Mariscos El Moreno

This place is a hidden gem. It’s quite small and always busy, but if you time your visit right, you can avoid the lunch rush. We did just that yesterday and enjoyed incredibly fresh seafood. We’re talking about uncooked but absolutely delicious dishes. Parking is very limited, but this time, we managed to snag a spot right by the door. I was careful not to crush any tostada boxes while parking, as they were stacked like a building. They must go through a lot of them. They also have squeeze bottles with mayo and ketchup, but their mayo is even better than the McCormick and lime brand, which is already the best in my opinion. I don’t know what they do to it, but it pairs beautifully with their crunchy tostadas, which are thick and sturdy enough to support generous bites of delicious seafood. My platter could have easily fed two people, and I enjoyed it over two sittings. Even the next morning, it was still fresh and tasty. The scoops of ceviche de pescado were of exceptional quality, and the scallops with Serrano chiles were sushi-grade, no exaggeration. The shrimp with lime juice and sea salt burst with flavor. Then there’s the pulpo with red onion and cucumber slices, all drizzled with tajin, and plenty of avocado to spread around. If you know the deal, they know the deal, and if you don’t want an enormous dish, they can make it smaller, so don’t worry.

The food here is excellent! They only accept cash, so be sure to bring some. The quality is so good that they’re always busy. I usually get takeout to enjoy with my family at home. On weekends, there can be a wait of up to an hour, so I recommend ordering in advance, just in case!

I decided to try this place after a coworker recommended it, and I’m glad I did. The coctel de camaron and tostada de camaron were delicious. The shrimp was fresh, clean, and tasted fantastic. The coctel sauce had a delightful lime/lemon flavor, not overly sweet. It wasn’t too spicy, and the homemade salsas were excellent as well. My girlfriend ordered the asada tacos because she’s not a fan of seafood. She said they were okay but lacked flavor, which is understandable as it’s not their specialty. Personally, I’d return here for the seafood. Our server was very sweet and attentive, and I’m looking forward to going back!

Without a doubt, the best Sinaloan-style Mariscos in LA. One of my first Chefs/mentors brought me to this hidden gem a long time ago, and it never disappoints. Even something as simple as their tostadas is delicious. Make sure to pair one of their signature drinks with your feast; the Sangria preparada and Shrimp “Nectar” Micheladas are to die for. The place gets crowded in the evenings; they have less than 10 tables, and most customers spend a few hours feasting, relaxing, and drinking. I’ll warn you that parking is a hassle due to the small, sketchy plaza, but then again, what hole-in-the-wall isn’t? If you’re in the area, give Mariscos El Moreno a try; you won’t be disappointed.

The food is fantastic! I always order the tray of ceviche with shrimp and fish in salsa Negra to go. It never disappoints, and the quality remains consistent. It’s clear that they primarily focus on takeout, so they’re efficient at keeping the food fresh. I order from here about once a week. It’s my secret spot for ceviche, and all my guests love it!