Oscars Mexican Seafood

Great service. Was given a cup of their seafood stew while we were deciding on what to order. Very hearty seafood stew with a chicken base. The taco especial was particularly great. Surf n tuf, which is usually my go to at taco shops was a little disappointing. I guess it goes to say that they are a seafood establishment and each and every seafood-based dish was fantastic

Oscar’s is easily one of my favorite spots for Mexican seafood in San Diego. The fish tacos are next-level—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Our favorites are the especial, octopus, battered shrimp, and grilled spicy shrimp taco. Don't forget to use their freshly made sauces in the fridge along with an assortment of other hot sauces. Their fish stew is also surprisingly fresh and savory. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the casual vibe makes it the perfect stop whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or hanging with friends. This location has inside seating and easier parking since it's located in a strip mall. A must stop it you're in the SD area.

A sincerly nice joint for a great bite of seafood. It's lovely food, made with love, with fresh in-house made salsas and agua frescas. I will say due to its popularity and the small size of the actual resteraunt, it *does* get super crowded at peak eating times. But what sets this place apart from other wonderful eateries? Veronica. She's almost always the cashier you speak to at the register to order your meal, and she's a literal angel. She's sweet, kind, and sp patient. She'll call you "sweetie" or "mija/mijo" and she means it. She's happy to tell you all about the menu items, and never skimps on twlling you how *she* likes it (spoiler alert: she's always right, imho). So come to Oscar's for the amazing mariscos (the fisherman's torta is INSANE) but stay for mama Veronica, because she's the heart and soul of this place. ❤️

The octopus taco was perfectly cooked and the tuna ceviche was fresh. Update: Revisited and tried the fish/shrimp ceviche. It was zesty and fresh. The only knock is that they didn’t include the extra tostada, but charged me for it

We live in Arizona and every time we are in SD its tradition to stop at Oscar's! And let me tell you they never disappoint! Great food

Tried their grilled fish, shrimp and smoked fish taco, they were out of battered fish tacos when I went. The shrimp and smoked fish was amazing. I found grilled fish to be a little dry! Overall very nice food, very generous with guacamole. Would visit again.

I thought this place was great. We started with the ceviche which was awesome. They only had shrimp so we tried that. 5/5 I ordered the skirt steak, surf and turf and smoked fish tacos. My fav was the surf and turf. All were good but the surf and turf was exceptional. The smoked fish was unique and good but not something I’d order regularly. 5/5 Atmosphere was counter service with outdoor dining 3/5

We got lunch and were so happy to get the variety and flavors of all the food. We went to go and try the smoked fish tacos and came away with every item that interested us. The octopus taco was amazing! The service was slow but there were a high number of people there and we weren’t in a rush. They offer free fish soup for all patrons. It’s really hot temperature wise so be careful to not burn your tongue.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to try Oscar's as a native San Diegan. I used to think it was all hype but this is the real deal , and at an arguably affordable price. I've tried the fish, shrimp, and blue fin tuna ceviche, whatever you decide to get, it's gonna hit the spot. My favorite tacos to get are the atún(tuna) adobado & the grilled octopus taco, they're a bit pricey but they're massive. The Oscar's Torta is an honorable mention, but I personally like the tacos better. I've never actually dined in, but it looks rather small so, it might not be suitable for larger parties. The location is right off the freeway on University inside a strip mall either its own parking lot, but it can be a tight squeeze since it's busy and the spots are narrow. I think I've had 3 or 4 times in a span of 6 weeks since I first tried it, it's that good lol.

IG: @allysxn.eats both times we've been here, it too SO LONG to wait for the food. maybe around 20-30 minutes after ordering. otherwise, the grilled fish and surf and turf tacos are my favorite. the horchata was super grainy and pretty sweet. i wouldn't get the horchata again.

Oh no, some changes since my last visit. Prices have gone up on the tacos (understandable these days), and while they seemed larger, it didn't necessarily make them better. The proportions felt a little off, like way too much cabbage and not enough fish or protein, which made for a kind of imbalanced bite. Bigger doesn't always mean better. Also noticed the vibe was a bit different this time. The folks behind the counter weren't as warm or friendly as they've been in the past. Could be an off day. Consistency is tough in the service industry, so I get it. Still hoping this was just a one-time hiccup because I've really enjoyed this spot before.

