Ceviche is the perfect food. This is a fact that has been irrefutably proven by science. Since I consider it my personal mission to spread the ceviche gospel far and wide (I’ve shepherded at least 10 friends and 3 boyfriends through their first transcendent ceviche experiences), I thought it highly important to compile a list of places you can go get some fork-fulls of lime-y seafood heaven on this important national holiday. I, of course, am partial to the Peruvian variant, which also happens to be objectively the best. Again, science has proven this.
But go forth, try a bunch, and see for yourselves!
Aromas del Peru
930 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33134
National holidays are cause for celebration. Rally a crew for a ceviche and pisco party at this upscale Gables spot, where you can try varieties like ceviche clasico al ají limo, ceviche bachiche, ceviche de camarones al olivo, and ceviche de tuna chino latino, among others. For $60 a person you get to eat to your heart’s content and wash it all down with four different varieties of pisco (if you prefer beer, Cusqueñas are only $3 all night). DJ Wasabi will be spinning tunes to keep the party going. Get tickets here.
MPP Brickell
141 SW 7th St., Miami, FL 33130
MPP stands for “Mi Propiedad Privada,” – which is both the title of a famous song from Peru’s criollo musical repertoire, and the inspiration for the name of this well-known cevicheria in Lima. Due to its popularity, Peruvian State Agency PROMPERU deemed it an “exportable restaurant,” and it has opened a sister restaurant in Brickell (with chefs brought straight from Lima). Stop by for an affordable $10 selection of their numerous popular ceviche styles.
My Ceviche
235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Everything at this South Beach hole in the wall is made freshly on the spot. They offer a combination of traditional, Peruvian-style ceviche as well as their unique twist on the dish called “ceviche bowls,” which features ceviche served over your choice of cilantro quinoa, jasmine rice, or mixed lettuces. In honor of National Ceviche day they’re offering 25% off all in-store orders, so make sure to pop in for a cheap treat.
Mercadito
3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137
This Midtown Mexican spot is offering a special lobster ceviche on this, the most hallowed of national holidays. Unlike the Peruvian varieties, it adds some exciting fruits and veggies to the mix: green tomatoes, pineapples, chile de arbol, red onions and pumpkin seeds, add flavor to the fresh poached lobster.
Jaguar Ceviche
3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, FL 33313
Last, but not least, is the place that won Miami New Times’ “Best Ceviche of 2013.” Take a date to Coconut Grove and order the sampler platter for two, which comes with lobster tail ceviche (featuring mint, mango and avocado), choros a la chalaca (mussels covered in lime juice and diced ají), and ceviche tostadas (toasted tortillas covered with ceviche peruano and ceviche los cabos). Did we mention that this bounty of food will only set you back $20? PLUS, if you order during the 4-7pm weekday happy hour you can pair your plate with a $5 cocktail.