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Acamaya

New Orleans

A taste of the Gulf through a Mexican lens

Gulf state of mind: A love letter to Mexican mariscos – vibrant hot and cold seafood – Acamaya is the vision of sisters Lydia and Ana Castro, the latter of whom first made her mark as head chef of Lengua Madre, the now-closed New Orleans restaurant famed for its inventive modern Mexican tasting menus. Opened in 2024, the venture treats Mexican takes on the Gulf's bounty with the same sense of reverence as New Orleans' own storied seafood traditions, carving out a distinctive place within the city's dining scene.

Heavy on heritage: This is not your stereotypical Tex-Mex spot. Contemporary and inviting, Acamaya channels the spirit of Mexico City in every detail, from its terracotta lattice walls, warm wood ceilings and pastel tiling to its Mexico-sourced cups, plates, tables and chairs. An upbeat soundtrack of Central and South American music sets the tone, while low lighting draws the eye towards the open kitchen, where diners can watch the chefs at work.

Treats from the deep: Expect a mixture of time-honoured recipes and modern twists – for example, classic Gulf shrimp aguachile sits alongside a hamachi tostada inspired by tacos al pastor. Make sure to try the arroz negro, a rice dish teeming with mussels, squid and huitlacoche, a prized fungus that's also known as 'Mexican truffle'. If you need help translating the dishes, don't worry; there's a glossary on the back of every menu, and the staff are always happy to guide you. The team sources from small fisheries, local fishmongers and purveyors as much as possible, and works with local and regional farmers to acquire – and sometimes co-grow – the best produce.

Finish with: A rich tonka bean flan infused with the flavours of almond and vanilla, or a masa tres leches cake with toasty corn undertones. Alternatively, linger a little longer over a nightcap – margaritas are never a bad idea, especially in a setting that feels so effortlessly south of the border.

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