Leña Brava

Belle Kendrick
May 1
2 min read

Located in the heart of Fulton Market, Leña Brava has long been on my list of Chicago restaurants to try—and it did not disappoint. Known for its bold Mexican flavors and wood-fired seafood, this spot delivered a standout experience from start to finish. Whether you're looking for a trendy dinner destination or a spot with curated culinary dishes, Leña Brava is the perfect choice for a weekend girls’ night out or date night in the city.

To kick things off, I ordered the Papi Diablo cocktail, made with Riazul blanco tequila, jalapeño, elderflower, ginger, hibiscus, and lemon. The cocktail was refreshingly sweet with a subtle spicy kick—balanced and unique, just like the rest of the menu.

Cocktail close-up at Leña Brava featuring the Papi Diablo with jalapeño, hibiscus, and lemon.

For starters, our table shared several small plates that set the tone for an incredible meal. The guacamole came topped with roasted tomatillo, serrano, and salsa macha, bringing bold flavor and a bit of heat. The empanadas, filled with cochinita pibil and topped with habanero crema, were crispy on the outside and rich on the inside. The standout for me was the grilled octopus, served with smoked chili and lemon butter—it was tender, smoky, and absolutely delicious. We also loved the sea bass ceviche, a refreshing mix of cucumber, avocado, orange, sesame, and toasted chiles that added a perfect balance of citrus and spice.

For the main course, we went all in with the Baja Mariscada, a seafood dish featuring fire-roasted shrimp, scallops, mussels, Maine lobster, butter, lemongrass-infused white wine, lime zest, and herbs. It was full of flavor and beautifully cooked, with every bite of seafood tasting fresh and perfectly seasoned.

Baja Mariscada seafood platter with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and lobster in lemongrass butter.

If you’re looking for a great seafood-forward Mexican restaurant in Chicago, Leña Brava should absolutely be on your radar. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients and wood-fired techniques that elevate every dish. With its energetic atmosphere, creative cocktails, and incredible shareable plates, this is a dinner spot in Fulton Market that I can’t wait to return to.