Best Seafood in Mexico City: 4 Marisquerías Locals Love
The best seafood in Mexico City: 4 marisquerías we love, from Sinaloa aguachile at Mi Compa Chava to a 1972 market classic and a Bib Gourmand raw bar.
Food & Drinks | Nov 20, 2024
Mexico City is more than 300 kilometers from the nearest beach, and yet it's one of the best seafood cities in Mexico. Every morning, fish and shellfish arrive from the Pacific and the Gulf, and the city turns them into aguachiles, cocteles, tostadas and towers piled high with shrimp and octopus. The local word for a seafood joint is marisquería, and every chilango has a favorite.
These are ours.
Key takeaways
- Mexico City's seafood scene mixes styles from all over the country, especially Sinaloa, Baja California and Veracruz.
- For Sinaloa-style aguachile, go to Mi Compa Chava in Roma.
- For a classic market seafood lunch, Romulo's has been serving in Narvarte since 1972.
- For a long, festive weekend lunch, Ostionería Mazatlán near San Ángel and Coyoacán.
- For a refined raw bar, Ultramarinos Demar holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
What to order at a Mexico City marisquería
- Aguachile: raw shrimp "cooked" in lime and chile, often served with cucumber and red onion. Sinaloa's signature dish.
- Ceviche and tostadas: chopped raw fish or seafood on a crispy tortilla.
- Coctel de camarón: Mexican shrimp cocktail, served in a tall glass with a tangy tomato sauce, onion, cilantro and avocado.
- Seafood towers: a stacked mix of shrimp, octopus, scallops and fish for sharing.
- Michelada: beer with lime, salt and spicy sauces, the classic seafood companion.
Bondabu tip: seafood is lunch food in Mexico City. Marisquerías are busiest from about 2 to 5 pm, and many close in the early evening.
The best seafood in Mexico City: our favorite spots
1. Mi Compa Chava: Sinaloa-style seafood in Roma
What began as a delivery-only kitchen during the pandemic became one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the city. Chef Salvador Orozco serves Sinaloa-style mariscos with a relaxed, coastal vibe. Don't miss the aguachile, the oysters and the micheladas, and bring friends for one of the seafood towers. It's walk-in and the line can be long, so go early. Zacatecas 172, Roma Norte.
2. Romulo's: a market classic in Narvarte
Romulo's opened in 1972 as a small stall inside Mercado 1 de Diciembre, in the Narvarte neighborhood, and kept growing into one of the city's great market marisquerías. It's loud, friendly and excellent value. Start with a shot of their spicy shrimp broth, then go for the oysters, fresh tostadas or, if you're hungry, the famous seafood platter. If the market is packed, there's a second location one block away, on Calle Uxmal.
3. Ostionería Mazatlán: a festive weekend tradition
Between San Ángel and Coyoacán, Ostionería Mazatlán is the kind of place local families have turned into a weekend tradition. The folkloric beach décor, with nets and swordfish on the walls, sets the mood, and the long weekend lines say the rest. Perfect for a long lunch after exploring San Ángel or Coyoacán. Check opening hours before you go.
4. Ultramarinos Demar: a refined raw bar in Roma
Chef Lucho Martínez's seafood restaurant sits in a restored Art Deco building in Roma Norte, with a raw-bar spirit and a Michelin Bib Gourmand for great value. It's the place to go when you want seafood with a little more polish. Mérida 21, Roma Norte.
Eat Mexico City with a local
Seafood is one of the many surprises of Mexico City's food scene. Our The Real Meal food tour takes you to the markets and stands where locals eat, in a small group with a local guide.
About the author
Ernesto is a chef and the founder of Bondabu, where he designs food and culture experiences in Mexico City and Quito.
Frequently asked questions
Is seafood safe to eat in Mexico City?
Yes, at busy, reputable marisquerías with high turnover. Seafood arrives fresh every day. Read our guide to eating street food safely in Mexico City for more tips.
What is aguachile?
A Sinaloa dish of raw shrimp marinated in lime juice and chile, usually served with cucumber and red onion. It's spicy, fresh and very popular in Mexico City.
What time should I eat seafood in Mexico City?
At lunch. Marisquerías are busiest in the afternoon, and many close in the early evening.
Where is the best seafood in Roma Norte?
Mi Compa Chava for Sinaloa-style seafood and Ultramarinos Demar for a more refined raw bar.
