Cuya Cocina Latina

20/10 Experience – Absolutely Exceptional! From the moment we walked in, everything about this restaurant exceeded our expectations. The ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. The food? Absolutely exquisite. Every dish was a masterpiece—beautifully presented, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. You can tell that each ingredient is chosen with care and every plate crafted with passion. But what truly made the evening special was the service. The staff was beyond attentive—friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure we had the best time. Their recommendations were spot-on, and their attention to detail was unmatched. This place is a rare gem. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. Easily a 20/10. Can’t wait to come back!

Fabulous and diverse Latin American dishes. Octopus was tender and the best preparation I have ever had including octopus in Portugal. Mexican tamale was an excellent vegetarian selection. Dishes all featured a well balanced blend of multiple flavors. Gianna is an outstanding ambassador of the restaurant, knowledgeable in all the dishes, providing delightful recommendations with a warm and friendly attitude. Cuya Cocina is a true gem!

Great Latin American spot that is extremely cute for date night, girls night, or just for the bar! Atmosphere: Vibrant, island chic vibe with Latin music playing in the background. Quaint inside seating and bar and fun island outdoor seating and bar available. Drinks: Some of the best drinks I’ve ever had. All of them were so delicious! We had the Snowbird 'El Pajaro', Cuya Sangria, and classic Mojito! All made to perfection! Food: This place is perfect for shared plates but also offers entrees! We had the Birria Empanadas (savory and delicious), Elote Corn Ribs (fun spin on the flavors here with a slight touch of heat), and Pastelon (great flavors, savory and sweet with the plantains. So worth it)! Service: Coral was phenomenal, provided great recommendations for food and drinks and even asked what our go to’s were and provided great options based on that. She was attentive and energetic! Will absolutely be coming back the next time I visit!

Very well put together meals, ambience was beautiful on the outdoor patio. Service was great with the staff being attentive and welcoming. Food was to die for as well, grits were my favorite personally and definitely recommend the huevos rancheros.

Cuya has a warm fresh vibe. It's a small plate kitchen that packs alot of unexpected flavor combinations. They have in and outside seating. You can enjoy the street view or sit inside and take it all in. There are so many options, PLEASE do yourself a favor and look at the menu bc it you dont your table will be full of soo many plates. Camarones al ajillo butter garlic pan-seared... 10/10. The plantain tostones A ➕️ Tamales de Pimento It was beautifully dressed. The tamales was to soft for my liking. The filling was fresh and soulful. Charred cabbage was an experience. The flavors popped with each bite. A ➕️. Ceviche del Dia so fresh. A ➕️ 💎 ✨️ Prepare for finding parking. Make a reservation. Review the menu

Ceviche Del Dia was amazing. Charred pulpo (octopus) was delicious. The empanadas de Camaron (shrimp) was good. Very attentive service. Didn’t have to call anyone over. Even the chef came out to greet us. Very upbeat atmosphere. Passion fruit margarita was delicious. Very clean

Vibrant Vibe, Stellar Appetizers, Entrée Misses Cuya Cocina Latina in Downtown Raleigh offers a truly vibrant Latin atmosphere and excellent food presentation! The appetizers were a perfect 10/10! The shrimp, ceviche, and oysters were all incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared – an absolute must-try! However, the main dishes, particularly the chicken and fried rice, unfortunately missed the mark on flavor. Come for the amazing vibe and fantastic appetizers; they're worth the visit alone!

Had to satisfy my ceviche craving. Went to the former Cortex on South Glenwood, now CUYA Cocina Latina. The tamal was incredible. The masa was top notch.

The Cortez combines Mexican-American inspired seafood + cocktails with a cozy atmosphere. The Christmas decor adds a cheerful touch, while the lo-fi music creates a relaxed vibe. Maria was very sweet and attentive. The cocktails are bold + refreshing with tropical sweetness. A celebration in every sip! The seafood is incredibly fresh, and each dish is bursting with vibrant, zesty flavors. The Cortez sailboat (ceviche, raw oysters, crab salad, shrimp, octopus, + fried Saltines), is a standout, refreshing and perfectly seasoned. The smash burger and "Raleigh's best" fries were equally impressive. Whether you're craving something light or a bit spicier, Cortez delivers deliciously on every front. A must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a chill environment.

