Ceviche Out East
I drove past Islas Las Marias Mexican restaurant for ages on my way to Phat Bites, assuming the Donelson Pike eatery offered standard issue splat-Mex. Not sure what finally lured me in—probably I noticed the word “mariscos” painted on the front window. It translates as “seafood,” but to me it’s a flashing, multicolored banner reading “YOUR CEVICHE IS HERE—SLAM ON THE BRAKES. PARK ANYWHERE. HURRY.”
And it’s a sensational fish ceviche, worth slamming on the brakes. Served salad-style, hand-chopped, full of lime and cilantro flavors and in a generous portion for $7. There’s a different, equally good shrimp ceviche in a spicy tomato marinade, some bites being one-alarm spicy and others two-alarm. It’s an equally big portion for $8.
There’s also a lunch menu, and maybe sometime we’ll try the other foods. But so far, there’s no reason not to get the ceviche.
Islas Las Marias
450 Donelson Pike
871-0009
Comments
We just had lunch there and I must say it was excellent. I had the mixed ceviche w/octopus, fish, crab meat, and shrimp. Very fresh, full of cilantro and a very mild spiciness to it. We also had the tacos al pastor, not as good as Los Arcos’ version, but still delicious.
Posted 08/26/2008 at 12:11:04 PMI'm a longtime fan of the Mexican ceviche (La Hacienda offers a mean tostada ceviche for like 3 bucks or so), so I will definitely check this out at some point...
Posted 08/26/2008 at 12:27:13 PMHappened to catch this pro-ceviche entry right before lunchtime today... This left me (and 3 others I dragged along) no choice but to run exit 216C. I do not regret the decision! Ceviche was fresh, flavorful amd filling. I was a little thrown off by the Saltines, but quickly appreciated their ability to offset the spicy dish.
I filled our waitress in on how we found out about the place -- she was pretty pumped about the news!
Great find, y'all. And, if you aren't a fish fan, tasty steak quesadilla available for your dining pleasure.
Posted 08/26/2008 at 07:38:46 PMI just moved here from Arizona a few months ago and was looking for a little restaurant that would remind me of home. Being from the southwest, I am in love with all Mexican food.
This place hit the spot. They have great food and have been very hospitable. It is the most authentic I found in the Donelson area. I would recommend it to anyone.
Posted 08/27/2008 at 08:14:13 AMTwo questions, do they only have shellfish ceviche or fish ceviche also? And how is the rest of the food?
And has anyone tried Los Rosales on Bell Rd. in Antioch? I didn't have ceviche but great Mexican.
Posted 08/27/2008 at 09:48:17 PMThis post makes me so excited! I've been wondering where to find ceviche in Nashville - and more importantly, where to trust it....thanks!
Posted 08/28/2008 at 03:18:59 PMAmy, their ceviche is fish-only ceviche, and there is a completely different and separate shrimp ceviche. Lesley of lesleyeats.com loves Los Rosales -- she has a whole post about her meals there. You two should chat!
Posted 08/28/2008 at 08:02:52 PMcool. i'll have to give it a try.
Posted 08/29/2008 at 03:28:12 PM