Oscars Mexican Seafood

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

Oscars Mexican Seafood

Mexican restaurant · San Diego

2

703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109

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Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by Courtesy Oscar's Mexican Seafood
Oscars Mexican Seafood by Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null
Oscars Mexican Seafood by null

Highlights

Fresh seafood tacos, tortas & ceviche with homemade sauces  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109 Get directions

oscarsmexicanseafood.com
@oscarsmex

$10–20 · Menu

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703 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109 Get directions

+1 858 488 6392
oscarsmexicanseafood.com
@oscarsmex

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 12, 2025

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@cntraveler

12 Best Places for Seafood in San Diego | Condé Nast Traveler

"If you're serious about Mexican seafood, you come to Oscar's, where the creative and extremely fresh seafood tacos are the main draw. Tucked next to a smoke shop, Oscar's is pretty nondescript—except for the line out the door. Once you're inside, driftwood paneling and colorful ocean-themed murals set the casual mood. The  tacos are the main draw for most people, but you would be missing out if you didn't try the tortas (the "Fisherman's" is a symphony of spicy shrimp, scallops, grilled, and smoked fish) or the fish stew. Sadly, you won't be able to wash down your fish taco with a cold Pacifico, but Jarritos and classic Coca-Cola (in the glass bottle, of course) make a decent substitute. Remember, this is a Mexican joint, so don't forget a side of homemade pinto beans and rice." - Archana Ram

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-for-seafood-in-san-diego
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@eater

Where to Eat San Diego’s Best Mariscos - Eater San Diego

"Oscar’s is among the few true masters of the seafood taco in San Diego, but the tortas don’t lag behind. The house torta comes with spicy shrimp, smoked fish and skirt steak topped with the traditional fish taco’s fixings. With two Pacific Beach locations, chances are you won’t be too far from a location this summer." - Mario A. Cortez

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/mexican-seafood-mariscos-restaurants-san-diego
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Timmy Doesn’t Share Food

Google
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back taco experience - Oscar’s delivers just that. It’s easy out door street side dining but finding parking around the area can be challenging. The tacos themselves? They’re good. The grilled fish taco stands out as my favorite. However, some might find certain tacos a tad too salty for their palate. It’s a matter of taste, really. Service is straightforward and efficient. Don’t expect white-glove treatment, but the staff is friendly and keeps things moving, even during busy hours. It’s a solid taco experience in a relaxed setting. It’s not a culinary revelation, but it’s a reliable spot for a quick and satisfying bite. If you’re in the area and craving tacos, it’s worth a visit. Just manage your expectations, and you’ll leave content.

Zabba Designs

Google
Read about this spot for the best Tacos in the San Diego area. The food was delicious. Very well seasoned. It’s a hole in the wall close to the beach. 🏖️ there is really no place to sit except a few benches outside and the parking was difficult. I had to drive around abt 10 minutes looking for a spot but if you love Mexican food and you are in San Diego, make sure you try this spot.

Combat Fisher

Google
It has been several years since I went to Oscars. The food is still fantastic. I went alittle over-board on ordering food for my wife and myself but it was WORTH IT !!! :) We ordered the chips and guacamole, cerviche (which was fantasic), and several tacos (shrimp, fish and octopus). The octopus was fairly spicy and I really can't eat spicy food so we just at what we could. Oscar's is kind of a local hang-out kind of place. You order the food and take it outside to eat on the sidewalk (on some make-shift bench type tables). It all works as a dining experience. We enjoyed our tacos on a nice sunny San Diego day so it was perfect. We ordered alot of food and it came out to $67 which might be a bit much for Mexican food but it was delicious !!! :) They are closing down the Torquise street location and will have 2 other locations available.

Jonah G

Google
Love this place. Went three times in the past week, favorites include Al pastor tacos, crispy fish tacos, and the surf & turf tacos! The ceviche is also very tasty as well. Amazing place!

A S

Google
Oscar’s is legit. Has some of the best fresh seafood tacos and these tacos are large. The battered shrimp and fish tacos are not made with beer but still crunchy and tasty, and are halal!!! Monday-Friday they have happy hour where battered fish tacos are only $1.99!!! Such a steal. The grilled octopus and shrimp are so fresh and tasty and the octopus is not overcooked nor chewy. The smoked salmon fish taco is really good. They have some benches outside to sit on if you want to enjoy your tacos fresh (and for the happy hour deal during the weekdays).

