Came for Nana's birthday, left with a new Puerto Nuevo favorite!…read more
Everyone on TikTok seems to say "Go to Ortega's!" when talking about Puerto Nuevo, but last time we went it was just okay and a little pricey (making the fam shuffle to put pesos together since it was cash only). We were celebrating my Nana's birthday and had a bigger group than usual, so I started looking around on yelp for other options.
There are SO many little lobster restaurants along this street, but this place had good reviews, the pictures looked good, so we figured- why not try something new?
And I'm SO glad we did.
Actually, before we even got there, all the restaurant promoters were trying to get us into their places and asking where we were headed. Every time we said this restaurant, they were like, "Oh yeah, that's a really good place!"
I'm sorry, but when the people trying to steal your business are ALSO admitting the place you're going to is good... I'm listening.
We got in, immediately got a table, and they brought out chips, salsa AND fresh ceviche.
Ceviche is one of my favorite foods, so at that point they basically had me.
Then the food came out and the whole family was happy. The lobster was amazing, the tortillas were fresh, the rice and beans tasted like Nana made them herself, and the drinks were PHENOMENAL. Everything was flavorful and fresh, and we all had such a good time.
What I really loved about this place is that it reminded me why sometimes the little local spots are better than the big, famous ones. You don't always need the biggest restaurant, the most viral TikTok, or the place with the best-known view to have an amazing meal. Sometimes you just have to look around and give one of the smaller places a chance.
And this one absolutely delivered.
The restaurant itself is quite a bit smaller than Ortega's, and you do have to walk up a few stairs, but nothing crazy at all. I actually liked the smaller, more intimate feel. And when we were walking out of the restaurant we say them preparing all kinds of ceviches and other dishes right there. We saw several things we hadn't tried before and immediately started making a mental list of what we want to order next time.
This wasn't just a one-time birthday dinner either -- I've already come back since her birthday, and now this is the place I recommend when anyone asks me where they should eat in Puerto Nuevo.
So TikTok can keep telling everyone to go to Ortega's. Me and the real foodies are happily enjoying this little spot instead.
10/10. Nana-approved. Family-approved. Ceviche-approved.
Can't wait to go back again