Best Tacos in Ensenada: 11 Spots You Have To Visit
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Your trip to Baja California is not complete without a round (or two) of famous Ensenada tacos. In this article, I will tell you about the best restaurants where you can find this popular staple of Mexican cuisine.
You can try different varieties of tacos in Ensenada, from the plant-based ones that come with vegan chorizo to classic carne asada and famous Baja fish tacos made from fresh catch.
Baja fish tacos are made with deep-fried crispy fish wrapped in corn tortillas and come with freshly sliced cabbage, salsa, and hot chili sauce.
Over the years, there have been many versions of this famous staple, but Ensenada is one the best places to try the perfect crunchy fish tacos in Baja California that you can’t find in other parts of Mexico or the United States.
➡️ Learn: How to plan a day trip to Ensenada
Ensenada is known for its fish tacos and seafood, so it takes an extra effort for a regular taqueria to stand out.
The taco places in this article have stellar ratings from happy customers and have plenty of good reviews of plantforms like Yelp and Trip Advisor, because of their customer service, food quality, and reasonable prices.
When sourcing some of the best taquerias in Ensenada, I also tried to avoid tourist traps – places where you get charged extra for the same food as everywhere else because they are in tourist parts of Ensenada.
If you are ready to grab a couple of tacos during your stop in Ensenada, here is a list of the best places:
✅ JOING THIS POPULAR TACO TOUR OF ENSENADA
Best tacos in Ensenada: overview
1. Tacos Fenix
Tacos Fenix is a hidden gem of Ensenada where you can try mouthwatering batter-fried fish and shrimp tacos for a little over a dollar per piece.
Tucked away from the tourist corridor, this unassuming street food stall is easy to miss. But Tacos Fenix is always busy, and when you get here you will find many locals – which is a good sign that this place has quality food.
The tacos are prepared right in front of you, and once they hand them to you, you can add a variety of toppings from one of the bowls, like pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, marinated onions and lime.
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You can order as many tacos as you want and pay when you finish.
If you are staying in the tourist area of Ensenada, you can take an Uber to get here. Many customers say that while the area is away from the main drag, they felt safe walking there.
Address: Espinoza 451 Col. Obrera 22830 Ensenada, Baja California
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
2. Taqueria El Trailero
Located along the busy highway, Taqueria El Trailero serves yummy tacos in front of you.
Located in El Sauzal, a small suburb on the outskirts of Ensenada, this taqueria serves several types of tacos, including carne asada, shrimp, and fish tacos that come with cilantro, onions, salsa, and avocados, which give already delicious tacos even better flavor.
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Shrimp tacos come with cabbage, red onions, pico de gallo, and your choice of sauce or crema.
They also have quesadillas, quesabirria, and signature vampiro – toasts with carne asada, beans, guacamole and salsa on the top.
Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana 353, Col. El Sauzal 22760 Ensenada
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7 a.m.-2 a.m. and Friday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 4 a.m.
3. El Paisa Tacos
El Paisa boasts some of the best street tacos in Ensenada that are fast and delicious. This place boasts superb reviews from hundreds of happy customers and serves ridiculously good tacos asada for about 1 USD per piece.
El Paisa is about 20 minutes away on foot from the tourist part of Ensenada, and many reviewers say that they boast incredible flavor.
Get there early to avoid standing in line, because this place gets busy. It’s not uncommon for El Paisa to get crowded, especially on weekends when many locals come for their portion of tacos.
Address: Av. 20 de Noviembre 1043 22800 Ensenada, Baja California
4. Tacos Castillo Fish and Shrimp Tacos
A small family restaurant that serves battered fish tacos with rich taste, Tacos Castillo is a beloved spot among locals, but more tourists are starting to discover this gem.
Tacos Castillo serves lightly battered, fresh fish and shrimp tacos with simple toppings like sea-serve salsa, a nice texture, and great flavor. The staff is friendly and welcoming, which is another reason you should check out this spot.
