If you had asked me before my trip what my favourite restaurant in Mexico City would be, I would have guessed one of the city’s Michelin-starred tasting menu destinations. Instead, my top meal was at a lively, unpretentious seafood restaurant where the focus is simply on outstanding ingredients, flawless execution and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger for hours. That restaurant is Contramar.
Opened in 1998 by acclaimed chef, Gabriela Cámara, in Roma Norte, Contramar has become one of Mexico City’s true culinary institutions. Long before the city emerged as one of the world’s great dining destinations, Cámara helped redefine modern Mexican cuisine by celebrating the country’s coastal flavours with impeccably fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and a relaxed style of hospitality. Today, Contramar has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its exceptional quality and value, and remains one of the city’s most coveted lunch reservations.
The dining room is bright, airy and constantly buzzing with energy. Decorated in crisp whites and royal blue, it feels more like a stylish Greek beach house than a formal restaurant. White tablecloths, blond wood chairs, woven basket light fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows and a straw-matted ceiling create a breezy Mediterranean atmosphere, while fish skeletons displayed on the walls add a playful coastal touch. The waiters, smartly dressed in white jackets with black bow ties, deliver polished yet friendly service, and the fashionable local crowd only adds to the lively ambience.
The menu celebrates the freshest seafood available that day. The famous tuna tostadas were outstanding—without question the best I tasted anywhere in Mexico City. Delicate, perfectly balanced and incredibly fresh, it’s easy to understand why they have become legendary. Equally famous is Contramar’s signature pescado a la talla, a whole grilled red snapper served half with a vibrant red adobo sauce and half with a bright herb and parsley sauce. It has become one of Mexico City’s most iconic dishes and has been copied by countless restaurants, but nothing compares to the original.
Everything we ordered was exceptional. The ceviches were bright, vibrant and incredibly fresh. The perfectly cooked octopus, served with roasted sweet potatoes and accompanied by both corn and flour tortillas, was another standout. Every dish was beautifully seasoned, allowing the quality of the seafood to shine.
Then came dessert. Presented on an oversized tray filled with irresistible creations, choosing just one is almost impossible. My clear favourite was the magnificent fig and custard tart with its delicate pastry and silky filling. A close runner-up was the light mango meringue cake, although honestly every dessert looked spectacular.
While Contramar is well known for its margaritas, mezcal, tequila, Mexican beers and crisp wines, I wasn’t in the mood for alcohol that afternoon. Instead, our knowledgeable server suggested a refreshing lemongrass and lemon water, which was absolutely perfect. The service throughout the meal was warm, polished and attentive. Our waiter cleverly suggested ordering several dishes in half portions so we could experience more of the menu, and it turned out to be excellent advice.
Contramar has two sister restaurants. We visited one during our stay, and although the menu was virtually identical, the cooking simply wasn’t of the same calibre. If you’re choosing between them, go to the original. There is something special about Contramar that cannot be replicated.
Nearly three decades after opening, Contramar remains one of Mexico City’s most beloved restaurants. It perfectly captures the spirit of Mexico’s Pacific coast while sitting in the heart of Roma Norte. It is vibrant, relaxed and full of life—the kind of place where lunch effortlessly turns into an afternoon. The seafood is impeccably fresh, the cooking is simple yet unforgettable, and the atmosphere is infectious.
Contramar wasn’t just one of the highlights of my trip—it was my favourite restaurant in Mexico City. It may not have Michelin stars, but it delivers something even more memorable: spectacular seafood, genuine hospitality and an energy that keeps both locals and visitors coming back again and again.
Highly recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
07/18/2026
