It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to sink your teeth into a delicious taco, and given that San Francisco is so close to the ocean, it only makes sense that our fish tacos are worth the catch.
Whether it’s a traditional Mexican taqueria or an elevated take on the classic, you can get a delightful taco filled with mahi mahi, shrimp, prawns and tuna that’s been grilled, beer-battered or marinated to absolute perfection.
See also: The Best Oyster Bars In San Francisco
4542 Irving St.; 415-569-4984 / Website
Hit the outer Sunset and catch some of the freshest and most flavorful fish tacos in the whole city. The tacos come with avocado, pice de gallo, pickled slaw, spicy aioli and housemade corn tortillas, centered around your choice of the grilled fish of the day or fresh poke. Fans call these tacos 10 out of 10, and it only takes one bite to understand.
View this post on Instagram
1000 Potrero Ave.; 415-658-7134 / Website
You’ve got more than one choice at this adorable eatery. The straightforward fish tacos are a best seller on the menu, but you can also get in on jumbo fried shrimp tacos with house sauce and spices, and take advantage of the full menu featuring salmon, ceviche, oysters, aguachile and more.
Various Locations / Website
With locations across the city and the great Bay Area, this no-frills taco joint is a must for anyone who seeks authentic flavors. El Farolito boasts a menu as robust as Mexican culinary culture itself, and the fish tacos are bursting with fresh, tender fish, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Served on warm corn tortillas, topped with tangy salsa verde and creamy avocado sauce, these fish tacos are a crowd favorite.
View this post on Instagram
2889 Mission St.; 415-285-7117 / Website
This iconic taqueria in the Mission District has been serving up exceptional tacos since 1973. The Super Burrito is the famous dish here, but the fish tacos are no exception, featuring crispy battered fish topped with cabbage, salsa and a squeeze of lime. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly memorable meal. La Taqueria is closed Monday and Tuesday but open 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and until 7:45 p.m. on Sundays.
3115 Fillmore St.; 415-796-3534 / Website
Located in the Marina, Tacko offers a laid-back atmosphere and mouthwatering fish tacos. Using locally sourced ingredients, these soft corn tacos are filled with succulent grilled fish, shredded cabbage mix, pico de gallo and tomatillo salsa. The flavors come together harmoniously, creating a delightful dining experience. Order it “Nick’s way” to add a crispy corn tortilla, cheese and guacamole. Folks rave about the chips and salsa, so don’t miss it!
View this post on Instagram
1224 9 Ave.; 415-566-8700 / Website
This vibrant taqueria in the Sunset District is known for its creative twists on Mexican street food classics. The Baja tacos feature beer-battered mahi mahi in soft corn tortillas with cilantro, cabbage, red onions, salsa roja and Baja sauce. There’s also a grilled fish taco with marinated mahi mahi or shrimp, a grilled salmon taco with mango serrano salsa and habanero aioli, and a grilled shrimp taco—all of which can also be ordered “Nick’s way” with cheese and guac as extras.
1777 Fulton St.; 415-776-0106 / Website
Since 1999, Papalote Mexican Grill has taken fish tacos and Mexican food to the next level. The tacos feature grilled fish marinated in a special blend of spices, accompanied by a refreshing mango salsa and tangy lime crema. Each bite bursts with flavor, creating a culinary delight. Chow down on prawn tacos grilled in lime juice with pico de gallo and lettuce, try a classic pescado taco with fish sauteed in white wine and butter, or go all in on the similarly sauteed crab tacos. Have vegetarian friends? Papalote specializes in plant-based Mexican offerings, as well.
Still hungry? Keep the party going and make reservations at one of our favorite seafood restaurants in San Francisco, or try one of our favorite oyster bars in the city.
Photography by: Getty