I dined at Cortez on a Thursday night for a light bite before heading out for evening cocktails. The restaurant was clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I thoroughly enjoyed the ceviche--it was fresh and flavorful. I also tried the Gambas al Ajillo, which was comforting on a chilly evening. The ciabatta bread complemented the dish perfectly, making it a satisfying meal. My only improvement to suggest is the chairs. The restaurant chairs felt a bit lightweight and might not be the most comfortable or sturdy option for everyone.

This is a cute, lively place. When e sat down the vibe makes you want to order one of their fun drinks, which my daughter and I did, they were delicious! We started with oysters, tried three kinds then we shared small plates. My favorite dish was the peach and burrata and my daughters was the NC Tiradito. I recommend stopping here!

We loved it. Waitress was pleasant and food and atmosphere were great. Wr received a gift card and we will definitely go back. Wr had the famous smash burger and split 2 delicious appetizers.

I love it here! Best oysters ever & delicious shrimp gambas. Love the ambience & the service is great. Always had a wonderful experience here!

Removing some of the well established oyster houses around town, The Cortez is a top contender for best seafood spot between Chapel Hill and the Carolina coast. The restaurant on Glenwood offers interesting takes on some aquatic scarfables. And the vibe is as carefree as a weekend at the beach. A classy one though. Like Emerald Isle or something.

Small restaurant with very low lighting. The waitress could not fit in between tables, very tight seating. The lighting is Too dark in my opinion. The food was ok, the fried fish was fried to perfection but lacked seasoning. The sashimi was ok. Service was ok. I had high hopes but walked away disappointed

F-A-N-F-R-E-A-K-I-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!! My wife and I stopped in for dinner last Saturday at The Cortez located on South Glenwood in Raleigh. The ambiance, atmosphere, drinks and food are / were top notch. It has an eclectic vibe and the menu reflects that. We sat at the bar. I seriously recommend the Pop, Lock and Drop cocktail off their drink menu. It's like an old fashioned but not as sweet. We started with the charred Romaine and grilled octopus which were delicious. We then got the shrimp and chargrilled oysters which were delicious. They were NC harvested oysters but I don't remember which ones. They were plump and slightly sweet. We had a great meal here. Service was also excellent! Just a note, they have a very small parking lot on site with limited spaces. If they're taken, there are additional spots but that will set you back $20 plus bucks. We found street parking a few blocks away. Definitely check this place out!

I found this on Yelp based on the reviews. What a delight! The drinks were well prepared and strong. We ordered a number of small plates on our servers recommendation. The ceviche and shrimp dishes were stupendous! We also had the mussels and weed bread. We ordered an additional plate of the octopus after our first course. All was beyond our expectations. The wonderful N'awlins woman who served us was also very helpful when we mentioned we were new to the area and gave us some great pointers on other places to try (and to avoid). They do not fool around with their fish prep. Will definitely be back!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Cortez in Raleigh, NC, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring a wide range of appetizers, entrees, and delectable desserts. Allow me to take you on a journey through my dining experience. To start, I indulged in the Charred Octopus appetizer. The octopus was cooked to perfection, with a delightful char that added a smoky depth of flavor. Next on the appetizer list was the Tilefish Ceviche. Each bite was a burst of tangy goodness, and the ceviche left a delightful tingle on the palate. It was a light and refreshing start to the meal. Moving on to the entrees, I couldn't resist trying the Double Deluxe Smash Burger. This towering masterpiece exceeded all expectations. The patties were perfectly seared, juicy, and packed with flavor. Sandwiched between a fluffy bun and topped with melty cheese, and a variety of mouthwatering condiments, every bite was a carnivorous delight. The burger was accompanied by a side of crispy fries, making it a truly satisfying meal. Another standout dish was the Al Pastör Swordfish. This creative twist on a classic Mexican dish showcased the chef's culinary expertise. The tender NC swordfish was bathed in a rich guajillo-chile sauce that provided a delightful kick of spice. It was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The Pinche Carne Asada, featuring hanger steak, was a carnivore's dream. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite. For seafood enthusiasts, the Fried Whole NC Snapper Fish was a true treasure. The fish was impeccably fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining its delicate, flaky flesh inside. To conclude the meal on a sweet note, I couldn't resist trying the Churros. The churros were perfectly fried and boasted a delightful crunch, while the ice cream added a creamy and indulgent touch. It was a heavenly dessert that left me with a satisfied smile. In summary, The Cortez in Raleigh, NC, is a culinary gem that offers a memorable dining experience. From the tantalizing appetizers to the well-executed entrees and mouthwatering desserts, every dish showcased the skill and creativity of the chefs!

