Encinitas Fish Shop

>p>Every few years there's a new trend in restaurants.  First it was burgers, then pizza, then sushi, and now casual fish eateries.  It seems like everywhere you go today there's a new fish restaurant.  The newest one in North County is Encinitas Fish Shop in Encinitas.  They moved in to the space formerly occupied by St. Germain on Coast Highway.  It's got a lot of positives that give it a good chance of making it.  First, they have a parking lot!  That makes life good before you even enter the restaurant.  Next, they have both indoor and outdoor seating.  Finally, it is very good.

I recently went to Encinitas Fish Shop for lunch.  I ordered the TKO taco.  Grilled mahi mahi on either a flour or corn tortilla, coleslaw, cheese and a light mayonnaise type dressing, and a wonderful spicy mango salsa.  It was delicious.  Other items worth trying, according to the customers I spoke with is ceviche, made with either shrimp or mahi mahi.  Traditional fish 'n chips looked delicious, but you can also get them with grilled fish for a lighter option.  A wonderful starter would be the tomato-based fish soup, a hearty New England-style clam chowder and a rich Fish Shop chowder.

Dinner options include a dozen or so choices of fish, marinated in the sauce of your choice (8 ounces of fish) served with two side dishes.  Most of the fish plates range from $15-$23, a little pricey for a restaurant where you have to stand in line to order, but hey, fish is expensive.  After ordering your meal, find a seat and your food will be brought to you.  The restaurant also has a small bar with many local and California microbrew beers, or for $5 corkage, bring your own wine. 

Next time you're looking for something casual, fresh, and where everything from soup to cole slaw  to seasonings and sauces is homemade, try Encinitas Fish Shop.  I think you'll like it.