Annie Wasserman

Google
Oscars is a local gem! Incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood. Their seafood tacos are the main attraction, but their spicy grilled shrimp salad (add grilled octopus) is also phenomenal. I’d also recommend trying the smoked fish breakfast burrito in the morning!

Lou Tenney

Google
Stopped here on a co-worker 's recommendation. Had ceviche and two seafood tacos. So fresh and absolutely delicious!

Jenny

Google
Have been coming to this place seen college 10 years ago, and it never disappoints. They moved a couple of blocks away so no longer has inside seating and ordering can be a bit chaotic but still worth it for the ceviche, torta, and overall delicious food! Definitely a go to place when I’m hoping for Mexican food in SD!
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Tiffany G.

Yelp
Where does one even begin when writing a review for Oscars? I've had the pleasure of enjoying Oscars since their start in 2011 and let me tell you they still maintain the delicious quality and taste, with just some more added menu items over the years. First off, anything you get is great but my go to is always the fish ceviche (love that they have a few types) and those tasty fish (grilled and fried) tacos. This time Maria was a gem and made some epic home style fish soup that really hit the spot while seated outside in the crisp air. This is the original location, seating is bar style outside on the sidewalk, quick way to get to that yummy meal. Service is always a 10/10, everyone is really accommodating and kind. Shout out to Juan for having such a great staff! Highly recommend their two homemade sauces- you can't go wrong! Pro tip- this place is no joke and although the staff works fast the crowd does starts forming around noon (it's that good), but if you get here around 11-11:30 you're in the clear!
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Siu M.

Yelp
Fast lines, fresh food, great service We ordered chips and guac, ceviche, crab tostadas, battered fish tacos, skirt steak taco, and both battered shrimp and grill shrimp tacos. Everything was made fresh to order and came out pretty quickly. Our order was huge but no errors what so ever! Our group's fav were the battered fish tacos, but everything else was good too. Limited seating outdoors, but we did not have trouble finding seats as the turn over was quick!
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Crystal C.

Yelp
I visited this location for a bit of a late dinner on a Saturday. There was no line but the hot food is made to order so there is a slight wait. The parking is street parking a bit difficult to find a spot nearby. This Oscars location does not have indoor seating but does have some counters outside and a handful of seats. This location is probably also least clean of the 3, but hey if you don't get sick and the food is still just as good, that's fine with me. I tried the bluefin tuna ceviche, the portion is smaller than the mixed. All ceviches come with tostada shells. Personally, I preferred the mixed ceviche (larger portion and cheaper). I think I may just prefer bluefin tuna as sashimi rather than seasoned. I haven't had anything that was not good at Oscars but my go to items are the battered fish taco (white fishes every time I've gone, but does vary) and the octopus taco. The octopus is a bit chewy but the smokey flavor is a nice touch.
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Lanya L.

Yelp
Been here before & stopped by again for the grilled octopus tacos. 100% recommend!! Some of the best octopus I've had, very tender. Also got the smoked fish which was really good, and the battered fish which was good but I've had better and could skip next time. Definitely will be back!!
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Benjamin C.

Yelp
Oscars Mexican Seafood After spending the day at the San Diego Zoo, I was craving some seafood. I came here upon a friend's recommendation. I got the Bluefin tuna (in a cup with avocado and 2 tostadas): Fresh, flavorful, and a perfect starter! The creamy avocado paired beautifully with the tuna, the battered fish taco (cabbage, onion, tomato, cilantro): one of the best fish tacos I've ever had, everything was perfectly ratioed and the fish was sooo good. And lastly, the grilled octopus taco (cabbage, onion, tomato, cilantro, avocado, cheese): My favorite of the three! It was my first time trying octopus in a taco, and it blew me away. The octopus was tender, smoky, and perfectly balanced with the creamy avocado and fresh toppings. Found another banger here in San Diego!
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Jenny K.

Yelp
A friend recommended me this restaurant and I'm so glad I tried this place out! We got their chorizo and potato, battered fish, taco especial and their skirt steak. All of their tacos tasted really good! Chorizo and potato was too greasy but that was to be expected. The battered fish was the best out of the four tacos. I highly recommend! Parking is not easy to find there but it's still worth going!
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Christine L.

