Meaning “tiny islands” in Spanish, Las Islitas is a family run Sacramento establishment specializing in mariscos al estilo Nayarit, or Nayarit (location) style seafood.

Indeed, our seafood-filled adventure began with ceviche instead of salsa, with white fish and vegetables “cooked” in lime juice, served with crunchy tostada shells. Piping hot shrimp empanadas, or deep fried fritters, came next, served with a spicy jalapeno-cliantro salsa. Aguas frescas in tamarind and jamaica as well as horchata were available to cool the spice. Very important, as deliciously seasoned peel-and-eat shrimp kora and spicy mussels were passed around on heaping platters.

After a brief pause for the kitchen to regroup, gigantic platters with the main course were served. Fajitas- both chicken and beef, dominated the plates, with deep fried shrimp, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese, rice, beans and fresh green salad on the side. Styrofoam take out containers were passed around and loaded with leftovers. Anyone who still had room was also treated to delicious home baked chocolate cake.

Tucked to the side of a strip mall off of Florin road, Las Islitas is a jewel of the sea in South Sacramento. Special thanks to new Sacramento Epicurean Michelle L. for providing some of the photos used in the collage.

Las Islitas