9 fantastic Bay Area fish tacos to try this summer
Savoring the Bay Area's Battered and Grilled Fish Taco Delights
The Bay Area's diverse culinary landscape offers a tantalizing array of fish taco options, from classic Baja-style battered bites to grilled seafood masterpieces. Explore the region's top spots that cater to every taco lover's preference, whether they lean towards the crispy or the charred.Discover the Bay Area's Finest Fish Taco Havens
Dos Raicez: Baja-Style Bliss in East Bay Pop-Ups
Dos Raicez, a dynamic food truck operation, has earned the respect of fellow taco purveyors, earning coveted pop-up spots at renowned establishments like Oakland's Michelin-recognized Tacos Oscar and Berkeley's Gilman Brewing. Co-owners Elton Sanchez, Michell Madrigal, and Ruben Gomez have mastered the art of Baja-style fried fish tacos, serving up delicately crispy, whole pieces of beer-battered cod nestled in soft, warm tortillas. The toppings, including a snowfall of crunchy purple cabbage, cucumber, and an ash-speckled mayo crema made from charred scallions and serranos, elevate the experience. Dos Raicez also dabbles in other regional specialties, such as Michoacán-style carnitas and mushroom tostadas with poblano cream, showcasing the team's culinary versatility. Fish taco enthusiasts eagerly await the day when Dos Raicez secures a permanent brick-and-mortar location.Anchors Fish & Chips and Seafood Grill: Grilled Halibut Perfection in San Jose
Anchors Fish & Chips and Seafood Grill has become a destination for South Bay seafood lovers, with three eateries in San Jose and Saratoga. This neighborhood-friendly spot offers a diverse menu, from "catch of the day" mains to oyster po' boys and Dungeness crab fries. But the standout dish is the Alaskan halibut tacos, featuring moist, flaky grilled fish served on two corn tortillas with fresh pineapple salsa, cabbage, and a creamy sauce. The casual yet refined atmosphere makes Anchors a great choice for a date night or a quick lunch.Cantina Jack's by Tres Griegos: Crispy, Battered Cod in Pleasant Hill
Cantina Jack's, a new Mexican restaurant in Pleasant Hill, may not win points for authenticity in its name, but the food more than makes up for it. Helmed by chef Richard Frausto, formerly of La Calendar in Yountville, the eatery offers a lineup of small plates, mains, and 10 different taco options. The crispy, battered cod tacos ( for two) are a standout, served atop housemade blue corn tortillas and topped with shredded cabbage, radish, chipotle mayo, and pico de gallo.Taqueria Mi Durango: Fully Loaded Fish Tacos in San Bruno
Taqueria Mi Durango in San Bruno packs a vibrant, festive atmosphere into its cozy space, complete with a succulent garden, a few tables outside, and a free salsa bar with crispy chips. The fish tacos (.25) are a customer favorite, served atop corn tortillas and garnished with lime, cabbage, and a salsa that leaves your mouth tingling. Both the grilled and fried fish options are equally delicious.Calafia Taqueria: Baja-Style Bliss in Alameda
Calafia Taqueria in Alameda has been serving up authentic Baja-style fish tacos for over 20 years, with owners hailing from Ensenada, Mexico. The fried fish is served as a whole piece in a light and airy batter, topped with green cabbage, pico de gallo, crema, and a squeeze of lime. The corn tortilla is thin but sturdy, inviting you to add dollops from the bar of roughly 10 salsas and condiments, including a particularly good roasted tomato-and-chili salsa. Pair your taco with a cold, half-priced beer during the weekday happy hour.The City Fish Co.: Grilled Alaskan Pollock in San Jose
The City Fish Co., with locations in downtown San Jose, Cupertino, and Morgan Hill, offers a laidback and warm atmosphere, where you may feel like you've befriended the waitstaff by meal's end. The menu is loaded with seafood options, including crab sandwiches, grilled salmon, and clam chowder, as well as tacos tucked away among the appetizers. The grilled Alaskan pollock tacos ( for two, or during happy hour) are a standout, with the flavorful fish piled high on double tortillas and topped with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and a housemade sauce.La Ezkina: Hearty Portions of Beer-Battered Cod in Walnut Creek
Newly opened La Ezkina Cantina and Grill in Walnut Creek serves up Mexican fare, especially seafood, with flair. The pescado tacos ( each) feature a golden-brown heft of beer-battered cod that nearly obscures the tortilla, topped with a cilantro-lime sauce and microgreens for added texture and zing.Los Triki Tacos: Grilled Seafood Delights in San Mateo
The San Mateo-based food truck Los Triki Tacos, run by a trio of dads, serves up tacos, seafood dishes, and more using family recipes from Mexico City and San Ignacio, Sinaloa. The fish tacos ( each) feature moist grilled fish or shrimp, topped with a double layer of corn tortillas, pink pickled onions, fresh cilantro, and salsa.Cousins Maine Lobster: Lobster Tacos Across the Bay Area
For those seeking to expand their seafood taco horizons, Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks, which have been popping up across the Bay Area, offer a unique twist with their lobster-packed tacos. Franchisees of this growing lobster-truck empire, which began in Los Angeles in 2012, serve up juicy chunks of Maine lobster in flour or corn tortillas, topped with cabbage, spicy pico de gallo, and a sweet cilantro lime sauce. The tacos come with a side of crunchy tater tots or Maine lobster bisque, making for a decadent and satisfying seafood experience.
