Opening its doors to the public last Wednesday, the new seafood restaurant Dos Pescados has already made waves in Aptos. The establishment, an eager project from chef Trent Lidgey and seasoned restaurateur Brandon Smittcamp, resides in the space once occupied by the longstanding Palapas Restaurant y Cantina. The duo brings a combined wealth of experience to the venture, with Lidgey having honed his skills at notable establishments such as Atelier Crenn and Australia's Brae restaurant, while Smittcamp is known for his successful restaurants including the Lime Lite, Heirloom, and Butterfish in Fresno.
While the establishment showcases the same mesmerizing coastal views admired by diners of the former tenant, it asserts its distinct culinary edge through Lidgey's seafood-centric fare and Smittcamp's hospitality experience. As reported by Eater San Francisco, Lidgey noted, "My cuisine is largely seafood-based, and if you're looking at the coast, that's what I want to be eating." A sentiment that echoes throughout the restaurant's new menu, attentive to tradition and culinary innovation.
Dos Pescados nods to its heritage with a menu featuring the likes of aguachile, leche de tigre, and various ceviches. The taco selection has been expanded, and patrons will find a variety of toppings with tortillas still made in-house. According to Eater San Francisco, Lidgey is particularly fond of the vegan menu item, a summer squash taco with salsa macha wrapped in a blue masa tortilla. "They're one of my favorite tacos on the menu," he says. Following a significant remodel, the revamped kitchen is also equipped to offer more sizable dishes like kampachi collar al pastor and blue prawns "a la plancha".
Adding to the appeal, the restaurant's cocktail menu features "crushable" refreshments with ingredients mixed in-house. Standouts include a trio of margaritas and the tres leches espressotini—a unique twist on a classic—revealed in an interview by Eater San Francisco. For those looking for something with a bite, El Pepino is another highlight, in which tequila is mixed with refreshing cucumber and citrus and topped with ginger beer. "Trying to try to push the boundaries a little bit, but still stay in the realm of approachable at the same time", described Lidgey about his approach.
Located at 21 Seascape Village, Dos Pescados deeply respects local partnerships, prioritizing freshness, quality, and sustainability in their ingredient sourcing. As highlighted on their website, the restaurant's dedication to this ethos benefits the local community and enriches the guest experience with the finest our region can provide. The restaurant is closed for anyone planning to visit and will resume welcoming guests on Wednesday at 11 AM.
