Holbox — Restaurant in Los Angeles

A pleasant surprise to find a random food hall, but a delight nonetheless! There isn't really anything else that I can say that everyone else has not already said... from the food to the customer care to the vibes... all excellent!

To be honest, when my friend and I arrived around 1:30pm on a Friday, we were not that hungry. We had a pretty big breakfast, but everything was so good that we ate it all!

We were lucky that it was after the major lunch rush so there was no line and we walked straight to the counter to order. We got the ceviche mixto, the erizo/sea urchin, 2 smoked kanpachi tacos, 2 Baja fish tacos, 1 scallop taco, and a taco de pescado al carbon. It does take a little bit to get your food, but you get a little bag of tortilla chips and salsa to tide you over. And if there is space, try to snag a seat at their counter where you can watch the chefs prepare the ceviche and other food!

The first to come out was the ceviche which is served with a side of tostadas. Personally I am not a big fan of onions and cilantro (I know, I know...) so I passed on it. The little bit of the octopus and bass that I did nibble on was very fresh tho! My friend was a big fan of it and ate the whole thing by himself!

Shortly after the ceviche, the uni came out and it was delicious! I had the uni by itself first and it melts on your tongue (the signage said it came from Santa Barbra). Then I tried it the way it was made (with the scallop ceviche) and it was even better! Super fresh with the little bit of lime juice!

Then the rush started and all six of our tacos came out at once! We were playing some Tetris with the plates and the lady server told us that we can stack some plates on the glass panel above.

We started with the smoked kanpachi and it was probably my favorite! It was flakey and mild and I think the chili oil was really the star of the taco. I eat a lot of chili oil and this one was really good. (The spice lingers for a bit so people who don't like spicy, you might want to avoid it!) It was still very good without it, but the chili oil brings it to the next level! I worked on my scallop taco next and it needed a little bit more of their sauce, but still flavorful and fresh. The Baja taco was also super crispy and they somehow nailed the fish to sauce ratio, lol. With a little bit of lime juice, it was easily one of the best Baja fish tacos I've had in a while. My friend really enjoyed the taco de pescado, but his favorite is also the smoked kanpachi!

The food already warrant Holbox a five star rating, but it was their customer service that really propelled it above and beyond. While we were chowing down on the kanpachi tacos, Chef Cetina noticed that our other tacos were being neglected (by us) on the glass panel. He strolled over to grab them and told us that he was going to have the kitchen fire them up again so that we can enjoy them hot like intended! He also double checked to see if everything was good (it was!) and if it was delicious (it was!)! He really didn't need to, but it was such a nice gesture and it was really nice to eat a hot taco instead of a lukewarm one. The lady server (unfortunately, I didn't catch her name) was also very sweet and had such good energy! She was hustling the entire time we were there and her smile did not drop at all! The ceviche team was also on the same vibe as they were chatting and prepping and plating without pause. It was really nice to see such a happy team that really cares about the food that they put out and the service they provide!

If my epic essay was not enough to convince you to brave the LA traffic and parking, then the numerous accolades they won last year should convince you. 2023 Michelin Guide California Bib Gourmand, 2023 Los Angeles Times, Restaurant of the Year, AND #5 on the 2023 LA Times 101 Best Restaurant list. Chef Cetina was also a 2023 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef California. All of these awards were well earned and I cannot wait to see what they will...

After a serious ceremony at Malibu Beach, I decided to have something special. Then the nightmare started. It was only about 28 miles, but I spent almost two hours to arrive at Holbox. I don't know why the traffic was so horrible that day, or maybe it was just as normal as every day.

For friends who know me, I don't go to fine dining frequently. I had too much fine dining back in Shanghai. I'd rather find interesting dining spots--inside food courts, at food trucks, etc. Holbox is a Michelin one-star restaurant, but not pricey. Even though it's in a food court and not a traditional restaurant, it's interesting. The food booth doesn't have its own tables in the food court; they're shared with others.