Mexican seafood restaurant?? YES PLEASE!!! Oysters, shrimp, clam chowder and drinks were fantastic! Service is top tier. Others liked the tacos & burgers. {{*.*}}

Returned for dinner (with a reservation this time) and had another amazing meal. Sat outside and it was pretty pleasant. I tried: + Qgotoso cocktail + Bikini bottom cocktail + Chargrilled oysters + Gambas Al ajillo + Smoked NC papas + Brussels sprouts + Double deluxe smash burger + Fried whole fish + Bread and weed butter + Churros + Vanilla tart The cocktails were both incredible. Best dishes were the gambas, burger, fried whole fish and the bread and weed butter. Both desserts were great, too!

Another successful dinner at The Cortez! My friend loves oysters on the half shell and requested to go here for her birthday m. They have added some new menu items, like the crab avocado toast which was great! The service provided by Tony was top notch and then they gave her a churro dessert on the house for her birthday. We actually ate inside this time, with the raining weather and I was able to hear they had a great playlist. This is my to go spot for oysters on the half shell. Also, when you go you have to get the pulpo(Octupus) the beans they have in there are to die for! But the side of beans they serve are not the same.

Awesome ambiance and overall vibe here! Delicious food, great service. We ordered the char grilled oysters - a must!!! Also enjoyed the ceviche, shrimp tacos and the fries. I wish I wasn't so full from all the good food because I would've definitely gotten the churros for dessert. The fries were perfection though - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - with perfect amount of seasoning.

Came here in a Saturday for happy hour and it didn't disappoint. Oysters are half price at the bar and were very good. The bartenders were very friendly and were creating some incredible cocktails. You could tell they were extremely skilled at their craft. The seats at the bar had a view of the open kitchen which I love to see. The decor and ambiance is warm and inviting. The octopus and beans were very good as was the smash burger. I would have to say that if you're looking for some HH oysters and cocktails, this is a good spot. Definitely worth another visit.

Was here visiting and heard about this place. It was AMAZING! One of the best meals I had while in NC. If you love seafood, this is the place to go. They have multiple oysters with a chargrilled option. They have small plates, big plates, shareables. Perfect for getting a lot of things and sharing! They also have fabulous drinks! Don't skip the oyster shooter! Your choice of vodka or tequila with a local oyster. The ambiance of the place is fantastic. Filled with funny puns. Beautiful decor. They have a small kitchen that you can see from the inside seating. This place is small and gets busy fast! So make sure you make reservations!!

First timers. Made a reservation. They sat us immediately. Lovely atmosphere and attentive waitstaff. Ordered cocktails which were ridiculously delicious, particularly the Bandito. Next, put order in for 3 different types of oysters on the half shell. Wow sooo good. Three more small plates followed. Loved the crab avocado toast, and the shrimp taquitos - so crispy and full of flavor. Sadly no room for the churros but no worries. This place is stellar. We will be back and def order those next time. Looking forward to returning! Amazing dining experience.

Had an early reservation due to the popularity of this place. We sampled the charred oysters, a spicy take on Rockefeller minus the spinach, the snapper ceviche delicious, and papas and carrots, both good however the flavors a little overwhelmed by the amount of sauce. The mussels picadillo were outstanding, as was the charred octopus with butter beans. My sangria seemed to lack depth, the red wine lost as the main ingredient. Overall loved our meal, and how fresh fish and seafood are the stars here.

This restaurant is alright. Way too salty for me and my husband. I don't know why they make most of their dish way too salty. To cover not too fresh ingredients? I don't think so. Not too creative to add other spice other than salt? It might be.

