Contramar

Contramar serves the best seafood in Mexico City. It's been an institution since it opened up more than 20 years ago. It is always packed every single day, from open to close. They're only open for lunch until 6 or 6:30ish. So, they don't really do a full American-style dinner service. But if you go at 5:00 or 6:00 pm, you can have what feels like an American dinner. Contramar is always going to be the most busy from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, when Mexican people take their lunch. You will see the dining area packed with business people, friends, and tourists all having the time of their life over the freshest seafood!

Contramar does not take reservations in advance, so you may have to wait outside for a table! Don’t worry, the line moves quickly and there is a lot of people watching outside the restaurant.

I recommend the pescado a la talla Contramar-style, which is a filleted snapper that is grilled with a green and a red adobo sauce. This dish was so incredible, my mom and I had to recreate it as soon as we got back in the states! Contramar is also known for their tuna tostadas, which has raw tuna that is never more than 48 hours out of the ocean -- it is the freshest tuna you'll ever eat in your life! The tostadas are topped with chipotle mayonnaise and fried leeks. A whole order is four tostadas, but you can also ask for a half order if you are a small group.

If possible, ask to sit at the bar overlooking the restaurant. It's the best seat in the house. You'll see everything that happens. You'll have great service. Contramar is like a ballet of waiters, busboys, and hosts moving around in unison with gigantic trays of food. Truly fascinating to watch!

Don't pass up dessert here, as they are known for having excellent cakes, pies, and more. Their most popular dessert is a cake with whipped cream, strawberries, and meringue.