After closing its doors for 63 days, Ceviche’s Inspired Panamanian Restaurant & Bar has reopened with an expanded dining space and menu.
 
When the restaurant opened in the fall of 2014, it became apparent almost immediately that space was going to be an issue. With just 750 square feet and 24 tables, dining at Ceviche’s often meant a long wait and the eatery could not accommodate larger parties.
 
Now, following a construction project that required linking what was three separate buildings, the restaurant has tripled in size and can now seat 85. The remodel included the addition of a sunroom, sometimes referred to as the jungle room, which can be reserved for private parties.
 
Hunter Tiblier traveled back to his childhood home in Panama to select artwork, such as fabric molas and tribal masks of the Kuna Indians, to decorate the walls of the new dining space. The artwork and lush plants give the space an exotic, tropical feel.
 
“Many of our customers have commented that they love the new space because coming here makes them feel like they’re on vacation,” Laura Tiblier said.
 
Keeping with that tropical vibe, the Tibliers have added a full bar (previously only beer and wine were served) and have created several cocktails featuring fresh fruit juices. The Panama Jack is made with Jack Daniels, fresh orange and lime juice and mint; the Panama rum punch is made with Bacardi and Ceviche’s own fresca ensalada or fruit punch. Several specialty rums are due in later this month.
 
New additions to the menu include three new types of guacamole, tres queso and chorizo and goat cheese empanadas, crunchy quinoa shrimp and the tuna tostada, a dish that helped the restaurant earn the judge’s overall best dish and the people’s choice award at last year’s Taste of Wrightsville Beach.
 
Several of chef Sam Cahoon’s most popular specials such as Caliente tuna, Carne con Ancho, Mojo Puerco and Langoustine cakes now have a permanent place on the menu.
 
Ceviche’s will not be serving lunch on weekdays through the summer season, but the Tibliers hope to offer it again in the fall for locals. Lunch is served Saturday and brunch Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner is served Monday-Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., and the bar remains open until midnight on Friday and Saturday with a late night menu available. Valet parking is offered Thursday through Saturday.
 
Ceviche’s Inspired Panamanian Restaurant & Bar is at 7210 Wrightsville Ave.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected]