # 104, San Diego, CA 92107, (619) 226-4577

 

Photo: Fish tacos from George's at the Cove, Erin Jackson

George's Ocean Terrace in La Jolla serves up a classier, more gourmet version of fish tacos. The tacos start with a piece of mahi-mahi that is marinated in olive oil, herbs, and spices, then grilled. The tender, flaky fish is wrapped up in a warm tortilla with shredded cabbage, guacamole, mango salsa, and a drizzle of jalapeno-lime creme fraiche. The main difference between the fish tacos at George's and other restaurants comes down to the caliber of the ingredients: the fish is fresh (never frozen), and the guacamole, creme fraiche, and salsa are made in-house, daily. A plate of two tacos will set you back $13, but the view of La Jolla Cove from the rooftop is priceless. 
George's Ocean Terrace (top floor of George's at the Cove), 1250 Prospect St La Jolla, California 92037, (858) 454-4244