Yelp
We always make it a point to stop by Oscar's on our annual trip down to San Diego. Our favorites are the smoked fish tacos, but everything we've had is good! This time we also got the shrimp ceviche and the battered fish taco which were incredible. The shrimp ceviche is heavy on the shrimp, and comes with a couple tostadas to pair. The restaurant is quite small and there are maybe 15-20 seats outside (all stools and bar seating). During peak hours it is difficult to find seating, so I recommend just ordering online and taking it to eat at a park or beach nearby. Oh, and the hot sauces (both red and green) are fantastic!
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Ryoung K.

Yelp
There was quite a long line when we went around 12 pm. Parking can be found nearby, but a little difficult to find. You have to sort of wait a while to find seating outside. I saw quite a few people grab the food and talk about eating them at the beach. We decided to wait, sit down on the side and eat. We got several battered fish and the surf & turf tacos, but if you don't eat too much, one of each should be more than enough. The tacos were amazing. We had leftovers and it was still good later in the day. We also got the shrimp ceviche - very freshly served in a cup with a couple tostadas in a tin foil. My mom loved this so much. And of course we had to order some jarritos to go with them. Overall 10/10 food-wise! I'd recommend you visit while you're in SD.
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Justin C.

Yelp
I was craving a San Diego staple and was not disappointed. It had been several years since I've had Oscars and was curious to see how things are currently. I ordered two Surf and Turf tacos ($6.50 each). I absolutely love their white sauce. The shrimp is juicy with a nice sear and the beef is fairly tender and well seasoned. I appreciate the amount of avocado, coleslaw, red onions, and tomatoes they put on the tacos. My go to Oscars off Emerald Street was temporarily closed for construction but luckily the OG Turquoise Street location was open. It was packed when we arrived on a Tuesday afternoon at 12:30 pm, most likely due to it being a holiday week for Thanksgiving. It seemed like a good portion of the crowd were tourists which is not surprising. The food came out fairly quickly given the line and my cashier was very friendly. She even refilled the white and orange sauces for me before I could even ask for them to be refilled. Seating is outdoor only, mostly standing - there are a few stools. Oscars is almost synonymous with San Diego. It's a legendary Mexican seafood spot for a reason. Will be coming back for years to come.
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Tracy L.

Yelp
I always bring people to Oscars Mexican Food if they're looking for a solid taco spot. The normal Oscar's location I'm used to was temporarily closed so we went to this one; it was VERY tiny and packed because of the size. I ordered the crab/shrimp tostada as well as the battered fish taco. The tostada was HUGE! They also gave you two tostada shells so it was basically two. I thought it was delicious. The creamy avocado was the perfect touch. The fish taco was very tasty as well! I also recommend trying their sauces whatever you order. Depending on when you come, you may be able to find outdoor seating, otherwise, it may be easier to get your food to-go.
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Evelyn B.

Yelp
To be honest, was kind of disappointed during our visit here :( this was our first stop in San Diego, was hoping for some great fish tacos! The fish was pretty small compared to the tortilla. Also, I think the taco would have been much better with a creamy fish taco sauce! They do have a lot of different hot sauces though which I enjoyed. I liked the octopus taco much better, probably because it was unique and something new for me. What saved this place was probably the service. Really nice cashier who didn't mind explaining the menu to us. She also gave us a sample of the fish stew which was pretty good.
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Conner S.

Yelp
We stumbled upon Oscar's Mexican Seafood on the way back to our VRBO, drawn in by the vibe - it looked like a spot where you'd expect to get amazing food. After a weekend of fantastic meals in San Diego, we were hopeful Oscar's would be the same, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. I ordered the Oscar's Combo, which came with a surf & turf taco and a smoked fish taco. The surf & turf taco was a solid hit - great flavors, fresh ingredients, and that perfect mix of surf and turf. But the smoked fish taco was... something else. I'm not sure what the flavor was supposed to be, but it was just off - really unappealing. None of us could quite figure it out, but it wasn't enjoyable. Overall, Oscar's was decent, but it didn't stand out in a city full of amazing food spots. Not the worst meal, but definitely not on the level of other places we tried on this trip.
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Maurine S.