First time here Coming in hot from the OC/California. We arrived for dinner on a Thursday night without a reservation. We were seated at the bar. It was perfect. The drinks were made fresh and made in front of us. You can tell that the bartenders put a lot of thought and detail into their drinks. Same with the food, made to order and they cook all of the food on the tiny cook station right in front.

Why did it take me so long to go here?!! Everything was amazing! The food, the service, everything was sublime. We ordered the chargrilled oysters, ceviche, shrimp, crab toast, swordfish, and fries. The flavors were exceptional in every dish! The ceviche was tender and flavorful, the shrimp was cooked and butterflied beautifully and the sauce to due for. The crab toast had great flavors and the swordfish was cooked well and was flavorful. The fries were hand cut but we only had ate a few after enjoying the other items. The oysters were okay. Probably our fault because they had cooled down a bit before we ate. I'm sure if we had eaten them as soon as they came out, we would have been enjoyed them more. The drink list is fun and the wine list has done great choices. The service was the BEST I have had in some time. The server was Hope and she walked us through the menu with precision. She knows it all and did not steer us wrong. She was engaging, personable and fun without being intrusive. She made a great dining experience even better! Lastly, the environment is lively and the space attractive. The living wall is gorgeous and I hope they keep it. 5 stars all around!

Have been wanting to try this place for awhile. It was decent. I ordered the sea bass with salsa criolla, mixed radish, cilantro, and tortillas. While it had a good taste, I wish it had more meat. Rosewater does a better fried fish I will say I liked the bite of the chargrilled oysters, with seaweed garlic butter, prosciutto, panko, Parmesan, and salsa macha. This actually made my friend sick and need to leave. Hard to say if it's a rookie stomach not used to seafood or the oysters, but definitely noting that as part of the experience. Was it good? Yes. Would I come back? I don't feel a need too.

Came on a Saturday evening, having made an indoor reservation for a party of 2 for 6pm. There's only street parking which was tricky since the streets were pretty lively on Saturday evenings. We ordered 4 small plates- the grilled octopus/pulpy, smoked papas/potatoes, Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp), and the soft shelled crab. Ambiance: 5/5 It's a pretty lively Florida like ambiance. Loved both the outdoor space and indoor space. Service: 4/5 Waiter kindly informed us that the kitchen had a back order. The food came out one dish at a time. Food: 5/5 Everything was delicious! The octopus and the shrimp were the stars. Loved dipping the ciabatta bread in the shrimp butter garlic sauce. Price: 4/5 The place is pricy. If it was slightly less expensive I would have given it a 5. Overall: We'll definitely be back. We overheard a table say they always ordered the burgers and based on online reviews, we definitely want to come back to try those.

Very cozy, after work social spot! The Bandito drinks were great! The smash burger was cooked perfectly!

We came here to celebrate my friend's birthday. It's a little in the cut so you really have to keep an eye out for it. The drinks were really good, and I really enjoyed the mussels too. I also had the shrimp tacos which could've used a bit more seasoning/flavor. Overall the place is really cute and gives you a tropical vacation vibe. Our waitress was super helpful and made sure we had everything me needed as well.

Great place for a date night! Wait staff was really nice. Good drinks and food, will definitely be back again.

