Sioux Falls welcomes a fresh taste of the Mexican coast with the grand opening of La Playita, a new Mexican Seafood Restaurant specializing in vibrant flavors from the sea. Located at 5216 E. Arrowhead Parkway, La Playita, meaning “The Little Beach,” is the realization of a culinary dream for Yvonne Alvarez and her husband, Javier Solis Sr., and their family. This exciting new eatery promises to be a haven for seafood lovers, offering a diverse menu that goes beyond the typical Mexican fare.
Family owners of La Playita mexican seafood restaurant in Sioux Falls
For those in Sioux Falls who have been craving authentic mexican seafood restaurant experiences, often requiring trips to Sioux City or Omaha, La Playita arrives as a local answer to their desires. Javier Solis Jr. highlights the restaurant’s commitment to both familiar favorites and unique culinary creations. “We have seafood, but we also introduce our distinctive family seasonings and original recipes,” he explains. “Certainly, you’ll find classic seafood dishes, but we’re also excited to present flavors and dishes that might be entirely new to your palate.” This emphasis on unique seasonings and family recipes is key to what sets La Playita apart as a standout mexican seafood restaurant.
The menu at this mexican seafood restaurant is a treasure trove for seafood enthusiasts. Diners can explore an impressive selection of 17 seafood appetizers, many substantial enough to be enjoyed as a full meal. Shrimp lovers will find eight dedicated entrees, alongside another eight featuring succulent octopus. The restaurant truly shines with its extensive offering of over 30 tilapia, salmon, and mahi-mahi dishes, showcasing the breadth of their seafood expertise.
Delicious seafood cocktail at La Playita mexican seafood restaurant
“Our grilled fish is a must-try,” Javier Solis Jr. recommends, describing a dish “smothered with a special homemade sauce, slowly cooked to perfection.” Understanding varied spice preferences, he adds, “Some dishes have a bit of spice, but we happily adjust to your liking. Just let us know ‘not too spicy,’ and we’ll customize it for you.” This commitment to customization ensures a welcoming experience for every guest at this mexican seafood restaurant.
La Playita’s specialties extend to six signature dishes, including the show-stopping La Playita Molcajete, a vibrant medley of various seafood. Seafood boils offer another interactive and flavorful dining experience, with options like crab legs, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, or clams. Soups are also featured, promising comforting and rich seafood broths. With most menu items priced between $20 and $40, La Playita positions itself as an accessible yet special mexican seafood restaurant destination.
Hearty seafood soup bowl at La Playita mexican seafood restaurant
For those new to mexican seafood restaurant cuisine, the staff at La Playita are eager to guide diners through the menu. Javier Solis Jr. assures, “If you’re unfamiliar with any dish, we’re happy to explain everything.” This welcoming approach is part of La Playita’s commitment to creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all diners.
Recognizing that not everyone in a dining party might be a seafood devotee, La Playita also caters to diverse tastes. The menu includes familiar favorites such as fajitas, grilled chicken breast, rib-eye steak with vegetables, and sirloin bites in ranchero sauce, served with beans and rice. This ensures that La Playita is a mexican seafood restaurant that can satisfy a wide range of preferences.
The ambiance of La Playita is designed to transport guests to a relaxed beachside setting. The decor incorporates a thatched “roof” over the bar, a fishing boat suspended from the ceiling, and a surfboard adorning the wall, creating a fun and immersive “little beach” atmosphere right in Sioux Falls. This themed decor enhances the overall dining experience, making La Playita more than just a mexican seafood restaurant; it’s a mini-vacation.
The bar area inside La Playita mexican seafood restaurant with beach themed decor
While awaiting its full liquor license, La Playita currently offers a selection of beer, wine, and wine-based cocktails, expected to be fully available later this month. In the meantime, guests can choose from Pepsi products, lemonade, and refreshing orange juice drinks mixed with carbonated water.
La Playita welcomes diners from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extends its hours to 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, accommodating both lunch and dinner crowds.
Prior to its official opening, the family hosted a preview meal for friends and family, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Javier Solis Jr. shares with pride, “They didn’t just like it – they loved it! It’s my mom’s food, and their praise makes me incredibly happy because, in my opinion, her cooking is the absolute best.” This heartfelt endorsement speaks volumes about the authentic and delicious experience awaiting guests at La Playita, Sioux Falls’ newest mexican seafood restaurant gem.
