Contramar in Mexico City: The Seafood Powerhouse That Outswims the Rest
TL Team Mar 28, 2025
Contramar in Mexico City: The Seafood Powerhouse That Outswims the Rest

When Tai Lopez touched down in Mexico City for a last-minute culinary detour, he had no set agenda—just an appetite and a few insider tips. One name kept coming up: Contramar. Alongside Pujol and Quintonil, Contramar is part of the holy trinity of Mexico City's must-visit restaurants, and while the latter two often come with white tablecloth expectations and tasting menus, Contramar is the casual, sun-drenched underdog that punches way above its weight class.

"This place is buzzing, man. It felt like I walked into the heart of the city’s soul," Tai said. And he's not wrong. Nestled in the heart of Roma Norte—the boho-chic, slightly over-touristed neighborhood now lovingly nicknamed Gringolandia—Contramar is as much a vibe as it is a restaurant.



Why Contramar Deserves a Spot in Mexico City's Big Three

If you're coming to CDMX for the food (and you should), you're probably already aware of the accolades: Pujol and Quintonil have held court on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list for years. But locals and in-the-know foodies will tell you Contramar is where you go to eat. Not just for the Instagram pics. Not for the pre-fixe. But to feast. To celebrate. To vibe.

The brainchild of Chef Gabriela Cámara, Contramar has been a staple since 1998, winning hearts, critics, and awards along the way. Cámara's philosophy is simple: the best seafood, served simply, in a lively setting that mirrors a Mediterranean beach party. She’s now expanded her empire to include Cala in San Francisco (a Michelin favorite) and has even cooked for the Obamas. She's also a published author and a prominent voice in sustainable seafood. Basically, she's a boss.

Contramar has scooped up accolades from The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and even had a feature on Chef's Table-style documentaries. But its real draw? It's where Mexicans celebrate birthdays, take dates, and bring their parents when they're in town.

The Roma Norte Vibe

Contramar is located right in Roma Norte, a neighborhood that feels like if Brooklyn, Barcelona, and Mexico City had a lovechild. Colonial buildings house third-wave coffee shops, mezcalerías, concept boutiques, and bustling markets. Tai had two hours to kill before dinner (more on that in a sec), so he wandered over to the nearby Plaza Rio de Janeiro, with its full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, sipping a cold cerveza and soaking in the golden-hour glow.

Pro tip: If you're waiting for a table, pop over to Licorería Limantour (one of the World's Best Bars) or grab a spicy mezcal at Fábrica Social Mezcal Bar.

Getting In: The Art of the Waitlist

Contramar doesn’t do dinner service in the traditional sense, and it fills up fast. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Tai rolled up at 5 PM and was told it would be a 2-hour wait. Not bad for a restaurant with zero reservations left online. The hostess added him to the waitlist, and with a little patience and a mezcal buzz, he was seated just before 7.

So yes, it’s tough to get in. But it's doable. Especially if you play it right. Don’t try to show up right at 8 PM thinking you'll get seated—the kitchen winds down and the energy peaks earlier in the day. The sweet spot? Arrive between 3:30 and 5:30 PM, put your name in, and explore Roma while you wait.

What Tai Ordered

As soon as he sat down, the table was graced with house-made chips and an absurdly good roasted tomato salsa with just the right amount of heat. Then came the appetizers:
  • Tostadas de Atún — Marinated sashimi-grade tuna on a crispy tostada with a slather of chipotle mayo, avocado, and crispy leeks. Absolutely iconic.
  • Croquetas de Atún — Golden-fried bites of tuna heaven.
  • Aguachile de Camarón — Cold, spicy, limey shrimp with red onions and cucumber. Spicy enough for flavor, mild enough for a gringo.
  • Ensalada de Jícama, Pepino y Tomate — A refreshing and crunchy mix, drizzled with lime and chili salt. A must.
For the main, Tai had the Pescado a la Talla — a whole grilled snapper, butterflied and painted half with red adobo chile sauce and half with parsley-green herb sauce. It's the dish that defines Contramar. It’s also what you’ll see on every other table and every foodie's Instagram.

"Honestly, the apps were the knockout punches. The fish was incredible, but the tostadas? Next level," Tai said.

