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The Best Fish Tacos in Tucson

Guide

The Best Fish Tacos in Tucson

by C.J. HammMay 24, 2023Updated Mar 27, 20263 min read
While carne asada is king in the Sonoran desert, don't dismiss the fish. Fish tacos don't need to be complicated. The fish should be juicy and taste fresh. If they're fried, they need to be crunchy. Everything else is a bonus. Here are our picks for the best fish tacos in Tucson. (P.S. If a place has a great fish taco, it's safe to assume their shrimp taco is great too.)
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5 spots

BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon

533 N 4th AveDowntown

Whether you want grilled or fried, BOCA has you covered. The Salmon is marinated with citrus and grilled, while the Pescado features beer-battered whitefish. The tacos are dressed simply with chopped cabbage for crunch, while the daily changing salsas make it so you won't get the same flavor experience twice regardless of how often you visit.

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Taqueria Pico de Gallo

2618 S 6th AveSouth Tucson

What sets these fish tacos apart is their freshness and authenticity. Pico De Gallo makes their tacos fresh to order, starting from scratch with the masa, which ensures maximum freshness​​. Their fish tacos consist of two corn tacos filled with minced cabbage and three good-sized pieces of fish that have been breaded and fried, complemented by, of course, some pico de gallo and queso fresco. They are served with a side of re-fried beans and jalapeno carrot pickle, adding an authentic touch that you don't often see in other Mexican restaurants.

Frequently asked questions

Tucson offers excellent fish tacos at taquerías, seafood spots, and local restaurants. Many kitchens focus on fresh fish, bold toppings, and house-made sauces.

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Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Have you tried any of them?

@Crossroadskitchen 
Daily buffet 8am - 2pm
2602 S 4th Ave 

@Casamolinadelnorte 
Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 
3001 N Campbell Ave

@Delcielotamal 
Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am 
Thursdays and Saturdays 
Traditional buffet Sundays
3073 N Campbell Ave 

@Losme.zquites 
Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 
2341-2399 W Drexel Rd 

@Cafesantarosa520 
Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 
2615 S 6th AveHave you tried any of them? @Crossroadskitchen Daily buffet 8am - 2pm 2602 S 4th Ave @Casamolinadelnorte Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 3001 N Campbell Ave @Delcielotamal Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am Thursdays and Saturdays Traditional buffet Sundays 3073 N Campbell Ave @Losme.zquites Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 2341-2399 W Drexel Rd @Cafesantarosa520 Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 2615 S 6th Ave
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park❤️🐄

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

App link in bio@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park❤️🐄 VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN App link in bio
The original @Mariscos_el_bochas truck is back! Celebrate National Taco Day with them!🦐

Chef and owner Raúl Leyva, known as “El Bochas,” recently reopened the seafood truck where it all started eight years ago. El Bochas also has a restaurant on Valencia (@Elbochasrestaurant) serving seafood, steak, and more. 

The seafood is fresh, never frozen, with shipments arriving from San Carlos three times a week.🌊

Vegans and vegetarians can ask for the fried avocado tacos!

📍 El Bochas Truck: 4775 W Ajo Hwy
📍 El Bochas Restaurant: 1645 W Valencia RdThe original @Mariscos_el_bochas truck is back! Celebrate National Taco Day with them!🦐 Chef and owner Raúl Leyva, known as “El Bochas,” recently reopened the seafood truck where it all started eight years ago. El Bochas also has a restaurant on Valencia (@Elbochasrestaurant) serving seafood, steak, and more. The seafood is fresh, never frozen, with shipments arriving from San Carlos three times a week.🌊 Vegans and vegetarians can ask for the fried avocado tacos! 📍 El Bochas Truck: 4775 W Ajo Hwy 📍 El Bochas Restaurant: 1645 W Valencia Rd