In 1981, Don Arnulfo Contreras and his wife María Inés Curiel, driven by a vision and deep love for their heritage, opened a small restaurant in Spring Valley. They named it Karina’s, after their daughter, unaware that this humble beginning would blossom into a beloved collection of five restaurants across Southern California. Don Arnulfo, recognizing the yearning of fellow immigrants for genuine Mexican flavors, set out to create an establishment that felt like a true taste of home.
From its modest start 35 years ago, Karina’s Mexican Seafood has grown into a local favorite with locations in Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, Encinitas, and San Diego. Loyal customers flock to Karina’s day after day to indulge in their renowned Mexican seafood specialties. The menu is a vibrant celebration of the ocean’s bounty, featuring traditional Shrimp and Tuna Ceviches, the fiery Aguachile from Sinaloa, refreshing Shrimp Cocktails, hearty Campechanas, and flavorful Tostadas. Karina’s prides itself on using only the freshest and finest seafood, ensuring every dish is a testament to quality. Signature items like Huachinango Sarandeado and Siete Mares, alongside comforting Tia Nacha Taquitos, highlight the depth and breadth of their culinary offerings.
Stepping into any Karina’s Mexican Seafood location is an immersive sensory experience. The vibrant atmosphere is a feast for the eyes, ears, and nose. Colorful décor, lively music, and tantalizing aromas fill the air, creating an ambiance of warm Mexican hospitality. Traditional Mexican art and cultural figures adorn the walls, including specially commissioned portraits of iconic stars from classic Mexican cinema like Maria Felix, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, and Sara Garcia.
The sounds of Mexico resonate throughout Karina’s, often featuring engaging Mariachi performances. These musicians, with their passionate songs of love and longing, evoke a powerful sense of Mexican heritage. For both Mexican and American patrons, the music serves as a nostalgic reminder of the Mexico that Don Arnulfo and his family carried with them on their journey to achieve the American dream.
Karina’s Mexican Seafood was built on the foundation of offering authentic, family-style Mexican cuisine, prepared with the genuine passion of the Contreras Curiel family. Their goal has always been to make every guest feel like part of their familia. For three generations, family members have dedicated themselves to providing personalized service and a welcoming environment, ensuring that every visit to Karina’s feels like coming home.
Wherever you find a Karina’s Mexican Seafood restaurant, you’ll discover more than just a meal; you’ll find a genuine piece of Mexico, a testament to family, tradition, and the vibrant flavors of Mexican seafood.