It's a Mexican food booth. The boss lady--puebla in Spanish--was tough, but not rude. As with most Michelin spots, there was a queue, but it wasn't too long. I grabbed a table stand and found us a place to sit.

Not long after, the food was served. The free tortilla chips had no shining points--just as normal as in every Mexican restaurant. Crispy, flat dipping, better than nothing. Good for snacking after a long drive.

The food was served one by one, or you could say delivered one by one:

Erizo 5/5 The word erizo in Spanish means hedgehog, but it can also mean sea urchin. They actually look quite similar. Basically, it's sea urchin. Not everyone likes it--some love it, some hate it. I'm a big fan, uni in Japanese. There were two sea urchins, each with about four or five roes. Underneath were fish and scallop ceviches, but different from normal ceviche--it was lighter, without vinegar or lemon taste, more pure raw seafood. I liked it. Not cheap at $27 for an appetizer.

Taco de Pulpo en su Tinta (Octopus Taco) 5/5 Basically, it's an octopus taco, mixed with squid ink or cuttlefish in--I couldn't tell. The ink mostly gave it color, with just a faint hint of the sea for flavor. Each taco had a giant octopus tentacle--three tacos on a plate, one tentacle for each. The texture was excellen--soft, tender, not juicy but still moist, not fishy at all. I bet the octopus was stewed for a long time, which made it so tasty. Very good. $7 for three, which I wouldn't call expensive--actually well priced.

Pescado a las Brasas 5/5 Fish, who doesn't like fish? A few-bone fish, no tiny bones. The seabass had only one big bone but no tiny bones between the muscles. It was grilled seabass, not heavily marinated but well seasoned. The freshness was its biggest strength.

Cilantro Rice and Black Beans 5/5 The rice was served with the grilled seabass, dipped in stewed black beans. I had never tried that before, but it was tasty. Not too much cilantro aroma, but still good. The rice itself was perfectly cooked--grains separated, not sticky. Paired with the black beans, it was a great match.

I recommend this food booth in the food court, not only because of its Michelin crown, but also for the way they used squid/cuttlefish ink, how they treated cilantro, lemon, and avocado. They truly put heart into...

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Holbox Restaurant, and I can confidently say that it was an experience that surpassed all my expectations. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with an inviting atmosphere and a warm welcome that set the tone for a truly memorable culinary adventure.

Holbox Restaurant is a culinary haven that celebrates the flavors and ingredients of the region. The menu showcases a remarkable fusion of traditional and innovative dishes, each carefully crafted to deliver an explosion of flavors. Every bite was a revelation, showcasing the culinary expertise and passion of the chefs.

One of the standout dishes that captured my palate was the exquisite seafood paella. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender squid, and perfectly cooked rice was a symphony of flavors that transported me to the shores of Holbox. Each ingredient shone through, perfectly balanced and harmonized to create a dish that left me craving for more.

The service at Holbox Restaurant was exceptional, with a team of knowledgeable and attentive staff who were dedicated to providing an outstanding dining experience. From recommending the perfect wine pairing to offering insightful descriptions of the dishes, their attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

The presentation of the dishes was a true work of art. Each plate was a masterpiece, beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and artistic flair. It was evident that every dish was meticulously crafted to not only tantalize the taste buds but also to delight the eyes.

The beverage selection at Holbox Restaurant was equally impressive. The wine list featured a curated collection of both local and international wines, providing a perfect complement to the flavors of the dishes. The sommelier's expertise and passion for wine elevated the dining experience, allowing me to discover new flavors and enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Holbox Restaurant went beyond the culinary experience to create a welcoming and comfortable ambiance. The attention to detail in the decor, the soft lighting, and the cozy seating arrangements all contributed to a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that made the dining experience truly special.

In conclusion, my visit to Holbox Restaurant was an absolute delight for the senses. The exceptional flavors, impeccable service, and attention to detail made it a dining experience that will be etched in my memory. If you are searching for a gastronomic adventure that showcases the best of Holbox's cuisine, I wholeheartedly recommend Holbox Restaurant. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the artistry of food and an unforgettable...