Mission Ceviche is like the American Dream of restaurants. I remember when they were a 4-seat counter at Chelsea Market. Their chef would meticulously prepare each plate as if he were in Thomas Keller’s kitchen, versus a food hall. Mission was my go-to place twice a week for delivery of their classic mix over a bowl of coconut rice. It was bliss. But the more things change, the more things change. In this case, it’s for the even better, fast forward 10+ years later to Mission Ceviche Union Square.

Atmosphere

The new Mission Ceviche Union Square is a far cry from its humble Chelsea Market beginnings. It’s a vibe. And it’s been a beat that a restaurant for grown-ups has opened in NYC that reminds you of the days when Catch was cool. In prime hours the bar is completely full, where those are my favorite seats that offer a full menu. There’s interaction amongst both people at the bar and with the team of bartenders, who hustle whipping up traditional Peruvian drinks like the Pisco Sour.

When everyone returns from summer the scene will probably be chaos as this is both a neighborhood and destination restaurant. If you’re looking for a stuffy, quiet, foodie romantic dinner or any combination thereof, Mission Ceviche Union Square is too fun for that.

Food + Beverage

Like the atmosphere and menu selection, Mission Ceviche Union Square has come a long way. However, they have stayed true to a few of the core dishes they started with. The first things you see are the ceviches, which have their roots in that small counter in Chelsea Market. The fish I imagine will change seasonally. However, the traditional fish ceviche is currently Mahi Mahi in their original tangy lime, lemon, and fish stock. The star of the ceviches is an updated version of the original Seafood Mixto Ceviche. It has a similar tangy sauce with a little more kick with mahi mahi, scallops, and octopus. The unique update though is a rock shrimp tempura, nestled into the traditional corn, onion, and herb sauce.

In addition to the ceviches, there’s a full menu of eclectic sushi rolls and modern warm fish and meat-based dishes. The menu is made to share with everyone from two to a larger group. The food overall is solid but is carried most by the atmosphere and service. A place like Quique Crudo has life-changing ceviches. but Mission Ceviche has more of a full dining experience.

The wine list is decent; there’s even a good French Burgundy by the glass on the list. However, where Mission Ceviche shines is with its cocktail. They have eight creative versions of the Pisco Sour so my advice is to order at least one of them. Additionally, there is a full list of international cocktails with a Peruvian twist. Cocktails and a good time are the point of Mission Ceviche Union Square.

Service

Even when Mission Ceviche was a small counter at Chelsea Market, you could see the passion they had for hospitality. That DNA of culture transcends to the new location of Mission Ceviche Union Square. Bartenders have already created a culture of locals, that will likely continue when the fall season kicks off. No matter how good the food is at a restaurant, without service it means nothing. So far, Mission Ceviche

Overall: 8/10

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FAQs

Q: Where is Mission Ceviche Union Square located?

A: Mission Ceviche Flatiron is located at 7 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003.

Q: What are the hours of operation of Mission Ceviche Union Square?

A: The hours of operation of Mission Ceviche Union Square are as follows:

Q: Does Mission Ceviche have multiple locations in NYC?

A: Yes, the restaurant has two locations at Mission Ceviche Union Square and Mission Ceviche on the Upper East Side.