Yelp
Went to the one on Emerald Street and then realized when we got there it was being remodeled so we trekked over to this location and walked along to beach to find it. This location is a tiny place where you place your order and then listen intently for them to call your number. There are only a few spots to sit or stand to eat your food so you might want to get it to go. Came for the ceviche which could have used a little more lime. Ordered the combo of two tacos and a fisherman's stew and a grilled shrimp taco. Hubs really like the especial taco which had smoked fish and shrimp. Had the shrimp taco which was good and the avocado was fresh. Would have been happy with the cheaper version and didn't realize I ordered the fancier one with the avocado and slaw on it so make sure you clarify. Hubs loved the fact that there were so many sauces to put on top of this tacos. They have tacos for 1.99 Mondays through Thursdays I think from 2:30-4:30 but I'm not sure about the which ones. That would make it worth 4 stars if you could get a deal!
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Katrina D.

Yelp
Came here for happy hour tacos and it was sooo worth it!! I got 2 battered fish tacos and I love the crispy fish with the slaw on top. I also got a battered shrimp taco, which I think is my favorite out of the 2. The texture was just so good! Their self serve salsas and sauces are the perfect addition on each taco as well. Seating at this location isn't that good, it's like on the side of the road and there's not much space either. But will definitely come back because the quality of the tacos is so delicious and fresh, and for only $2 each!!
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Freddie M.

Yelp
Best tacos in town! I've been to 19 different states in Mexico and Oscar's lives up to the plate. Highly recommend the octopus! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Very casual space. This is more of a to-go spot for those who don't know, there's a few high top tables along the sidewalk.
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Jordan H.

Yelp
This was a great breakfast burrito (taco). The staff was so friendly when we came in. Ended up taking the food to the beach for a really nice morning meal. If I'm back in SD, I'll do it again.
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Lilian W.

Yelp
This Oscars Mexican Seafood is located near the beach, making it an ideal spot for grabbing a quick bite before heading further west. I usually take my food to-go and enjoy it by the water whenever I visit. However, parking is a challenge--it's all street parking. The seating is also limited; there are just a few outdoor seats, and the indoor space is only for ordering and the kitchen, making it one of the smallest Oscars locations I've been to. Here's what I tried: 1) Battered Fish Tacos ($3.25) - These tacos are crisp and generously portioned. The combination of fresh vegetables and sauces makes them taste delicious. 2) Surf & Turf Tacos ($6.50) - Wow, this was amazing. The shrimp and steak were cooked to perfection, and the avocado added a nice creamy touch. It's on the pricier side, but worth it for the flavor. 3) Skirt Steak Taco ($6.50) - Similar to the Surf & Turf, but without the shrimp. Still great. The staff was prompt and efficient. I appreciated that they explained how even with take-out, you're welcome to sit out front and eat. They also have a self-serve station with napkins, sauces, utensils, and water, which is convenient. Overall, I'd recommend going to other Oscars locations if you're looking for a more comfortable dining experience. This spot is more for grabbing a quick meal.
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Constance L.

Yelp
A bit underwhelming. Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 3/5** Friendly service, but the wait was quite long and there's no PA system, so you have to linger in the crowded area blocking the front door to hear your number for your food. The self-serve sauces and limes are in a fridge behind the counter, and the utensils, water, and napkins are also on the counter where you order, so it's all very cramped because of the poor layout and can get pushy quickly. **Price & portion, 3.5/5** $7-8 for a taco, and $17 for a torta were way higher prices than I expected. Since I wasn't blown away by the food, I didn't find the prices reasonable. **Taste, 3/5** Either overly salty or seriously lacking seasoning. - Fish stew, 2/5: This was EXTREMELY salty. I'm not sure if they just added way too much salt, or the stock they used had reduced too much, but I couldn't taste much of anything else. - Battered fish taco, 3.5/5: The fish itself was tender, but the batter didn't even hold it's crisp in the time I grabbed it from the counter and walked to my table outside. Even with the salsas and lime, I felt like there wasn't too much flavor in the taco, but I was most disappointed by the tortilla. The corn tortilla didn't taste fresh or homemade and couldn't compare to any spots I'd been to in SD. - Steak taco in a flour tortilla, 4/5: I enjoyed this one a bit more than the battered fish taco because the flour tortilla was better than the corn, and I thought the size was great. But again, even with the salsas and lime, it was as if the steak wasn't seasoned at all. - Octopus taco, 3.5/5: The octopus here was incredibly tender and perfectly cooked, but bland and devoid of seasoning. **Other notes** Parking lot here is super small.
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Ryan H.

