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South LA’s Spectacular New Mexican Seafood Specialist Opens Today

What to expect from Holbox, the sister concept from Chichen Itza

Colorful uni-topped ceviche tostada on a white plate with colorful tablecloth.
A tostada from Holbox
Farley Elliott

There’s new growth at Mercado la Poloma today, as chef Gilberto Cetina behind Chichen Itza expands his empire to include the new Holbox. A Yucatanean-leaning seafood stall, Holbox takes over the space of a former baker, right in the middle of the market.

The idea with Holbox is to bring both raw and cooked seafood to the building, with a collection of truly citrus-y Yucatan specialties along with stuff more common to the Baja side of Mexico, as well as greater California. That means uni, blood clams, and spot prawns and lots of fish and lobster, used in tostadas, ceviches, cocteles, tacos, and more. You’ll also be able to find cooked scallops and finished fish once the place really gets up to full speed.

A food preparation counter area with seating at Holbox restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Holbox.

For now, expect a soft opening at the wraparound stand, with low wooden stools for folks to dine right at the counter. Cetina himself will be on hand to flash-cure the raw fish, shuck oysters, and whatever else is needed. Holbox is open as of today, keeping lunch through dinner hours daily.

Holbox at Mercado la Paloma
3655 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA

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