I thought the last time I went to Holbox was a very long time ago, but actually, it was only four years ago (okay, I guess that’s still quite some time). So many people I talked to recently brought up wanting to try Holbox, so of course, I had to go and check it out again. Holbox is a Mexican seafood restaurant located by USC, inside a building with a few other restaurants. There is a small parking lot (paid parking) but also some street parking available. If you go after 5pm, the DMV lot is also open!
There’s probably a line when you walk in, and the staff will guide you to line up – but the line goes fast! The menu changes everyday (at least there’s a different date on it every day), and I looked at the menu for quite some time before deciding what to order. After you order at the counter, take your table number and look for a seat or table in the food hall. The staff will bring you your order!
Ceviches
Ceviche de Besugo – New Zealand farmed sea bream ceviche – The ceviche came first, with tostadas on the side. I was honestly quite surprised at the portion size. I thought it would be a bit smaller, although I do wish it came with more tostadas. The sea bream was so fresh, and the avocado and sauce was really good too. Look at that plating!
Ceviche de Atun – San Clemente Island bluefin tuna ceviche – I liked the Ceviche de Besugo a bit more than the Ceviche de Atun. The fish still tasted delicious and fresh, but the Ceviche de Besugo was a lot more refreshing. The flavors of the Ceviche de Atun did not stand out as much too and the taste of the fish was a bit overpowered by everything else on the dish.
Tacos
Taco de pulpo en su tinta – braised and fried gulf of Mexico octopus, calamari ink sofrito – This taco was definitely interesting. You get a whole piece of tentacle! I did not like the first bite, but I definitely started liking it more after more bites. The tomatoes added another level of flavor to the taco. Overall, I did like this taco, but I would try something else next time.
Tostadas
Smoked Kanpachi Tostada – house smoked kanpachi, shrimp, scallops, arbo-guajillo sauce, avocado – I think I liked every individual item on this tostada, but not as much when all of it was combined together. It was a bit too many different things on this tostada. I still enjoyed it overall though!
Tostada de Atun – local bluefin tuna ceviche, avocado puree, arbol-guajillo sauce – This tostada was loaded with bluefin tuna! It was so fresh and every bite was so satisfying. I’d totally get this again! I would get this over the Ceviche de atun.
Tostada de Lenguado – Baja wild caught halibut ceviche, sliced avocado, fermented habanero, aceite verde – I made the mistake of not eating this right away. This tostada had more sauce, and by the time I got to it, the tostada was starting to get soft (but still not soggy yet). I do prefer the Tostada de Atun more though.
After you finish eating, the staff will come by to pick up the plates. It was such a good meal! Holbox was a lot better than I remember. I’m surprised I haven’t come back sooner. The price was not bad for the portion and the parking was not as crazy as I thought. I would come back again to try the other items on the menu. Have you tried Holbox yet?