San Francisco is a city known for its diverse food scene, and fish tacos are no exception. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best places for this delicious seafood dish.
But fear not, as a local who has tried countless fish tacos in the city, I am here to guide you on your quest for the perfect bite.
Whether you prefer your fish tacos grilled or fried, with a side of slaw or pico de gallo, San Francisco has something for everyone. From food trucks to sit-down restaurants, the options are endless.
But what makes a great fish taco? Is it the freshness of the fish, the crunchiness of the batter, or the perfect combination of toppings and sauces? The answer is all of the above.
As a coastal city, San Francisco has access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. This means that the fish in your taco should be of high quality and sustainably sourced. But it's not just about the fish.
The toppings and sauces are just as important in elevating the flavors and textures of the taco. From tangy citrus to creamy avocado, the right combination of ingredients can make or break a fish taco.
So, whether you're a San Francisco native or visiting the city for the first time, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure to discover the best places for fish tacos.
Are you ready to dive in?
1. La Taqueria
La Taqueria is a neighborhood staple for Mexican eats.
They are known for their traditional-style, rice-free burritos, but their fish tacos are a must-try. The tacos are generously portioned and full of flavor.
The spicy green salsa adds a nice kick to the dish. The line can be long, but it moves fast.
The atmosphere is no-frills, but the food more than makes up for it. If you're in the mood for some delicious fish tacos, La Taqueria is the place to go.
2. Hook Fish Co
Hook Fish Co is a seafood restaurant and market that offers tasty fish tacos. The restaurant's atmosphere is cozy and friendly, with limited outdoor seating available.
The fish used in the tacos is fresh and delicious, and the hot sauce on each table is a must-try.
While the prices are a bit high, the quality of the food justifies the cost. Be prepared to order online before arriving at the restaurant and expect a wait time of around 25 minutes for food pickup.
Hook Fish Co is definitely worth a visit for those looking for a unique and fresh seafood experience.
3. Taqueria El Farolito
Taqueria El Farolito is a bustling Mexican eatery that serves up some of the best fish tacos in town.
The menu is simple, but the quality of the ingredients and the preparation make all the difference. The fish is always fresh and perfectly cooked, and the toppings are flavorful and well-balanced.
The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying their meals.
The service is quick and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. If you're looking for delicious fish tacos, Taqueria El Farolito is definitely worth a visit.
4. Garaje
Garaje is the perfect spot for those who crave delicious fish tacos. The tacos are simply phenomenal and will leave you wanting more.
The restaurant also offers a range of other mouth-watering Mexican dishes, including the carne asada and the zapatos.
The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is outstanding. Don't forget to try the in-house made hot sauce, it's so good that you'll want to take some home with you.
Keep in mind that Garaje is cash only, but there is an ATM inside.
5. Tacos El Patron | San Francisco
Tacos El Patron is a must-visit spot for fish tacos in San Francisco. The quality of their food is consistent and their prices are comparable to other Mexican restaurants in the city.
The quesabirria taco is a standout dish, with its crispy exterior and melted cheese.
Their complimentary chips and salsa are a nice touch. The grilled nopales and onion on the side are a must-have as well.
The service is friendly and the atmosphere is lively. Tacos El Patron truly delivers on authentic Mexican flavors.
6. Taqueria El Buen Sabor
Taqueria El Buen Sabor is a must-visit spot for fish taco lovers. The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food that is well-marinated and delicious. Their fish tacos are a standout dish that is worth trying.
The turnover is high, which ensures that all the food is freshly prepared every day. The meat is heated up on the grill before being added to the burrito, giving it a warm and delicious taste.
The restaurant is no-frills, but the food hits the spot. It is a great place for a quick bite to eat, and the prices are reasonable. The super veggie burrito and the super tofu vegetarian burrito are also recommended for vegetarians.
The place is always packed, and the line outside is a testament to its popularity. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant!
7. The Codmother Fish & Chips
The Codmother Fish & Chips is a food truck serving up fresh, fried-to-order fish.
While their menu is limited, their fish tacos are a must-try. The tacos are packed with flavor, thanks to the delicious sauce.
The staff is friendly and the service is fast. The prices are fair and the portions are generous.
The Codmother Fish & Chips is a great spot for a quick and satisfying seafood lunch.
