Pesca Coastal Classics brings a modern twist

by Jillian Nachtigal, The Advocate

In Trinity Groves, chef and restaurateur Jesus Carmona’s latest venture, Pesca Coastal Classics, blends approachable seafood classics with a modern twist, featuring coastal flair from different areas with Mexican inspiration.

Carmona was also the owner of Tacos Mariachi, which earned a visit from Guy Fieri for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network in 2018.

Carmona was born in Mexico City, moved to Dallas at age 17 and has called it home for the last 30 years.

He has been involved in the restaurant business from a young age since his father owned a restaurant in Mexico City.

“I have a passion for the restaurant business,” Carmona says. “I grew up in the business, and that’s what I do, and that’s what I love to do. I tried to do so many other things. I had a construction company, cleaning company, and then I came back to the restaurant business.”

West Dallas is where Carmona started his first restaurant after working in kitchens led by chefs John Tesar, Avner Samuel and others for years.

Tacos Mariachi didn’t survive the pandemic, but in 2021, Carmona opened a different taqueria, Milagro, right next door. Pesca is his third venture in West Dallas, placed right on Singleton Boulevard. The restaurant officially opened for business last December.

“I wanted to do a little more of everything, do a concept that will work for the area, because I’ve known West Dallas for the past 10 years,” Carmona says. “I don’t want to be Green Point, but also don’t want to be the Flying Fish. I want to be in between — people coming to a nice ambience, clean and beautiful place, good food and service.”

Carmona describes Pesca as a casual, everyday place. The design features natural wood tones, ocean-inspired colors and nautical accents with bold pops of color.

At Milagro Taco, Carmona says he is known for his seafood tacos. That, a trip to Cabo and his love for seafood helped build Pesca’s menu.

“I knew I wanted to do coastal classics. When I say coastal classics, from fish and chips to a good clam chowder, a good catfish, we have a good lobster roll, so I wanted to do something authentic. Something people are familiar with, but I put my own interpretation,” Carmona says.

Customers can begin their experience with an oyster or shrimp shooter, priced $6 to $7 each. The Amazing Tortilla Soup ($6 for a cup, $9 for a bowl) uses the same guajillo broth from Milagro, and shrimp enchiladas with poblano cream sauce ($22) round out the Mexican-inspired dishes.

On the dinner menu, chef specialties include a linguini frutti di mare ($26) with shrimp, calamari, clams, linguini, tomato, basil and garlic sauce, and a classic golden fish and chips ($19). A grilled salmon succotash ($29) with bacon, sweet corn and bell pepper as well as shrimp crepes ($22) round out some of the classics.

Another specialty is a choice of fish, served grilled or a la plancha with the vegetable of the day. Options include salmon, mahi mahi and Texas red snapper.

Agave-based cocktails are another highlight — the Pescarita comes with La Vieja Taberna Tequila, guava and blood orange while the Guilty Pineapple is made with Ilegal Mezcal, La Vieja Taberna Tequila, pineapple, poblano and lime.

For those who aren’t fans of seafood, Pesca also offers chicken piccata and two-patty smash burgers with bacon jam.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and offerings include steak and eggs ($24), cuatro leches French toast ($14), a crab meat omelette ($16) and more.

While things were a bit slow after opening around the holidays, they started to pick up as the warm weather came through, Carmona says.

“You know this area, as the weather gets nicer, the people walk. They’re looking for things to do and restaurants to try,” Carmona says. “Trinity Groves has lots of events going on, so it’s a great place to be.”

This story was reported by The Advocate and shared with Dallas and North Texas newsrooms who are collaborating toward better informed communities and a stronger local democracy.