Zarapé Cocina & Cantina Lands in Long Beach

WeHo favorite Zarapé Cocina & Cantina has brought its beloved cuisine, cocktails and chic vibe to Belmont Shore in Long Beach.

Founders Stefano Mozher and Onesimo “Oni” Mendez originated “Mexi-Medi” cuisine, and coined the term to describe the style of their made-to-order fresh fare, inspired by Mediterranean influences infused with authentic Mexican flavors—spanning Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco, and Veracruz.

An airy and inviting 100-seat indoor-outdoor eatery and bar on walkable 2^nd Street in the charming seaside village of Belmont Shore, Zarapé serves clean, fresh Mexi-Medi dishes and craft cocktails from their scratch kitchen, which uses only fresh, natural, or raw ingredients, with no additives, fillers, cans, or jars.

Adding to the vibrant vibe found in Belmont Shore, Zarapé’s bar program features inventive margaritas, such as the Coconut Lavender and Watermelon Mint, craft cocktails, including the Oaxacan Negroni, the popular House Famous Espresso Martini, and a variety of tequilas, including its own 100% agave Zarapé Silver and Reposado Tequilas. And, of course, all mixers are made in-house.

Standout Summer dishes include the Blue Fin Ahi Tuna Tostada, Spicy Charred Octopus, Watermelon Queso Fresco salad, Poblano-Mash Lamb Chops, Cioppino de Ensenada, and Mexican-Style Seafood Paella.

Step inside the space and you’ll immediately be taken by the jubilant décor of the elevated-casual space featuring burnt-orange and golden hues and artfully hand-painted Día de los Muertos murals, including a mesmerizing portrait of the folklore icon La Catrina.

During our recent visit for boozy weekend brunch, we started with cocktails, and the Beso Negro with mezcal, lime juice, organic agave, Cointreau orange, and charcoal, along with the Cadillac with tequila reposado, organic agave, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau orange did not disappoint. These are lovely libations to start any festivity. The Beso Negro, in particular, is a solid drink as the mezcal really plays well and the charcoal makes for cool photos.

The Taquitos—three crispy corn tortillas with avocado, salsa, creama, guacamole, queso fresco, pico de gallo with your choice of beef, chicken or potatoes are a standout starter. Likewise, the Mahi Mahi Mango Ceviche with mahi mahi, mango, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and mango citrus is a winner for any seafood lover.

And since we’re talking brunch, you can’t go wrong with an order or mole chilaquiles. Now this is what Mexican style brunch is all about. And the sunny side up eggs on top along with the mighty mole sauce just elevates the whole experience.

A boozy brunch staple, of course, is the Blood Mary—vodka, lime juice, bloody mix, and olives—but here you can make it a Bloody Maria with tequila instead of vodka. There’s something special about a Bloody Mary/Maria that makes boozy brunch just right.

If you’ve come with an appetite or an adventurous group or you just want leftovers, the Taco Bar for 2 menu is a crowd-pleaser, especially the Molcajete, which features a bounty of meats, including 10oz marinated grilled black angus ribeye asada steak, grilled chicken breast, Michoacån style carnitas, jumbo prawns, Oaxacan cheese blend, grilled cactus, grilled onions and zucchini, pico de gallo, grilled cebollitas, grilled serrano, served with a side of mint rice, black bean, housemade corn tortillas, salsa verde, guajillo and molcajete.

A molcajete is a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made from porous volcanic basalt rock that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. The heated rock retains high temperatures well, which is perfect for serving sizzling meats, cactus, cheese, and spicy salsa (molcajete mixto).

Almost bordering on food challenge in size, this is a feast for two and then some loaded with absolute goodness. We’re talking Taco Town galore here—asada tacos, shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, and of course the cheese, yes, the cheese is killer.

Molcajete feast

If you just did margaritas and the Molcajete, you will leave a very satisfied customer. Boozy brunch followed by a nap sounds like a good weekend to me.

Daily happy hour is from 2:30-6:30pm and offers a specially created menu with 15+ shareable appetizers from $6-$15, and select vineyard-direct and imported European wines, Mexican beers, and craft cocktails from $9-$12.

Zarapé Cocina & Cantina is located at 4702 2^nd Street in Long Beach. Open daily. Call (562) 342-4036.