Sardines and Ceviche at Sea Rocket Bistro

This past weekend, Dennis and Elena at Sea Rocket Bistro were kind enough to invite us, along with some other local food bloggers to their restaurant to sample some of their food.

Sea Rocket's focus is on locally-sourced seafood from the San Diego area and Baja California. Where possible, they purchase their fish and shellfish directly from local fishermen.

Of the dishes we tried, our favorites were their grilled sardines, and ceviche. Sardines are fished locally for use as live bait, but Sea Rocket cleverly intercepts some for use in the restaurant. They prepare and serve them very simply: grilled on a stick and drizzled with avocado oil from Temecula. Bracing the fish with your knife and pulling away toward the tail with your fork yields a deeply-flavored sardine fillet.

The ceviche (made in this case with yellowtail), was fantastic. The texture of the fish was perfect, and the addition of a bit of habanero chile gave it some nice heat.

The beverage side of the house emphasizes local offerings as well, with a good selection of local wines and craft beers.

Next time you are in North Park, check them out. They are in the elegant, cozy space previously occupied by the Linkery.

Sea Rocket Bistro
3382 30th Street
San Diego, California
(619) 255-7049