Delicious lunch! Fresh chips with delicious salsa. We thoroughly enjoyed our entrees, the chile relleno and the burrito mojado. My El Jefe margarita was over the top! read more

We had dinner at this amazing restaurant tonight Started off with delicious margaritas with fresh lime, and orange with tequila. Bartender was very knowledgeable. The food was a great spin on traditional Mexican food. Everything was fresh. The ingredients and spices were perfect. Our waitress explained the dishes well and was excited about the menu as well. We will definitely be coming back! read more

We heard about this new restaurant that took over from Palapas in the Seascape Village and decided to check it out. We arrived early to catch their Happy Hour (W-Su 3-5 pm), but honestly it wasn't much of a draw... most of the HH food items were the same price on the regular dinner menu! However, the HH wines by the glass were between $2-5 off... so I guess the HH deal is on the drinks. In any case, here's what we had... * Snapper Ceviche -- Raw snapper chunks with diced mango in a chili & mango dressing, served with house made corn tortilla chips. Fish was very fresh. Not really a cured ceviche, but more like a poke. If you don't like the raw fish texture like my spouse, skip it. * Fish Tacos (2) -- Good, but not great. Small strips of beer batter cod with some chili crema and mango. I think Vino Cruz does this much better. * Guac -- Nice fresh avocado mash with some chili oil & pepitas accompanied by tortilla chips. (Strangely, these cups were a bit thick and stale, and not as light & crisp as the ones that came with the Snapper Ceviche.) * Street Corn (2 cobs) -- Yummy! We liked this. Fresh sweet corn with the shaved cotija cheese topping. * Caesar Salad with Salmon topper -- This was our favorite dish from the regular dinner menu. An elevated Caesar with baby romaine wedges, delicately applied Caesar dressing with light dusting of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Salmon was perfectly seared and crisp (skin removed) outside and juicy just medium well. We'd totally get this again. Our server June was great... cheerful & friendly. The restaurant layout and ambiance are great too... great views of the Monterey Bay, plenty of indoor seating and multiple heated patio balcony areas, including a pet-friendly area off the main indoor bar. The new restaurant certainly has potential. Would be nice if they had real deals on their Happy Hour Food Menu, but maybe we'll just come back to try a regular dinner. read more

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I also came on April 19, 2026 and couldn't disagree more with Roberto. The salsa was merely tomato sauce: no onions, no cilantro, no jalapenos or peppers, no lemon, no salt...nada. I feel most restaurants spice up the salsa to sell you more beers or margaritas. Not the case here. I asked my waitress if she could bring me some chopped jalapenos. she brought me one that was sliced into 4 pieces. I proceeded to dice it and put it into the tomato sauce to try and enhance it. (Little did I know this was going to be a $2 service charge for the jalapeno) My wife ordered the chicken tacos and the tortillas came soggy so she only ate one and we took the other one home to revive it. I ordered the chicken enchiladas. I took a bite out of one and told the server it was cold....he took the plate back to the kitchen and put it on a salamander or something to heat it up and it re- arrived at the table about 5 minutes later. The manager recognized the situation and did go back to the kitchen to expedite it and did take the order off my bill. The waitress was unaware of everything and only asked if we wanted dessert. We won't be going back. read more

We stopped in for dinner as a family (my husband, our two kids, and I) and were surprised to see that Palapas is no longer here but we were so pleasantly surprised by the amazing experience we had! Our server, Hailey, was incredibly friendly and attentive. The way she described the specials made us want to order one of everything, she clearly takes pride in the food and made everything sound delicious. Every staff member we encountered was kind and welcoming. We have a 16-month-old who just discovered her "screaming voice," so dining out can feel a little stressful. But the team made us feel completely at ease, and it really meant a lot. The front-of-house manager was also incredibly welcoming. He stopped by our table to check in, genuinely asked how everything was, and even offered to get us something for our drive back over the hill, such a thoughtful gesture that really stood out. Chef Trent is doing something special with the menu, the ingredients are fresh, the flavors are fantastic, and the presentation is beautiful. We're already looking forward to coming back the next time we're in town! read more

