San Diego has no shortage of great seafood, but when it comes to the best fish and chips in San Diego, these are the places that are considered the most popular. Of course, there’s a very good likelihood that we won’t agree where to get the best fried fish and chips in San Diego. Just like the never-ending debate about the best taco, it is subjective and a matter of personal preference.
San Diego has more spots serving the best fish and chips in San Diego than ever before. Classic pubs like Shakespeare Pub still draw crowds with crispy, award-winning fish and chips. New seafood concepts and seasonal pop-ups are keeping this beloved dish front and center for locals and visitors alike.
We will all be asking the same question: Who has the best fish and chips in San Diego? Everyone has their local go-to spot, their personal favorite, and their own criteria for what constitutes the perfect plate of fish and chips.
For some people, it is all about the crispy batter, or the flavor of the tartar sauce, while the flakiness of the fish may be important to San Diego is full of fantastic options for fried fish and chips, so no matter how you like it, you’re sure to find something delicious right here.
From fine-dining restaurants to take-out food, we’ve got it all.
What Makes the Perfect Fish and Chips?
The most popular fish used is cod, and it’s my favorite too, due to its mild, clean taste. But traditionalists in London would argue that it should be haddock. White fish is best for frying, but trout, catfish, and bass can be just as delicious. Battered fish can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, but since it’s a guilty pleasure, I’ll not be holding back on sharing the best fish and chips in San Diego.
What pairs well with Fish and chips ?
In England, malt vinegar is the traditional accompaniment to fish and chips. It has a sweet and mild taste and is so good when the chips are wider and softer to absorb the vinegar.
House-made tartar sauce is a perfect side that adds a burst of flavor to the meal. It’s made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon juice, and it’s a must-have for any fish and chips meal.
Mushy peas might not be as popular in San Diego, but they’d be a traditional dish in the UK. Most of the British pubs here offer it.
Where to Find the Best Fish and Chips in San Diego
Craft House Sky Deck (Del Mar)
Beer-battered white fish with Old Bay-seasoned house fries and Old Bay aioli. The Old Bay twist sets it apart from the usual tartar-and-malt-vinegar version. If you’re after the best fish and chips in San Diego with something a little different, this is worth a stop.
$10.00 during happy hour; $23 regular price
Seasurf Fish Co (Del Mar)
Seasurf serves beer-battered Alaskan cod with fries, slaw, and homemade tartar sauce. It is perfectly crispy on the outside with moist and delicious cod inside. Fast and casual and easily some of the serves the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$14.99
Captain Sam's Fish And Chicken (Chula Vista)
Known for being well-seasoned and well-crisped, Captain Sam’s offers a choice of catfish, tilapia, cod, red snapper, and jack salmon. The fish dinners come with coleslaw or Mac salad and fries.
$18.00
Princess Pub (Little Italy)
“The Great British Fish & Chips” includes a hearty portion of crispy Harp beer-battered cod and hand-cut pub chips. Served with cool coleslaw, homemade tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge. Also available grilled. You can get mushy peas as a side. If you are searching for the best fish and chips in San Diego, this restaurant is worth a stop.
$23.00
The Galley at the Marina (Chula Vista)
Fresh cod fillets in homemade beer batter, served with fries & slaw
$15.00
Fish Shop (Encinitas, Pacific Beach, Point Loma)
Also on my list of best restaurants in Encinitas. You can order the fish grilled or fried. Alaskan cod served with fries and cocktail, and tartar sauce. This is another strong contender for the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$17.00
Mr. Fish and Chips (Kearney Mesa)
Two fish fillets with fries, small cole slaw and soda
$17.50
Culinary dropout
While the soft pretzels and provolone fondue are the signature dishes, the new location in Del Mar is serving a plate of delicious three-beer-battered fish fillets, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Despite being on the higher end, it is delicious. It is easy to see why this restaurant is known for the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$23.00
Knotty Barrel (Rancho Penasquitos)
Beer battered cod served with French fries and house-made tartar sauce.
$18.00
Shakespeare Pub (Little Italy)
Beer battered cod served with French fries and house-made tartar sauce. Fans of classic seafood will appreciate why this is considered the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$18.00
Chicken Shop (Santee)
Two piece fish plate with catfish or cod served with two sides.
$15.78
Karl Strauss Brewing (Sorrento Mesa, 4S Ranch, Temecula, Carlsbad)
This is my go-to item on their menu as it pairs so well with their beer. Battered Alaskan Cod, caper remoulade, and house-made slaw. Fresh fish and well-fried chips help earn its spot among the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$20.95
Hooleys Public House (Rancho San Diego)
Golden Atlantic cod served with lemon & tartar sauce.
$21.95
Chef John's Fish & Chips (Lemon Grove)
Two pieces of fish and chips.
$18.49
Phileas Foggs (Poway)
Traditional Fish & Chips: One large center-cut filet of beautiful white cod, light beer batter, thick-cut Pub Chips served with homemade coleslaw, tartar sauce, and malt vinegar.
$17.99
The Fishery (Pacific Beach)
Alaskan cod and chips are on the lunch menu, and are also available off-menu for dinner. For a reliable order, many diners turn here for the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$19.00
Fish District (Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Carmel Mountain Ranch)
Three pieces of hand-battered Alaskan cod, battered fries, parsley, and caper sauce
$17.50
Blue Water Seafood (Ocean Beach, Mission Hills)
Beer-battered cod or panko-crusted red snapper served over cross-cut fries with a side of coleslaw and tartar sauce. The balance of crisp and tender is why some call this the best fish and chips in San Diego.
$20.25
Brine Box (Oceanside - closed)
Sadly, Brine Box burned down in the Oceanside Pier fire in April 2024. From Wrench & Rodent owner Davin Waite, they served seasoned beer-battered local fish of the day, with crispy seasoned fries and mushy pea sauce. It was one of the places offering the best fish and chips in San Diego.
Pete's Seafood and Sandwich (North Park)
Fried fresh Atlantic Cod served with fries and coleslaw. When people debate the best fish and chips in San Diego, this spot often comes up.
$20.00
Ironside Fish & Oyster (Little Italy)
Tempura battered rockfish, old bay potatoes, cabbage slaw and tartar sauce. This is a solid choice if you want the best fish and chips in San Diego without overthinking it.
$24
If you don’t see your favorite fish and chips on this list, please leave your recommendation in the comments.
13 Responses
The Pub in Bay Park
Thanks Ryan, I have not been there but will plan to check out their fish and chips.
Am I missing something? Are these listed in order?
Kelly, they are in no particular order as I add new places (and remove) regularly.
If you haven’t tried the tempura fish & chips at Beeside Balcony (we’ve tried the Del Mar location), then you really haven’t had the best in San Diego…
Agreed, chef Christophe makes a fantastic fish and chips!
All the ads make your site unreadable
Thanks for the feedback. I have been working with the publishers to clean it up.
I know you’ve reviewed Beeside Balcony, but their tempura-battered fish and chips are literally and figuratively off the hook. Check-em-out.
I will try your recommendations. How about Harbor Fish cafe in Carlsbad? Have you tried that one? It’s really good and the location can’t be beat.
Thanks Curt, I don’t know Harbor Fish Cafe. The reviews look ok, and the fish and chips are a top seller so I might go check it out.
You MUST try Adrian’s Surf N Turf! Best Fish and Chips!
Thanks Kim. I must have drive past this place so many times but have not visited. Adding it to my list. Have a good weekend.