Their taco Tuesday deal is so worth it, definitely go on a Tuesday to get the cheapest delicious fish tacos! I think it might have been $2/taco? They didn't skimp on the fish portion size and all of the toppings are super fresh. The salsa was good too, adding extra flavor The cashier was friendly and service was fast since it was a random Tuesday, not sure how it would be on a busier day. The parking lot is small too so might have difficulty finding parking on a busier day. Ambiance is very casual. They had seating inside and everything was clean.

I've had Oscars in the past but it's been a few years and I didn't realize the tacos were so huge! They're pricey but the portions make it well worth it. Fresh seafood and amazing sauces!

Came on Memorial Day weekend so it was a long wait, lots of people lined up. Good battered fish tacos! I think this place is pretty decent even though the fish tacos are a bit pricey it's loaded with vegetables and quite filling, you can probably be full with two or three. It's not the best fish tacos but it gets the job done. And bonus...the lady brings out their signature fish soup every 25 minutes for free! First come first serve and it is very flavorful and fresh. You could taste the soup in the broth as well as their special seasoning.

Oscars was the dinner choice for my wife and I while we were in San Diego. We weren't hungry as we already had evening appetizers at the hotel. We just need good tacos that were cheap and fast. I had my mind and stomach set on carne asada tacos. My wife had her mind set on fish tacos. I can never win. Oscars did have a $8.50 skirt steak taco, but, why when I can do other strange things? We ordered a taco especial, a smoked fish taco, and a couple of fish tacos. $30+ and about 15 minutes later, we had our 6 tacos. Okay, so they weren't cheap. The tacos all seemed like they were made with flour tortillas...no complaints since the Chinese in me likes flour tortillas. The taco especial had shrimp, scallop and smoked fish in it. It was a very good $8.50 taco. The $7 smoked fish taco seemed like a letdown after the $8.50 taco. The fish tacos were normal...the kind that my wife likes. It's a good place with good food. Not a place for cheap tacos. But, then again, nothing is cheap these days.

Really good Mexican seafood spot with fresh ingredients and standout tacos. The battered fish and battered shrimp tacos were the clear winners, perfectly crispy with great texture and really fresh flavors. These are also the better value at $4 compared to the $7 tacos that include more toppings like avocado. The surf and turf taco was pretty good with a lot going on, while the octopus taco just didn't hit for me. The sauces were excellent, especially the tangy red/orange and creamy cilantro sauces that they had available. All the tacos had nice crunch from the lettuce and really flavorful pico de gallo. The tortillas were freshly made and had good chew to them. Friends tried the tortas they're known for and said they were solid. The restaurant is small and cozy but can be hard to find seating. We had to wait a bit but there's nice outdoor seating available. Food took a little while since everything comes out fresh, which I appreciated. Service was great, very friendly and patient throughout. Would definitely swing by again for more of those battered fish and shrimp tacos

Heard these were the best fish tacos in SD, so I had to stop by and try! Walking in, I was shocked by the prices. Most tacos are $7+ each, except for the beer battered fish and shrimp tacos. I ordered 2 Grilled Fish tacos - one mahi and one red snapper, and they came topped with avocado and cilantro. There was a handwritten sign stating what types of grilled fish were available, so I am curious how often it changes! Both tasted extremely fresh and had great flavor. I also thought the amount of fish in each taco was generous. I would have liked an addition of pico or onion on the tacos, or a non-dairy based salsa option. I saw other guests order the ceviche, and I plan to come back to try that as well! This location is located in a small shopping center, so there is a parking lot and street parking available. Both indoor and outdoor seating.

Wow what a great spot for ceviche! We came on a Thursday afternoon and tried the mixed ceviche - so good! We also had complimentary soup that was warm and delicious - full of veggies and potato. Great service too!!

