What are the best seafood restaurants in Mexico City?
Contramar in Roma Norte is the obvious answer, and for good reason. It's consistently excellent, though expensive. For something more casual, try Mariscos Don Vergas in Doctores, or the Mariscos el Paisa food truck in Escandón for incredible, fresh tostadas. If you want a more refined experience without the Contramar price tag, try La Docena in Roma Norte.
What locals actually do
Locals know that the best mariscos are often found in unassuming spots. We hit up places like Mariscos El Paisa for a quick, cheap, and utterly delicious seafood fix on the street. Contramar is great for a long lunch, especially mid-week, but it's not an everyday spot. For a proper dinner, we're more likely to choose something like a seafood tower at Mi Gusto Es or the raw bar at La Docena, where the vibe is a bit more relaxed than Contramar's constant hum.
If you go to Contramar, get the pescado a la talla – it’s what sets them apart. Order the medium size, not the large. Pair it with a cold michelada.
Practical notes
- 01Contramar, La Docena, and Mi Gusto Es can be pricey (800-1500+ MXN per person with drinks).
- 02Mariscos Don Vergas and Mariscos El Paisa offer excellent value (200-500 MXN per person).
- 03Reservations are essential for Contramar, especially for lunch on weekends; walk-ins are difficult.
Good to know
- ✗Assuming all seafood in CDMX is equally fresh – stick to established places.
- ✗Only eating shrimp tacos when the menu has so much more to offer.
- ✗Going to Contramar expecting a quiet romantic dinner; it's a lively, loud lunch spot.