After a chaotic travel day, Entremar gave us something we didn’t realize we were craving: calm.
When planning our Mexico City culinary adventures, Entremar wasn’t initially on my radar. Everyone in my travel groups, friends, and associates, insisted Contramar was the non-negotiable dining experience; the place for those legendary tuna tostadas and seafood that apparently changes lives. But booking our Spring Break trip just weeks before departure meant certain sacrifices, and one of them was saying goodbye to those coveted Contramar reservations.
Sometimes, though, the universe knows what you need better than your Pinterest board does.
Related: Mexico City Family Travel Reality: Perfectly Imperfect Trip
When Plan B Becomes the Perfect Plan
After a day of navigating Chapultepec Zoo with two excited (and eventually exhausted) daughters, we were all running on fumes. After the whole taxi rosa debacle, we headed back to our hotel to wind down for what I optimistically called “a hot minute” before our dinner reservation.
My husband suggested pushing our reservation back, but a quick check of OpenTable confirmed what I suspected: no later slots were available. Mexico City’s notorious traffic turned our Uber ride into a little adventure, and we found ourselves running late.
But I’d done my research. Entremar, Contramar’s sister restaurant, promised the same celebrated menu with a stunning view of Plaza Uruguay. And honestly? After a day of zoo crowds and city noise, I needed to sit somewhere beautiful and sip something stronger than the agua fresca in my backpack.
I tried calling the restaurant in my best Spanish to let them know we were running late, but they couldn’t hear me clearly. My husband (with his better Spanish skills and better cell service – Verizon beats AT&T internationally every time) called back and successfully reached them. Thankfully, they were gracious enough to hold our table despite the delay.
The Restaurant That Restored Us
Stepping into Entremar felt like entering someone’s stylish yet welcoming home. Floor-to-ceiling windows captured the golden hour light across the plaza, and despite having two kids in tow (one of whom was still wearing her souvenir zoo hat), we were greeted with genuine warmth rather than the subtle judgment some upscale places can’t help but telegraph when families arrive.
Our table overlooked Plaza Uruguay, where locals and tourists intermingled in that beautiful early evening choreography that cities do so well. The space balanced sophistication with accessibility; white tablecloths and attentive service, but also a relaxed energy that made me exhale for the first time that day.
A Menu That Pleased Everyone (Miracle Status Achieved)
Let’s be honest: Dining with a teen or a preschooler usually means someone is compromising. But Entremar managed to thread that impossible needle.
We started with their tuna tostadas, which lived up to every bit of hype with their perfect blend of freshness and depth. I paired mine with the Ceviche Entremar, while my husband opted for the shrimp cocktail (he has a thing for Mexican-style shrimp cocktails wherever we travel). My oldest, who doesn’t like to try new foods, immediately claimed the French fries as her appetizer, though my youngest quickly negotiated shared custody.
Related: Hilton Mexico City Reforma Review: Family-Friendly Stay
For drinks, I ordered a carajillo, though I’ll confess the one at our hotel bar had set a high standard this one couldn’t quite meet. Still, the generous pour was appreciated after our zoo experience. My husband chose the Jamaica mezcal cocktail, which he enjoyed. I, too, enjoyed a few sips. My oldest was delighted with Mexican Coke (my teen’s obsession) and a house-made Shirley Temple for my youngest that came with extra cherries without us even asking.
The main courses arrived like a well-orchestrated production. My youngest and I shared the Pulpo a las brasas con adobo de chile meco (grilled octopus with meco chile adobo), which arrived with portions generous enough that sharing didn’t feel like a sacrifice. My husband’s Filete de atún sellado (seared tuna filet) was cooked to perfection, while my oldest supplemented her fry consumption with Pasta al pomodoro fresco.
Related: Mexico City Family Travel: Why Rest First Saved Our Vacation
The Dessert Cart: A Strategic Masterpiece
Just when we thought dinner couldn’t get better, they rolled out the dessert cart, a large platter with all options displayed like delicious museum pieces. This brilliant move eliminated the usual “but what does it actually look like?” questions and turned dessert ordering into an experience itself.
After serious deliberation (and negotiation), we settled on the cheese flan and fig tart. The flan had that perfect wobble that signals custard perfection, while the fig tart balanced sweetness with depth in a way that had us all strategizing how to get the last bite.
The Beauty in the Bump: Finding Stillness in Chaos
As the sunset painted Plaza Uruguay in pinks and golds, I watched my family transform.
I needed this from this trip, but hadn’t articulated it: not just seeing Mexico City but feeling us slow down within it. The day’s chaos (my youngest having a full meltdown over a hot dog, my teen’s periodic eye rolling) melted away as we sat in this unexpected sanctuary.
“We should stay in this neighborhood next time,” my husband suggested, looking out at the plaza where fashionable locals were now emerging for evening strolls. My oldest agreed because the Polanco area is a lot more her vibe. After all, it’s posh and bougie.
And just like that, we were planning our return before we’d even finished this trip; the surest sign of travel done right.
Why I Now Schedule One “Slow Meal” on Every Trip
That dinner at Entremar taught me something crucial about family travel: amid the landmark-hopping and experience-collecting, we need moments deliberately designed for stillness. I now build at least one “slow meal” into every itinerary – a restaurant chosen not just for its food but for its ability to create space for us to reconnect.
While I want my daughters to see the world, I also want them to learn how to be still within it, to absorb rather than just document, to taste rather than just consume, and to feel rather than just do.
Entremar wasn’t on any “must-visit” list I’d compiled, but it should have been. Sometimes the detours, whether due to missed reservations or simply stumbling upon something unexpectedly perfect, become the moments that define a trip.
And sometimes, the most luxurious experience isn’t the most famous restaurant in town, but the one that gives you exactly what you need right when you need it.