Great place for some delicious tacos. I recommend the Oscar's plate, which is 2 tacos, 1 side, and a drink for $20. The juices/agua frescas they have is wonderful! I had the strawberry Fresca, it was refreshing. The tacos are great. My favorite was the octopus taco. Service is friendly. The place has indoor and outdoor seating, it can get packed but it wasn't a problem finding seating. Casual vibe. I recommend.

First of all, Oscar's was highly recommended by a local and the seafood was very very good. But I have never felt like the staff less wanted me to be there than anywhere I have ever been. The worker was rude, inattentive, refused to answer questions about the menu items (even going so far as to argue with me about what was on their menu), and naturally did not get the order correct. I am sorry to have bothered "Alek" by being a customer of Oscar's. Despite the food being very good, I will never be back and will go where my business is appreciated and am not treated like a burden.

After exploring Balboa Park, we wanted to find some fish tacos to eat and Oscar's was nearby. We got the smoked fish burrito, skirt steak burrito, and bartered fish taco. I think all 3 were solid, but lacked a bit of flavor and needed the salsa that is provided at the counter. With the salsa though they were pretty good. It's not a TON of food, but we also weren't super hungry so it hit the spot.

Best causal seafood tacos in SD! Everything is just so fresh and has a beautiful citrus zing to it that just hits. I came here freezing after walking around balboa park at night and they kindly offered me and my friend warm fish soup while we in line. Overall the best items to get are the shrimp or fish tacos ($3-4) and the ceviche. Or get one of the larger specialty taco that is a bit pricier $7 The restraint is causal with wood tables, simple and cozy.

Oh my god, this is my absolute favorite place by far, I cannot wait to come back, just to try every other thing on the menu. The cashier, Veronica, was so sweet and kind! She gave us a sample of the fish soup (which was fantastic). I got a smoked fish breakfast burrito, and it's by far the best i've had in a long time. I also love that it doesn't feel super heavy when you eat the whole thing!

Much better experience than last time. This time I ordered the 3 surf and turf tacos, which was just enough to fill me up. It was loaded with its of steak, shrimp, and avocado! I liked how it was cheesy too! Their sauces are unlimited and soo addicting. They have the orange one which is slightly spicier than the light green one. I'm already craving some more of this. Until next time San Diego! Service was efficient and busy!

Oscar's is easily one of my favorite spots for Mexican seafood in San Diego. The fish tacos are next-level--fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Our favorites are the especial, octopus, battered shrimp, and grilled spicy shrimp taco. Don't forget to use their freshly made sauces in the fridge along with an assortment of other hot sauces. Their fish stew is also surprisingly fresh and savory. Service is typical, order at the desk, get your number, then be your own table. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the casual vibe makes it the perfect stop whether you're grabbing a quick bite or hanging with friends. This location has inside seating and easier parking since it's located in a strip mall. A must stop it you're in the SD area.

Oscar's is so good. The only thing is that prices are on the high side for everything but the battered fish taco. I'm updating my review because I recently tried their chips & guacamole and I really enjoyed it. It's over $9 though so it better be good. The chips are so crunchy and it's a good amount of guacamole to accompany the chips--the ratio was pretty good. They have a happy hour on some weekdays from the afternoon up until 5pm.

The high ratings are actually very deserving. I got a variety of tacos and shared with my boyfriend. Everything was so good and tasty, I would definitely come back here again and recommend this place to anyone. I can't remember the specifics of which were my favorite but I'm sure anything you order on the menus is good. The sauces are in the front alongside with a pitcher of water with cups. It could get a bit crowded so seating can be limited. Service is nice. Parking spots are also very limited. Just be mindful of the space and enjoy the good food!

I did not understand the hype of this place. I got the battered fish taco, had to wait super long, and the taco was so dang dry. All my other friends that got battered fish also weren't very impressed. (We spent the day doing a taco tour, so our opinion is quite valid!!) I could be convinced to come back and try something else. My other friends got the surf & turf taco said they liked it, and it did look visually more appealing so perhaps try that. Decently sized inside. Since it's tacos people eat fast so the tables will clear out pretty quickly while you are waiting for your food. Hard to park in the plaza. We parked 2 blocks down in a paid lot.

