Ensenada in Brooklyn: Where Pacific Coast Mexico Meets Venezuelan Passion

Tucked near the Williamsburg Bridge, Ensenada brings a sun-soaked coastal spirit to Brooklyn’s vibrant dining scene. Helmed by Chef Luis Herrera, this buzzy seafood-forward Mexican restaurant seamlessly blends influences from the shores of Baja California with the chef’s Venezuelan roots and refined New York kitchen experience. What began as a reinvention of a local vegan taco joint quickly evolved into one of Williamsburg’s most distinctive culinary destinations.

The Story Behind the Concept

Ensenada is named after a city on Mexico’s Pacific coast—a region known for its dynamic seafood cuisine, colorful street food, and breezy, unfussy dining culture. The idea to bring this coastal energy to Brooklyn came when Chef Luis Herrera and restaurateur Bryce David joined forces to transform the space once occupied by Black Flamingo, a vegan taco joint and nightclub.

Their vision was simple yet bold: create a laid-back, seafood-centric spot with paper napkins, a raw bar, and sharp ceviches that speak to Mexico’s west coast, all while honoring local sensibilities and New York’s deep love for global flavors. From the start, Ensenada was imagined as a culinary meeting point—a place where different traditions, techniques, and inspirations could collide in the most flavorful way.

Chef Luis Herrera’s Culinary Journey

Originally from Venezuela, Chef Luis Herrera didn’t initially set out to become an ambassador of Mexican coastal cuisine. But like many chefs whose journey spans continents and cultures, he found inspiration in exploration. His passion for Mexican food blossomed during his time at Cosme, Enrique Olvera’s celebrated fine-dining Mexican restaurant in the Flatiron District.

At Cosme, Herrera immersed himself in the regional intricacies of Mexican cuisine. He traveled throughout Mexico, documenting traditional recipes, studying local preparations, and refining his palate. These immersive experiences laid the foundation for his deep understanding of coastal Mexican cooking.

After leaving Cosme in 2017, Herrera expanded his culinary horizons by working in several critically acclaimed kitchens, including Michelin-starred Blanca and Outerspace in Bushwick. But the spark for Ensenada never left him—and with support from longtime industry colleagues and a shared creative vision, the restaurant took form.

Building the Dream Team

What truly sets Ensenada apart is not just its food, but the team behind it. Herrera brought on two of his former Cosme colleagues to help realize the vision: Jenn Muñiz as General Manager and Jorsand Diaz as Beverage Director. This trio, bonded by years of collaboration and a shared love for thoughtful hospitality, created a restaurant that balances warmth, expertise, and innovation.

Their combined experience is evident in everything—from the fine-tuned service to the carefully structured beverage program. It’s a team that understands both high-end dining precision and the relaxed joy of casual seafood feasts.

What Makes the Menu Special

Ensenada’s menu is a celebration of the ocean, featuring a bold variety of seafood dishes, many of which draw directly from Baja and Pacific Mexican traditions, with smart nods to New York City’s diverse culinary culture.

Raw & Refreshing

The raw bar is a cornerstone of the experience, featuring a rotating selection of ceviches, crudos, and aguachiles. Expect sharp citrus, smoky chiles, and pristine fish dressed with elegance but served with beach-town simplicity. These are dishes made for warm nights, cold drinks, and group sharing.

Hearty Tacos & Mains

Herrera’s Venezuelan heritage comes through subtly, woven into preparations and spices. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Fish Tacos with flaky battered catch of the day, cabbage slaw, and house aioli

• Octopus al Pastor, which flips the classic pork version into a smoky, tender seafood delicacy

• Scallop Aguachile, packed with serrano, lime, and herbs

• Smoked clam tostadas—a playful bite that’s both briny and crunchy

Though seafood dominates, the menu remains inclusive, with vegetarian options like masa-based dishes and charred seasonal vegetables receiving just as much love.

A Beverage Program That Complements the Coast

At Ensenada, drinks aren’t just an accompaniment—they’re part of the experience. Jorsand Diaz, with his deep understanding of agave spirits and cocktail composition, has curated a beverage list that’s both transportive and rooted in craftsmanship.

Expect:

• Natural wines from Mexico and Latin America

• Small-batch mezcals and tequilas

• Cocktails like the Tamarind Margarita and Chili-Lime Paloma, balanced and bright

• A thoughtful Michelada program with rotating spice blends

The bar feels like a place to linger. Whether you’re popping in for a drink and a snack or settling into a full meal, the beverage menu enhances every bite.

Vibe & Design: Baja Meets Brooklyn

The atmosphere at Ensenada is purposefully unfussy yet deeply considered. Think: hand-painted tiles, soft lighting, subtle ocean tones, and an open kitchen that adds energy to the space. The restaurant straddles the line between neighborhood casual and design-forward dining, making it feel equally appropriate for a quick weekday dinner or a celebratory night out.

There’s no pretense here—just good music, generous hospitality, and an easy-going rhythm that mirrors the Pacific lifestyle.

A Brooklyn Restaurant with Global Heart

Ensenada isn’t just another trend-chasing Mexican eatery. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the cross-cultural beauty of food. Chef Herrera honors the culinary techniques he’s studied, but also injects his own voice—a voice shaped by South American roots, high-end NYC kitchens, and a passion for the flavors of the Mexican coast.

In a borough teeming with creative restaurants, Ensenada still manages to feel fresh. It’s partly because of the unique concept, but more so because of the honesty behind it. Everything—from the way the tacos are plated to the way the ceviche sings with acidity—feels like an expression of the people who created it.

Final Thoughts: Why Ensenada Deserves a Spot on Your List

Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of regional Mexican cuisine, or someone simply looking for a soulful new spot to eat and drink well in Brooklyn, Ensenada is worth the visit. It’s a place born from passion and purpose, backed by a team that knows how to turn a simple night out into something memorable.