North Charleston's Palomar Fish Tacos garners California praise

A new Mexican restaurant called Palomar Fish Tacos has opened in North Charleston, taking over a former vegan café. The restaurant quickly gained attention, particularly from Californians who have relocated to South Carolina. Owners Blanca and Daniel Martinez started Palomar without a marketing plan, but they crafted a taco that stands out. The tacos feature fried tilapia wrapped in a corn tortilla, along with cabbage, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a creamy sauce. The dish is inspired by Blanca's childhood in Mexicali, Mexico, and reflects authentic Baja-style cooking. The Martinezes aim to offer traditional Mexican flavors, as they believe many U.S. Mexican restaurants emphasize cheese too much. Since opening in August 2024, Palomar has attracted many customers, especially from California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. The couple sees potential for growth and hopes to draw more local customers, particularly from the Latin American community. They currently operate both a physical store and a food truck, serving at pop-up sites like Westbrook Brewing in Mount Pleasant. Blanca and Daniel moved to South Carolina after years on the West Coast. They believe there's a demand for genuine Mexican cuisine in the area. Despite being busy, they want to reach more people and eventually start making their own corn tortillas. Palomar Fish Tacos is located at 5117 Dorchester Road and is open from Monday to Saturday. The Martinezes are dedicated to their restaurant, enjoying the opportunity to meet new customers and share their passion for food.