The Best Fish Tacos in Ensanada in Los Angeles

This last weekend I visited “The Best Fish Tacos in Ensanada” located in Los Feliz. Being that it was my first time having a fish taco, I was skeptical about going to a place so arrogant that claimed that they were the best. But my friend recommended it and since he shares my love, or rather obsession, with any form of Mexican cuisine I obliged.  

When I entered the neighborhood, I noticed that the majority of the restaurants seemed to be a combination between dive bars and taco shacks, “a good sign” I though to myself. Something about this neighborhood felt more authentic than the crappy Mexican stand by campus I force myself to eat from on the weekends in order to temporarily quench my never fulfilled desire for Mexican food.   We entered the restaurant, and I was instantly overwhelmed by the simplicity of the menu.    

“Fish $1.50
Shrimp $2.00
Drink $1.00”  

That was it. I instantly panicked, worry I would not like them. One of my friends even looked at me and said, “I hate fish tacos.”  

I told him we were here and we had to try one, if we weren’t happy we could always go to one of the places nearby, he agreed. I got one of each and a coke. As I waited intently for my food, I watched as the two Latino women made it, as all the preparation and cooking is done right at the counter, definitely an added bonus.  

The fish was in a perfectly gloopy batter and thrown into a sea of oil. It was quickly taken out and laid on a paper towel while the taco shells were being heated on a large frying pan. When the tacos where done cooking and handed to me, I instantly noticed the golden brown shell of the fish. I went over to the salsa bar and once again, panicked by how few selections there were.  

About four or five different salsas that all looked the same, with the only difference being that some were labeled as “hot” and others “mild.” While my friend recommended the hot salsa, I didn't think my gringo tongue could not handle it, so i stuck with the mild. We went outside, as indoor seating is limited for bigger groups (we had five people) and sat down to our tacos.  

The shrimp one was good, it tasted like shrimp. What I expected, but not what I wanted. The fish, on the other hand, was phenomenal, as the traditional fishy taste was replaced by that of a lightly crispy shell encasing a juicy, fresh meat. The salsa complimented the tender meat, and the corn tortillas, my preference for tacos, were cooked to perfection. It was so good that I had to go in for three more, all of which I practically inhaled.  

Don’t believe that they were that good? The friend who “hates fish tacos,” purchased two more, all the while telling me how delicious they were.  

Everyone was more than satisfied at the end of the night, and we drove back not even minding that Katy Perry was playing on the radio. We were to busy reminiscing about the food that had made us comatose.

If you like tacos at all you should try this place. Even if you are not a fan of fish, the fact that there is two items on the menu, means that they do not screw up either. Definitely worthy of its claim that the have the “Best Fish Tacos.” I'm tempted to go back this weekend just from writing this.

 -Mark Albano