Playa Azul Restaurant

I've got a slight bias here, as for Mexican food, I prefer Mariscos (seafood) over any other. And this place seems to be transplanted from the hood of East Oakland to this suburban strip mall where I'm sure it is much safer from crime and drama. And as a small business owner where it is already hard to maintain a business, I can totally understand this move. So to have these vets enter my neighborhood is such a score for me.They took over an old Filipino joint that I didn't really care for. And I wasn't surprised that the older business closed down. I just wasn't aware that this place had replaced it. and took me about 2 years for me to realize it and give them a whirl.Caldo Siete Mares ($25/4*) This is a loaded seafood stew, I'd say close to Cioppino but not as tomato-y. It's supposed to have 7 different types of seafood and this actually did, except I only found 5 of them to be great/ideal. The crab, octopus, fish, shrimp and scallops were all money, perfectly cooked, fresh seafood taste in a delicious broth that wasn't too spicy. But the clams and mussels that were in their shells did taste a bit off, like not as fresh as they could have been. But 5 outa 7 ain't bad and there was so much seafood that it would stuff ya to the gills anyways. *pun rim shot*Whole Fried Snapper ($28/4.5*) Easily feeds 2. I love this dish and it reminds me of my own culture's love for most things ocean. Fried nice and crisp and seasoned quite lightly. I like to peel the crisp flesh off the bones and throw them in the thick homemade corn tortillas and eat it with salsa and the refried beans. I was told next time to get their 'Diabla' sauce on the side next time, which I will most certainly do next time. Seafood Fajitas ($25/4*) I tried this for take-out another time and it was decent. Same seafood mix with huge chunks of fish, shrimp, octopus and scallops. And when they toss it with that standard onion and bell pepper mix, they also add a good dose of garlic and butter as well so it is very wet and saucy, which works well with the seafood. I rarely try fajitas at other places but this one was a good rendition.Vuelve de la Vida -Mixed Seafood Coctele ($26/5*) This was a work of art and was as good, if not better than authentic places in SJ or Oakland. Huge goblet filled with their chunked seafood, again all poached perfectly, served with that seafood broth. They put a little ketchup on the bottom, maybe some crunchy vegetable garnish like tomato, cilantro and cucumbers and all that seafood and broth right over so it has a layered effect, and you have mix everything up to get that classic red cocktail flavor. And nice slices of fresh avocado on top, which lends well with chewy and briny seafood. They also give you these nicer, more upscale crackers when most other places just give you cheap saltine crackers. Again this was a work of art. *chef's kiss*And I love their hospitality here, same small family, love how they all work together. Dad and the founder from the Oakland location is mostly in the back but brings food out when he has to, the son who is fluent in English will serve and recommend anything. The dad once towards the end of the night was enjoying a post shift beer and serenaded me with a tune from their speakers. Lol. So super stoked to find out this is so close to me and for my area this is levels above most other Mexican places that try and do seafood. I can do this weekly and since finding out about it, I've pretty much lived to it. Trust.

Plaza Azul opened where Parilya by Isla once was. P. A. Is a transplant from Oaktown's Fruitvale district. Owner describes himself as the original O.G. of Mexican eats in "The Town". Obviously refurbished, decor is a mix of mirrors, flatscreens, and Mexican artifacts. Offerings (traditional Michoacan, central Mexico):Camorones (shrimp), Caldos (soups), Peacados (fish), Botanas (snacks, appetizers), Mariscos (seafood), fajitas, entrees, combos...Ordered at table. Food came in 15ish minutes. Had to be reconstituted ..Bites: Menudo (stew with tripe, beef feet, 18.95)-this version has falling off the bone beef skin, other regional versions has pig feet. -usually served on weekends as a "cure" for hangovers. I eat it cuz i love it not as a cure.-hot soup also has tender honeycomb beef tripe, hominy (corn), beef stock, onions, cumin, garlic. Flavors all subtly present. None dominant. Hot spiciness not default. Must be added via garnishes. -garnishes: mexican oregano, cilantro, white onions, jalepenos, guajillo pepper. Latter 2 too hot so didn't add. Lotsa housemade tortilla chips with mild salsa. Ate 1/3. Not a superfan of chips. Firm crunch. Housemade corn tortillas had a certain coarseness due to special masa harina utilized. Loved it.

10/10 recommend!First, Hand made corn tortillas. That should tell you everything you need to know. Then I saw the menu.. ‍ extensive, but not tiring. House made micheladas mix also 10/10. Had a mixed plate: shrimp, steak, chicken. All perfectly cooked. Rest of the table had caldos (soups): Menudo & BeefAlso amazing. Chef came out to greet us. Wonderful staff. They had games on the TVs and light music playing. Really chill, happy vibe for a weekend brunch. They're new and I wish I would've came here sooner. They've found a new regular. Check them out!

Delicious authentic Mexican food. Family owned and operated. The people couldn't be friendlier, and the food is outstanding. Recommend: Chile VerdeFeature: freshly made corn tortillas

It's a place that feels like home, both because of the dishes served but also those who serve it. Their Parrillada is a nice sampler of all their dishes and their shrimp quesadilla is worth fighting for. I always appreciate the recommendations.I travel back home often, and this is always a stop during my trip.

My husband has been wanting to try this place for the longest time since we pass by it quite often. We came during lunch on Tuesday and it wasn't busy at all. We love a family owned restaurant, it always has a special kind of vibe. The menu was massive and to be honest, I didn't quite know how to read it properly hahaha so we ended up asking the owners for recommendations. They told us their most ordered dish was the seafood fajitas ($26) and the seafood sampler ($65), so we got those. Lots and lots of food for just my husband and I lol I enjoyed the seafood fajitas, delicious seasoning! It came with beans, rice, and tortilla (apparently their grandma's recipe). The seafood sampler was massive and I wasn't that big of a fan. Thought it was too pricey but in fairness, they cooked their seafood to perfection!

Really good place to eat and celebrate a birthday. Came here to celebrate a birthday and the people there were very welcoming. The food and drinks were amazing. Thank you to Jose, Mauricio and Avery plus staff. The day felt all the more special.

I am so glad we are getting some good authentic Mexican food in Union City that does not cost an arm and a leg, your first born and their children. I moved last year from Hayward to Union City and I really needed some good Mexican food near by. Playa Azul is family own and you can see it when you walk in, son is at the door, dad is cleaning or setting something up, and mom is in the back taking a break from all her hard work. I placed my order over the phone, they were friendly and answered all my questions. I ordered the Campechana fria and it was a great size for the price. It came with lime, tapatio packages, ketchup and crackers. I am excited to go back and try other dishes with the whole family. I hear there is music entertainment on the weekends.

We ordered takeout from inside the restaurant. The server/cashier who took our order was friendly and helpful. The order was prepared in a reasonable amount of time, and we were even provided complimentary chips and salsa. We enjoyed the delicious food and certainly intend to be back for dine in this time!

Delicioso! Chile relleno was very flavorful. Chile verde was mild just like our friend likes it. Sopes were soft--not rock-hard like many other restaurants. Beans delish. Homemade tortillas and salsa. Great flan. Love the owner!