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As in many other popular taquerias in Ensenada, you pay after you finish your food, which means you can eat as many tacos as you want and pay the final bill before you leave.
With the price of just over a dollar per taco, you simply can’t miss this spot. When you stop here, you will understand why so many visitors say this place is a must-visit.
Address: Juarez S/N Col. Centro 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
5. Makuko’s
Makukos is a Mexican seafood restaurant where you can enjoy a filling and delicious lunch or dinner at a relatively low price.
It’s a clear local favorite, and while they are mostly known for their authentic Baja-style fish tacos, there are plenty of other seafood options on the menu like ceviches and tostadas.
Try their tostadas topped with seafood, avocado salsa negra, onions, and cucumber slices; or fish and shrimp tacos, and get a beer or one of the sweet drinks with your meal.
Once you get your freshly prepared tacos in a hot tortilla, you can top them with a variety of vegetables, salsas, and sauces like chipotle that you can find in a garnish bar.
Address: Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1171 22880 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays
6. Tacos Angelito
Tacos Angelito is known as the place to grab the best smoked al pastor tacos topped with flavorful salsa, but they also have a casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
This place is outside the tourist zone, however, the trip here is well worth the effort, as you will enjoy one of the most popular taco stands in Ensenada.
Besides impressive food, they also have prompt customer service, friendly staff, and fair prices.
Address: Av. Aldama 279 22840 Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Closed on Wednesdays
7. Taqueria La Mexico
If you are a Mexican food enthusiast, don’t miss out on Taqueria La Mexico, a small, family-owned restaurant well-known among Ensenada locals for its incredible food.
The restaurant offers a warm ambiance and specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, with a focus on tacos.
On the menu, you will find a wide variety of taco fillings, including seasoned grilled meats, marinated vegetables, flavorful salsas, and traditional Mexican spices.
You can also customize your tacos with toppings like cilantro, avocado, onions, and lime.
Address: Av. Ruiz & C. 16, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Hours: Friday – Saturday; 7 a.m. – 4 a.m. Closed on Mondays. Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m.- 2 a.m.
8. Tacos Floresita
Tacos Floresita is a small shack that makes perfect fish and shrimp tacos warm with a crispy and flavorful batter wrapped in a warm tortilla right off the stove.
The staff is friendly, and they prepare your food quickly after you order it. Once you get your tacos, you can top them off with many garnishes like salsa, limes, and different sauces.
Tacos cost 30 Pesos per piece. Cash only.
Address: Av Floresta 485 Col. Obrera 22830 Ensenada, Baja California
9. Tacos Puebla
Tacos Puebla is an off-the-beaten-path establishment with an unmistakable “local” feel in the southern suburbs of Ensenada not far from Playa Hermosa.
As a tourist visiting Ensenada on your first, second, and maybe even third trip, you aren’t likely to find this place on your own, unless someone who already knows it, brings you here.
However, this IS the restaurant in Ensenada if you are looking for an authentic Mexican experience. Some food tours in Ensenada also bring tourists here, which is a sign that the food at Tacos Puebla is worth trying.
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This joint serves excellent tacos including al pastor and carne asada, prepared right on the spot and wrapped in warm tortilla.
The cooks prepare everything on the open flame right in front of the customers, and the smell here will make you even more hungry.
They also have many side condiments like radishes, guacamole, beans, and sauces.
Grab a cold drink from the fridge to complete your meal!
Address: Av. Dr. Pedro Loyola 179 Col. Loma Linda 22890 Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
10. La Comrade Restaurant Tacos
La Comrade is a small restaurant within walking distance from Ensenada cruise port that offers amazing carne asada tacos, birria tacos, chile relent tacos as well as classic quesadillas that come with the thick corn tortillas.
Since this place is located close to the center of Ensenada, you can easily reach it after enjoying the city.
Address: Av. Ruiz 377 Col. Centro 22800 Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
11. Tacos El Norteno
Tacos Norteno prepares incredibly delicious tacos full of flavor and topped with perfect seasonings.
Tacos adobada are one of the most popular options on the menu, and tacos al pastor.