Always hits the the spot, if you love tortas, or fish tacos. This is your jam! And I mean fish tacos, while I'm sure the carne asada tacos are delish, they specialize in pescado. The sopa de pescado and ceviche are bomb too!

This was a last-minute stop before heading to USD for a commencement. The place is small and was packed on a Sunday afternoon. The cashier was very nice and helpful, but they could definitely use more help in the kitchen to reduce wait times. We arrived around 12:15 PM but didn't get our tacos until 1:15 PM. The space could use some renovation--a refreshed layout would improve both the look and the flow for customers. Even the outdoor seating felt limited. With a party of 12, only about a third of us were able to sit, while the rest had to stand. That said, the seafood tacos were absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, and totally worth the wait. Despite the tight space and long wait, we left satisfied.

Every year we come to San Diego for comicon, we stop by Oscar's. The parking lot is decent in size, the seating is indoors and outdoors so there's options for you depending upon your party size. The food- always solid, a good balance of hearty meat and seafood umami with the surf and turf tacos/burritos. The rice and beans were standard, nothing special but pretty straight forward. As with all things these days, I was pretty shocked by the prices, everything has gone up...otherwise, I'm sure I'll be back here again next year.

My favorite food in the entire San Diego trip. If you are looking for taco, this won't disappoint. This is way better than the Taco Stand. The battered fish is fried perfectly, juicy fish, crispy batter but not oily at all. The special with smoked fish is a rare find and it's absolutely delicious. All the salsa is really good. Parking is terrible though.

Taco special with scallops and shrimp is really good. There are tables outside to eat. Service was quick. Ordered online. I really liked the green creamy salsa.

Definitely the top fast casual seafood taco place in SD. We came on a Saturday around 6 and it was busy! Luckily we found a parking spot in the lot but it's small so you might end up with street parking. They have mostly indoor seating but some larger tables outside. We ordered the fish tacos, taco especial (smoked fish, scallop and shrimp), skirt steak taco and an atun adobado. The fish tacos and taco especial are still the best. My only knock across the board is that the corn tortilla was very dry and crusty, like they were not freshly made. Service is sooo friendly. In hearing my parents talk about the fish stew, the cashier said he'd let us try it. I thought he'd just give us a small bowl but he gave the four of us individual portions to try. It was delicious! I would definitely order that on a cold day. It had fish, potatoes and carrots.

I recently went to Oscar's on a weeknight and it wasn't super busy. There is seating both inside and outside. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that they didn't have music blasting in the background which I appreciated. I got the combo with the steak taco and surf and turf. Both were very delicious and flavorful. Their meat portions were also generous imo. The combo came with your choice of either beans, rice, or fish soup and a drink. I asked the cashier which side he'd recommend and he said the fish soup. Tbh I was a little skeptical about the soup since I don't like fish but the soup was amazing. It didn't have a fishy flavor at all! Will def be back!

We went on a busy afternoon. Although their food is made fresh to order & it was busy, we got our food quickly. While we waited they offered complimentary fish caldo which was soo flavorful and delicious, not overly fishy. I had the fried fish taco & the beef taco, both tortillas were full and tasty. The fresh made tortilla chips were some of my favorite, they were fresh and crispy. Would definitely recommend!

Ima be honest and say the people were nice and friendly but the food quality wasn't that good. Price was okay I would say it's fair and not overpriced. We ordered the fish tacos (fish battered) and surf and turf (steak and shrimp). To me it did not have that much flavor or taste to it. If you add the sauces from the fridge (free) it makes it alright. But if I paid the same price and went to "the taco stand" I think that place blows it out of the water since over there they also hand press their tortillas and season the protein well. The steak was kind of dry as well... I always judge the food based on how it's served to me without me adding any sauce first. With the sauce it's alright. Food: 2.5/5 dry, unseasoned Service: 5/5 quick and friendly Price: 4/5 reasonable for the area Ambience: 4/5 some seats indoor and outdoor nothing fancy.

