It was on September 16, 1981, in a small space in Spring Valley, when the late Don Arnulfo Contreras and his wife María Inés Curiel opened the first of many Karina's restaurants, named in honor of their daughter. A visionary and hard-working Don Arnulfo recognized the desire by many of his fellow immigrants for an authentic establishment offering traditional Mexican cuisine.
Don Arnulfo, his wife and six children began what is now a collection of popular restaurants located in Southern California. Day after day legions of loyal customers partake in Karina's famous Mexican seafood specialties including traditional Shrimp & Tuna Ceviches, Aguachile from Sinaloa, Shrimp Cocktails, Campechanas and Tostadas from the best and freshest seafood available, Huachinango Sarandeado, Siete Mares or their Tia Nacha Taquitos, all prepared with superior quality in mind.