Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Mariscos El Prieto – San Diego
Mariscos El Prieto - San Diego
Photo from Mariscos El Prieto
Mariscos El Prieto at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#475 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Seafood Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
209
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality seafood
- Great service
- Clean space
Frequently criticized
- Unsanitary surroundings
- Long waits
- High prices
The restaurant Mariscos El Prieto is a vibrant Seafood Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s Mid-City neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying fresh flavors.
With inviting outdoor seating available, you can savor your meal under the San Diego sun. This spot offers a delightful escape, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner with friends and family.
Overview: Introducting Mariscos El Prieto
Mariscos El Prieto offers a notable experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the excellent customer service and the overall clean environment.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings often leave a positive impression on diners. However, some aspects of the dining environment, particularly for a food truck setup, and certain price points have drawn mixed feedback.
While the flavors are often celebrated, these practical considerations are worth noting for potential visitors.
Good
6.9
out of 10
209
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
61
negative
8
neutral
140
positive
Mariscos El Prieto achieves a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 67%, suggesting that while many leave pleased, there’s a segment with reservations.
These insights are drawn from 209 customer remarks, with 140 positive sentiments outweighing 61 negative ones. The culinary offerings truly stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (7.6).
The Service also receives high marks (7.3), reflecting attentive staff. However, the Ambience (4.5) and Value (4.4) topics show room for improvement, indicating that while the core experience is strong, the setting and cost-effectiveness are less consistent.
What people like
- Exceptional seafood dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Clean dining environment
What people don't like
- Unsanitary surrounding area
- Significant wait times
- Perceived high prices
Mariscos El Prieto comes with a solid 7.1 recommendation score, suggesting it’s generally worth a visit, especially if you prioritize the food itself. While the culinary offerings and attentive staff are clear draws, be prepared for potential trade-offs in other areas.
If you’re seeking delicious seafood and good service, this spot could be a good choice. However, if a pristine environment or quick service are top priorities, you might find aspects less appealing.
It’s a place that delivers on flavor, but with some practical considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mariscos El Prieto
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a solid customer satisfaction of 77.1%. Many of the 101 positive remarks rave about the amazing food, highlighting its freshness and the variety of homemade sauces. Seafood dishes, in particular, receive high praise for being delicious and well-prepared.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 27 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some diners found the food salty or noted a dip in food quality. There were also concerns about smaller portions and, in some cases, a lack of condiments or broth with certain dishes.
Food
131
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Fresh ingredients
- Homemade sauces
What people don't like
- Salty food
- Quality issues
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodthe food and service are exceptional
- fish tacosMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the fish tacos. I found them to be the most delicious ever this side of the border. I highly recommend everyone to go and have the fish tacos.
- seafoodThis was my first time trying this place, and my son brought us here, claiming it had the best seafood in SD. Hands down, he was right!
- birriaThe birria is good too
- mariscosbest mariscos East county
- agua chileThe food was good, earning a high rating. However, the service was significantly lacking, as it took over 30 minutes for a single order of agua chile. This long wait made the overall experience not worth it.
- fish tacoThe fish taco, while not the best I had, was good too.
- oystersIt has mango, cucumber, scallops, shrimp and oysters.
- tacosmy brother and ate for tacos
- Coctel de CamaronCoctel de Camaron y muy bueno
Frequently criticized
- food flavorI don't think the food has good flavor. I bought a black toast and it was terrible, too salty.
- avocado00, I expected to be impressed. However, the octopus was of terrible quality, and there were only a few shavings of avocado. With my 25 years of experience in the seafood business, I can confidently say this was not up to par.
- birria tacosbirria tacos and they didn’t give me the consume
- black toastI don't think the food has good flavor. I bought a black toast and it was terrible, too salty. The chairs and table are terrible to sit on, in very bad condition.
- brothThe fish itself was also not good. To make matters worse, I didn't receive any broth, and there were many flies in the place. Considering the tacos were expensive at $3.
- coctel de camaron y pulpothe ten or so shrimp in my coctel de camaron y pulpo were very nice
- condimentsThey had no condiments
- consumedidn’t give me the consume that comes with it
- fishThe fish tacos were extremely salty, and the tostada was very hard. The fish itself was also not good. To make matters worse, I didn't receive any broth, and there were many flies in the place.
- fish tacosfish tacos were extremely salty
Overall, if you're craving fresh seafood and delicious flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially given its good score and high satisfaction. Just be aware that consistency can sometimes be an issue, so manage your expectations regarding portion sizes and occasional quality dips.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Looking at the service, its generally a bright spot, with a solid score of 7.3. Many customers, accounting for 24 positive remarks out of 35 total, really appreciate the "friendly" and "attentive" staff. Folks often highlight the "great service" and how the "owner" truly values their customers, making for a welcoming experience.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.6%. There are 8 negative comments, mainly revolving around slow service and frustratingly long wait times. Some experiences mention orders getting messed up or service being significantly lacking, which definitely puts a damper on things for a few guests.