The service is prompt and friendly, and the portions are incredibly generous. The restaurant has no tables, so be ready to eat your tacos on the go.
Address: Calle Sexta 351, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Best food tours in Ensenada
If you are visiting Ensenada and want a more curated experience, consider joining one of the food tours in Ensenada that will introduce you to some of the best taco establishments in the city.
Ensenada food tours usually stop at several restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of tacos and a great cultural experience without having to place your order or try to navigate your way back to your hotel.
These tours are perfect for travelers who don’t speak Spanish and are not familiar with Ensenada. After you book a tour, you will receive a confirmation, and your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel on the day of your tour.
Best taco tours of Ensenada
Tips for enjoying tacos in Ensenada:
1. Always carry cash
While most restaurants in Ensenada accept credit cards, small food stands run on cash. If you want to try street tacos, always have at least 100 Mexican Pesos in your wallet.
In addition to tacos, small street vendors and local taquerias also sell Mexican soda and other drinks, and since you will likely get thirsty, you might want to grab one for a more authentic experience
2. Leave a tip
Tipping in Mexico’s restaurants is not required, but you should leave a gratuity of about 10-15 percent of your total bill, and 20 percent if the service was exceptional.
People working in the kitchen have low wages, and your gratuity goes a long way. If you are trying street tacos on the go, you might want to put some pesos in a tip jar on the counter.
3. Expect more locals than tourists
Unless you are going to one of the resturants in central part of Ensenada, expect to see more locals, especially at small taco stands.
4. Learn some Spanish
While there’s a good chance, that staff at Ensenada Taco restaurants will speak some English, knowing at least some Spanish vocabulary could be very helpful if you are going to a small taco stand on the side of the road.
5. Come back for more
Small taquerias in Ensenada are often open until late at night. So you can make multiple taco runs throughout the day!
Tacos in Ensenada: FAQ’s
Where can I find the best fish tacos in Ensenada?
Ensenada is famous for its seafood and fish tacos, which you can find in many restaurants around the city. You can find the best fish tacos in places like Tacos Fenix, El Paisa Tacos, and Tacos Puebla which are located away from the tourist zone and offer a more authentic experience and flavorful food.
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Why is it called Baja tacos?
The Baja tacos as we know them today are believed to have originated in either in Ensenada or San Felipe, Baja California. The classic Baja tacos are made with white fish, warm tortillas, and a variety of toppings like shredded cabbage, salsa, and sauces including the classic “crema” sour cream or chipotle dressing.
What is Ensenada’s style?
The Ensenada-style tacos come with deep-fried cod or other white fish wrapped in corn tortilla and are topped with crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, and some fresh lime.
What is Baja sauce made of?
Baja sauce typically includes ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and various seasonings. Some recipes may also include ingredients such as cilantro, jalapeños, cumin, or hot sauce to add flavor and spice. This creamy and flavorful sauce goes with dishes like tacos, burritos, or seafood.
What is Baja-style food?
Baja cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful approach, often incorporating ingredients from both the land and sea. Seafood like fish tacos and ceviche plays a prominent role in Baja cuisine, while Baja sauces, which are often spicy, add a burst of flavor to dishes.
Baja-style food is often associated with a casual and street food culture. Food trucks and stands offering quick and tasty bites are common in cities and towns throughout the peninsula.
What kind of fish does Baja fish tacos use?
Baja fish tacos are made with battered cod or other types of white fish like haddock. The fish is cooked until it becomes crispy and comes with toppings and garnishes.
Final thoughts: Tacos in Ensenada
Sampling Baja tacos in Ensenada is almost like a rite of passage for most tourists. After all, Ensenada is believed to be one of the places where the famous dish originated (although it has not been (proven). Visiting local taquerias is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, learn Ensenada, and try one of the most popular staples of Baja’s cuisine.
Baja California travel planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisaa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
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You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I use DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico, and love their budget-friendly prices and flexible cancellation policy.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular destinations in Baja.
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
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A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
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Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.