The 5 Best Fish Tacos in Los Angeles 2022

A deliciously crispy, light fish taco with the perfect balance of cabbage and pico de gallo; the epitome of Southern California eating. We have chosen our top 5 fish tacos in the Los Angeles area…you’re not going to want to miss this.

5. Ricky’s Fish Tacos (Griffith Park)

Let’s start with a bit of controversy, shall we? Ricky’s Fish Tacos is considered one of the best fish tacos by Angelenos and while we agree it’s good, some might think it blasphemous to have Ricky’s at number 5. Situated as a food truck under a highway, Ricky’s serves up crispy, flaky and beautifully-seasoned fish. However, the tortillas and cabbage are a bit dry and often leave something to be desired. That being said, there is no doubt Ricky’s is a good fish taco that many consider to be the best in the city.

4. Tacos Baja (Whittier)

If someone tells you they’re from Whittier but have never heard of Tacos Baja, do not trust them. The consistently long lines at Tacos Baja are a confirmatory sign that these are the best fish tacos in east LA. The tartar and hot sauce combination compliment the beer-battered fish to perfection. These tacos boast both quantity (not only are they relatively large, on Wednesdays they only cost 99 cents!) and quality that will surely lure you back time and time again. They’re battered shrimp tacos and ceviche are certainly also worth a try.

3. Baja California Tacos (Culver City)

For the full-experience of what a classic Ensenada/Baja style fish taco tastes like, look no further than this no-frills taco shop. While occasionally inconsistent, on a good day, the fish tacos at Baja California are amongst the best in LA. Fresh beer-battered fish smothered in tartar sauce and pico should be eaten instantly so as to avoid a soggy taco. We repeat, this is not somewhere we advise getting delivery from (or any fish taco on this list for that matter).  The campechano also packs a full flavor profile and is the perfect accompaniment to your delicious fish tacos!

2. Venice Fish Tacos and Smoothies (Venice Beach)

Venice Beach is a place that truly offers something for everyone and gathers tourists and locals alike. It’s a fantastic place to people-watch and is home to some of the most of the best artists, skateboarders, vendors, basketball players and…fish tacos (?) in LA. While we doubt many people flock to Venice for the fish tacos, Venice Fish Tacos and Smoothies is home to one of the best fish tacos in LA. It’s cash only, located right near the basketball courts and if you didn’t know about it, you would probably walk right past it. This unassuming taco shop serves crispy, fresh fish tacos that are accompanied with their hot sauce in a seamless but perfect manner.
The pico to fish ratio is spot on and although this is number 2 on our list, this is by far the most fun place to eat a fish taco.

1. Ensenada’s Surf N Turf Grill (Lawndale)

Lawndale admittedly was not our first guess as to where the best fish taco in LA would be, but asks locals and newbies alike, the fish tacos at Ensenada’s Surf N Turf Grill are unbelievable. While there are multiple locations in Orange County and one by the airport, we believe that the Lawndale location is the best (although you certainly cannot go wrong at the other locations). The fish is crisped to golden perfection, the tartar and hot sauce are perfect and you can truly taste the freshness of the pico. Both the corn and flour tortillas (you can ask for either) taste homemade and freshly made and the shrimp tacos are also to die for. This classic Baja-style, mouthwatering fish taco offers just about everything one would look for in a fish taco and is our favorite in LA.