A fantastic meal on a Friday night at this spot on foodie-heaven Glenwood Avenue. It's a storefront shop, with 18 tables and half dozen bar seats inside plus another 10 or so tables on the sidewalk-turned-patio. The interior is eclectic, lots and lots of plants including a gorgeous live plant wall at the back. Service is excellent. Reservation honored to the minute. Our server, Stephanie, did great work - explained the menu, made some recommendations and paced the meal perfectly. Thank you! Started with some sangria. A fruity red blend, this house-special concoction includes a couple of shots (maybe bourbon, maybe vodka - I can't remember). Beautifully garnished with an orange slice and including one of those awful paper straws. (Sorry, environment - plastic straws are superior). Tried a couple of the small plates, and one of the large plates. Starting with charred octopus. A 6-inch grill-charred tentacle is served atop a concoction of butter beans, peas, black eyed peas, parmesan butter and sprinkled with chives. Don't get hung up on the appearance of the octopus... it's really delicious. Firm, vaguely calamari-like in texture and taste. The accompanying beans concoction is outstanding. The sauce is perfectly spiced (garlicky), the beans the ideal texture. Yum! Next, tried Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp). 6 tail-on butterflied shrimp are gorgeously broiled and served in a luscious garlic-butter lemon sauce. Shrimp have a nice crisp snap to the bite. And that sauce! Perfect to dip the accompanying baguette. Also had chargrilled oysters. 6 oysters, smokily char-grilled then topped with panko, shredded prosciutto, shards of red onion and parmesan cheese. Then broiled to crunch up the top and slathered with garlic butter. WOW! Not the slurping kind of oysters, but these are excellent. Lastly, tried Pinche Carne Asada. 4 slices of perfect medium rare steak are served over a melange of broccoli, mushrooms sauteed in tallow, topped with a broiled green onion and surrounded by smoked potatoes. Now THIS is how to cook hanger steak. Fork tender, juicy, bursting with flavor. The vegetables perfectly accented by the sauce, smoky potatoes outstanding for fork-mashing to absorb the juices. Tab for dinner $132 with 2 cocktails. Well worth it for the high quality food in a trendy, cool environment with top notch service. Recommended!

In town for 2 nights for work decided to try out Cortez after read reviews. I started with a Glenwood Sangria to drink and ordered the Gambas Al Ajillo which are shrimp in a garlic butter lemon sauce with ciabatta bread garnished with cilantro. The shrimp was very tasty with the sauce and the ciabatta worked great to savor the flavor of the sauce. I then ordered the NC Big Eye Tuna A La diablas served with oyster mushrooms, chimichurri, smoked papas and black beans. Waiting for order now...... Great meal the Big Eye Tuna! Loved the oyster mushrooms and smoked papas. With the black bean sauce. Enjoyed every bite. Cortez is now on my short list for Raleigh eateries. Thanks.

This place was absolutely amazing. Chose to celebrate our 3rd anniversary here, and the oysters and shrimp were PHENOMENAL on their own, but the staff went out of there way to make us feel so special, with dessert and champagne to end our meal. It will be a repeat date night spot, we loved it!

Food, Service and Ambience- The Cortez has them all! Highly recommend the whole fish - light, flaky and delicious! The soft shell crab was also excellent!

I came here on the recommendation of a friend. Had the oysters and the papas (potatoes). Also had the ceviche. The oysters were nice; a good variety and very fresh. The potatoes were very flavorful and the star of the evening. But the ceviche turned out to be a hard pass. It did not have much fish in it ) mostly tomatoes and vegetables) and it was not well marinated. Despite that, it was soupy. I was disappointed. The location is great to experience Glenwood South, the service was helpful and fast, and it wasn't too noisy. I'd go back for the papas, but I'll probably stick with St Roch for my oysters. The variety at Cortez is a bit more limited.

Came here for a business dinner and WOW - absolutely would come here again. Ambiance gives me a Florida type vibe with greenery and florals around the restaurant. Service was quick and attentive. Our group was big and there were multiple servers taking care of our group. Nothing ever went empty or without. I like that they change out your plates during the meal so that you're really getting the individual taste of each dish; to note - this may have been because we were doing shareable plates during the whole meal (appetizers) instead of entree plates. The food - amazing! I'm not a huge seafood person but I was so impressed with how each dish had my pallet so intrigued by the beautiful flavors. Chargrilled oysters were bomb - I ended up putting them on a tortilla chip and called it my "oyster nacho" instead of putting it on a cracker. Yum! The butter sauce from the Gambas Al Ajillo was delectable, just wanted to keep dipping the bread into it. Snapper ceviche was also a fave! Seriously, everything that came out was delicious. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Raleigh!

