Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central LA

Seafood and salsa spots

Seafood paired with a sharp salsa is the bright, acidic bite that wakes up the palate.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Dos Amantes image 1
Dos Amantes image 2
Dos Amantes image 3
View all
Restaurant

Upscale Mexican seafood restaurant offers authentic flavors and exceptional ceviche in a wide open space with comfortable seating. The vibe stays chill with great music and roomy tables. It stands out for homemade salsas and gluten-free options.

Fish and shrimp tacos come in a light, crispy batter with large protein portions. Shrimp ceviche offers perfect flavor and grilled fish pairs with homemade tortillas, guacamole, rice, and beans.

Salsas here taste fresh and come in a variety of homemade options. They are not watered down and clearly made in-house, showing real care in preparation.

People are saying

"The taco de pulpo was a standout dish."

"I thought the ceviche here was super awesome and had perfect flavor."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for easy access.

2

Street parking is free after 8:00 PM.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

02
La Nena Cantina image 1
Restaurant

Upscale Mexican restaurant with modern warm decor and an intimate patio area creates a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Live mariachi band and curated playlists provide lively music that energizes without overwhelming. Guests enjoy authentic high-quality food and expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish, welcoming setting.

Shrimp shines in the fresh ceviche and the fajitas mixtas mix grilled steak and shrimp cooked just right. Fish dishes come with a garlic butter lemon sauce that stands out.

Free chips come with good salsa and guacamole. The habanero salsa adds a spicy kick. Nachos pair well with salsa verde.

People are saying

"You have to try the Sunday brunch with mariachi music."

"The Salsa here feels like a vibrant, stylish celebration."

"I wish I'd gotten more of the Birria Tacos; the flavor was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet from 11 AM to 3 PM.

3

Live Mariachi performances occur every Friday evening and during Sunday brunch.

03
Best Fish Taco in Ensenada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a bare-bones setup with outdoor patio seating that feels like a vintage Los Angeles vibe. The atmosphere stays chill and lively, with a self-serve salsa bar adding customization to the experience.

Baja style fish tacos come fried fresh to order with high quality shrimp and fish. They arrive quickly and deliver phenomenal flavors that many find satisfying and authentic.

A salsa bar lets you build your own with various toppings and creams. Shrimp tacos pair well with the fresh salsas and crema from the bar.

People are saying

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're so fresh and crispy."

"I thought the fish tacos were simple and delicious."

"The fish and shrimp are fried fresh right after you order."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs between $3.50 and $4.50, and drinks are only a dollar each.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so you can bring your own drinks.

3

Comedy night occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

04
Mexicali Taco & Co. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers tiny space with a small patio outside. Atmosphere blends traditional and contemporary elements but features loud music that can disrupt conversation. Frequented by government workers, it provides budget-friendly authentic food with options for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.

Shrimp tacos stand out with large, cheesy shrimp and a robust flavor. Fish tacos come on corn tortillas and pair well with free guacamole sauce, making them a solid choice here.

An incredible salsa bar offers a wide selection with two very spicy salsas standing out for their flavor. Every salsa is full of taste and complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"The seafood tacos here are huge and packed with large shrimp."

"I loved their full salsa bar with tasty, spicy options."

"This burrito is enormous and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street or in a nearby lot.

2

The food is reasonably priced, with generous portions.

3

They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu.

05
Three Borders Brunch and grill image 1

Family-owned restaurant offers an authentic Mexican Salvador fusion experience with huge portions and shaded outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels joyful and welcoming, encouraging casual chats among diners. Space stays immaculate and exudes a homey vibe.

Seafood dishes feature fresh shrimp in tacos and cocktails with rich, bold flavors. Fish tacos also stand out, paired with homemade chips and fresh pineapple juice.

Fresh and spicy salsa stands out here. The salsa verde delivers a strong kick and rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"The salsa here is freshly made and delicious."

"I recommend the amazing shrimp tacos."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day.

2

Parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

3

The menu is extensive, offering something for almost everyone.