Cute small little shop. The girl at the front was really friendly. Breakfast burrito was good, but was a bit more like a taco as it wasn't completely rolled into a burrito. The flavors were really good but the chorizo was a bit greasy. All the tacos were really good. The surf and turf taco was solid, carne asada had good flavor. The spicy shrimp taco was really good as well, but not super spicy. The battered fish taco was the best. The fish had really good flavor and the toppings were simple but good and the tortilla did a good job holding it all together. All the tacos were loaded, they definitely aren't shy on portions! The salsas were all good, but the creamy ones were the best, a little lime and the salsa on the tacos is recommended!

Service was friendly enough and fast. No frills here. We came for breakfast. It was not busy at all when we went at 830am. The battered fish taco was the best we had while in San Diego. It was cooked and seasoned well. The shrimp tacos were also excellent. The chorizo breakfast burrito was not great. It was extremely greasy. While chorizo is obviously greasy this burrito was dripping grease and falling apart due to the grease. Would say, come here for the fish tacos and skip the burrito.

Wow just wow. Usually with these high volume spots the quality isn't there, but here it was not only delicious and worth every penny but the servers were so kind here, we got a sample of the soups! They had amazing options for sauces and variety of seafood tacos. incredibly yummy fun and easy casual eats. Happy we got to try it out

Excellent fish tacos from this Oscar's location. I have been to the other ones, but something about this location just hits different. The fish was so fresh and the burrito was quite bussing bussing as the young ones say nowadays. The staff here were so friendly and provided excellent service, giving me good suggestions for food. The ambiance here is also super nice. I will be back for more soon!

I'm so glad this place opened up in this little plaza. Oscars is a staple SD place to hit up but this location specifically makes you feel at home. The service is amazing, every worker is so sweet and kind. I highly recommend the fried fish tacos and fried fish tacos. Small store but good seating inside and outside.

Stopped in this afternoon after seeing a TV food show episode on Oscars! So glad I did! Soooo much better than Rubios! I tried the Smoked Fish taco and the Spicy Grilled Shrimp taco. Both were delicious but the highlight was definitely the Smoked Fish taco! My new Go-to taco!! So flavorful and big with fresh avocado. The spicy shrimp taco was good but not spicy at all. Sad about that. But again topped generously with avocado! Didn't know they had a salsa bar because it's all individually packaged and in their mini fridge. I heard them telling customers after I had already finished. Heard the "pink" salsa was the best one for the fish...so next time I'll try it! $6.50 for each taco but definitely worth it! I will for sure be back! And I'm hoping they have specials for Taco Tuesday!! Haha

Had to try THE fish taco spot in SD. Got the - battered fish taco - grilled shrimp taco - spicy shrimp taco - smoked fish taco - mixed ceviche The battered fish taco was really good and lived up to the hype!! Everything else was ok to try but wouldn't necessarily go back for it. The ceviche was a little too limey for me. Would def rec for the battered fish, others are ok to skip. The staff at this location were really nice/chill!! Even gave us some fish soup to try (during happy hour).

These tacos were bomb! Would absolutely come here again. Especially for happy hour prices at $1.50 per battered fish taco, that's just amazing. Loved especial as well. Will be back to try other tacos.

Oscar's never misses! We tried the mixed ceviche, skirt steak taco, battered fish taco, and grilled fish taco--everything was fresh, flavorful, and super satisfying. The mixed ceviche was packed with shrimp and fish, well-balanced citrus, and topped with creamy avocado--perfectly refreshing. The tacos were all solid, but the skirt steak stood out with its juicy, tender meat and bold flavor. The battered fish taco had the perfect crunch without being greasy, and the grilled fish was light, flaky, and loaded with toppings. Portions were generous, prices were totally fair, and the staff was quick and friendly even during the rush. We also appreciated that there were enough seats despite how busy it was--always a good sign. Definitely one of those casual spots but limited seating that delivers big flavor every time. Will be back for sure.

It's been many years since I've been here, so I decided to grab a quick late lunch since I was in the area. I ordered a battered fish taco, a skirt steak taco, and a grilled shrimp taco. I liked that they put lots of cabbage and veggies. The portion of the protein was also good. 3 tacos filled me up nicely. They could use a bit more seasoning, but overall, it was good. The parking lot is a nightmare, and finding street parking can also be challenging.

