Popular Mexico City Seafood Chain Will Land in Chula Vista

A well-established, Mexico City-based mariscos restaurant is expanding into the United States, with its first north of the border location slated to open by the end of the year at The Marketplace at Windingwalk center in the Eastlake community of Chula Vista, where it replaces Oggi’s Pizza. El Peladito will be bringing the fresh, Sinaloa-style of seafood which has made its five existing locations a hit in the Mexican capital, with signature items including lime-cured aguachile shrimp, tostadas, molcajete bowls, and coal-grilled pescado zarandeado — a whole marinated red snapper. The full bar will be pouring select domestic and Mexican labels, cocktails, and will feature a wide assortment of tequila and mezcal options.

With construction to the dining space currently underway, general manager Alejandra Herrera told Eater the marisqueria will accommodate seating for 180 across a floor plan that will feature two sections of indoor seating — a standard dining area and a section with high tables to resemble a sports bar — as well as outdoor seating. In addition to 18 TVs that will screen sports games, El Peladito’s management said additional entertainment will include arcade games and a batting cage setup, which aligns with its baseball-themed branding.