I'll caveat this review with the fact I'm allergic to seafood. That being said, The Cortez did NOT disappoint for this landlubber. Vibrant location on Glenwood S with verdant, eye-popping decor. They put a ton of heart and craft into their dishes. And while I'd rather have a ribeye or strip than hanger steak, the marinade and execution on theirs was amazing. The loaded papas were one of the better potato-based dishes I've had, loaded up with the good stuff. And the smashburger can definitely hold its own. You can tell Chef Diaz is very intentional with all his choices. Had to give 4 stars for a bad dirty martini. Filled halfway up the glass, zero olives or accoutrement, lukewarm. I understand they have a big focus on their cocktail menu, but when you're charging those prices, you gotta have the fundamentals covered, too.

I have to leave a better review--I LOVE this place. Seriously, everything about it: the interior decor is delightfully tropical, the music is vibey and perfect(and they know it so they make their playlist available on their instagram), the service is so timely and thoughtful. Perfect place for a casual date, dinner with friends, or drinks before a night on the town! The food however is the main event!! They do have a rotating menu so there are some items that won't always be available but luckily their staples are the best items! The food portions are family style so I generally order several dishes in no particular order. Here are my absolute favorites: Gambas shrimp: perfectly textured butterflied shrimp in a slightly spicy but incredibly flavorful chili oil, if you love shrimp you will not regret this! NC papas: I love potatoes so maybe I'm biased but whew! They serve whole potatoes topped and surrounded by a combination of wonderful sauces and cheeses and veggies....the sauce was so good I did dip everything I had in it lol Charred octopus: nice firm yet chewy texture and wonderful smokey finish. The cannellini bean and tomato base takes it over the edge in the best way! Carne asada: delightful texture when cooked medium (don't get medium well unless you want it well done!) and so flavorful! This came with a delicious beany base as well that paired perfectly with the meat. I always end up happy grooving in my seat during my meal lol Thank you for a mouth watering experience EVERY time!

My husband and I love The Cortez. We are never disappointed with the ambiance, service or food! This is a MUST for any occasion!

To start the restaurant was packed and we didn't know if we could sit down to eat but the hostess was very kind and was able to squeeze us in. The restaurant was beautiful and the food? Amazing our server/bartender was attentive and kind. Would definitely recommend.

Located right in the heart of Glenwood Avenue, the tropical greenery-adorned restaurant offers a front seat view of the bustling nightlife nearby. First impressions: beautiful modern decor, plants and light strewn across the dining room, laminated wooden tables accented by warm candlelight. Great ambiance for an intimate dinner or date night. A closer look drew attention to some cobwebs hanging off some of the said plants. Not the greatest look. Service was decently quick, but wasn't personable or memorable in any way. Because of the proximity to the open kitchen, you can hear the chefs firing off entrees and appetizers, giving it a little bit more of a homey feel. We ordered the gambas al ajillo to start and two of the "Fine-apple" cocktails. The gambas were beautifully plated and had a rich, buttery flavor with just a hint of citrus but were pretty salty. Even when paired with the toasted bread, the profile was overwhelmed by the saltiness. Appreciated the butterflied cut of the shrimp, but there were way too many bits of the shells left over, making it a much messier affair. Cocktails were a little on the bitter side considering they seemed to be fruitier in nature, not sure if that's because they were stronger or just weren't mixed with the proportions to smooth out the flavor. Entrées: - swordfish and mash - pinche carne asada Again, awesome presentation. But again, overwhelmingly salty. Swordfish was seared and had a nice browned top, solid texture. I think there was supposed to be a brown butter sauce and broccolini(?), but I can't say I was able to taste *anything* outside of salt. Big chunks of lazily chopped mushrooms underneath the fish, all just drenched in salt. Not even the mashed potatoes could offset the sodium overload. His carne asada, served over a mix of veggies, was cooked pretty on point to medium doneness. That's about the extent of the positives, as the saltiness made the dish difficult to get through. For plates priced at $36-$39 respectively, you'd definitely expect better. We thought we'd check out the Cortez because of the great reviews and because it seemed like a nice place to celebrate a promotion (judging from the pictures anyway), but our experience fell way short. We left feeling like we would've been better satisfied going to La Santa or any other decent place with Mexican fare for great food at half the price, substantially larger portions and... not getting drowned in salt. It'd be one thing if the dining experience were elevated in anyway, but unfortunately this time was quite the opposite. Yeah, that's gonna be a no from me, dawg.