I was excited to see an Oscars in Hillcrest as I just moved into the area... I ordered the ceviche mixed which states that it's a cup of ceviche with two tostada shells. As it was very delicious my only rating for four stars is that if you order a cup of ceviche provide a full cup of ceviche, I only got a half a cup when I got home to see in my to go bag. As we are paying prices for full amounts, I would just hope in the future that you would provide the full amount of food that is ordered.

Food was amazing! Staff was great, nice and efficient. We sat by the bar, they also have other seating areas outside with umbrellas!

Could not be more surprised with oscars!! Our personal favorite for fish tacos and seafood when in the SD area. Our favorites: The ceviche (which was so fresh with octopus and shrimp) The battered fish taco (the fish was freshly fried) Both were so fresh and delicious Would skip: The shrimp and the battered shrimp taco (it had too much batter and not enough flavor) Quick service, a must try when in SD!

Live near this spot but have never been so decided today was the day. Person that took my order was super nice. I ordered the breaded shrimp taco ($4.50) and the Surf & Turf Quesadilla ($8.25). Both were very good but I thought it was weird that neither came with limes. The quesadilla also didn't come with any guac, which I also thought was weird. Pretty good size for the price, though. Would definitely come back.

As you enter there is a complimentary fish stew by the register (not sure if it's there all the time) but the tacos were amazing! My favorite was definitely the surf & turf 10/10. Battered fish taco 8/10, Grilled yellowtail fish taco 10/10, shrimp and chorizo taco 9/10. Cute place, they have a fridge stocked with sauces and lemons/limes which I loved

Best fish taco ever! Insider tip - when you order a grilled fish taco ask for veggies (grilled fish taco with vegetables). Love all their sauces. I especially like the orange sauce along with the red hot sauce. Perfect combination of flavors. The tortilla is substantial enough to support all the fillings, but still thin. How do they do that? One taco ordered as above will be enough for many people for brunch or lunch. Today's fish was yellowtail. Fabulous. We also shared homemade guacamole and chips with friends. You can tell it's made in house. Never tried the beans before and thought we would all taste one order... also very good, especially with a drizzle of that hot sauce. It's a small place but worth squeezing in or taking out. So fresh. So good.

Our Airbnb host recommended this restaurant to us. It's a small restaurant with a couple of branches in the area. They have amazing choices for seafood tacos and burritos. You can request anything to be made into a taco or a burrito. I was very hungry so I ordered a spicy shrimp burrito and grilled octopus taco. The spicy shrimp burrito was very good. Nice and crispy texture. The flavors were awesome. Very delicious! The octopus taco was 4/5. Slightly fishy to me. I had to balance it with some additional sauces. Overall worth the try.

My favorite place for a fish taco. When we were deciding what to get, the guy behind the counter handed us some fish stew to try. It tasted so incredible and healing. I also ordered the fish taco, octopus taco, taco especial, and mixed ceviche. You cannot go wrong here. Everything tastes so fresh and good. They have house made sauces in the fridge that pair perfectly with the tacos. Parking is a little tough if you come at a peak hour, but definitely check this place out if you're craving seafood.

Decent Baja style mainstay with more than one location. Really good battered fish taco and okay battered shrimp taco. Both came dressed with cabbage ribbons, diced tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Trio of squeeze bottle sauces are available in the drink fridge for all to share. The day of my visit, only shrimp ceviche was available though we wanted to try fish ceviche. The shrimp within the ceviche weren't deveined but tasted fresh otherwise.

Delicious no frills tacos place with a bit of a modern vibe. The line gets long but it makes sense after you taste the food! Tried the taco especiale and the beer battered fish taco and I preferred the beer battered fish taco. It was light, crispy and DELICIOUS!! The especiale was a bit too rich and smoky for me, but it I see why people like it. It was very filling compared to the fried fish, but I preferred the taste of the fried fish. Also tried chips and a side of rice and they were both DELICIOUS!! Such a staple taco place, will definitely be back.