Ceviche By The Sea - Fort Lauderdale

Let me start by saying that as a first timer, we were intrigued by the $59 special dinner for two with a bottle of wine. Our waiter was nice, service was good. But I was absolutely shocked and appalled to find out that they make their ceviche with the lowest, cheapest, most toxic form of fish, even lower than tilapia. They use SWAI...an Asian catfish imported that is so filled with mercury and toxins, I wouldn't touch the stuff with a 10 foot pole. Unfortunately, I did not find this out until after they brought me my ceviche and I happened to ask what kind of fish they used. I did not eat any of it, instead opting to share my husband's dinner. For a nice restaurant, you guys seriously need to get rid of this garbage fish and start using more quality fish like Corvina, grouper, mahi.... any wild caught fish. We will never ever return because of this reason, I'm so upset because I had high hopes for this place. If anyone has any qualms about what I am saying, check out this site about this awful fish .. [hidden link]

As a Peruvian, I am obligated to have a bias towards Peruvian cuisine. I've been to this place when it first opened and the food was well-recognized and awarded. You go into the bathroom and see all the articles and awards from 2014. Since then the place has unfortunately gone downhill. Out of it all, I would recommend Choros as la Chalaca. If you want fresh ceviche don't go here. If you want unfriendly servers, look for the one that looks like

My friend and I indulged in Yucca Croquettes and Vuelve A La Vida (Back to Life) Ceviche. There is complimentary roasted corn with salt, which I regretfully over-consumed. Everything was delicious and beautifully plated. We especially enjoyed the ceviche. My friend said that the ceviche is the best she has ever had. The ceviche really brought us back to life. We feel like a new person! Our server, José was great. He was attentive and very friendly. The ambience of the restaurant is classy and modern. The food takes a while, BUT, the wait is completely worth it. We could tell the food was made from the heart.

So I'm not sure how we have never been here. If you like ceviche you should definitely try this place. We ordered way too much food and limped back to the car but it was so delicious and totally worth it. We ordered the shrimp chowder, grilled octopus, ceviche sampler, and the chicharrones. For dessert we ordered the panna cotta and creme brulee. And don't forget to order an entree and check in to get a free glass of house wine! The red was pretty good, even better that it was FREE! All three ceviches on the sampler were outstanding. I have no doubt that mango ceviche will be in my dreams for years to come. Definitely will be making this our new ceviche place instead of the place across the street from our house. Driving 15-20 minute to have this quality of food is a no brained for me.

It's closed now. We would have a lot of good meals here seasonally. Sad to see it go.