Seafood and Bay Views Shine at Coastal Mexican Restaurant Dos Pescados in Aptos | Eater SF

"Opened July 3 in Aptos at 21 Seascape Village, Dos Pescados is an ambitious new seafood restaurant from chef Trent Lidgey and Fresno restaurateur Brandon Smittcamp; Lidgey brings experience from One Fish Raw Bar, Atelier Crenn, Brae, and the Lexington House, while Smittcamp operates Lime Lite, Heirloom, and Butterfish. The menu leans into coastal Mexican cuisine with a new raw bar and crudo section—oysters dressed in a spicy margarita mignonette, leche de tigre featuring kampachi, and ceviches highlighting local halibut or snapper—and an expanded taco program with in-house tortillas including a Baja-style battered cod, pollo asado in adobo, carnitas in a hard shell with sour orange salsa, and a standout vegan summer squash taco with salsa macha on blue masa. Larger plates include a kampachi collar al pastor with pineapple salsa and pan-roasted salmon with hoja santa chimichurri, while vegetarians might opt for a huitlacoche enchilada with salsa verde. Snacks include street corn with guajillo aioli, cotija, and lime, guacamole made with “good avocados,” and chicken tinga taquitos with spicy crema. The cocktail menu emphasizes crushable drinks and house-made juices, anchored by three margaritas (including a mango-forward blanco with hot honey and Tajín), a tres leches espressotini (reposado or vodka with coffee liqueur, cold brew, and crema), and an El Pepino mixing tequila with cucumber and citrus topped with ginger beer. The space retains coastal views, much of the former Palapas decor, and a majority of Palapas’s staff; the kitchen was remodeled with upgraded equipment and a significant renovation is tentatively planned for January 2025 with Studio Unltd. Hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Wed–Thu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri–Sat, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun." - Dianne de Guzman