What is Ceviche?
Ceviche is a popular Latin American dish where raw fish or seafood is "cooked" (denatured) in a marinade of acidic citrus juices, typically lime or lemon. It's then tossed with ingredients like onion,cilantro,and chili peppers.Crudo(Italian)and Aguachile(Mexican)are similar preparations of high-quality raw fish,often dressed with oils,citrus,and other flavorings.
Top 6 Spots for Ceviche&Crudo in Philadelphia:
- Bolo(Rittenhouse Square)
- The Ceviche: Chef Yun Fuentes' Latin American dining room and rum bar is a top destination for ceviche lovers. Bolooffers a fantastic trio of ceviches,allowing you to sample different styles,including theTuna con Coco with a Thai young coconut salsa, a classic Shrimp en Sofritowith avocado,and the Japanese-Peruvian inspiredSnapper Nikkei with key lime–ponzu and garlic chips.
- The Vibe: A vibrant, bustling, and stylish restaurant perfect for enjoying creative cocktails and shareable plates.
- Location: 2025 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Vista Peru(Old City)
- The Ceviche: For an authentic taste of ceviche's birthplace, Vista Peruis a must-visit.This dedicated Peruvian restaurant showcases a variety of traditional ceviches,featuring fresh fish cured in"leche de tigre"– the classic Peruvian marinade of lime juice,onion,salt,and chili.
- The Vibe: An elegant yet welcoming atmosphere that transports you to Peru with its authentic cuisine and decor.
- Location: 20 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- El Vez(Midtown Village)
- The Ceviche: Stephen Starr's modern Mexican hotspot, El Vez,is renowned for its energetic atmosphere,exceptional margaritas,and an extensive menu featuring a variety of creative crudos and ceviches.It's the perfect spot to share a variety of seafood preparations with friends.
- The Vibe: A loud, fun, and visually stunning restaurant with a dazzling, lit-up bar and a famous photo booth.
- Location: 121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- The Twisted Tail (Headhouse Square)
- The Ceviche: This Southern-inspired restaurant, bar, and live music venue offers a standout Scallop Ceviche. Their version features delicate scallops "cooked" in a citrus marinade with jalapeño, tomato, and a hint of truffle, served alongside crispy corn chips for scooping.
- The Vibe: A cozy and lively bourbon house with a rustic charm, perfect for enjoying cocktails, small plates, and live blues music.
- Location: 509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Alice (Italian Market)
- The Ceviche/Crudo: Chef Dave Conn's seasonal American restaurant presents a seafood-forward menu with innovative raw dishes.Highlights includeBarnegat Bay Oysters served with a cucumber aguachile and a beautifully prepared bluefin tuna crudowith Calabrian chile and charred lemon.
- The Vibe: A bright and charming neighborhood restaurant and bar where the focus is on high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
- Location: 901 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Alma del Mar(Italian Market)
- The Vibe: A beloved neighborhood restaurant in the Italian Market (made famous by its appearance on Netflix's Queer Eye),Alma del Mar offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu of delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.
- The Ceviche: They often feature a fantastic and fresh ceviche on their menu, prepared with care and authentic flavors. It's a perfect light and refreshing dish to enjoy in their beautifully designed space.
- Location: 1007 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
From authentic Peruvian preparations and modern Mexican interpretations to Southern-inflected scallop ceviche,Philadelphia's restaurants offer a diverse and delicious tour of this refreshing seafood classic. As the weather warms, there's no better way to dine than by exploring the bright,zesty,and vibrant flavors of the city's best ceviches and crudos.
