Finding the Best Tacos in La Jolla
Are you looking for the best tacos in La Jolla, CA? From yummy breakfast tacos to killer gourmet tacos, you’ll find some of the tastiest eats in La Jolla listed below.
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Your mission to find the best tacos in La Jolla should start at Brockton Villa.
It’s important to have goals in this life, and my personal goal for our time in La Jolla was very simple: I want to eat all the tacos.
I firmly believe there’s a right taco for every mood, situation, or palate, and I’m blessed that my husband and mother-in-law are so supportive of my tortilla-encased-dreams.
After deep diving on La Jolla’s taco scene, reading countless reviews, polling residents, scouring menus, and digging through an endless series of Instagram grids, we set out on our collective mission to locate the best tacos in La Jolla.
After taco-spot-hopping our way across La Jolla, here are our favorite mouth-watering finds:
Brockton Villa’s Breakfast Tacos are the best way to start your day!
Must-try Tacos in La Jolla
Brockton Villa Breakfast Tacos
Now, I know California loves a breakfast burrito, but nothing beats starting your day off with some yummy breakfast tacos.
Brockton Villa serves up substantial portions with seaside views. Let the honk of sea lions serenade you as your chow down on flour tortillas filled to the brim with crunchy hash browns, scrambled eggs, fresh pico, feta, avocado, and chile creme fraiche.
The crunchy texture of the hash browns and smoked bacon and the acidity of the feta take these breakfast tacos to the next level, and the red chili sauce deserves a chef’s kiss.
Note: The scrumptious, giant heap of Carnita Chilaquiles also gets two thumbs up from our table.
The Tamarindo Shrimp Taco, Verduras Taco, and Filet Taco at Puesto La Jolla are delicious.
Puesto Tacos
Creative, gourmet tacos are an absolute art form at Puesto in La Jolla. We managed to eat almost every taco on the menu before heading back to the East Coast (I told you I have goals), and each taco features an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients.
Hands down, our must-orders are the Tamarindo Shrimp, the Chicken Al Pastor, the Mushroom Taco, and the crowd favorite, the Filet Mignon Taco. The Filet Mignon Taco and the Hot Sauce Margarita boast a nice kick of spice, and Puesto’s signature crispy melted cheese is downright addictive.
Clean out your piggy bank before hitting this La Jolla hotspot, however, as these gourmet, foodie-friendly tacos are on the pricier side.
The fish tacos from El Pescador Fish Market are some of the best tacos in La Jolla.
El Pescador Fish Market Fish Tacos
Are you looking for good, clean eats with the freshest ingredients? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better grilled fish taco than the catch of the day at El Pescador.
We got the fish and Mexican shrimp tacos, and while both were amazing, the perfectly cooked fish was the stuff this Florida girl’s dreams are made of. There’s really no need for bells and whistles when you’re starting off with something so downright tasty.
The massive seafood counter, hip interior, and succulent-decked patio make for a fun dining experience. The clam chowder was also a hit with our party.
The Taco Stand La Jolla
Are you even writing a piece on the best tacos in La Jolla if you don’t mention The Taco Stand? There’s a lot of hype around this retro counter-serve taco joint. Expect a line that extends down the block, a crowded interior, and tables that turnover quickly.
The Baja Fish, Al Pastor, and Sonora Tacos are menu stand-outs, and my favorite part was the salsa and sauce bar. (What can I say? Sometimes I like to play with my food!) Our crew enjoyed mixing and matching sauces and toppings on each taco, and the price point was a welcome relief compared to the rest of California.
Note: Save room for the churros; you won’t regret it.
The extra crispy shells on Duke’s poke tacos are the perfect contrast to the avocado and tuna.
Duke’s La Jolla Poke Tacos
Duke’s serves up Hawaiian cuisine with ocean views, and the poke tacos were one of our favorite meals during our time in La Jolla. Admittedly, poke or sashimi tacos aren’t always my thing (there can be a such thing as too much raw fish), but these bite-sized delights are the perfect blend of salty fish, creamy avocado, and super crispy shells.
And that, my friends, will hopefully get you started on your very own Tour de Taco in La Jolla!
Have you been to La Jolla? Tell me about your favorite taco, taco spot, or vacation memory in the comments below!