Service
35
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Owner values customers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Orders messed up
Often praised
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best seafood and experienced great customer service. The owner is also amazing and truly values his customers.
- servicethe food and service are exceptional
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The staff who attended to me were very friendly, and I didn't have to wait long for my food. The prices were also not too expensive.
- friendlyFroendly, clean, tasty and addictive relax place
- apologeticthey were apologetic for the long wait
- attentionEXCELENTE ATENCION
- customersreally values his customers
- great serviceGreat service
- guys are nicethe guys are nice
- lady talking ordersThe lady talking orders was very nice and friendly
Frequently criticized
- orderMy experience would have been bomb had my Pops actually put my order in. The rest of the family loved their taco plates.
- serviceservice was significantly lacking
- waitThe wait is incredibly bad over an hour
- wait timethe wait time was very long
- waiting timeThe food was good, earning a high rating. However, the service was significantly lacking, as it took over 30 minutes for a single order of agua chile. This long wait made the overall experience not worth it.
Overall, the service here is often praised for its friendly staff and attentive approach, making it worth a visit. Just be prepared that while many have a great experience, there's a chance you might encounter longer wait times or occasional order hiccups.
Ambience (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
While the ambience scores an average 4.5 and customer satisfaction is a poor 36%, some guests found things to appreciate. Based on 9 positive remarks out of 25 total, many enjoyed the clean and nice atmosphere, good music, and convenient parking. The seating under the tent was also a plus, making it feel like a friendly place.
However, with 14 negative comments, there are significant drawbacks. Many found the chairs and table to be in very bad condition and outdated. More critically, guests reported many flies in the place and unacceptable surrounding conditions, raising major health concerns due to unsanitary conditions and uncertainty about the water source.
Ambience
25
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean place
- Good music
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Unsanitary conditions
- Many flies
- Outdated furniture
Often praised
- cleanFroendly, clean, tasty and addictive relax place
- clean and niceEverything is clean and nice
- food truckGreat food truck
- friendly placeSure is friendly place
- musicclean, and music
- parkingPlenty of parking next to the truck
- placeLove this place
- relax placeaddictive relax place to kick it
- seatinggood amount of seating under the tent
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereOnly 2 stars for atmosphere. Because I mean, come on, it's a taco truck
- areaWhile the food and service were exceptional, receiving perfect scores, the atmosphere was unacceptable. The area is frequently used by the homeless as a personal bathroom, which raises major health concerns. I have witnessed people defecating, urinating, and bathing in this area.
- chairsI bought a black toast and it was terrible, too salty. The chairs and table are terrible to sit on, in very bad condition. I don't want to offend you, but you need to make changes.
- conditionI bought a black toast and it was terrible, too salty. The chairs and table are terrible to sit on, in very bad condition. I don't want to offend you, but you need to make changes.
- contaminationThere is also uncertainty about the water source they are using, which may be the same waterline utilized by the food truck. The risk of contamination is high if the food is not handled properly, and even a minor mistake could lead to a serious illness. If the E-Bike issue that occurred a few years ago has taught me anything, it's that you can still catch an illness by just being around these unsanitary conditions.
- fliesmany flies in the place
- health concernsWhile the food and service were exceptional, receiving perfect scores, the atmosphere was unacceptable. The area is frequently used by the homeless as a personal bathroom, which raises major health concerns. I have witnessed people defecating, urinating, and bathing in this area.
- outdatedeverything already very outdated
- salsa containerssalsa containers are black
- surrounding conditionsthe surrounding conditions are unacceptable
Given the stark contrast between some positive aspects and serious hygiene concerns, this spot is a mixed bag. If you prioritize cleanliness and basic comfort, you might want to reconsider, despite the potential for good food. It's a place where the atmosphere could significantly impact your experience.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are some bright spots that customers really appreciate. Many rave about fantastic deals like Taco Tuesday and BOGO offers, which make the prices feel just right. Some even found the general price to be quite good, especially for what they received, making it a worthwhile visit for those who catch the specials.
However, the overall sentiment around value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 33.3%. A significant number of folks, 12 out of 18 reviews, felt the experience was often too pricey or simply expensive for the portion size. Disappointment also arose when expected deals, like buy 1 get 1 offers, were no longer available.