Dos Pescados serves, without a doubt, the best fish taco I have ever tasted, with a perfectly light, crispy batter and incredible fresh toppings. The Spicy Pineapple Margarita was expertly crafted and the perfect complement to the food, but the entire experience was made unforgettable by the manager, Carlton, whose genuine warmth and passion for hospitality made us feel truly welcome. It's an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking phenomenal food and exceptional service. Ambiance was great! read more

I can't recommend this place enough, the service was amazing and you can't beat comp chips and salsa! I had the chile relleno and was not disappointed, the serving size was perfect and those flavors were spectacular. 10/10 recommend read more

Dos Pescados is a vibe. The ocean view is gorgeous, and it really sets the tone for the meal. The raw menu is fresh and absolutely delicious, everything is so intentional with the flavors and is high-quality. The chips and salsa are a perfectly addicting, and the quesabirria and braised short rib are a must-try. Their bar is also a standout with many delicious options on or off the menu. The inside is almost like you're in Tulum and the music completes the ambiance, which is such a nice contrast to the sleepy, foggy town it's nestled in. Definitely a refreshing spot with great food and energy. read more

Dinner at Dos Pescados last night, and will not go again...worst margaritas ever..place was nearly empty!! four of us and only one liked her meal, the chicken salad...not wise to play games with odd sauces etc for Mex food...hope Brandon and crew change to menus like their amazing Fresno eateries which we love!! read more

The food was great and it's right next to the cliff/beach! The manager, Carlton, also took great care of us. He made sure to check on our experience which made it more amazing experience read more

Nice setting and great views in a pleasant little cluster of shops. The waitstaff responding nicely to requests for items they forgot to provide. It gave the impression of a less-than-organized situation behind the scenes and in the kitchen. Food ran the gamut from outstanding to meh. The appetizer of raw sablefish in a cold coconut broth was exquisite. The chicken enchilada with rice and beans was standard Mexican fare, not belonging beside the other more sophisticated dishes. Braised short ribs were accompanied by relished polenta and spinach. read more

We were never excited about the restaurant that was there before two Pescados took over. No, Palapas was at least serving Mexican food. When the server brought over the salsa and chips, We were disappointed. Tasteless. No chili peppers, which Salsa is usually made with! Our orders arrived and while we cannot complain about the fried fish tacos, it would be hard Not to complain about the albino (white) rice with NO FLAVOR, or the chicken tacos that were also lacking in any flavor!! Please, please 2Pescados-figure out WHAT you are serving! We want you to succeed! Yes, the place was packed, but don't you want people to leave satisfied? Not needing to go home and eat?? read more

Dos Pescados - Dos Pescado's food choices - Seafood Near Me - Aptos, California

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This restaurant is worth finding! The ambiance is quiet and restful; the service was excellent, and the pan-seared salmon was utterly delicious. Their cocktails were a step above the usual. Our waitress gave us excellent service and advice for other restaurants for breakfast. We are so glad we came to Dos Pescados! read more

Dos Pescados - Pan seared salmon on a bed of winter vegetables and a veloute of white beans, cooked to perfection. - Seafood Near Me - Aptos, California

We just had a wonderful experience at this new restaurant! The views are amazing, the service was outstanding and we really liked the menu. We went for a birthday celebration and everyone loved the food! It's a fun sampling of seafood, small plates and interesting flavors. We shared guacamole, oysters Shishitos peppers as Pupus. I loved the grilled peach salad and had the veggie enchiladas which were very tasty! Our friend got the grilled fish tacos and loved them! My bestie had the halibut and she really enjoy all the flavors. The craft cocktails were so good we had Mezcal margaritas and martinis which were delicious our other friends enjoyed the beer selection! So happy we have a new local place to dine! Will come back for sure!! read more