Yelp
This is an old school taco shop. Simple menu, good prices, excellent food. The speciality here is the fried fish taco. This is a Baja style taco that has fried fish, Cole slaw, pico de gallo, cream, and salsa. You can get this variation with shrimp, grilled fish, and smoked fish. They also have a fish stew , burrito, and sodas. There is no actual dinning area. You can pick up and go, or eat along the counter height bar. Standing or sitting of available. The service is good and efficient. If you get here after 5/5:30pm, be prepared to join the line down the street. It's worth the wait! Tacos are all made fresh to order and are filling. They do not skimp on the portions. For an average price of $4-$5/ taco you are well fed with 2-3 tacos. The ambiance is quant yet inviting. This place is the epitome of the "hole in the wall" restaurant that you'd miss if you didn't know it was here! The food is delicious and all the ingredients are fresh. The corn tortillas are the regular side, not the smaller taco size. If you've not been to Oscars, add it to your must eat list for San Diego. So good!
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Sesang Y.

Yelp
Food: 10/10 Service: 7/10 Ambiance: 7/10 But whatever about service and ambiance, the FOOD IS JUST SO FREAKING GOOD. you're here for food and good food, not to make another friend. I love tacos, and this is one of my favorite places to get tacos. GET: Surf and Turf & Battered fish tacos (esp. during their happy hour) & grilled octopus
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Kevin Z.

Yelp
Really loved them, especially the grilled fish taco. My favorite goes from grilled fish then spicy shrimp then battered fish. Their orange sauce is great. It is a smaller space but it's great for the price.
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Mike H.

Yelp
The best tacos I've had. This tiny simple authentic taco shop specializes in seafood. I had: - Battered fish taco ($3.25) - Smoked fish burrito ($6.50 + $1) The soft shell tortilla taco was large and topped with cheese, tomato, onion, and parsley. The fish was so fresh, tender, and lightly fried. The crema was fantastic. The smoked fish burrito was also incredible. The smoked fish was delicious. The sauces, especially the crema, added so much moisture and flavor to the already great fillings. I just wish the burrito was bigger. The burritos aren't much bigger than the tacos. You can convert a taco to a tortilla for $1 extra. They basically wrap all the taco fillings in a burrito. No rice or beans. We went close to 2 PM on a Friday. There was a line, but it wasn't too long. They have outdoor seating, not indoors. There is free water and self serve sauce.
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Melissa C.

Yelp
I've been here so many times that the lady working cashier recognizes me. This place is just that good! Smoked fish taco: 1000/5. This is a must order here! The smoked fish is bursting with flavor and so juicy. They're so generous with their portions. Add the creamy green sauce and orange sauce and it's perfect! Surf and turf taco: 3.5/5. It's pretty good but not my favorite here, just because the smoked fish is so much more flavorful than this. The steak was also a little tough to me. Pulpo taco: 5/5. Delicious, tender octopus. It's perfectly cooked and the flavors are amazing. Taco Especial: 4/5. If you have never been to Oscar's, you should order this. It comes with scallops, shrimp, and smoked fish, so you get to try a lot of their fish! It's pretty good, but I just love their smoked fish so much more! Atun adobado taco: 3.5/5. I love the addition of the pineapple with the tuna. I would say that the flavors aren't very strong with this one - I couldn't really taste too much after eating a few bites of this. Pineapple-spinach agua fresca: 1000/5. This is a must for me (and such an underrated item)! After eating tacos, drinking this refreshing pineapple-spinach-cucumber agua fresca is the perfect way the end the meal. It's so yummy that I can't stop drinking it! Service: 1000/5. The lady working cashier is so so sweet, kind, and generous. She often gives complimentary stuff, especially when the wait is very long. Parking: It's a little hard, but if you drive to the other end of Emerald St, there are a good amount of spots to park at. Gonna miss this place so much now that I'm no longer in SD :(
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Phoebe L.

Yelp
The restaurant is pretty small on the side of the road, so I actually missed it at first. I came around 9am on a Sunday and got my food pretty quickly. I ordered the smoked fish breakfast burrito and a grilled fish taco. I think this was the absolute best meal I had in San Diego. The smoked fish had a very meaty texture and great umami flavor! The grilled fish taco was also incredible, and it came with 4 pieces of fish. I also loaded it up with the orange and green sauces, and I tried a bunch of the different hot sauces they have up front. I really can't recommend this place enough!
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Olga S.

Yelp
Creo que la comida es buena pero no vale el precio al que lo están ofreciendo. Podemos ser mejores en eso
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Ashley F.

