Veracruz is not just Mexico’s oldest and largest port; it is a culinary capital where the Gulf of Mexico provides an endless bounty of fresh seafood. The city’s unique position on the Gulf Coast has created a vibrant food culture that blends Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous influences. For seafood lovers, this means a dining scene that is as rich in history as it is in flavor.
When you dine in Veracruz, you are not just eating fish; you are tasting centuries of maritime tradition. The city’s most iconic dish, Huachinango a la Veracruzana, is a perfect example of this fusion, featuring red snapper smothered in a sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, and chilies. This local specialty is a testament to the region’s ability to turn simple, fresh ingredients into something unforgettable.
Choosing the right restaurant in a city with so many options can be overwhelming, especially for visitors trying to navigate the bustling malecón or the historic center. The difference between a good meal and a transcendent one often comes down to the freshness of the catch and the skill of the kitchen. That is why understanding the local landscape is essential before you sit down to eat.
From upscale dining rooms with panoramic ocean views to rustic palapas on the sand where fishermen bring in the daily catch, Veracruz offers a spectrum of experiences. Some of the best meals are found in unassuming spots where the focus is entirely on the quality of the seafood rather than the decor. The common thread among the best establishments is a deep respect for the product.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the coastal culinary scene with confidence, whether you are craving a traditional seafood cocktail, a whole fried fish, or a rich seafood rice. We have prioritized restaurants known for their consistency, authenticity, and commitment to using local ingredients. These are the places that locals return to time and time again.
Below, you will find a curated list of the top destinations for seafood in this vibrant port city. Each entry has been selected for its unique strengths, ranging from historic legacy to innovative preparation methods. Get ready to explore the flavors that make this region a must-visit for any serious food enthusiast.
Mariscos Villa Rica
| Address | C. Mocambo 527, Playa de Oro, 94290 Boca del Río, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 922 2113 |
★★★★★
We had an excellent experience here while traveling through Mexico with our family from the United States on our way to Veracruz and Puebla. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We ordered several different seafood dishes, along with drinks and dessert, and everything exceeded our expectations.
What really made our visit memorable was our server, Alejandro Tovar. He was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to accommodate our requests throughout the meal. He made great recommendations, made sure everything came out just the way we wanted, and provided outstanding service from start to finish.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican seafood with exceptional hospitality, this is definitely a place worth visiting. Thank you, Alejandro, for making our family meal such a great experience. We would gladly come back!
If you come here ask for Alejandro Tovar to be your waiter. Charming, very kind, and accommodating. He said he’s new here but I could have swore by his level of service he’s been doing it for years. For example, my brother didn’t like the sauce on his food but said nothing. Alejandro noticed and ask if he could change anything, have the kitchen make another dish (mind you the kitchen was already closing). My aunt felt like she has swallowed a fish bone and he apologized and asked if he could bring her ice cream to soothe her throat. Even when we were leaving he shook our hand and said thank you for coming. We’re from California and I’ve not received such great service from any other restaurant like Alejandro provided. Vera Cruz is a beautiful and memorable city. But when I leave and go back home I’ll remember the service and hospitality that Alejandro Tovar showed my family when we came to dine. Sorry, the only pictures I took were the finished oysters (delicious) and the funny guy in the lobster inflatable costume.
We had an excellent dinner here. The food was surprisingly delicious, and the atmosphere was great. There are also 2 children's play areas: one inside with minders and a play structure, films, face painting, and coloring; the second one its outside on the sand with a play structure and a gorgeous view (and a foot-washing station). Great experience overall!
The food, the views and the aesthetic/atmosphere are great. Prices are a little bit above average but not on the expensive side.
Sometimes you’ll have to tell waiters if they remember your order but it’s okay, I understand they have a lot of tables.
In general great restaurant for family or dates.
Great seafood on the beach with a decent view. Everything we got was tasty
Restaurante de Mariscos Higuera Blanca Boca del Río
| Address | De Los Reyes Católicos 65, De Las Americas, Fracc. Las Américas, 94298 Boca del Río, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 229 476 4100 |
Great food! A very good representation Veracruz’s food.
This seafood restaurant stands out as one of my top two favorites in Veracruz. The dining experience here is exceptional, offering excellent, fresh, and beautifully presented seafood dishes. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to assist with your orders. Additionally, the first-floor games for kids provide a welcomed opportunity for parents to take a breather. Overall, it's a place that combines gourmet-quality food with affordable prices, making it a standout choice in Veracruz."
Great sea food
Preiemer sea food place. A classic diner atmosphere but great sea food.
The food lacks flavor and presentation, and for the price they charge, they need to put in more effort. The only noteworthy thing is that, given the prices, it's a select place. And the play area is nice. My respect to the waitstaff. Thank you.
