For those in the know, mentioning Mexico City’s culinary scene immediately conjures up images of Contramar. This iconic seafood restaurant, helmed by the celebrated chef Gabriela Cámara, is practically a rite of passage for any visitor seeking the city’s best eats. You’ve likely seen the photos: perfectly grilled butterflied fish adorned with vibrant red and green salsas, pristine tuna tostadas, and those coveted mints stamped with the “Contramar” logo. Landing a reservation at Contramar has become almost as essential as booking your flights and finding that perfect Airbnb in Condesa or Roma Norte. It’s the place to be.
Like many, Contramar was at the top of my must-do list for a recent trip to Mexico City with a group of friends. Being the meticulous planner in my friend group, I usually have every detail ironed out. However, in a rare oversight, securing that essential Contramar reservation slipped through the cracks. To make matters worse, we were a large party of eight exploring the city over a bustling long weekend. The realization that a table was likely impossible sent a wave of panic through me. Food FOMO is real, especially when it involves missing out on the dish of the moment – that grilled snapper! The tuna tostadas! My culinary dreams seemed to be slipping away.
Just when despair began to set in, a lifeline appeared in the form of Contramar’s incredibly helpful staff. During my slightly frantic inquiry about a table, they pointed me towards a solution I hadn’t considered: Entremar. Described as Contramar’s sister restaurant, Entremar boasted nearly the same menu but, remarkably, none of the overwhelming hype. Intrigued and desperate, we decided to give it a try on our final evening in the city.
Stepping into Entremar felt like discovering a hidden gem. It possessed a similar breezy, sophisticated atmosphere to what I imagined Contramar to be, but with a more relaxed and accessible vibe. And the food? It was everything I had hoped for and more. We indulged in that flawlessly charred fish, served with warm, handmade tortillas. Those legendary tuna tostadas lived up to every expectation, and honestly, I still find myself craving them. We also ventured into new territory, savoring succulent stone crabs that quickly became a table favorite.
While the mints at the end of the meal lacked the “Contramar” stamp, they bore the name of a place that now holds a special significance: Entremar. For anyone planning a trip to Mexico City and dreaming of the Contramar experience, consider this your insider tip. Entremar offers the same exceptional quality and iconic dishes in a setting that might just be a little easier to navigate. Skip the reservation stress and head straight to Entremar for a taste of Mexico City seafood you won’t soon forget.
Go there: Entremar
