Mexico’s Best Seafood Dishes: Ceviche to Coctel de Camarón

Mexico’s Best Seafood Dishes: Ceviche to Coctel de Camarón

At J. Anthony’s Seafood Café, seafood is more than a menu category—it’s a celebration of coastal culture, fresh ingredients, and bold Mexican flavors. From the sunny beaches of Baja California to the vibrant ports of Veracruz and Sinaloa, Mexico’s seafood tradition is one of the richest and most diverse in the world.

In this culinary journey, we explore Mexico’s most iconic seafood dishes, highlighting the flavors, history, and regional influences that inspire the dishes you love at J. Anthony’s Seafood Café. Whether you’re craving citrus-bright ceviche or a hearty shrimp cocktail, this guide dives deep into the flavors that define authentic Mexican seafood.

Ceviche: The Fresh Heart of Mexican Cuisine

Few dishes represent Mexican seafood as perfectly as ceviche. Light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, ceviche is a cornerstone of coastal dining and a must-have for seafood lovers seeking fresh Mexican seafood. 

We make traditional Mexican ceviche by curing fresh fish or shrimp in lime juice, allowing the citrus to “cook” the seafood while preserving its delicate texture. We then add tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado for balance and complexity. Each coastal region puts its own spin on the dish—Baja California favors cleaner, minimalist flavors, while Sinaloa ceviche often features bold spices and extra heat.

At J. Anthony’s Seafood Café, we craft ceviche with premium-quality seafood, hand-chopped vegetables, and freshly squeezed citrus. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that’s light yet satisfying—ideal as an appetizer or a refreshing main course. For diners seeking authentic ceviche, a Mexican seafood restaurant, or fresh fish dishes, ceviche remains a top-ranking favorite.

Aguachile: Bold, Spicy, and Unforgettable

If ceviche is refreshing and subtle, aguachile is bold, fiery, and unapologetically intense. Originating in Sinaloa, aguachile is a dish designed for spice lovers who crave authentic Mexican heat paired with ultra-fresh seafood.

Aguachile typically features butterflied raw shrimp, then submerged in a vibrant green or red sauce made with lime juice, chilies, cilantro, and garlic. Unlike ceviche, we serve aguachile almost immediately, preserving the shrimp’s tender texture while allowing the sauce to deliver a powerful flavor punch.

At J. Anthony’s Seafood Café, aguachile reflects our commitment to traditional Mexican recipes and modern presentation. The dish pairs beautifully with cold beverages, spicy seafood dishes, Mexican shrimp specialties, or Sinaloa-style seafood. Aguachile isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that showcases Mexico’s fearless approach to flavor.

Coctel de Camarón: Mexico’s Ultimate Shrimp Cocktail

The coctel de camarón, or Mexican shrimp cocktail, is a comfort dish beloved across generations. Served chilled yet packed with flavor, it’s a staple in seafood cafés throughout Mexico—and a signature favorite at J. Anthony’s Seafood Café.

Our Mexican shrimp cocktail isn’t like the American version. It’s served in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with fresh lime juice, cilantro, onions, avocado—and sometimes a little kick of hot sauce. It’s bold, refreshing, and seriously satisfying.

At J. Anthony’s, we prepare the coctel de camarón using plump, perfectly cooked shrimp and a house-made cocktail sauce that balances tangy, savory, and spicy notes. It’s a go-to choice for guests searching for the best shrimp cocktail, Mexican seafood café, or classic Mexican shrimp dishes. Whether you enjoy shrimp coctail as a starter or have it as a full meal, this dish embodies the welcoming, flavorful spirit of Mexican seafood culture.

Grilled Fish and Mariscos Platters: A Celebration of the Sea

Beyond raw and citrus-cured dishes, Mexico’s seafood tradition shines through in grilled fish, fried specialties, and mariscos platters designed for sharing. These dishes reflect the everyday coastal cooking found in fishing villages and seaside restaurants across the country.

Grilled fish—often seasoned simply with garlic, lime, and herbs—allows the seafood's natural flavor to shine. Popular options include snapper, tilapia, and sea bass, often served with rice, beans, and handmade tortillas. Fried seafood, such as crispy fish fillets or golden shrimp, adds indulgence while maintaining authentic flavor profiles.

At J. Anthony’s Seafood Café, mariscos platters feature shrimp, fish, octopus, and shellfish in generous portions perfect for families and groups. These platters are ideal for guests seeking seafood platters, Mexican grilled fish, or a family-friendly seafood restaurant. Each plate is a tribute to Mexico’s coastal abundance and J. Anthony’s dedication to quality and tradition.

Why J. Anthony’s Seafood Café Is the Destination for Authentic Mexican Seafood

What sets J. Anthony’s Seafood Café apart isn’t just the menu—it’s the philosophy. Every dish is rooted in authenticity, prepared with fresh ingredients, and inspired by Mexico’s diverse coastal regions. From ceviche and aguachile to shrimp cocktails and grilled seafood, we are committed to excellence in every bite.

J. Anthony’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for seafood lovers seeking authentic Mexican seafood, fresh mariscos, and a welcoming café atmosphere. By honoring traditional recipes while maintaining modern standards of quality, J. Anthony’s continues to stand out as a top destination for Mexican seafood dining.

For diners searching for the best Mexican seafood restaurant, J. Anthony’s Seafood Café delivers flavor, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences—one plate at a time.

Experience the Best of Mexico’s Seafood Today

From the zesty punch of ceviche to the bold heat of aguachile and the comforting flavors of coctel de camarón, Mexico’s seafood is as lively and colorful as its coast. At J. Anthony’s Seafood Café, we bring those flavors to life—so you can taste, enjoy, and come back for more.

Whether you’re a lifelong seafood enthusiast or discovering a Mexican mariscos restaurant for the first time, J. Anthony’s is your destination for fresh, authentic, and unforgettable seafood cuisine.