Revisiting an Old Favorite: Mariscos La Costa (Ashland Location)

One of my favorite little joys? Revisiting an old favorite and remembering exactly why you fell in love with it in the first place. That was the case when I recently made my way back to Mariscos La Costa—and let’s just say, it had been a hot second.

I’ve been to both locations, but I tend to favor the Ashland spot over the one on Central. It just feels a bit more accessible, and the vibe is warmer—more my pace.

The food? Mexican seafood done Nayarit-style, drawing from the bold, coastal flavors of Jalisco. And the seafood? Fresh-fresh-fresh. No exaggeration. Even after being away for about a year and a half, I walked in and was immediately greeted by my favorite server (who, by the way, also remembered me). He came over, gave us a big smile, and mentioned how much he missed our every-other-week dinner visits. Heart. Melted.

Naturally, we kicked things off with a skinny margarita—served in a goblet-sized glass, no less. Pro tip: These go down dangerously easy. They may not taste strong, but they pack a punch. And yes, even though the servers often double as bartenders, the quality of the drinks is on point.

Then came our standard order: langoustines, butterflied, sautéed, and smothered in their signature Nayarit sauce. They arrive on a huge platter with slices of fresh orange and red onion. It’s messy, spicy (just the right kind of spicy), and completely addictive.

We also shared the octopus platter, served with rice (mixed with peas and carrots) and French fries that soak up every drop of that magical sauce. The octopus was tender and full of flavor—everything you’d hope for in a dish like this.

To top it all off? Live music. A roaming musician was taking song requests and serenading each table. It’s a little touch that adds a ton of charm.

If I had to offer any suggestions, it would be this: please invest in a reservation system at the Ashland location. It’s currently walk-in only, and unless you’re showing up on a Tuesday at 4pm, you’re probably looking at a 30+ minute wait. Not ideal when you’re hangry.

But that’s honestly my only gripe. Mariscos La Costa gets a gold CUF from me for its consistently delicious food, authentic flavors, and genuinely warm service. It’s not fancy, but it hits every note you want from a beloved neighborhood spot. I’ve brought locals, out-of-towners, and seafood skeptics here—and every time, I’ve watched them fall into flavorful bliss. That’s the kind of experience that keeps you coming back—and bringing friends along for the ride.