When I went to their grand opening I met owner Vicente Del Rio, and he was so warm and welcoming. He told me to come back to do a real tasting. Vicente is also the original founder of all the Cantina Frida restaurants around Southern California, which was a tasting in Beverly Hills I did back in July. Once again, he welcomed me at my tasting, he is just sweet, generous and kind, such a gentle man. He turned me over to general manager Adelmo Rivas, who also made me feel right at home. I marked the menu off of what I was interested in trying and he made my culinary experience just simply delightful. My server Natalie Conejo was the perfect addition as well, always making sure I had exactly what I needed to make my tasting a success.
The interior is very elegant and inviting. With its gorgeous monochromatic colors and beautiful art piece, it will make any diner feel comfortable. They have a nice well-rounded play list of organic music. The bar area is also super lively and can be a great spot to meet for happy hour with friends.
Here’s What I Tried:
Entradas:
Guacamole, with avocado, onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, prepared tableside. This guacamole is just perfection, I opted not to put in the jalapenos, so it was very mellow and smooth.
Elotes / esquites, with Mexican street corn, mayo, cotija, chili powder, and fresh lime. I love the way they do their corn; it is tangy, smoky, just delicious.
Quesadilla, with shrimp, very straight forward, a real crowd pleaser.
Sopas and Ensaladas:
Pozole, soup with hominy, shredded chicken, corn tostada, radishes, cabbage, onion, oregano, and crushed chile de arbol. Ok this soup is just the bomb, it’s a version of Jewish penicillin but Mexican, I would order this every time.
Tostada Salad, with spring mix, tomato, queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, white rice, black beans, and orange dressing. This would be my go-to salad. It has got everything you would want in this type of salad, and its huge, enough for 2-3 people. The dressing is wonderful, with the rice and beans its very filling.
Ceviches:
Ceviche tasting, three of their signature ceviches: pescado, camaron, Acapulco, and aguachile. Each one is unique and super fresh, a great start to my meal.
Los Tacos – Handmade corn tortilla, flour tortilla:
Pollo mole, Chicken simmered in a chili-chocolate sauce. This one is by far my favorite, I just loved all the chocolate smoky goodness in the mole sauce.
Chile relleno, battered Santa Fe pepper, layer of melted cheese, morita sauce. This is a very unique taco, it’s a chili relleno wrapped with a tortilla, and super yummy.
Quesabirria, marinated shredded beef, layer of cheese. This is a crispy taco, which I just love, such rich crunchy goodness.
Baja, battered fish, cabbage, chipotle-mayo, pico de gallo. The fish is fresh and moist, another delectable menu item.
Sautéed shrimp, with Pico de Gallo, guacamole, chipotle-mayo. I am a shrimp lover, so this taco is in my culinary wheelhouse.
Zarandeado, grilled white fish, guajillo adobo, avocado, crispy onion, and chipotle-mayo. Another fantastic choice for an amazing taco.
Fajitas:
Fajitas Mixtas, with two of the following: beef tenderloin or grilled chicken, bell pepper, onion, tomato, Spanish rice, and pinto beans. This is a hot sizzling iron platter, and the meats are succulent and flavorful.
Mariscos:
Shrimp, Al mojo de ajo: butter-garlic sauce. They give you 4 plump large shrimp, with the garlic better, a true winner.
Enchiladas:
Three enchiladas, chicken or cheese. Rice and beans. trio: suiza, tapatia, mole. If you are an enchiladas lover, then this is your dish. The variety is astounding, each one has a completely different flavor profile.
Acompañamientos:
Grilled vegetables, carrots and zucchini, grilled to perfection.
Grilled asparagus, nice large asparagus strips, very tasty.
Pico de Gallo, one of my favorite salsa type side dishes.
Specialty Cocktails:
Cadillac margarita, Tequila, orange juice reduction, lime juice, and grand marnier. This is just the best margarita, it has no acidity so it goes down very smoothly.
Adelita, 1800 tequila, pineapple, cucumber, and fresh lime. You can really taste the cucumber, its is very soothing.
El Sol Margarita, Don Ramon Punta Diamante tequila, oj reduction, and lime juice. Another great cocktail.
House Wines:
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio
Each one of their house wines has great body and prefect characteristics. A good way to enjoy wine at affordable prices.
This place is so elevated, it is charming and hits all of the right notes. They have another location in Malibu. But next time you’re in Hollywood La Nena is a must try!
“Located in the heart of Hollywood, Columbia Square is a historic and vibrant area, home to creative businesses, cutting-edge media companies, and entertainment hubs. Their upscale Mexican restaurant in Columbia Square offers a sophisticated dining experience, blending modern Mexican cuisine with the glamour and energy of Hollywood. Guests can enjoy a refined atmosphere with a menu that celebrates bold flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.”
La Nena
6115 W Sunset Blvd. Suite 100,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