Yelp
During my travels to San Diego, I did not explore any other taco places except Oscar (I know, it's terrible sue me). But I did do research and saw the Oscar's location that's closest to the beach is the best. Also received several reccs from friends that live there + friends that keep traveling back over. Just know, it did not disappoint. The shop is in between local businesses and housing. I didn't see any other parking except street parking, and it wasn't too difficult. Inside the shop, there id only space for the kitchen and register, so expect to eat outside! But don't you worry about seating because they have an about a dozen seats along their outside wall. Service was quick, around 10 minutes or less. Fooooood! I heard the most recommendations for the battered fish tacos! I'll say that it's not my jam but it was good. I favored the spicy shrimp taco and grilled octopus taco the most. Both tastes so fresh and saucy. That ceviche does not MISS. it was so refreshing, and was mixed with fishy and shrimps also, making it a perf addition to the meal. Lastly... please try the guacamole. Gauc and their chips (is that a homemade chip or what because it was super thick and delicious)10/20 go get it.
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Angelina Z.

Yelp
Yum! The surf and turf is absolutely loaded. I felt like the shrimp could have had more flavor but the steak was super tender.
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Tasha P.

Yelp
Simply the best! I love everything here, I go everytime I'm in the area, been to 3 locations and you just can't go wrong! The seafood is amazing! Just try it, simple as that!
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Esteban P.

Yelp
Pretty slow service, even for California lol, but great tacos though. Limited selection outside of fish based tacos, so if it's not your thing, this won't be your place. I think the carne asada quesadilla was the best one I've ever had. Super simple and authentic and the steak was 10/10. Make sure you get the crema sauce in the fridge regardless of whatever taco or quesadilla you get.
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Maria M.

Yelp
Oscar's Mexican Seafood Review - La Jolla Location During a sun-drenched escapade to San Diego, escaping the dearth of authentic Mexican fare back in Boston, we stumbled upon a local gem--Oscar's Mexican Seafood, situated quaintly at 03 Turquoise St. True to its rave reviews, Oscar's did not disappoint! The taco lineup was an epicurean parade, each brimming with fresh, vibrant toppings like cabbage, onion, tomato, cilantro, and the all-important slices of creamy avocado. The standout, without a doubt, was the Surf & Turf Taco--a heavenly amalgam of skirt steak and shrimp, melded together with cheese and avocado, creating a symphony of flavors. Not to be overshadowed, the Bluefin Tuna Ceviche was a revelation in its freshness, practically demanding to be devoured by any seafood aficionado. The tacos, from the crisply battered fish and shrimp to the uniquely satisfying grilled octopus, each scored a well-deserved 9/10 on my taco scale. The smoked fish taco, with its subtle smokiness, and the robust steak on flour were treats that spoke of the high-quality ingredients and care put into every dish. Adding a dollop of their diverse sauces only heightened the experience, each taco transforming into a personalized feast. And yes, they even let me sneak a peek behind the counter to see the masters at work--a true display of their open, inviting atmosphere. If your journeys ever take you near La Jolla, a visit to Oscar's is a must.
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Ashley B.

Yelp
I can see why this taco spot is so popular! Delicious tacos, sides, and sauces! The staff can give great recommendations if unsure of which ones to try. There are even local patrons that will recommend their menu favorites! Highly recommend the shrimp taco & guac!
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Rodge B.

Yelp
Terrible layout for service similar to Taco Stand, but the tacos were worth the wait. I HAD to try an Octopus Taco while I was in the San Diego area, and Oscar's didn't disappoint. I'd place the texture between blue crab and shrimp. Unfortunately, I was in line between two annoying couples. Couple 1 consisted of a horny relatively decent looking chick and a disinterested putz with a man bun who wanted some custom ceviche. Couple 2 couldn't stop talking about their dog and were just generally weird overall. Lucky me.
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Fumika T.

