Overview | If you’d told me a year ago that I’d soon be driving out to Studio City regularly to dine, I do believe I would have been a bit perplexed. (I live far west.) Studio City has always been “that cute little LA nook where families live”, but these days this “nook” is developing a whole new sparkly aspect to their already favorable reputation. Studio City is upping its cool factor by being home to some of LA’s best new restaurants – Maradentro being one of them. Maradentro is the more seafood centric sister of another LA favorite, Mercado. Where they both have a Mexican inspiration and influence, Maradentro adds a slightly more coastal flair by offering a number of incredible “freshly caught” dishes. Created by restauranteur Jesse Gomez and chef/partner Jose Acevedo, the Maradentro collaboration has been nothing short of a delightful success.
Boasting a minimal aesthetic adorned with wooden finishes and cool/coastal undertones, the Maradentro setting perfectly sets the mood for the meal to come. Dishes range from $11-$24, fair pricing as far as I’m concerned for such incredible seafood, all of which is fresh, well plated, and of course – tasty as all hell. The seafood dishes you’ll find here are Mexican inspired, comforting, simple, and approachable – no $50+ lobster tails here. Just good ol’ fashioned guacamole, fish tacos, ceviche, shrimp, and all the good stuff that comes with it. Maradentro is the perfect place to fill the most persistent cravings: seafood and Mexican. So it don’t get much better than that.
Favorite Drink | White Sand Sangria: el tesoro reposado tequila, white wine, fresh fruit // Summerland Chardonnay (light, crisp, on tap!)
Must Order | This should come as no surprise to you, but the guacamole is absolutely mandatory. As far as main dishes are concerned the baja fish tacos were incredible – perfectly battered and dressed. But the real star of the evening for me was the Ajillo Shrimp Toast (Mexican sweet shrimp, chile de arbol garlic butter, ciabatta). If you’ve ever had the famous mushroom toast at Gjelina this dish is a little bit remnicient – it’s a tougher thick slice of bread drenched in a warm butter sauce that softens it up, topped with delicious shimp…. eeeyeah. Hands down one of the best dishes I’ve ever had ever – when have carbs, butter, and shrimp ever failed me.
Perfect Spot For | a seafood craving // Mexican craving // something different // fresh fish // a great happy hour // date night // group outing // patio seating // something casual but not too casual // a cocktail at the bar
Pro Tip | Make sure you save room for dessert because the Capirotada – a Mexican bread pudding – with a giant scoop of their churro ice cream on top is all the rage.
Fun Fact | Maradentro means “the sea inside” en Español.
Bonus Fact | Maradentro has an epic Happy Hour! My favorite! It all takes place M – F 5 – 7 pm, and Sat-Sun 4 – 6 pm. Take a look at their Happy Hour menu HERE!
MARADENTRO | 11929 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
HOURS
Mon–Wed: 5–10 pm
Thu–Fri: 5–11 pm
Sat: 4–11 pm
Sun: 4–10 pm
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