Za Za Zá

Tucked into a side alley of Frogtown’s upscale Mexican restaurant Loreto, Za Za Zá operates as a delightful surprise—a daytime-only mariscos window that transforms an unassuming corner into a Baja beach escape. From noon until 3:30pm, while the main restaurant appears shuttered, this hidden gem serves up some of the best casual seafood in Los Angeles. The patio alone feels like you’ve been transported to a Cabo resort, complete with colorful umbrellas and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger all afternoon.

The menu leans into bright, fresh Baja flavors with standout dishes that justify the somewhat elevated prices for window service. The shrimp costra is the undisputed champion here—a flour tortilla gets a crackling cheese crust and is stuffed with creamy frijoles and a luscious shrimp filling that could double as a dip. The yellowtail tostada is another showstopper, with silky sashimi balanced by tangy tobiko mayo and the savory punch of bonito flakes. Even the micheladas arrive cold enough to rival deep space temperatures, making them the perfect companion to whatever ceviche-topped creation you order.

This isn’t cheap eats—even a single taco runs around nine dollars—but Za Za Zá positions itself as the place for a proper blowout lunch rather than a quick bite. The experience is best enjoyed when you arrive right at noon, claim a spot under those resort-worthy umbrellas, and settle in for a leisurely afternoon of seafood cocktails and fish tacos. The staff will eventually need to clear the patio for dinner service, and honestly, that’s the only thing that will get you to leave.

For anyone seeking a midday escape without leaving the city, Za Za Zá delivers an unexpectedly transportive experience. It’s the kind of place that proves sometimes the best things are hiding just around the corner—or in this case, in the alley of a restaurant that looks completely closed.