06
El Carmen image 1
Restaurant

Space showcases Lucha Libre decor with festive, eclectic design inspired by Mexican cinema and masked wrestlers. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, filled with Spanish music and a busy, fun vibe. Crowd enjoys strong, creative margaritas and highly praised tacos in a lively late-night setting.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful shrimp cooked just right. Both shrimp and beef tacos come loaded with flavor and are a favorite choice here.

Great salsa comes with homemade flavor and a vibrant taste. The chips, salsa, and guacamole pair well and feel fresh and lively.

People are saying

"I had the best tacos of my life; they were so delicious."

"The chips and salsa here taste homemade and vibrant."

"These shrimp tacos are loaded with flavor and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available Monday to Friday from 5โ€“7pm with $8 margaritas and $3 tacos.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Street meter parking is available, but expect to walk a block or two.

07
Encanto Restaurant image 1

Midcentury modern design with dim lighting creates a warm, intimate setting. Loud music and live mariachi performances fill the space, making conversation difficult. Margaritas and Mexican wines complement flavorful dishes like carne asada and ceviche sampler.

Grilled fish and Baja Oysters with Granny Smith apple mignonette stand out as fresh seafood highlights. Fish, beef, and pork tacos show an inventive approach to seafood dishes.

Red salsa stands out as particularly addictive and pairs well with chips. Habanero and green salsas add variety, all served fresh and flavorful alongside guacamole.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, especially the flavorful fajitas."

"The seafood here, especially the ceviche, is so fresh."

"The red salsa that comes with the chips is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and challenging; check behind the restaurant for spots.

2

Brunch includes a mix of appetizers and an entree for $45.

3

Happy hour on weekends features good tacos and discounted drinks.

08
El Cartel image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space offers both indoor and shaded outdoor seating with a pleasant atmosphere and affordable prices. Menu blends Mexican and Argentine influences, featuring large portions and standout items like loaded fries and street tacos. The vibe is casual and convenient, suited for quick, flavorful meals.

Grilled shrimp tacos stand out with their bold flavor and are preferred over fish tacos. Shrimp appears in burritos and salads, though the shrimp burrito has caused some issues.

A selection of great house-made salsas stands out here. A range of salsa and crema complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the tasty tacos with pineapple."

"I ate way too many of their grilled shrimp tacos."

"I loved the house-made salsas; they were my favorite part."

Good to know

1

Metered parking is scarce due to nearby events, but loading zone parking is available after 6 pm.

2

The prices at El Cartel are reasonable and menu items are affordable.

3

El Cartel offers a variety of dishes including tacos, burritos, and empanadas.

09
Mr.Tempo Cantina image 1

Restaurant combines modern art and old architecture with colorful murals and an upbeat music vibe. DJ plays lively sets, creating a fun night out atmosphere. Space includes a cool bar on top and a hidden room showcasing artwork.

Aguachiles stand out as a fresh and flavorful Mexican seafood option. Shrimp dishes like shrimp tacos and shrimp ceviche offer a mix of crispy and tender textures, while fish tacos and seafood rice provide solid, tasty choices.

Fresh salsa arrives warm with homemade chips. It has a good taste and kick and stays at a great temperature.

People are saying

"The happy hour food menu was top tier with great snack sizes."

"The fish tacos and aguachiles here are fantastic."

"The salsa here is so good, with a great taste and kick."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $8 cocktails and food options for $10.

2

Dancing takes place on Sundays, adding to the lively atmosphere.

3

Validated parking is not available; use nearby public garages instead.

10
El Cholo - The Original image 1
Mexican restaurant

Historic Mexican restaurant with nostalgic decor and divided dining areas creates a cozy, old-timey vibe. Strong, flavorful margaritas and classic Hispanic dishes define the experience. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a mix of quiet booths and lively spaces.

Enchiladas with shrimp feature fresh seafood flavors and come in varieties like chicken and shrimp or cheese with shrimp. The mariscos enchiladas deliver a clear seafood taste that stands out.

Salsa here is consistently on point, with the salsa verde standing out as excellent. Extra chips and salsa often come generously with the order.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican food; it was beautiful and delicious."

"The chips and salsa were delicious and homemade."

"The seafood enchiladas were seasoned and spiced just right."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $9, with valet service available.

2

Green corn tamales are available from May through October.

3

USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.

Discover more

Central LA, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...