Laura and I were in a celebratory mood after publishing our Summer Guide (phew), and we heard there was a new restaurant at Ocean House. It doesn’t take much to get us to drive over to Watch Hill on a brilliant day! Dalia is a new concept this year, and as usual, Ocean House has found a team of expert chefs creating fresh and authentic Mexican fare. 

We headed to the deck below the Veranda and took a front-row seat with a stunning ocean view. We started our feast with flavorful cocktails (of course), a Passionfruit Margarita decorated with pansies for me, and a Seaside Paloma with smokey Mezcal and grapefruit for Laura. We noshed on homemade tortillas with a slew of fresh salsas, from fruity pineapple to super-hot habanero. And, yes, we had a bowl of guacamole in a classic molcajete, too. Next up, a trio of soft tacos on fresh housemade corn tortillas. Wow! The authentic Campechano was my favorite, a mix of Suadero beef and chorizo with avocado and green salsa. Lighter and as delicious was Baja shrimp with jicama slaw and lime aioli. Laura slurped down her swordfish Machada. Also on the menu are a variety of tortas (Mexican sandwiches), ceviches, and ensaladas that we’ll be trying next time (and we will not fill up on chips as is our habit!). 

Somehow, we always manage room for dessert, and we sampled all of it: Panque de Elote, a classic corn cake with vanilla ice cream, the Platanos were sweet and delicious with cinnamon ice cream, and our favorite, Chocolate Tapioca with a hit of espelette and studded with fresh strawberries. 

The prices aren’t crazy (believe it or not), with the taco trios in the $16 to $25 range, and there’s a kids’ menu, too. 

We lingered for a couple of hours, enjoying the waves crashing on the beach, the sea breeze, and our fabulous cocktails. A perfect kick-off to summer!

Dalia is open Friday through Tuesday from 11:30 – 9pm with an all-day menu. 

https://www.oceanhouseri.com/dalia