Dos Pescados - Seafood Near Me - Aptos, California

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Let's start out by recognizing that reviews for DP are divided. I am sorry for the folks that looked for the 'old place' but let's say it outright: Dos Pescados is amazing, and the fresh new cuisine that the Aptos area needed! Dos Pescados isn't trying to be "Palapas" - and that's a good thing (no relation). We went for the first time yesterday and it blew us away. The food, cocktails and, yes, the service were fantastic. This is not 'quesadilla and beans'. This is innovative, fresh, locally sourced cuisine that excels throughout (and yes, keeps a nod to Mexican cuisine throughout). Just what the neighborhood needed. With a clear nod to the (highly regarded) One Fish Restaurant, all the Crudos were fantastic (and yes, we had them all!). Chef Trent has always shined there, and the complex, bold flavors and fantastically fresh (raw) fish does not disappoint. The oysters (try them with the Mezcal-vinaigratte added - delicious) were impeccable. But, we found the cooked food just as great! - perfectly cooked fish and meat, great flavors and sauces (nothing "bland" here!) and topped off with really great cocktails. The plates (roasted rock fish) as well as the Tacos (Chorizo and Potatoes - so good. Grilled fish taco: super flavorful, where the pineapple mingled with spice and the avocado salsa and added a nice crunch). The service is 'young' - and rocked (friendly, knowledgable, attentive) - seriously, for once this is a place where everyone seems to love to be there! Smiles and time taken where needed - this is a well managed place. Kudos to the GM (Lindsey) as well who was present throughout the night. Finally, prices are also more than reasonable - especially for the location and the quality of the food. This place won't please some folks - a) looking for the previous place or b) looking for cheap, simple Mex food. It should and WILL however draw the crowds looking for genuinely impeccably prepared, high-quality, innovative Food in a super fun (and casual) environment. To us, this is the highlight newcomer of the year so far in the Aptos region. Come here and judge for yourself and disregard the 1-star comments coming from folks miffed that their 'old place' ain't here anymore. This is progress in the yummiest of ways! read more

Dos Pescados - Our first set of courses - Crudos and Rockfish and more. Yes, these are half-eaten: It was so good, we couldn't wait to start of the picture - Seafood Near Me - Aptos, California

This place is a mystery to us. Great views, well decorated, and very enjoyable to dine there--visually and atmospherically. But the food lacks flavor, Latin spark, and the cocktails are weak--all of which at this price point is a disaster. Guacamole tasted as if it were out of a plastic pint from Safeway. The carne asada had no flavor, but basic beef, and was rubbery. The chili Colorado was the biggest disappointment--tasted as if it came out of a can. Absolutely no selection of desserts... Mystery? Such a great location, so much natural beauty, but food worse than you can get at Chipotles.... read more

The views? Always a win. The food? Still delicious. But lately -- the service is shaping the experience, thanks to a new general manager, Karlton, that's clearly setting the tone. We started with the chicken flautas (crispy, creamy, craveable) and the tortilla soup -- spicy comfort in a bowl. The quesabirria tacos dipped in that rich jus? Total flavor bomb. And don't sleep on the cauliflower al pastor -- it's smoky, tangy, and totally vegan (and I'm falling in love with cauliflower again). I went rogue and ordered the grilled salmon with ramp chimichurri and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can eat that every day. Drinks were fun -- The tres leches espresso martini was standout. We ended with a s'more de crème that somehow made marshmallow feel fancy. Bottom line: Pescados is hitting its stride -- great food, dialed-in service, and the kind of beachy vibe that makes you linger. Get those tacos! read more

Two fish is very tilapia. Service is ok but the reason why I came was the food and drinks. I like vanilla ice cream but not my dos pescados ‍. Say less compadres. read more

Food is amazing both mexican fusion and fine dining experience. Let your palate take you on the journey of discovery into what can only express the chef talent. They the chef, staff, and general manager really want you to experience and explore what they can offer you. Carlton, the General Manager wants to know how they can improve your experience with the food, drinks and overall atmosphere. We maybe like everyone who has put of going to another new restaurant in the area, due to past experience have been putting off checking them out. Brother's and sister's don't hold back the food, the wait staff, and the atmosphere is still very outstanding and a new restaurant for us to enjoy. Ps spread the word that it is better than ever please enjoy the Happy Hour 3 to 5 pm. At least see what you have been missing. Tony and Katrina S read more

Great job! Yummy food. New manager Carlton is amazing and has changed things for the better Come check it out. Food is delicious. Bartenders are all super friendly. Highly recommend. read more

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We have been to this restaurant before and I wasn't very impressed but things have changed! Apparently the restaurant is under new management and it really shows. We met the new general manager, Carlton, and he is absolutely fantastic. He was knowledgeable, funny, and asked for genuine feedback. We felt actually heard and like he really cared. We will definitely be back to check in on all the cool stuff he said they have planned. The food was good and we really enjoyed the raw seafood selections. We thought the Mexican dishes were good and the ambiance was okay but the restaurant definitely needs an update on decor. It feels dated and you can tell it used to be something else. There is potential here though and I think they are on the right path. read more

