Latin American tapas, bold flavors, ceviche, and cocktails


























"Downtown’s delightful Latin tapas restaurant from Nanyo Dominguez is a standout newcomer, serving delicious ceviche in the styles of Mexico City, Oaxaca, Peru, and the Dominican Republic; Argentinian and Mexican-style empanadas; Colombian and Venezuelan-style arepas; and bigger plates of seafood paella and churrasco with chimichurri. Happy hour is awesome too, with steep discounts on sangria, margaritas, palomas, and snacks from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays." - Eater Staff


"Besame chef Nanyo Dominguez offers not one but three takes on citrus-cured ceviche, boasting flavors from around the globe. The Peruvian version features locally sourced seafood with aji amarillo, Leche de Tigre, cubes of sweet potato, and crispy corn. There’s a mixto made with fish shrimp and octopus and tuna aguachile in a spicy tomatillo-cucumber broth. Best to try all three." - Beth D’Addono


"Chef Nanyo Dominguez offers ceviche every which way at the alluring Bésame, a natural choice for pre- or post-theater nibbles, catty-corner from the Saenger just across Canal Street. Tapas with a focus on fresh Gulf seafood incorporates Latin and Caribbean flavors from Mexico and South America. Try the guacamole studded with fried pork rind, Mexico City style, and the queso with its crawfish upgrade. The bar features South American wines and South American spirits, including mezcal, pisco, and brandies. Excellent happy hour too." - Beth D’Addono

"Bésame is a trailer at Meanwhile Brewing, and it’s probably our favorite way to finish up a meal of smoked meats at Distant Relatives or some pizza at Side Eye Pie. Flavors change regularly based on what’s in season, so expect things like a lavender and blueberry ice cream with Fruity Pebbles, or an earl gray ice cream with wildflower honey meringue. And if you’re really a fan of unique flavors, set your alarms for Thursday when they drop a weekly, limited-edition pint (they go fast). photo credit: Taylor Hannan" - Nicolai McCrary

"At Besame, chef Nanyo Dominguez serves a menu of bold Latin flavors, a variety of ceviche, and tapas that includes addictive guacamole studded with bits of fried pork rind, Mexico City style. He’s also a two-minute walk from Canal Street theaters." - Beth D’Addono