Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
#39 of 125 Restaurants in Aiea Mexican

Da Seafood Cartel

5.0(3 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Da Seafood Cartel, offering the best Seafood experience in Aiea. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Ocean-to-Plate in the Heart of Aiea

Tucked away within the bustling commercial landscape of Aiea, Da Seafood Cartel brings a no-frills, high-impact approach to Hawaiian seafood. This isn’t a place for white tablecloths; it is where locals go when they want the catch of the day treated with respect, spice, and zero pretense. The air is thick with the savory scent of garlic butter and searing heat coming off the grill, creating an immediate, delicious welcome.

The Cartel’s Signature Flavors

The menu leans heavily into bold, Pacific-inspired seasonings. You will find massive platters featuring snow crab legs, succulent shrimp, and fresh clams drenched in their signature house spice blends. Whether you prefer a mild lemon pepper or want to challenge your palate with their 'Cartel Hot' sauce, the execution consistently highlights the natural sweetness of the shellfish. It is a messy affair, and you should arrive prepared to use your hands; bibs are standard issue for a reason.

Why Aiea Locals Keep Coming Back

The atmosphere is loud, energetic, and perfectly suited for groups looking to celebrate or unwind after a long day. It captures that distinct local feeling where the music volume trends upward as the night progresses. While the parking situation in this part of Aiea can require a bit of patience, the reward is a level of freshness that rivals the waterfront spots. If you appreciate a place that prioritizes flavor density over delicate plating, this is your new go-to. Just be mindful that it gets busy during peak dinner hours, so planning your arrival slightly earlier ensures you snag a table without the wait.

Photos

Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image
Da Seafood Cartel - Aiea Restaurant Image

Location

98-380 Kamehameha Hwy, Aiea, Hawaii, 96701-4336

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 3 community reviews
J

Jason HGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is absolutely LEGIT. No frills, no gimmicks - just ridiculously good Mexican seafood that punches you in the face with flavor from the first bite. The kind of spot where you know the food is going to be good before you even sit down. The ceviche was insanely fresh and loaded with flavor. The homemade chips had the perfect crunch, and the BSOD (“Black Sauce of Death”) absolutely lives up to the name in the best possible way. Spicy, smoky, addictive… I’m still thinking about it. Da OG Tostada was probably my favorite bite of the meal. Blue crab spread + ceviche + avocado = game over. Every layer worked perfectly together and somehow disappeared way too fast. And the steak tacos? Straight fire. Tender arrachera, fresh pico, crunchy cabbage, and packed with flavor without trying too hard. Simple and perfect. This is the kind of place you tell your friends about immediately… while secretly hoping it doesn’t get TOO popular.

M

Manuel NunoGoogle Maps

Recently

Their food is really good. It tastes just as if you were in Mexico. However, the time it takes to get it ... I'm sure it they can improve but it shouldn't take +30 minutes for a ceviche. When I asked to cancel my order, the cashier caught attitude. They had not even started on my order and I needed to leave. They didnt cancel my order They just gave me the order of another customer. You can eat inside or outside. If you choose outside be ready for pigeons, flies and chickens to be running around you. Parking is an issue since its very limited. You can park on the other side of the jujitsu studio but you run into the risk of getting towed away.

B

Brent SpencerGoogle Maps

Recently

Love this place - have been there three times over the past four years, and it’s amazing every time. Ceviche itself is great, but ceviche with Mexican flavors is sublime. The beer-battered fish tacos are some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The tostadas are a must try. Really, you can’t go wrong here.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Da Seafood Cartel

Common questions from diners about Da Seafood Cartel in Aiea.

They serve a combination of Mexican and seafood dishes.

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