Las Islitas is a renowned Mexican restaurant chain that has captured the essence of traditional Nayarit-style cuisine. With multiple locations across the region, this establishment has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and flavorful dining experience.
Rooted in the culinary traditions of Nayarit, Las Islitas takes pride in offering a diverse menu that showcases the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of traditional Mexican and seafood dishes. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported to a world of mouthwatering aromas and a warm, inviting ambiance that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of this coastal state.
With a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, Las Islitas ensures that every dish is a true reflection of the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you crave the bold flavors of traditional Mexican dishes or the freshness of expertly prepared seafood, their menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Breakfast Menu
Kick off your day at Las Islitas with a delectable selection of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes. The Desayuno Mexicano is a hearty platter that showcases the essence of Nayarit’s culinary heritage. Savor the flavors of chorizo con huevo (scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage), frijoles de la olla (slow-cooked beans), and handmade tortillas, accompanied by a side of queso fresco (fresh cheese) and salsa casera (homemade salsa).
For a portable and filling option, indulge in the Burritos de Desayuno. These generously stuffed burritos are a perfect blend of scrambled eggs, chorizo, refried beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The burritos are often served with a side of pico de gallo, adding a refreshing burst of flavors to complement the rich fillings.
At Las Islitas, traditional ingredients are the cornerstone of their breakfast offerings. The chorizo is made in-house using a time-honored recipe, infusing the sausage with a robust blend of spices and chilies. The frijoles de la olla are slowly simmered, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors of aromatic herbs and pork stock. The handmade tortillas are freshly prepared daily, ensuring a soft and authentic texture.
Whether you opt for the Desayuno Mexicano or the Burritos de Desayuno, you’ll experience the true essence of Nayarit’s culinary traditions, meticulously prepared with care and attention to detail.
Main Seafood Dishes
Las Islitas takes great pride in its extensive selection of main seafood dishes, showcasing the freshest catches from the Pacific Ocean and prepared with traditional Nayarit-style techniques. The Platillos de Pescado (Fish Dishes) are a true highlight, featuring succulent and flavorful options that will delight any seafood lover.
The Huachinango Frito is a fan favorite, showcasing a whole red snapper that is expertly fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior while preserving the tender and juicy flesh inside. Served with a tangy and slightly spicy red sauce, this dish is a true testament to the restaurant’s mastery of frying techniques.
For those seeking a more delicate flavor, the Mojarra al Mojo de Ajo is a must-try. This dish features a whole tilapia fish smothered in a fragrant garlic sauce, infusing every bite with the rich and aromatic essence of fresh garlic. The delicate texture of the fish paired with the robust garlic flavor creates a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
If you prefer a lighter option, the Filete a la Plancha is an excellent choice. Featuring a fresh fish fillet grilled to perfection, this dish allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. Served with a side of rice, beans, and a tangy salsa verde, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that showcases the simplicity and quality of the ingredients.
Moving on to the Platillos de Camarón (Shrimp Dishes), Las Islitas offers a diverse range of preparations that will tantalize your senses. The Camarones a la Diabla are a must-try for those who enjoy a touch of heat. These plump and juicy shrimp are sautéed in a fiery red sauce, infused with a blend of chili peppers and spices that will ignite your taste buds with every bite.
For garlic lovers, the Camarones al Ajillo is a true delight. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to mingle with the robust garlic flavor. This dish is a perfect balance of richness and simplicity, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to letting the quality of the ingredients shine.
If you’re in the mood for a crispy treat, the Camarones Empanizados are sure to satisfy. These shrimp are coated in a light and crispy breadcrumb batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy dipping sauce. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, juicy shrimp inside is simply irresistible.
Last but not least, the Camarones Rancheros are a true fusion of flavors. Plump shrimp are sautéed in a rich and flavorful ranchero sauce, a tomato-based sauce infused with onions, garlic, and a blend of Mexican spices. This dish is a testament to the restaurant’s ability to combine traditional Mexican flavors with the freshest seafood, creating a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
Special Dishes
Las Islitas takes great pride in its special dishes, which showcase the vibrant flavors and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico. One of the standout offerings is their sizzling fajitas, available with your choice of tender chicken, juicy beef, or succulent shrimp. These fajitas are served on a hot skillet, allowing the aroma of sautéed bell peppers and onions to tantalize your senses.
For those seeking the comforting embrace of classic Mexican cuisine, Las Islitas’ enchiladas are a must-try. These corn tortillas are stuffed with your choice of savory fillings, such as shredded chicken or beef, then smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce and topped with melted cheese. Each bite is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
Quesadillas, a beloved Mexican staple, are another highlight on the menu. These grilled tortillas are generously filled with a blend of melted cheeses and your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or vegetables. The quesadillas are served with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, allowing you to customize your flavor experience.
Burritos, a portable and satisfying meal, are a favorite among diners at Las Islitas. These large flour tortillas are stuffed with a variety of fillings, including rice, beans, cheese, and your choice of protein. For those seeking an extra flavor punch, Las Islitas offers burritos mojados, which are smothered in a delectable sauce, elevating the flavors to new heights.
