Oscar's Mexican Seafood

Score 90/100 · Order: Smoked fish taco · $4.50

Oscar's changed the conversation about fish tacos in San Diego by introducing smoked marlin. The fish is deeply savory, almost meaty, and it pairs beautifully with a warm corn tortilla, cabbage, and a smoky salsa. The shrimp taco is also excellent, and the salsa bar lets you dial in the heat. The Pacific Beach location is busy and touristy, but the North Park location is a local favorite for a casual dinner. The menu is compact, the execution is consistent, and the value is strong. Oscar's is the reason fish tacos in San Diego are not just about battered white fish anymore.

Local tip: Get the smoked fish taco and add a shrimp taco for the full surf-and-surf combo.

Score 86/100 · Order: Smoked fish taco and oysters · $3–5 each

Oscar's isn't a white-tablecloth raw bar, but the oysters are fresh and priced so low you'll order twice. Pair with the smoked fish taco.

Local tip: Cash line moves fast; there's almost no seating.

Score 86/100 · Order: Smoked fish taco · $

Oscar's is a small, fast counter operation that nails Baja-style seafood at low prices. There is almost nowhere to sit and the lines run long at lunch, but the smoked fish taco is one of the best two-dollar-something bites in San Diego.

Local tip: The smoked fish taco is the order — the standard fried version is good but not distinctive.

Score 84/100 · Order: Smoked fish breakfast burrito · $10

The smoked fish breakfast burrito is unique. A different take on the morning wrap that's worth trying once.