Holbox

In a city as large as LA, hidden gems abound. Everyone has their secret go-to spots and fears that revealing them will unleash hordes akin to those at Gjusta and Sqirl. We’re a bit different here and are going to take the leap. Holbox, which resides just a stone’s throw from USC in the oft-overlooked food hall known as the Mercado La Paloma, serves up some of the finest Yucatan-inspired seafood in all of Los Angeles. Chef Gilberto Cetina, the man also behind the adored Chichen Itza, serves up a collection of daily changing ceviches and cocteles as well as wood-grilled seafood tacos, tortas, and rice bowls perfect for a lunch on the go. Our favorites include the bright kampachi ceviche, blood clams from the Sea of Cortez, and the wood grilled whole branzino served with a fragrant saffron rice and handmade corn tortillas. While the bright citrusy fare at Holbox is perfect for a quick lunch on a hot summer day, a 4 course tasting menu is also offered in the evenings Thursday – Saturday. We’ve had it and its affirmed our belief that Holbox is far more than the humble “order at the counter seafood stand” it fashions itself to be.