The ambiance was awesome! It is very lively and something special. The drinks had some good flavor, and they made sense with the items on the menu. We got the oysters, and unfortunately, there was a lot of shell stuck in the oyster, and they tasted like basically charcoal. Maybe I'm just not a fan of oysters. I also got the shrimp tacos breaded in corn, and it was delicious. My girlfriend got the carne asada and it was cooked exactly as we asked and it was also amazing. The server was very quick to help and had lots of recommendations for what we should choose, but you should definitely just get what you want and trust your gut! Overall the Cortez was a nice experience.

The ambiance is really cute here but it's quite small & hard to get reservations. I'm not a big seafood fan but this place was pretty good! My family really enjoyed it. My favorite was the steak and the oysters were yummy

The Cortez has a very interesting menu, which what drew me in. Who doesn't love a choice between Gambas and pulpo? My server was Super friendly and helpful. When my charred pulpo (octopus) came out almost too charred to eat she took care of things. Too bad I can't say the same for the bartender who denied me Happy Hour pricing. Oysters were yummy. Looking forward to going back.

This place is amazing. Service, drinks, and all tapas are 10/10. I would highly recommend visiting for a date night

Some of the best food and cocktails I've ever had. Do yourself a favor and order the soft shell crab, churros, and bikini bottom! Will absolutely be coming back if in the area.

The food is amazing!! We traveled from VA to Raleigh just to try the food and we were not disappointed. The photo speaks for itself.

The mussels with tomato based sauce and sausage - perhaps the best I have ever had. Cevice - excellent. Oysters - excellent. Hangar steak - awesome. Shrimp tacos - very good. Swordfish - very good. Burger - excellent. Service was great, will definitely be back!

I have only been to Cortez once for food, and I go upstairs a lot to Cuya for drinks. But when i tell you that one time was amazing. I went with friends for a birthday and we all shared food here and there. I think i had the best oysters there ever. It was so good it melted in my mouth. The vibes and music are great, and the service is also great.

Our friend invited us to celebrate a birthday dinner there. We arrived around 9pm. I proceeded to order a beverage at the bar since they were all there waiting to be seated. I left a bill to pay for it and then went to the restroom. When I came back, my change back was short. I was confused, and then I asked if there had been a menu adjustment. I was told, "we don't have coins." That left me more confused. So she proceeded to "throw" a whole dollar bill onto the counter. Needless to say, I left it right where she put it. We then proceeded to sit down. We had a large table in the middle of the floor due to our party size. Menus were out, and we began to order accordingly. When we finished, approved by establishment, then workers began to shut the place down. Taking away chairs and tables. We had not even paid yet. The whole check out process was unprofessional and very frustrating. We were charged incorrectly and had to wait a massive amount of time. The dance floor started to get filled with people and we still had not paid. We were basically pushed out! It was not a good experience at all. I still feel I was overcharged. We will NOT go back. Adjust your business and let us know what you can do for the huge inconvenience you caused us that night and maybe we will think about inviting our friends there again.

I'm not sure what else to say other than: What an exquisite experience!!! Everyone should visit this place! The décor of the place is quite nice and nautical, with accents of wood, plants, and scales. I would highly recommend reserving a table if you come on a weekend for dinner. We came on a Saturday night, and it was packed. We got the Gambas and oysters for a starter, which were delicious. My husband got the Halibut and said that it was the best fish dishes he's ever had. I had the Carne Asada and the dish was very flavorful. It was seasoned to perfection. The churros were very disappointing. They tasted odd but nice presentation! Price is a little bit higher, but quality shows and is worth it. The service was also very friendly and pleasant.

I tend to avoid Glenwood South but I will happily go for The Cortez anytime!! We ordered the NC Tiradito, smoked NC Papas, bread & weed butter, chargrilled oysters, and shrimp tacos. Everything was so delicious and the flavors of each dish were perfect. The best part was the little bit of spice in each dish that was wonderfully balanced. And the cocktails were really good. The service was fantastic as well. Definitely recommend and will definitely return soon!

Great ambiance, fantastic food, can't go wrong with any dish. Great cocktail menu! This place is one of the hottest in the Triangle.