Yes, we hear you, haters—Ricky’s Fish Tacos doesn’t make their own tortillas, and in other Ensenada-style tacos you can occasionally find more traditional angel shark instead of the cheaper basa catfish used here. But there’s some serious deep fryer magic going on at Ricky’s, and you can usually find specials like lobster or smoked marlin to round out the menu. Crunchy oregano-flecked batter surrounds fluffy fish and shrimp to make amazing deep-fried pillows of flavor. Crisp jalapeño slices and a smoky red salsa add wonderful kick, making for a fantastic fish taco ($3.50) that packs more than a few crave-worthy bites. We aren’t the only ones who feel this way—expect a line. Check Twitter to confirm the truck’s hours each day.
So you’ve decided you want a taco—more specifically, you want one of the best fish tacos in the city. You’re in luck, because in L.A., you can order fresh-catch fish tacos, Nayarit- and Ensenada-style fish tacos, and inventive, modern versions at the best Mexican restaurants, best seafood restaurants and food trucks all over town. You can find grilled or batter-fried tilapia, swai, cod, salmon, mahi, halibut, sea bass, marlin and, rarely, shark. But you’ll need to choose wisely: A good fish taco is a fresh and invigorating treat, but a bad fish taco—with overcooked fish and unbalanced, low-quality ingredients—can ruin your day. To save you from this roller-coaster of possibility and disappointment, we offer you our favorite spots for fish tacos in L.A.