Sara Rashkin

While L.A. might have nothing on San Diego in terms of Baja-style fish tacos, there’s still plenty of amazing fish tacos in the city—some of them from L.A.’s best taco joints and Mexican restaurants. Here, you can order fresh-catch fish tacos, Nayarit- and Ensenada-style fish tacos, and more upmarket chef-driven versions than you can shake a stick at. Grilled or batter-fried, they come in all varieties across L.A.’s restaurants: tilapia, swai, cod, salmon, mahi, halibut, sea bass, marlin and, rarely, shark. But you’ll need to choose wisely: A good fish taco is a fresh and invigorating treat, but a bad fish taco—with overcooked, rubbery fish and unbalanced, low-quality ingredients—can ruin your day. To save you from this emotional rollercoaster of triumph disappointment, we’ve rounded up the best fish tacos in L.A.   

At this comfortable little spot in Mid-City, you’ll find several clues that the menu features fusion soul food. The hibiscus juice on the menu is sorrel (not agua de jamaica), which is the Caribbean version of the drink, and the taco filling options include Cajun-spiced crawfish. The fish tacos here are low key: grilled tilapia ($3.99) or salmon ($4.29) with cabbage and lemon slaw and just enough oily grilled flavor to keep things interesting. A dash of Tapatío salsa from the bottle on the table kicks the excitement factor up a bit, and you’ve got yourself a light but satisfying meal. 

The Tacos Cuernavaca truck sets up nightly on the edge of the taco mecca that is East LA, serving up street food Morales style. The cecina tacos here feature a thin sheet of excellent cured beef topped with onions and a chile de arbol salsa that tastes as bright as its color—these $2 treats are street tacos at their best. There are other tasty options, too, and for the truly hungry there is the alambre ilegal—a huge pile of greasy goodness (meats, cheese, peppers and onions, and pretty much anything else you can imagine), topped with lobster tails and accompanied by corn tortillas for taco assembling. Not just a taco truck, the extensive menu here includes delicious picaditas, tlacoyos and huaraches. We’ll have one of everything. 

The satisfying, fresh corn tortillas here are a little larger and chewier than most, and serve as a great canvas for the fun taco fillings available at this newly reopened version of Colonia Tacos Lounge. The beloved fried cauliflower taco is like a tasty, battered fish taco with cauliflower instead of fish—tell all your vegetarian friends. The duck carnitas are some of the best around, served with a splash of spicy red sauce, pickled onions and avocado. Drive-through service at the small taqueria will be available soon; in the meantime, there’s outdoor seating on a small patio and picnic tables behind the parking lot. Chef Ricardo Diaz is slowly expanding the menu to rival the list at the old location—the are currently around 15 taco options daily ($2.50). 

With one owner hailing from Nayarit and the other from Sinaloa, the influence of both coastal regions mingles at this small eatery resulting in an extensive seafood menu. The fresh tacos ($3.50) are varied and fun, thanks partly to two of the owners’ culinary-schooled kids who bring their own twist on the family trade, including the taco revolcado (fish that has been seasoned like pork tacos al pastor) and the taco a la diabla (terrific battered shrimp on a bed of cheese with cream sauce and fresh slaw). Also known for their ceviches, lobster nachos and soups, mariscos fans are sure to be pleased. 

A less talked about taco stand in Hollywood, Chiquis offers a great tacos al pastor option. The salsas are not as good as Leo’s and the tortillas are hit-or-miss, but the meat is terrific and the portions cut from the trompo are more generous ($1.50). Check to make sure the outdoor trompo and taquero are in action—the taquero here learned the trade in Mexico City and has been honing his skills for over a decade. Birria tacos are also great here, and the menu is solid and large. Filled with spillover from Three Clubs next door, this stand has a seating area to accommodate a devoted fan base.