El Encinal Mexican Seafood - La Jolla

Amazing place for fresh seafood. They have a massive variety of options for dine-in and takeout. I imagine this is heaven for people that cook seafood at home. I had the El Pescador Salad and it was the most delicious/expensive salad I've ever had

Fish market doubles a fish restaurant. Here you will find inexpensive and fresh seafood. Although you don't find sophisticated seafood dishes here, grilled seafood is still amazing. I love to appreciate fresh seafood with minimal cooking, which are made to them anyway and this place provides great grilled seafood. Definitely a must try when you are in Mission Beach area.

Options given, I could have rated the place with 100 stars. We stopped by this place, right after our sea kayak tour in La Jolla coves. We were exhausted, drained, cold and excited. The place has a charming vibe. I started feeling better with all fresh grill smell as soon as I stepped in. It’s a huge fish market cum restaurant. You have to wait in the line and order at the counter. Somebody will deliver the food. It’s a pretty casual place with laid back vibe. The place is always busy. We took a bowl of clam chowder and a sandwich made with some fresh grill of some fish Hawaiian opah), octopus, and jumbo shrimp. The fish and the seafoods are being sold by weight and then they grill them and serve according to your wish. We wanted them in a sandwich Mexican torta style). It’s huge, and tasted terrific. Both the clam chowder and the sandwich are superlative. The difference made by the quality of the seafood, they are absolute fresh. Still it won’t burn your pocket. I absolutely recommend the place.

Great quality food, fresh, made to order fantastic service. Whether you’re looking to have a four course meal or a snack, this is the place to go. Their fish sandwiches and tacos are amazing! East coast native was looking for a good seafood spot, this location was referred by a local La Jolla resident I am so thankful they did! Zero complaints …ate here 3 times in 4 days! Would absolutely recommend for lunch, dinner or a late night meal.

I was especially impressed with the oysters and the grilled sea bass. The East Coast sweet petites were mild, briny, and not too meaty, while the King Tide oysters from the West Coast had a clean, crisp finish and a plump, springy texture. Both types of oysters had a refreshing aftertaste—delicious! The grilled sea bass was fresh and had a wonderfully delicate, mildly sweet flavor, cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, the cioppino was just okay; not only did it fall short of our expectations, but the large portion was surprisingly small, and the seafood selection was rather basic. On the plus side, I loved that despite being a traditional fish market, it didn’t have that fishy smell at all. They also have a lovely outdoor patio where you can enjoy wine, the San Diego breeze, and sunshine. I’ll definitely be back for more oysters!