Value
18
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals available
- Taco Tuesday offers
- BOGO deals
What people don't like
- Often too expensive
- Deals no longer offered
- Poor portion value
Often praised
- priceI love sauces & my dear husband knows this, so he made sure to mention to me that they had PLENTY of homemade sauces from which to choose. I'm not sure what the total price was but he said it was "under $15". Normally I would have taken a picture of the food to share, but we devoured those tacos in minutes😁 We can't wait to go back together!
- pricesThe staff who attended to me were very friendly, and I didn't have to wait long for my food. The prices were also not too expensive. Unfortunately, the food itself had little flavor.
- BOGOBy BOGO
- Taco TuesdayTaco Tuesday. Less than 5 bucks, 2 for 1 tacos. Such a deal.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience was with some delicious food, though it was a little on the expensive side for a food truck, especially the tostadas. I'm not a big fan of tostadas, but I'm sure with those you can feed a couple of people as they are huge.
- priceyThe food was very good, with amazing things on the menu like seafood with mango. However, the service was slow, and it was a bit pricey, though I understand it's seafood. Despite the long wait, the staff were nice and apologetic, which made me plan on going back.
- buy 1 get 1they used to have buy 1 get 1 on Tuesday...and now they dont
- expensivehorrible and expensive
- full pricewas charged full price
- pricesThe prices are also really expensive
- tacosexpensive at $3.30 each
If you're a deal-seeker, this spot could be a hit, especially if you snag their famous Taco Tuesday or BOGO offers. Otherwise, be prepared for prices that many find a bit steep, as the general value often leaves customers wanting more.
How are the prices at Mariscos El Prieto?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While there are plenty of more budget-friendly seafood spots out there, this price point offers a good balance, sitting above the most common cheaper options but well below the higher-end experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mariscos El Prieto
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Exceptional Food, Unacceptable Conditions
My experience at this restaurant was a stark contrast between the quality of the food and service, and the surrounding environment. While the food and service were exceptional, receiving perfect scores, the atmosphere was unacceptable. The area is frequently used by the homeless as a personal bathroom, which raises major health concerns.
I have witnessed people defecating, urinating, and bathing in this area. There is also uncertainty about the water source they are using, which may be the same waterline utilized by the food truck. The risk of contamination is high if the food is not handled properly, and even a minor mistake could lead to a serious illness.
If the E-Bike issue that occurred a few years ago has taught me anything, it's that you can still catch an illness by just being around these unsanitary conditions. Until the homeless issue is resolved, I cannot recommend eating here. Be careful and enjoy at your own risk.
- food10
- service10
- surrounding conditions1
- area1
- health concerns1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
7
Friendly Place, Consommé Soups Appreciated
This is a friendly place. I enjoyed the courtesy consommé soups. I currently can't locate the truck, and I wish I could be a better tipper.
- friendly place8
- courtesy consommé soups9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Tacos and High Prices
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The fish tacos were extremely salty, and the tostada was very hard. The fish itself was also not good.
To make matters worse, I didn't receive any broth, and there were many flies in the place. Considering the tacos were expensive at $3. 30 each, I would suggest looking for other places, folks.
- fish tacos2
- tostada2
- fish1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good food, long wait
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a high rating. However, the service was significantly lacking, as it took over 30 minutes for a single order of agua chile.
This long wait made the overall experience not worth it.
- food10
- agua chile10
- waiting time2
- service2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Seafood Tacos & Friendly Service!
My experience at this Mexican food truck was fantastic, especially for a place that sells great seafood! I absolutely loved their oysters; they were fresh and had a delightful bit of spice, pairing perfectly with their chipotle sauce 😋😋😋. The fish taco, while not the absolute best I've ever had, was still good.
The lady taking orders was incredibly nice and friendly, and her ability to speak both English and Spanish was a huge plus. The convenience of plenty of parking next to the truck and ample seating under the tent made the overall experience very comfortable.
- oysters10
- chipotle sauce9
- fish taco7
What Mariscos El Prieto offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Mariscos El Prieto?
At Mariscos El Prieto, you’ll find a casual and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for both lunch and dinner. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot. You can enjoy a relaxed meal with seating available, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full dining experience.
What service and accessibility features does Mariscos El Prieto offer?
Mariscos El Prieto provides convenient service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You’ll also appreciate the free street parking available. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Mariscos El Prieto?
Mariscos El Prieto holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a good experience for many, with Customer Satisfaction at 67%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.6) and Service (7.3), though Ambience (4.5) and Value (4.4) receive lower marks.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Mariscos El Prieto?
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the seafood dishes, with many praising specific items like fish tacos and coctel de camaron. The staff’s friendly and attentive service is also frequently mentioned as a significant positive.
What should potential visitors be aware of before visiting Mariscos El Prieto?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the surrounding area’s cleanliness and the condition of seating. Additionally, long wait times for orders and a perception of high prices for certain items are common points of feedback.