There’s nothing like the cool, fresh bite of ceviche on your tongue. From the traditional to the adventurous, the combinations of citrus and seafood can be endless. If you’re looking for happiness atop a tostada, we scoped out five local spots with sensational ceviche.
Leña Brava
900 W. Randolph St. 312-733-1975
Stop by Chicago celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ West Loop Mexican restaurant to try the “Top Chef Masters” winner’s creative take on ceviche. Try the Leña ceviche, which has Hawaiian albacore, fresh lime, ginger, MightyVine tomatoes, picholine olives, spicy green chile and cilantro ($15). Or go for the Hirmasa, a sweeter take on the dish that has lime-marinated hiramasa yellowtail, coconut milk, ginger infused jicama and pea shoots ($17).
El Barco Mariscos
1035 N. Ashland Ave. 773-486-6850
This Noble Square Mexican restaurant specializes in seafood dishes with multiple traditional ceviches to choose from. Try the Ceviche de Camaron ($14.93), a shrimp variation, or the Ceviche de Pulpo with octopus ($15.98) for something different, or go with a simple fish ceviche, the Ceviche de Pescado ($14.75). The dishes are traditional and to the point, but the restaurant, shaped like a boat and decorated with hanging fish, is anything but.
MFK
432 W. Diversey Parkway 773-857-2540
This Park West restaurant is a haven for those that love a bright, modern, minimalistic dining experience. With its exposed brick and plant filled dining room, you’ll feel comfortable hanging out and sipping on specialty cocktails. Try their ceviche, topped with guacamole and served with a squid ink tostada ($14). Pair it with their Walking Spanglish cocktail, a jalapeño-infused tequila with pineapple, lime and absinthe ($11).
DeColores
1626 S. Halsted St. 312-226-9886
Family-owned DeColores in Pilsen doubles as a fine-dining Mexican eatery and a gallery, showcasing local artists’ work and playing local musicians’ music. Many of the dishes served are family secrets passed down to the owner. Try their Ceviche de Camaron with fresh lime and citrus-marinated shrimp, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and cucumber ($11.95).
Las Palmas
1835 W. North Ave. 773-289-4991
Wicker Park’s Las Palmas is a multi-generational, family owned and run restaurant putting a modern twist on Mexican cuisine. Try their Ceviche del Día with tilapia, red onion, tomato, jalapeño and cilantro in a fresh citrus marinade ($10). Las Palmas also prides themselves on their creative cocktails; pair your ceviche with the Jarochita cocktail, a vanilla bean and pineapple infused tequila with fresh pineapple juice and Malibu rum.
More Top Picks Suitcase
@AudreyGorden | [email protected]