Yelp
Came here on our last day of the San Diego trip because Oscar's is a MUST. Even though it was a Monday, the restaurant was full for lunch, but no line at least. We ordered two spicy grilled shrimp tacos and a ceviche to share between two, and waited about 10 mins for the order. Ceviche was super fresh, and the grilled taco was actually spicy with huge shrimp! Absolutely amazing. However, about 2 hours after getting Oscar's, as we were walking around we had REALLY bad diarrhea. Considering this was the meal we had in common I feel like that's what caused it. Many places in PB don't have a bathroom open to the public. It was quite the struggle, but there was a public restroom when one of us was in trouble (it was not so nice), and a cafe when the other was in trouble. Thank god for that. I hate to believe this was what caused it because it was so amazing but...that's the risk of consuming raw seafood I guess. Maybe stay in this area to use their bathroom (or be in a place with a bathroom) in case. The bathroom here is a bit dingy.
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Amanda C.

Yelp
Deeeelicious food at a really good price. My favorite is the torta de Oscar because it has everything, and I'm super full by the end of it. The people working are usually so nice, and I really enjoy the free fish soup that they give out while you're waiting.
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Edbert S.

Yelp
This is always my go-to whenever I am in the San Diego area. The fish tacos always hit and dont forget to smother everything with their white sauce. I always go for the battered fish tacos and the taco especial. These tacos are pretty big for what you pay. If you order around 3 tacos, that can already be a meal. i got 4 because I'm fat and I was really hungry. This location is extremely small, compared to the other locations and only has outdoor seating.
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Joshua S.

Yelp
Smoked fish tacos are stellar. Chipotle sauce is good too, and they let you use a bottle! I wish they had guacamole that didn't come with chips and didn't cost $9. Like a taco add-on. But they had avocado at least. The fish stew was also surprisingly good. I did not expect to like it but I did. Don't bother getting the steak or pastor tacos. They're not bad but not amazing. I'd go seafood all the way. It's in the name anyway. I'm even slightly allergic to shrimp but their shrimp was very good. Had a few pieces! Nice drink selection and I would have had a Mexican Coca Cola but I did not want caffeine. Free infused water was good. Service and ambiance were not bad. No issues but not amazing. I'm not here for that though, I'm here for their food. Will try to be back if I can!
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jay s.

Yelp
Delicious Taco, I ordered 2 fish tacos and craving satisfied. A nice amigo Def will come back. It's a small spot but the food is delisioso, seafood like octopus taco, yum
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Lillian W.

Yelp
This place will always be a staple for me! Have never had an order go wrong here. Favorites: Taco especial, battered fish taco, and the ceviche!! (drooling thinking about it right now). Wait can be long, depending on hours of the day. Seating can be a little unclear too, especially when it's a gorgeous day out. Still not enough a deterrent though. Love Oscars for a reliable taco stop before a very San Diego day.
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Drew A.

Yelp
We had eaten at Oscars several years ago downtown and it was so good, so we couldn't wait to try it again. We went here on a Saturday afternoon. The line was very long, and moved incredibly slowly. Once we got our food, it wasn't quite as good as we remembered. Maybe it's just that, time makes the heart grow fond of thing. We ordered the mixed ceviche, which I thought was still excellent, and a smoked fish taco as well as the Oscar torta. The smoked fish was a bit strange, almost like tuna out of the can type texture. The flavor was a bit odd as well. The torta was good, but just not as good as I remembered.
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Zaydian A.

Yelp
I've been going to Oscar's for 10+ years now and damn it never disappoints. They have multiple locations in San Diego but this particular location has really good seating. I always get the battered fish tacos but don't sleep on the shrimp tacos, they are just as good if not better. Also highly recommend coming on Taco Tuesday as the fish tacos are 25-50% off, but you have to order for here. The surf & turf burrito is also really good but I mostly come here for the tacos. Would I come again? Absolutely!
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Jamie C.

Yelp
Back at my og spot any time I visit SD!! It's gotten busier and busier over the years
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Megan Y.

Yelp
Solid fish taco joint a few blocks from the beach. We came on a Tuesday evening around 7 and there was a bit of a line but nothing over 20 minutes. Service was nice, we got 3 fried fish tacos to test out the staple. Unfortunately that day they were out of salsas so we just stuck with the crema in the fridge by the utensils. I do wish we could have tried the salsas as I think it was missing just a little something, but still a great taco nonetheless.
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Eriko M.

Yelp
Went Friday for lunch. Got the chorizo breakfast burrito and smoked fish breakfast burrito. The portion is small but I guess you get what you paid for. The chorizo was a bit too oily for me. The smoked fish was good. It was flavorful but not overwhelming. They have a lot of different hot sauces and aioli. It said somewhere cash only but they did take our credit card. Minimal seating outside. Parking is really difficult. One bathroom.
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Lindsey C.