Seafood Specialties
Las Islitas takes great pride in its seafood specialties, showcasing the freshest and most flavorful catches from the Pacific Coast. One of the restaurant’s standout offerings is the Ceviche, a tantalizing blend of fresh, raw seafood cured in citrus juices and mixed with a medley of chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices.
The Ceviche de Pescado is a classic rendition featuring succulent chunks of firm white fish, such as sea bass or halibut, marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. For those who prefer a more indulgent option, the Ceviche de Camarón features plump, juicy shrimp that have been expertly cured in a tangy marinade, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
For seafood enthusiasts seeking a truly indulgent experience, the Ceviche de Mariscos Mixtos is a must-try. This vibrant dish combines a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and even oysters, creating a medley of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Another highlight of Las Islitas’ seafood specialties is the Cocteles, a refreshing and flavorful seafood cocktail. The Campechana is a beloved classic, featuring a harmonious blend of shrimp, octopus, oysters, and a zesty tomato-based sauce, served chilled and garnished with fresh avocado and cilantro.
For those seeking a truly invigorating experience, the Vuelve a la Vida (which translates to “return to life”) is a must-try. This vibrant cocktail is a true celebration of seafood, combining shrimp, octopus, oysters, and a fiery blend of tomato sauce, lime juice, and an array of spices and herbs, guaranteed to awaken your senses and leave you feeling revitalized.
Lastly, no visit to Las Islitas would be complete without indulging in their mouthwatering Tostadas de Mariscos. These crispy corn tostadas are piled high with a delectable mixture of sautéed seafood, including shrimp, octopus, and fish, topped with a tangy sauce, shredded cabbage, and fresh avocado slices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Appetizers and Snacks
Las Islitas offers a tantalizing selection of appetizers and snacks, perfect for whetting your appetite or sharing with friends and family. The Botanas section features mouthwatering options like Empanadas de Camaron, crispy fried turnovers filled with succulent shrimp and a blend of savory spices. Chicarrones de Pescado, or crispy fried fish skins, are a delightfully addictive snack, seasoned to perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
For those seeking a burst of flavor, the Aguachiles are a must-try. These refreshing ceviche-style dishes feature shrimp or fish marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, chili peppers, and aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
The Antojitos section offers a delightful array of traditional Mexican street foods. Indulge in flavorful tacos filled with your choice of protein and topped with fresh ingredients like onions, cilantro, and salsa. Or savor the delightful sopes, thick masa boats piled high with refried beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and a drizzle of crema.
Whether you’re seeking a light bite or a satisfying snack, Las Islitas’ appetizers and snacks are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more of their authentic Mexican flavors.
Kids Menu
At Las Islitas, we understand the importance of catering to the tastes of our youngest diners. That’s why our Menú Infantil features a delightful selection of kid-friendly favorites that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
For the little ones who love classic American fare, our chicken nuggets served with crispy french fries are a surefire hit. These tender, breaded bites of chicken are the perfect finger food, and the fries are the ideal accompaniment for dipping and sharing.
If your child prefers a more substantial meal, our cheeseburger with fries is a crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh, high-quality beef patties and melted cheese, this burger is a comforting and satisfying choice. The accompanying fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them irresistible to kids of all ages.
For those who want to explore Mexican flavors, our quesadillas are a fantastic option. Filled with gooey melted cheese and served with sides of sour cream and salsa, these quesadillas are a delicious introduction to the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.
No matter what your child’s taste preferences are, our Menú Infantil has something to delight and satisfy. And because we understand the importance of providing a well-rounded meal, each kid’s dish comes with a choice of milk, juice, or soda to ensure they stay hydrated and energized throughout their dining experience.
Beverages
Las Islitas offers a diverse selection of beverages to complement their delectable dishes. Quench your thirst with a refreshing fountain soda, available in a variety of classic flavors like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta. For those who prefer bottled options, the restaurant provides an array of popular Mexican sodas, such as Jarritos and Topo Chico.
Embrace the authentic Mexican experience by indulging in one of their delightful aguas frescas. These traditional non-alcoholic beverages are made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and natural ingredients, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional sodas. From the tangy tamarindo to the creamy horchata, these vibrant drinks are sure to delight your taste buds.
For those seeking an adult beverage, Las Islitas proudly serves a selection of draft beers, including popular Mexican brews like Corona and Modelo. These crisp and refreshing beers perfectly complement the bold flavors of the restaurant’s seafood and traditional Mexican dishes.
Conclusion
Las Islitas offers an extensive and diverse menu featuring traditional Mexican dishes and mouthwatering seafood specialties. From hearty breakfast burritos to sizzling fajitas, flavorful enchiladas, and refreshing ceviches, the restaurant caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The secret behind Las Islitas’ delectable offerings lies in the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the authentic recipes passed down through generations. Each dish is carefully prepared with a touch of Nayarit-style flair, ensuring a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re craving a classic Huachinango Frito or yearning to explore the bold flavors of Camarones a la Diabla, Las Islitas invites you to embark on a culinary adventure. With multiple locations across the region, it’s never been easier to savor the authentic flavors of Mexico.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family, and head to the nearest Las Islitas restaurant to indulge in the diverse menu offerings. Don’t forget to check their website for the latest updates, specials, and to make reservations or place your order online. Embark on a journey of flavors and let Las Islitas transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine.