1. Tostadas de Atún (Tuna Tostadas)

The tuna tostadas are a must and Cámara's version is a dish so iconic they've landed on the Wikipedia page for this humble Mesoamerican dish. The tostada is prepared with thin slices of raw tuna, leek and avocado slices, and chipotle mayonnaise, served on maize toasted tortillas. Tantalizingly fresh tuna sits atop golden discs of toasted tortilla, smeared with mellow chipotle mayo, finished with a crescent of avocado and a scattering of fried leeks—a winning addition that ties everything together. The tuna tostadas have been widely praised, with critics describing them as "well-executed", "stellar", "legendary", "iconic", "delicate", and a "must-try" dish. This is Contramar's most famous dish and absolutely essential to order.

2. Pescado a la Talla (Grilled Whole Fish)

The signature dish at Contramar is a Northern red snapper fillet split in half, with one side topped with a parsley-based sauce and the other in adobo sauce. For this dish, a whole fish is butterflied and then grilled, and you order the fish by weight, so the staff will pick one that's the right size for your party. Order it Contramar style, and it comes topped with two different sauces—on one side, you'll have a red chili adobo, and on the other, a fresh green parsley rub. The recipe for pescado a la talla is accompanied by black beans and tortillas, allowing it to be eaten as a taco, and has been adapted by restaurants worldwide due to the versatility of red and green sauces. This red-and-green pescado a la talla has been widely imitated by other restaurants worldwide and defines Contramar—it's what you'll see on every other table and every foodie's Instagram.

3. Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-Style Octopus)

A simple dish of tender octopus and potato cubes dressed with olive oil, flaky sea salt, and a healthy dose of paprika. The octopus cocktail is a must try, with octopus that's almost buttery and cloud-like rather than overcooked and rubbery. The octopus was so tender and served with paprika and olive oil in the traditional Galicia style, creating a match made in heaven. This preparation showcases the restaurant's philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine through simple, masterful preparation.

4. Tostadas de Camarón (Shrimp Tostadas)

Shrimp tostadas feature shrimp with chipotle mayonnaise, cilantro, and refried black beans. Shrimp at Contramar are runty yet plump as intended, and the shrimp tostada has been praised alongside the cheese quesadilla and whole fish as fantastic. This appetizer demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to impeccably fresh seafood with straightforward but flavorful preparation.

5. Scallop Tostada with Salsa Macha

One topped with diced, raw scallop tossed in a salsa macha showcases the restaurant's ability to highlight pristine seafood with just the right accompaniments. The scallops on the tostadas are so fresh and deliver exceptional flavor. This dish represents the daily specials comprising the morning's catch and demonstrates why Contramar only works with fish and shellfish caught fresh each day.

6. Ceviche Contramar

Fresh clam ceviche and the Ceviche Contramar are among the favorites at this seafood institution. The ceviches showcase chopped tomato, chili, onion and cilantro, augmented with lime juice and olive oil. The restaurant serves both Mexican-style seafood dishes as well as international preparations, and the ceviche exemplifies the fresh, bright flavors that Contramar is known for.

7. Tuna Carnitas

Contramar's tuna carnitas are made using the fatty part of the tuna, which is chopped then fried until crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. After frying, the meat is served with chunky guacamole, refried beans and fresh tortillas made with heirloom corn from Tepoztlan. This innovative take on a traditional Mexican dish showcases Chef Cámara's creativity while honoring Mexican culinary traditions.

8. Quesadillas de Queso con Epazote (Cheese Quesadillas with Epazote)

Deep fried quesadillas with cheese and chile cuaresmeño, the cheese quesadilla has been praised as fantastic alongside other menu items. The restaurant quietly serves tortillas handmade from heirloom corn grown in nearby Xochimilco, making even the simplest preparations exceptional. These quesadillas showcase the quality of Contramar's ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

9. Croquetas de Atún (Tuna Croquettes)

Golden-fried bites of tuna heaven, these tuna croquettes come with chipotle mayonnaise and represent another creative preparation of the restaurant's fresh tuna. The croquettes provide a different texture and preparation style from the raw tuna tostadas, demonstrating the versatility of the daily catch.

10. Aguachile de Camarón (Shrimp Aguachile)

Cold, spicy, limey shrimp with red onions and cucumber, this dish translates to "chile water" and delivers the delayed force of chiles—specifically traditional chiltepin peppers. The scallop aguachile flecked with traditional chiltepin peppers is pristinely chilled and gratifyingly pert. While some find the aguachile could use more flavor and spiciness, when properly prepared it represents classic Mexican coastal cuisine at its finest.

1. Signature Seafood: Known for its legendary tuna tostadas and butterflied grilled fish.

2. Vibrant Atmosphere: A trendy, always-busy spot favored by chefs, artists, and international food lovers.

3. Quality & Freshness: Seafood is brought in daily and treated with simplicity that highlights natural flavors.

4. Perfect for Lunch: Contramar is especially renowned for long, leisurely midday meals with shared plates.

5. Cultural Landmark: It has earned international recognition and consistently ranks among the best restaurants in Latin America.

🏛 Morning – Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) Begin in Coyoacán at Frida Kahlo’s iconic blue house. Explore her art, personal artifacts, and lush garden for a deep dive into her life and creativity.

🌿 Late Morning – San Ángel Neighborhood Wander through cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and artisan markets. This area offers a quieter, charming contrast to the city center.

🍴 Midday – Contramar (Highlight) Head to Roma Norte for your reservation at Contramar. Famous for its fresh seafood, signature tuna tostadas, and vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant is a 4.5/5-rated culinary destination. Plan for a leisurely lunch.

🎨 Afternoon – Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) After lunch, explore Mexico’s national art museum. Its collection spans centuries, showcasing Mexican and European masterpieces.

🚶 Evening – Roma & Condesa Stroll Conclude the day with a walk through Roma and Condesa. Admire leafy boulevards, Art Deco buildings, and lively plazas as the city transitions into evening.