0 Followers
Viaje
Master Critic Review
Viaje
8.9
Contemporary Mexican restaurant from Baja Fish Tacos co-founder Julio Gutierrez brings multiregional Mexican cuisine to Belmont Shore. Chef Ricardo de la Vega executes refined dishes like Barbacoa de Cordero and octopus alongside craft cocktails with housemade ingredients in a modern bohemian setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa de Cordero, Octopus, Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Chef-driven multiregional Mexican with modern techniques since 2022
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking elevated Mexican beyond tacos
When to visit: Dinner for full menu, weekend brunch
What to order: Lamb shank, octopus, and clarified-juice Paloma
Insider tip: Ask Adrian or Eduardo about off-menu seasonal preparations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks - arrive 15 min early for dinner, metered until 8pm weekdays
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down work, avoid gym wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can talk without raising voice
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 solid options including mushroom tacos and vegetable-forward small plates
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 items, but kitchen accommodates modifications with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, several naturally GF dishes, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy atmosphere, shareables encourage interaction, and the modern bohemian design provides natural conversation starters without being too loud or too quiet
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, but dining room fills fast on weekends. Try arriving right at 5pm opening or after 8:30pm for better odds. Tuesday-Thursday before 7pm is your best bet
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, sophisticated vibe, limited space between tables. Better for teens 14+ who appreciate adventurous food. Consider their Baja Fish Tacos locations for family meals
How does it compare to other upscale Mexican in Long Beach? More regionally authentic and chef-driven than most - this isn't just elevated tacos and burritos. Closer to what you'd find in Mexico City or Baja than typical American Mexican restaurants, with technique and ingredient quality that justify the $$$ price point
What's the portion size like for the price? Small plates designed for sharing - budget 2-3 dishes per person plus an appetizer to share. Quality over quantity approach, so expect refined presentations rather than massive plates
Best For
Better for: Modern Mexican technique and regional authenticity - this is where you come for lamb barbacoa, house-clarified cocktails, and preparations you won't find at typical Mexican spots. Julio Gutierrez's Baja pedigree shows in seafood execution
Skip if: You want classic Tex-Mex, large portions, or a casual family dinner. If you're craving combo plates, margarita pitchers, or chips-and-salsa simplicity, stick with neighborhood Mexican spots. Also skip if you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends