Lovingly folded, juicy envelopes of delicious meats, cheeses and salsa, tacos in California are a taste sensation. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or weekend brunch vibes, there’s something truly satisfying about eating these mouth-watering food parcels. Along the California coast there is a plethora of places to tuck into tacos, so take your pick.
Nicknamed T-lish by hardcore taco fans, this popular spot started out as a farmers market and has been tantalising taco lovers in San Francisco since 2009. Opt for classics such as carne asada or Baja-style Pacific cod, or step out of your taco comfort zone and try a taco version of a deli-style pastrami sandwich. With a tequila bar next door you won’t mind the wait to get in.
Dockside Too Fish Market, Morro Bay
Right on the oceanfront in Morro Bay’s historic Embarcadero sit two very unique dining experiences. The Tognazzini family not only runs a fresh seafood restaurant, but also own Dockside Too Fish Market. This cute little beach shack offers hungry travellers a selection of delicious fish tacos using freshly caught seafood, including smoked scallop tacos and grilled salmon tacos. People don’t just come here for the food though, with local musicians providing live music most days and front row views of the Pacific Ocean, this place is a must-stop on any California road-trip.
La Super-Rica Taqueria, Santa Barbara
The simple and delicious food on offer here has been drawing crowds for years, and not just because renowned U.S. chef Julia Child once stated that this was her favourite spot for tacos (imagine Mary Berry or Rick Stein naming their favourite burger joint). La Super-Rica Taqueria, with its brightly coloured exterior and minimalistic charm, offers its guests some seriously good Mexican food in downtown Santa Barbara. The most popular dish here is the Super-Rica Especial—hefty chunks of meat tossed together with roasted chili salsa and stuffed to the brim with gooey mozzarella. This local spot is so good it even made it onto the MICHELIN Guide California’s list of recommended restaurants.
From humble truck to a buzzy brick-and-mortar restaurant, Guerrilla Tacos is one of the best places to grab a taco (or three) when in Los Angeles. Located in the Arts District, this hot spot has held on to its street food roots. The venue may have changed but the menu remains more-or-less the same as it was—think tempura-battered fish tacos and crunchy taquitos stuffed with fluffy potatoes and tasty fresh crab. With graffiti-muraled walls and a cinder-block patio, this place is as gritty as it is delicious.
You’re in Surf City USA, so why not chow down on some delicious tacos after a gnarly surf? At Ola Mexican Kitchen, you can eat tacos with a superb view of the Huntington Beach waterfront. Ola’s freshly made food is what taco dreams are made of and the blackened shrimp and sautéed lobster only touch the surface of what’s on offer here. The tortilla chips with a splash of chile con limon are also a must-order.
Being so close to the border of Mexico you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding incredible tacos to devour in San Diego. For something a little more upmarket, alongside an impressive drinks selection, Galaxy Taco is the place to go. Elevating traditional Mexican street food is the name of the game here and you’ll find only the best ingredients used to make their from-scratch tortillas. Wash it all down with a tequila or a mescal—it would be rude not to.