To drink:
  • Mezcal Negroni — Smoky, bitter, perfectly balanced.
  • Spicy Mezcalita — A fiery twist on the margarita. 10/10.
Contramar's Greatest Hits

If you're going, here are the must-orders:
  • Tostadas de Atún (obviously)
  • Pescado a la Talla (the signature)
  • Tamal de Camarón if it's on the menu
  • Carajillo (espresso and Licor 43 cocktail) to end things right
  • Fig Tart with Almond Cream — Buttery, jammy, and surprisingly light. If you saved room for dessert (or even if you didn’t), this is the move.
Mezcal 101: The Smoky Spirit of Mexico

You can’t talk about Mexico City without mentioning mezcal. Think of it as tequila's wilder, smokier cousin — made from agave, but cooked in underground pits for that signature earthy punch. It’s complex, it's bold, and it's having a moment.

There are hundreds of varieties, depending on the agave type, region, and even how it's distilled. The most common is Espadín, but if you see something like Tobalá, Madrecuixe, or Tepeztate on the menu? Order it. Sip slowly. Let the flavors open up.

Tai's tip: "Don’t shoot mezcal. This isn’t spring break. Sip it neat, like you would a fine whiskey."

And if you're feeling adventurous? Ask for it with sal de gusano (yes, worm salt) and a slice of orange. Classic.

Mezcal cocktails at Contramar are top-tier, but if you're into sipping the real deal, ask your server for a flight or their personal favorite. The staff usually know their stuff.

So You Don't Look Like a Gringo: Mexico City Dining Tips
  • Greet with a smile: "Buenas tardes" goes a long way.
  • Tipping: 10-15% is standard.
  • Water: Ask for "agua embotellada" if you want bottled.
  • How to order like a pro:
  • "Quisiera ordenar..." = I'd like to order...
  • "¿Nos puede recomendar algo?" = Can you recommend something?
  • "La cuenta, por favor" = The check, please
Also, don’t expect super fast service. Meals here are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Tai’s Ratings
  • Food: 9.7/10 — Apps were unforgettable; fish was solid.
  • Service: 8.5/10 — Friendly but not overly doting.
  • Ambiance: 9.8/10 — Mediterranean-meets-Mexico party.
  • Location: 9.5/10 — In the beating heart of Roma.
  • Value: 9/10 — For the quality and vibe? Worth every peso.
  • Overall: 9.6/10
Perfect For:
  • Lunch with Friends — High energy, shareable plates.
  • Date Night — Mezcal and tostadas? Yes, please.
  • Celebrations — Birthdays, bachelorettes, you name it.
  • Solo food adventures — Grab a bar seat and dive in.
Keep the Fiesta Going: Where to Drink, Dance, and Eat After Hours

Contramar may wrap things up by 8 PM, but that doesn't mean your night has to end there. Roma Norte and its neighboring Condesa district come alive after dark. Here's how to keep the energy up:

For Cocktails & Conversation:
  • Handshake Speakeasy — Hidden behind an unmarked door, this spot delivers some of the best mixology in CDMX.
  • Limantour — A CDMX classic, stylish and packed with locals and savvy tourists.
For Dancing:
  • MN Roy — A dark, sexy underground club named after an Indian revolutionary. Expect electronic beats and a well-dressed crowd.
  • Patrick Miller (Fridays only) — For old-school dance vibes and an unforgettable local scene. Bring your best moves.
For Late-Night Bites:
  • El Vilsito — A mechanic shop by day, a taco mecca by night. Their al pastor is legendary.
  • Taquería Orinoco — Northern-style tacos with perfect flour tortillas, open late and always popping.
Whether you're sipping artisanal mezcal or dancing under neon lights, CDMX knows how to throw a proper afterparty.

Make a Day Out of It
  • Grab a coffee at Blend Station or Cicatriz
  • Walk through Parque Mexico or Parque España
  • Mezcal at Licorería Limantour
  • Dinner pre-game with Contramar
  • After-dinner drinks at Hanky Panky (reservations needed)
Tai's Mexico City Tips
  • Use Uber, not taxis.
  • Stay in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Juárez.
  • Avoid drinking tap water.
  • Exchange cash at official exchange houses (casa de cambio).
  • Always carry some pesos—not every place takes cards.
  • Sundays are for family and food; don’t expect high energy nightlife.
Tai's Final Thoughts

Contramar isn’t just a meal; it's a memory. It's the sound of clinking glasses, the sizzle of fresh fish, the heat of the salsa, the hum of conversations in Spanish, English, and everything in between. It’s where Mexico City feels like Mexico City. Tai called it the best meal of the trip, and he’s not alone. Whether you're a food-obsessed traveler or a local showing off the city, Contramar is the move.

Get there early. Come hungry. Leave happy.

Instagram Photos

Tai Lopez

Recent Tweets

Best of Tailopez