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous evening of fine dining in an exquisite location with nice calm ambience at Dos Pescados in Seascape Village Aptos. The food is California Mexican - delicious and well presented cuisine with appropriate portion size. My husband had the Veracruz rockfish. He is very particular about his fish and how it is cooked. This fish was cooked to absolute perfection in a very well-seasoned delicious light sauce. I enjoyed the vegan cauliflower pasta, which was also cooked properly with savory seasoning. The setting is fabulous. Whether you are outside on the deck, inside at a window table or in a booth, you have an open view leading down to Monterey Bay. The restaurant is clean, open and bright with natural lighting and indirect lighting. Wine by the glass offered is a good selection. My husband had the buttery Neyer Chardonnay and I had the Chalk Hill Pinot. We enjoyed both. Staff was very friendly and bustling about cheerfully taken care of all the patrons' needs with a smile. We would gladly return to this restaurant and highly recommend it for both the food and its location. read more

If someone from Dos Pescados could contact someone from Palapas to find out where were they ordering the chips from...that'd be great! Overall it was okay, nothing too fancy, nothing to say wow about. The chips were really an unpleasant surprise... read more

Never disappoints!!! New frozen margs hit the spot. Especially the prickly pear! Not to sweet and strong. Of course Paul and Josh took good care of us at the bar. Chile Relleno was the best i've ever had. Carlton, the new gm, was so warm and welcoming! Very attentive staff. Levin and Everett kept our chips basket full!! Always amazing !!! read more

So delicious! Everything from the chips, salsa, guacamole, & calamari to the tacos and chicken tortilla soup to the soft ice cream it was a 10/10!!!! Server was so sweet and GM checked in on us and was super friendly! Our kids enjoyed the patio too it was the perfect spot, even with an ocean view, and highly recommend it! read more

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The previous restaurant had been a family favorite for many years. We were looking forward to trying the new place and had high hopes it would also become a family favorite. Unfortunately, we left disappointed. It started with the reservation system. For a party of 5, you are only allowed to make reservations for the patio. Two members of our party didn't want to sit outside so we were fortunate that they could accommodate us inside. But it added some stress to the evening. Next, the food was mediocre. I liked my fish tacos but most of the table was disappointed with their meals. For example, the vegetarian enchiladas were very mushy and not flavorful. The salmon portion was very small (but cooked well). The server was kind but he was new so wasn't able to answer all of our questions. Because of our loyalty to the previous restaurant, I know we will be back. But, we're hoping for a better experience. read more

Another great dinner and drinks with friends, we will continue to support this establishment. Service is really good too.

Delicious cocktails! Love Paul The quesabirria tacos have quickly become my fave & the ceasar salad is excellent! I know there's been a lot of push back from the community about the change over from Palapas and I have to say that they've handled it with grace. The new manager, Carlton is great and truly incorporates feedback swiftly. Love that they are listening and that they've expanded my Mexican food horizons. Very much looking forward to the physical makeover too! read more

Dos Pescados - Adore PAUL! Best bartender ever! - Seafood Near Me - Aptos, California

My first time at Dos Pescados on Friday, July 11th. I liked their fish tacos, chips & salsa, and the Dos Pescados margarita (blended) was delicious with a decent amount of tequila. The tacos (two per order) need more filling, especially for the price. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and had good customer service. Beautiful views. Spacious restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. read more

My experience at Dos Pescados was so excellent we went back twice in our 3 day stay at the beach. The food, service and smiles were beyond expectation. If the whole Branzino is on the specials menu, don't hesitate, order it! My kids loved hunting for the star chip and the fresh and vibrant food. The manager Carlton was always smiling and it was awesome to see some familiar staff and faces as well. Can't beat the view and vibes. We will be back before end of summer. read more

Loved this restaurant...first time we've been there since it changed ownership. Everything was excellent: Margaritas, chips, salsa and guacamole, chicken tinga tacos, rockfish with olives and capers rice and broccolini. Service was superb. Beautiful views. We are definitely going back, and soon! read more

