Holbox

Holbox is a Mexican seafood counter inside Mercado La Paloma in the Historic South Central area of Los Angeles, run by chef Gilberto Cetina and known for tacos and tostadas built on heirloom-corn tortillas.

History

Holbox takes its name from a Caribbean island off the Yucatán Peninsula. Its chef, Gilberto Cetina, previously cooked alongside his father at Chichén Itzá, the Yucatecan stall in the same market. Holbox has operated in Mercado La Paloma for years and later expanded with counter seating. A neighboring corn-focused stall, Komal, is run by a former Holbox cook.

In the 2026 MICHELIN Guide USA the counter holds one Michelin Star.

Menu

The menu changes often and centers on raw and cooked seafood: aguachiles, ceviches, grilled octopus, whole grilled fish and grilled lobster. Tacos include a traditional Baja-style battered fish taco, a scallop taco and a house-smoked kanpachi taco. The MICHELIN Guide notes that the tortillas and tostadas are pressed from nixtamalized heirloom corn sourced from Oaxaca and the State of Mexico. A multi-course tasting menu is offered by reservation on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Reviews

See also

• Fish taco in the United States
• Tacos de cochinita pibil
• Komal

References

1. "Holbox". MICHELIN Guide. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
2. "Where to Find Southern California's Best Tacos". MICHELIN Guide. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
3. "Holbox". The Infatuation. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
4. "The 25 Best Tacos In Los Angeles". The Infatuation. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
5. "The 11 Best Fish Tacos In LA". The Infatuation. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
6. "33 Best Tacos in Los Angeles To Try Right Now". Time Out Los Angeles. Retrieved 2026-10-10.