Yelp
Delicious Mexican seafood in PB. Owner is friendly and attentive. The shop was small yet clean and well stocked with napkins, salsas, utensils, etc. Prices are good, 2 tacos ran me $7 which is a good price for the area. They were normal sized tacos, with lots of cabbage, onions, cilantro, and tomatoes. The fish itself was really delicious, and 2 tacos filled me right up. I see the hype. Great taco spot!
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Kyle W.

Yelp
A visit to San Diego is usually not complete without tacos! I went here with a friend for Sunday lunch and it was fairly busy, but tacos were prepared fairly quickly. I got the battered fish taco, grilled octopus taco, and taco especial (smoked fish, shrimp, scallops) and also tried my friend's tuna al pastor and surf and turf (steak and shrimp). I'd maintain that my favorite is their battered fish taco and the taco especial, as the seafood is particularly fresh and the price is more worth than the ones that cost $7.50+. Portions are good so 2-3 tacos are good for a nice meal. Make sure to try their sauces to enhance the experience!
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Erika-Kelly C.

Yelp
The hype is absolutely real! It's a little hole in the wall restaurant with limited seating (only outdoors) and the workers are so friendly! I ordered the battered fish tacos & the octopus one and they were both so fresh and yummy!! I wish I tried the other things on the menu, but I will definitely come here again whenever I'm back in the area! The lady also gave my family and I free samples of some comforting soup which was really nice of her.
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Jessica L.

Yelp
I can't even count how many times I have been here but every time I go, I remember why I keep returning to this location. In my experience (usually go on weekends or dinner time on weekdays), the shack on turquoise st is less busy and the line moves faster compared to the storefront next to the beach. I love their taco especial that has a combination of seafoods and their shrimp ceviche! The tacos come out hot and the ceviche is always super fresh (it also comes with slices of avocados on top and 2 round thick tortilla chips). They have sauces and iced water available across the register in the fridge and that's a self serve. This location doesn't have much space or seating but people usually eat and leave quickly. There's a table outside along where you line up to order and I usually stand and eat my food. They have bar stools available too. The time it takes to get your food really depends on the crowd when you go. Sometimes it's super fast and sometimes the staff gets backed up because it's super popular. For the price and quality of food, it's a place I recommend to anyone visiting SD!
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Alex J.

Yelp
I don't see the appeal. It's just average fish tacos and nothing that would make me want to return. Service is good at least. The woman helping me was smiling and super friendly. I ordered three tacos - shrimp, fish, and octopus. I didn't realize it was happy hour so the shrimp was discounted. The octopus was definitely the best because it was grilled well, with slightly chewy octopus pieces, and a good seasoning. But overall, nothing that made me go "wow, this is really good". The shrimp and fish had similar batter so they were fried nice and crispy without being greasy. But the fish had more batter than "fish" so you were eating more of a fried-batter taco, and the shrimp taco had three little shrimp. All tacos had a pile of cabbage, crunchy but didn't add much. They have a fridge with a cilantro-mayo sauce but the bottle is so dirty from everyone touching it it's kinda gross.
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Howie J.

Yelp
Before this restaurant, I've only known one Oscar and he's a dirty old man sick in the head. I'm glad this place changed my perception of "Oscar" and now when someone mentions Oscar, my brain automatically brings me back to the delicious seafood tacos and very savory fish stew we've had here at Oscar's Mexican Seafood!!! This is a tiny hole in the wall treasure. All the young people and families were lining up along the wall by the entrance and surprisingly, the wait was not unbearable. We ordered one taco of each for shrimp, fish, and octopus, and our dessert was the fish stew. Fresh!!! Tacos are great and have pretty good value. Big chunks of seafood in each for what every other place also charges but probably for smaller portion. Now save the best for the last, that darn fish stew. It's arguable one of the best soups/stews I've ever had in my life, and I've had tons of soups/stews because it's basically my life. And for a fish-y stew to make it all the way to the top? That tells you something... $9.75 for a large size, which actually is a just decent size container. I was the one who thought, pssshhht, this is probably enough soup for only me alone. I was wrong. There were many chunks of fish, shrimp, and octopus inside, along with mushy cubes of potato and veggies. Not at all fishy, and it hits all the spots in my heart. Is this what a hearty soup is like?? Campbell, up your game. Please stay open and thriving for my next visits to more fish stews. Thanks!