Downhill since it changed ownership from Palapas. Menu keep changing for the worse...Now they're charging $4 for extra chips & salsa, pretty weak move....Last straw. read more

I live locally and use to be a regular at Palapas. My boyfriend and I loved the menu and all the dishes we tried last night at Dos Pescados. We especially enjoyed the tuna tostada and snapper ceviche. We found the fish fresh, flavorful and crafted with intention. You can tell they take pride in their menu. We did not love the Palapas menu so we like seeing an elevated menu. We were regulars at Palapas though because of the atmosphere and former staff- it's absolutely amazing to see so many familiar faces. The staff, menu and views are exceptional at Dos Pescados. We dined at the bar last night with Paul and had a wonderful time. My boyfriend loved the El Hefe marg. We look forward to more nights at Dos Pescados. read more

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We live in the neighborhood and really wanted to like this place. After eating there 4 times we feel like we gave them a fair chance. The view of the ocean is beautiful. The background noise is not pleasant. If you have trouble hearing maybe the patio would be a better choice. The music playing did not add to the experience. The table we were sat at was sticky. I wondered if it had been wiped off from the previous customers. The chips and salsa were the best part of the meal. The menu is limited. We ordered the chicken enchiladas. Our food arrived on hot plates but the food itself was lukewarm and tasted bland. Santa Cruz County has some stiff competition in Mexican food choices. Dos Pescados is not even close to being competitive. read more

Loved my experience at Dos Pescados! Ignore the lower star reviews if you've ever eaten at a nice restaurant before. They plates are mostly tapas style, so order multiple items and have fun sharing the plates and trying all the different tastes. The dishes were creative and really refreshing for Aptos. I enjoyed the ceviche, halibut, elote, and churros. My mom liked the chicken tacos a lot as well, as she has a fish allergy that's what she ordered. It's good to know there's things on the menu people with different restrictions can eat. I can't eat cilantro and they accommodated for me without fail. Service was great as well, Carl and everyone else who came by were awesome. The price was totally fair too, good for the area and for really fresh fish. Can't wait to bring my friends next time! read more

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We ate at Dos Pescados twice in 24 hours! We stayed at the Seascape resort and walked over for dinner on Saturday around 6pm, and then went back for lunch on Sunday around 1pm. Both times we were sat immediately and had excellent service. The chips and salsa are so good, my husband asked if they sold the salsa to go because he wanted to take some home! For dinner we had the street corn and beef empanadas as an appetizer and fish tacos and the wet burrito as our main entrees. Everything was fantastic and came out so quickly. The fry on the fish was perfect. Also the mango margarita was SO good. For lunch on Sunday we had an arugula salad with trip tip that was cooked perfectly, and the carne asada quesadilla which was one of the best we've ever had. Both of our experiences were 10/10! read more

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We ate at Dos Pescados for an ocean view and sunset the first week they were open. After so many years going to Palapas it was definitely a change of mindset to not see the old menu and be open to a brand new menu and restaurant. Most of the staff were the same as when the restaurant was Palapas- I really appreciate that they worked hard to open quickly and to keep the previous staff employed. The service was amazing. I had the salmon that was from a sustainable source and it literally melted in my mouth. I later found out that this is a rare type of salmon- Best salmon I have ever had. I was with a group of 12 friends and a lot of had the street style tacos. We also had the calamari guacamole and tomatillo salsa. Everyone enjoyed a margarita. They were big and strong. We ordered the flank steak and vegan enchiladas to go to take home to our children- the kids gave a thumbs up and they are a tough crowd. Overall the menu was adventurous, exciting because it was different and unexpected. The food was enjoyed by all. read more

WOW, totally surpassed our expectations! Both my wife and myself found the staff very welcoming and well trained. All our dishes were extremely fresh and a joy. The oysters were outstanding and don't miss out on the ceviche or Baja tacos. SO glad they are in our neighborhood ;) read more

A group of us ordered takeout. Fish tacos, steak quesadilla, birria tacos. It was delicious! Time from ordering to eating was only 30 min. While we didn't dine in, we did love the food. read more

Food was incredible! Chef has the talent of a three-star Michelin rated chef!! Try everything on the menu, especially the raw stuff! read more