8. Don Pistos
Don Pistos is a Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best fish tacos in town.
The fresh and tasty tacos are a must-try for anyone who loves seafood. The restaurant has a great vibe, and the staff is super friendly and attentive.
The outdoor dining setup is quite aesthetic and comfortable, and it seems like social distancing is better enforced here than other places, so it feels safer.
The menu offers a wide variety of plates, and the drinks are really good. Don Pistos is definitely a great place to go for Mexican cuisine.
9. Santeria
Santeria is a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious fish tacos. The outdoor dining area is festive and lively, making for a great dining experience. The ceviche and octopus dishes are outstanding and the variety of salsas is delicious.
The fresh tortillas add to the overall flavor of the tacos. The cocktails are fabulous and there are many different flavors of margaritas to choose from.
The service is excellent and the staff is friendly. The outdoor parklets are cute and add to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. Santeria is a great spot for happy hour with many drink and food options available.
The food is fresh and tasty and the pricing is fair. Santeria is definitely worth a visit for those looking for a great Mexican restaurant.
10. Street Taco
Looking for fresh and affordable fish tacos in San Francisco?
Head on over to Street Taco, a contemporary counter-serve restaurant that specializes in Mexico City-inspired street food.
Their fish tacos are a must-try, with fresh fish and perfectly balanced toppings.
Plus, the staff is friendly, and the service is fast.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to try some of the best fish tacos in town at Street Taco.
11. Underdogs Tres
Underdogs Tres is a sports-themed hangout that serves up delicious Mexican street eats and cocktails. If you're looking for some of the best fish tacos in town, this is the place to be.
The Nick's way tacos are a must-try, with crispy tortillas wrapped in melty cheese and loaded up with your choice of meat, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
The house and grapefruit margaritas are also worth a sip. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying your meal on a sunny day, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
Don't miss out on Taco Tuesday for some great deals on tasty tacos.
12. Taqueria Cazadores
If you're in the mood for some of the best fish tacos in town, look no further than Taqueria Cazadores. With unique and delightful flavors, these tacos are sure to impress.
The shrimp salad and taco salad are also must-tries, with perfectly grilled shrimp and delicious sauces.
The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous, making this spot a great value.
The outdoor seating area is small but clean and organized, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Stop by for a quick lunch or dinner and indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine.
13. Taqueria San Francisco
If you're in the mood for some delicious fish tacos, Taqueria San Francisco is the place to go.
Their tacos are top-notch and the drinks are of higher quality than many other places. The atmosphere is simple and straightforward with no attitude.
The salsa is really good and the burritos are huge and made with fresh ingredients. They also serve great carnitas and al pastor.
This no-frills Mexican joint is located in a vibrant Mission block and is definitely worth a visit.
14. Liam's Restaurant
Liam's Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious fish tacos. The portions are generous and the food is quick and tasty.
They also offer other Latin American dishes like aguachile and pozole, which are highly recommended.
The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a quick bite or a casual meal.
If you're in the mood for fish tacos, Liam's is definitely worth a visit.
15. The City Taqueria
The City Taqueria is a humble taco and burrito shop that serves up some of the best fish tacos in the city.
The grilled chicken and beef are cooked fresh to order, and the salsa is spicy and flavorful.
The portions are big, and the prices are reasonable. Don't let the simple decor fool you, the food here is authentic and delicious.
If you're in the mood for Mexican food, The City Taqueria is definitely worth a visit.
16. Taco Boys
Taco Boys is a Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best fish tacos around.
The tacos come with a huge piece of fish and are topped with delicious condiments that add to the flavor. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan options that are equally tasty.
The menu is extensive with good portion sizes, and the prices are reasonable. The staff is friendly and provides fast service.
The restaurant is small and can only accommodate a few people at a time, so it's best to order takeout. If you're in the mood for some authentic Mexican food, Taco Boys is definitely worth a visit.
17. Los Hermanos Mexican Food
Los Hermanos Mexican Food is a no-frills cafeteria-style restaurant that specializes in Mexican fast food.
Their fish tacos are a must-try for seafood lovers. The fish is fresh and perfectly seasoned, and the tacos come with a variety of toppings to choose from.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
Los Hermanos Mexican Food offers delicious food at reasonable prices, and it's definitely worth a visit for anyone craving some authentic Mexican cuisine.
