Taco Temple

In the small town of Morro Bay, California there is a shack on the edge of a supermarket parking lot. There is usually a line of people in front waiting for a table. This is Taco Temple, one of the most unusual and outstanding restaurants in California.

The premium fish tacos, made with your choice of several different fish of the day, are spectacular. At first glance it appears to be a Mexican restaurant and, indeed, they make fabulous carnitas, tamales, and taquitos. However, they describe themselves as a fusion restaurant and that is apt. They have a wide range of specials that change daily. Our group of nine ate there twice during Labor Day weekend. We sat outside. In addition to sea bass tacos, we had "Killer Tamales", grilled figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon, taquitos, burritos, and a carnitas platter. A Petrale Sole platter was on the specials board, but we passed it by since we were only having lunch. Many dishes come with a large salad on the plate.

It's no surprise that you can buy several excellent beers. The surprise is that Taco Temple serves excellent wines from small local premium wineries by the glass. This is not your father's Mexican restaurant. The only restaurants that come to mind to compare to Taco Temple are Super Rico in Santa Barbara and Picante in Berkeley. But that's still an apples and oranges comparison. Taco Temple is unique.

The deserts change daily and are, by themselves, a reason for visiting Taco Temple. We had lemon cheesecake one day, and mango cheesecake with a gingersnap crust the next. Fabulous. I have heard good things about their bread pudding.

In the words of the Michelin Guide, the Taco Temple is worth a special journey. Three stars, no fork, and a green table.