It’s OK to be shellfish on National Shrimp Day

There is never a need to be “shellfish,” especially on May 10’s National Shrimp Day. While shrimp can be found on almost any menu, a select group of restaurants have mastered the art of this underwater delight. Whether topped on a pizza or cooked in ceviche’s natural juices, these tasty creatures have definitely made a name for themselves in several San Diego eateries.

Shrimp Tacos

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Tourists know San Diego is famous for their Mexican food, but true San Diegans know where to find the best tacos. At Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, guests rave about the Surf & Turf and Spicy Grilled Shrimp tacos. Loaded with simple ingredients including cabbage, onion, cilantro, avocado and cheese, the powerful flavors of the shrimp are released to create a tasty experience.

Pacific Beach: 703 Turquoise St., 858.488.6392; and 746 Emerald St., 858.412.4009; Hillcrest: 646 University Ave., 619.798.3550; East Village : 927 J. St., 619.564.6007; Encinitas: 115 N. El Camino Real, 760.487.5778, oscarsmexicanseafood.com

Shrimp Po Boy

Pete’s Seafood & Sandwich

Originally from Boston, owner Pete DeCoste decided to bring New England flavors to San Diego. Now, Pete’s is famous for extra large lobster and crab meat rolls, as well as the Shrimp Po Boy. The Po Boy is offered with grilled or lightly breaded shrimp, and is served on a French roll with lettuce, tomato and homemade remoulade sauce. After trying this, you may have to retrieve your taste buds from the East Coast.

3382 30th St., North Park. 619.255.8940. bostonpetes.com

Shrimp Pizza

Buona Forchetta

It’s crazy to think that shrimp can climb all the way onto a pizza, but somehow they find their way at Buona Forchetta. On the Angese pizza, shrimp, along with scallops, porcini mushrooms, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses top the restaurant’s thin wood-fired crust to create a fulfilling tasting experience. The restaurant’s Gemma pizza, that is accompanied with grape tomatoes, ricotta and mozzarella di bufala, is also a must try if you’re in the mood for a seafood surprise.

South Park : 3001 Beech St., 619.381.4844; Liberty Station: 2865 Sims Road, 619.548.5770, buonaforchettasd.com

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Shrimp Ceviche

Ceviche House

Take a look on Yelp, and you’ll find dozens of comments boasting about Ceviche House’s Veracruz Ceviche. It is loaded with shrimp, scallops, mangoes, tomatoes, green peppers and onions to create a flavor explosion for seafood lovers. Opt out of the fork, and eat this dish with chips for the traditional experience.

4594 30th St., North Park, 619.453.8330

Shrimp & Bacon Grilled Cheese

South Park Brewing Co.

Nothing says comfort food like melted cheese and bacon. But add shrimp to it, and you’ve got yourself a specialty dish. At South Park Brewing Co., chefs sauté shrimp with garlic and butter, and add the mix to Texas toast with melted cheese, pico de gallo and strips of bacon. Your cholesterol may not be a fan of this sandwich, but your taste buds will be.

1517 30th St., South Park. 619.610.9038. southparkbrewing.com

Shrimp & Grits

Bud’s Louisiana Express

Sometimes the big city can be daunting, but at Bud’s Louisiana Express, there’s nothing but southern comfort. Though the seafood options are endless, guests flock to Bud’s for the shrimp and grits that are made with their house-made Creole seasoning and sauces, Tasso ham and cheesy grits. With a menu loaded with soul food, there’s no doubt that guests will leave feeling full and content.

815 F St., East Village. 619.542.9002. budslaexpress.com