Contramar Mexico City
You may have heard of Contramar Mexico City before, as it is well-known for its seafood dishes. Their tuna tostadas and whole fish with red and green sauce are highly recommended. It is best to go for lunch as the kitchen usually closes by 6:30pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays). The restaurant is lively and bustling during the day, making it the prime time to enjoy the dining experience. If you’re new to CDMX, dining at Contramar is a must-try.
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Gabriela Cámara is a renowned chef and restaurateur who is known for serving the best seafood in Mexico City. She has an impressive resume, and in 2019, she released her cookbook called “My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions.” Additionally, she is the star of a Netflix documentary titled “A Tale of Two Kitchens” which showcases her restaurants not only as culinary ventures, but also as community centers and opportunities for her staff.
In 2020, Time recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people worldwide. Besides being an advisor to the president of Mexico, Cámara has received various honors and awards. She has been nominated twice for the James Beard Award. Cámara has also returned to Netflix as an Iron Chef contestant in the show “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.”
Gabriela Cámara has been successful in running restaurants both in Mexico and the United States. However, it was her restaurant, Contramar, located in Mexico City, that gained her popularity in 1995. Contramar is a unique place that brings the ocean to the city. It provides a getaway from the city life and gives vacation vibes to the diners.
Dont forget to read the list of the top restaurants and desert places in Mexico City/
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The menu at Contramar varies depending on the availability of fresh ingredients. They serve some of the best seafood in Mexico City as they receive daily seafood deliveries. The restaurant is always packed with a lively and fun atmosphere, popular with both locals and visitors, including celebrities. It’s recommended to make a reservation ahead of time. Additionally, their bar offers a wide selection of quality mezcal, tequila, wine, and beer, making it a great spot for a relaxed lunch.
Contramar is a restaurant owned by Gabriela Cámara that is renowned for serving excellent seafood in Mexico City. The tostadas de atún, which are thin slices of raw tuna served on a crispy fried tortilla and complemented with spicy mayo, fried onion, and avocado, are a must-try. This dish is a great way to begin your meal, and it’s difficult to go wrong with anything on the menu.
if you want to experience something addictive, try the tostadas with a squeeze of lime at the original Mexico City establishment. The dish is so good that it’s now being copied by other places. Then, there’s the Pescado a la talla Contramar – a whole butterflied fish grilled to your order by weight. Order it Contramar style, and you’ll get two sauces on top – a red chili adobo on one side and a fresh green parsley rub on the other.
Read also our review on another amazing Mexico City restaurant – Pujol.
Cámara’s signature dish is a picture-perfect meal that combines two flavors. It is served with freshly made tortillas, refried beans, and salsa, allowing you to make your own tasty tacos.
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After finishing your meal, a tray of housemade cakes and tarts will be presented to you for dessert. The stunning tray will definitely tempt you into indulging. We highly recommend trying the strawberry meringue, which is a light but extremely decadent dessert made of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth, we suggest ordering the fig tart. Resembling cheesecake, the tart features a crumbly cookie crust and a silky custard filling. It is elegantly topped with slices of fresh fig and is a favorite among regulars. So, indulge in both desserts if one is not enough!
Gabriela Cámara highlights the quality of her ingredients by keeping her dishes simple and allowing the flavors of Mexico to shine through. Contramar has been a beloved establishment in Mexico City for over 20 years and is a must-visit for anyone looking for good food and a good time, especially those interested in experiencing Gabriela Cámara’s cuisine.
Contramar’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
When dining out in Mexico City, it is recommended to dress in business casual attire, as the atmosphere tends to be slightly more formal.
Compared to other restaurants in the city, Contramar is expensive. For two people, the estimated cost would be around $100 USD.
We recommend booking a table in advance, although it is not mandatory. Please plan ahead and make a reservation here.
Gabriela Camara leads Contramar, a seafood institution in Mexico City. It has an airy space and outdoor seating, making it perfect for a casual al fresco lunch or early dinner. You must try the legendary tuna tostadas with crispy onions, and the pescado a la talla, a split grilled fish dish with red-chili and parsley sauces.
To end your meal on a sweet note, be sure to taste the subtly flavored fig tart or the indulgent meringue cake. As the restaurant is always crowded, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. Also, note that the restaurant closes early, at 6:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; thus, late diners should plan accordingly.
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🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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