You’d assume that a restaurant that’s founded by a chef who’s won a bunch of ‘Best New Chef’ awards, and that has been included as one of LA Weekly’s 99 Essential restaurants, would be a little pricey.

But Mo Chica, chef Ricardo Zarate’s newest restaurant Downtown, is a casual and fun place to get a cocktail and a snack, or laze around for a full blow-out.

While Mo Chica is known for serving up modern versions of traditional Peruvian food, it’s certainly more on the modern side that the traditional side.

Zarate is known for his ceviche dishes, so get one. We suggest the mixed ceviche (which has lots of seafood and radishes) but they often have specials depending on what’s in season. Then there’s Peruvian paella, salads, stews and our favourite – Pan Con Tuna, which is basically almost raw spicy tuna on grilled bread with all kinds of delicious drizzled over it.

Also, if you’re a drinker, the Oaxacalifornia Love cocktail (made with tequila, mezcal and lime) is a spicy, sour treat.

Mo Chica is at 514 W 7th Street, Downtown Los Angeles.