la pescaderia

[james]

Everyone always asks where to get good seafood. There are plenty of dining options from the international styled places on Fifth Avenue to the more Mexican style coctelerias about town.

Another option is la pescaderia, or fish store. Today I rode the bike over to Oceano on 34th and 35th Ave. A kilo of fish (two yellow tail snappers) fried on the premesis, was 52 pesos. I got home to a side dish that was waiting, and we feasted. They're great on the beach too.

If you don't speak Spanish, don't worry. You'll be able to point out exaclty which fish you want, and just say frito.

[james]

Today I picked up a one kilo boquinete (hogfish), widely considered the tastiest reef fish we have. You can see a picture of one on the reef diving page. Actually, you'll see a pair of them squaring off.

I had them fry it for me. Total cost, 60 pesos including my 5 peso tip to the fry lady.

Anna made some fried thai type rice with veggies and we feasted on the beach. Total cost: low

[Curlygirl]

So they will cook your purchase for you? Wow, what an amazing way to sample something a little different than what is typically offered in the restaurants that I noticed.....and on that note, which restaurant do you think supplies the more interesting varieties of local fish?

Also, are there additional cooking methods on-site besides "frito"?

My bride and I will be spending Thanksgiving away from home on our honeymoon and we were thinking a cool local place for lobster would be good. Where should we look?

[james]

Originally posted by "Ttu97"

My bride and I will be spending Thanksgiving away from home on our honeymoon and we were thinking a cool local place for lobster would be good. Where should we look?

I'm not really a fan of the places with "lobster" in their name. Pick a nice restaurant and ask for lobster. You can stop by the day before and speak with the manager and make sure they have what you want ready for you. You might need to leave a deposit.

I personally don't enjoy the caribbean lobster as much as the cold water variety, like from Maine. They are clawless and much less tasty.

[dougie46]

I agree totally with James. We have tried the Caribbean, Cuban, (whatever you want to call them), lobster many times, and no matter how they are prepared, we never found them nearly as good as west coast lobster. They are not nearly as sweet, and for some reason tend to be rubbery, now matter how they are cooked. They do taste fine however, if you go on the Fat Cat trip, and are having a good time.. :lol:
One other thing having to do with fish. When down there last spring we bought some small(1/2 lb at most I would say) fish from Oceano, that were "frito" and they may have been the nicest fish I have ever eaten. I wish I could remember the name, but it escapes me now..But, we would recommend the Oceano to anyone for fresh fish. It is really quite the place, and the fish is as fresh as it gets and very, very reasonable.

[Mave]

OK, Paul and I just came from a great fish dinner at Tarraya, on the beach at 2nd North. The fish was very fresh and cheap. I understand this is one of the oldest restaurants in Playa. I certainly would recommend it. We will look for the fish store later next week.

Mave

[Micajah]

Ariiiiba!!!!!!!!! James your the god man of Playa!

I have been planning on looking for Fish for the last week and that place sounds like heaven. Fish is so good for you, I mean to eat it 3 times a week but have been stuck with Chickens, Pork and Beef from Chedder and SF so far. Their fish didn't look very tasty.

I am so excited to hit that fish place up. My first bite I will dedicate to you.

[Micajah]

James or anyone

Can you explain what my options for fish are:

boquinete (hogfish - tastiest reef fish
yellow tail snapper - what are these called?

Any other recommended fish (besides tuna, shark) I should know about in these parts?

In Canada all we get are Salmon, Tuna, Halibut, Cod, Trout, for the most part.

Thanks

[julie in PA]

The Oceano sounds like a great place for fish - but it also sounds like it is take out only and since we will be staying at a hotel this probably isn't an option. Where is a good place to get fresh fish to eat-in? I ordered fish once last year at a restraunt on 5th and was extremely dissappointed (the only bad meal I had). Although we like all kinds of fish - grouper is a favorite. Where in playa should we go for some really awesome fresh fish? Thanks.

[Micajah]

I just bought a grouper from Oceano it was tasty. They CAN cook it for you on the spot, so you could get it there, cook it, and buy some other stuff from a store or another rest. and have a fish dinner on the beach or something

[james]

Originally posted by "James"

Another option is la pescaderia, or fish store. Today I rode the bike over to Oceano on 34th and 35th Ave. A kilo of fish (two yellow tail snappers) fried on the premesis, was 52 pesos. I got home to a side dish that was waiting, and we feasted. They're great on the beach too.

If you don't speak Spanish, don't worry. You'll be able to point out exaclty which fish you want, and just say frito.

[FlyGirl]

We want to thank James and the gang on the recommendation of Oceano. We made 5 visits in two weeks to this establishment. Husband is an avid fisherman and was impressed of the local quality and variety of seafood. Perhaps it was our smiles (or the big tips) we became quick regulars.. the staff greeted us at the door.. "frito Senor?" This is the place for fresh economical seafood. Hogfish A++

[saxman]

Planning for our trip in June and I was wondering is Oceano still open?

[Page]

Yes Oceano is open, on calle 34 just west of Av 30