Another “city” restaurant is now calling the outer edge of the Valley home. Jesse Gomez and chef Jose Acevedo are co-partners in Mercado—a “new-fashioned” Mexican eatery that opened its third outpost a couple weeks ago in the location that housed Spoonful and, prior to that, Henry’s Hat. Although the location lies near Universal City, it’s called Mercado Hollywood. The other two are Mercado Santa Monica and Mercado Los Angeles.  

Mercado is known for their uniquely modern style with a mix of white tiles, tin ceiling, metal statement chandeliers and mirrors. This location is similar to the other locations—airy with a bar and indoor/outdoor seating; however, there are also unique details setting this space apart, including a lounge that's decorated with Dia de los Muertos art along with a TV for game watching (remember the games at Henry's Hat?) 

New dishes not offered at the other two restaurants include the Cahuenga cucumber salad. The cocktail list designed by Cesar Arenas is highlighted by a variety of tequilas plus an extensive mescal collection. 

Not-to-miss dishes with a mod twist include: tostaditas de ceviche—citrus-marinated white fish, shrimp, scallops, octopus, mango, jicama, cucumbers, avocado, red onions, serrano peppers; tamales—chef’s choice of filling, queso fresco and crema; carnitas—slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, chile de arbol salsa, cauliflower with escabeche; callos de hacha—jumbo deep-sea scallops encrusted with pumpkin seeds, chipotle-peppercorn sauce and chayote with calabacitas; farmers’ market chile relleno—fresh vegetables with queso Oaxaca, yellow mole and Mexican rice; and tacos de pescado—grilled white fish, Mexican slaw, avocado salsa, chile de arbol and aioli.

Callos de hacha—jumbo deep-sea scallops encrusted with pumpkin seeds, chipotle-peppercorn sauce and chayote with calabacitas

Tamales—chef’s choice of filling, queso fresco and crema; carnitas—slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, chile de arbol salsa

Farmers’ market chile relleno—fresh vegetables with queso Oaxaca, yellow mole and Mexican rice

Tostaditas de ceviche—citrus-marinated white fish, shrimp, scallops, octopus, mango, jicama, cucumbers, avocado, red onions, serrano peppers

But remember, no matter how full you think you are, you just can’t leave without trying the flan. 

Mercado Hollywood, 3413 Cahuenga Boulevard West, 323-512-2500. Monday to Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; happy hour Monday to Friday, 5 to 7 p.m.; brunch coming soon.