Oscars Mexican Seafood
Taco restaurant · San Diego
746 Emerald St, San Diego, CA 92109
Highlights
Smoked fish & grilled octopus tacos, tortas, ceviche & sodas
Smoked fish & grilled octopus tacos, tortas, ceviche & sodas
"The deep sea mural outside the original Pacific Beach location of Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is a San Diego landmark for torta lovers and fish taco aficionados. The small storefront, usually crowded with people hunched over red plastic trays, carries the spirit of Oscar’s food truck roots, with a line of loyal regulars and a multitasking cashier calling out names and scooping citrusy ceviche into plastic cups. The atun adobado taco, marinated al pastor style and dotted with pineapple chunks, is a perfect balance of sugar and spice. And the sea breeze from nearby Tourmaline Beach has you in the mood for surf and turf, the torta de Oscar is loaded with spicy shrimp and skirt steak, plus a layer of tender smoked fish." - Cora Lee
"Closed its North Pacific Beach location on Turquoise Street after its landlord allegedly refused to renew the lease. Since 2011 the family-run business had been operating on Turquoise Street; it was named after one of their first chefs, Oscar Valenzuela. The business currently has two locations, including a newly remodeled shop on Emerald Street in Pacific Beach, only five minutes away from the former Turquoise Street location. The landlord, who allegedly shares the same first name as Valenzuela, reportedly plans to open another taqueria named after himself, according to Valentina Montes De Oca, daughter of owner Juan Montezuca. She tells Eater that the taco restaurant replacing theirs on Turquoise Street has no connection to this business, and the family hopes to open a new location in Bird Rock or La Jolla within the next year." - Helen I. Hwang
"Referred to as "San Diego’s beloved fish taco shop" and noted specifically for providing a la carte food options inside the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club at Terminal 2 West." - Candice Woo
"This casual taco chain from Tijuana-raised Juan Bernardo Montes de Oca, beloved by locals and travelers alike, showcases a large variety of Mexican-style seafood tacos ranging from smoked fish to grilled and battered options. With locations in Pacific Beach and Hillcrest, Oscar’s isn’t limited to just tacos: tortas, combination plates, vegetarian options, and breakfast dishes (try the breakfast burrito with smoked fish, bacon, ham, chorizo or steak, or the breakfast torta) are also on the menu. As far as standouts go, the Taco Especial comes with smoked fish, shrimp, and scallops dressed in generous amounts of cabbage, onion, cilantro, and avocado. It doesn’t get more San Diego than this." - Roxana Becerril
"Oscars is an ultra popular Pacific Beach hangout for casual seafood, often frequented by beachgoers and surfers. Its smoked fish tacos topped with cabbage, avocado, and cheese are standout but the house take on classic fried and grilled fish tacos, topped with the requisite cabbage and pico de gallo, are also worth ordering. The Hillcrest outpost serves up the same supple taco while the fish shop on Emerald Street remains closed for remodeling." - Candice Woo