MARYOLA
| Address | Av. 1º de Mayo 1655, Ricardo Flores Magón, 91900 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 915 2877 |
After walking around the malecon and not really seeing what I trusted - this place is a gem! Service and hospitality wise excellent. Fast service, attention to detail. I had ceviche de atun and lemonade. Well rounded flavors, tasty and well served. Will definitely come back when the live music is playing 👌
What a fantastic find of a place in Veracruz, great fun for the whole family, and the food, just outstanding! Don’t miss this Gem while you’re in the city
In town for a couple of days, decided to try this place. Food was delicious and the service was great! Our server Victor was very attentive and recommended great food. The cucharacha shrimp is really good! (Yes, the name is a turn off but it really is delicious)
Amazing.
Outstanding food, outstanding service.
By far the best place around the zone.
Special recognition for Ricardo he is the man!
Everything was delicious. Highly recommend the carnitas de atun.
Bahía 83
| Address | Vicente Guerrero Nte. 109, Miguel Alemán, 91891 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 638 3670 |
Deli
Regular
I dare say that their octopus was one of the best I've had; which ever version you go with. My wife and I got octopus, though cooked differently with different sauces, and we kept strealing from each other. The a/c helps too. Very nice "diamond in the rough" type of place.
Today I want to congratulate this restaurant because it has excellent food, service, and atmosphere. We got together as a family to celebrate a relative's birthday (May 8, 2026). The food was delicious with a homemade touch (seafood) and a very wide variety. The service was outstanding, even though we stayed past closing time, and the waitresses were very attentive since we were there from 3 to 8 pm. The atmosphere was very family-friendly because they assigned us a private area (photos attached).
We enjoyed a wide variety of dishes: Rice and beans with garlic shrimp, seafood casseroles, tilapia in garlic sauce, enchiladas, or Veracruz-style, breaded shrimp, seafood fillets, seafood cocktails, shrimp, conch, crab, octopus, among others. For drinks, we had XX Lager, Modelo Negra, Shock Oyster, pitchers of water, and for dessert, of course, cake, coffee, and fritters.
The We had a great time and time flew by.
Personally, I really appreciate the extra time for closing.
(The whole family is very grateful)
Highly recommended! Everything is delicious 🤤✨ From the cold bar with the aguachiles—the passion fruit one is simply the best—to the hot bar with their amazing mojarras. The service is super friendly and fast, and the staff is highly trained. You definitely have to come and try this delicious food 🙌🐟
El Gran Arrecife
| Address | Av. España 100, poligono 1, Reforma, 91919 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 177 1832 |
Good food for a great price. It's not gourmet dining but for what it is it's great.
I went to the buffet, and I love that they serve one per person because I think it's more hygienic. It's not huge, but it's a good size, with a good variety and delicious food. I don't think they repeat dishes, so I won't mention which ones they have. Perhaps it was because there weren't many people, but they showed us how to prepare the marzipan carajillo. It's creamy, and I personally recommend it for people who enjoy sweets. But if you prefer something more acidic, there's the lucí arresife. The place is very pleasant, they play good music, and they also have an à la carte menu. I didn't get a chance to take a picture, but the seafood tower (it's a good size) was one of my favorite dishes. They also have innovative dishes like the passion fruit aguachile, which is quite fresh and different. I'm used to traditional dishes, but I didn't regret ordering it. Something I can't overlook is their handling of seafood, fish, and shellfish; the octopus is always cooked to perfection. They say the buffet closes at 5, but we arrived at 4:30 and they allowed us to continue helping from the buffet.
During Holy Week I looked to visit several seafood buffets, and frankly, the Great Reef buffet is very limited in variety. It only has around six main dishes, and they have staff rationing the amount served. Undeniably, the flavor and seasoning are quite good, but the price in relation to the variety isn't all that great.
Excellent service and attention from the manager, waiters, and buffet staff. And the food was delicious 😋🤤👌🏻
Playa Hermosa Veracruz Revillagigedo
| Address | Av Revillagigedo 774, Formando Hogar, 91897 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 229 966 2828 |
I'm from Veracruz but currently live in Mexico City. I was amazed by the delicious flavors of the different dishes I ordered, and my friends who were with me expressed the same opinion. Óscar Orea served us, and his service was outstanding. Don't miss this experience; the prices are very reasonable for such a great meal. Ned Romero
Good location, parking available, spacious. The food isn't the best; I ordered buttered shrimp and it was bland. The portions are medium-sized and they give you hardly any tortillas (three regular tortillas for a meal for three people). The prices are so-so. They give you a free dessert for your birthday. Based on taste alone, I wouldn't recommend it. They could definitely improve. The waiter was very friendly.
I had eaten at this place before and liked it, however, today it left much to be desired. The service was terrible due to a lack of staff and a lack of knowledge about the dishes. After a long wait to order, which was compounded by a significant delay in the arrival of the requested dish, the waitress brought me a dish that was not the one I had ordered, even though she had explained how to prepare it. I ended up not eating since my dish was the only one missing from my table.
The waiter was very attentive, but the kitchen was a bit slow. The food wasn't great; we ordered octopus with onions and seafood pineapple. The tortilla chips they brought at the beginning were hard and tasted like old oil; they even looked blackened as if they'd been fried in black oil. The octopus was chewy but not bad, and the presentation was very simple. I didn't like the pineapple; the peel was green, which gave the filling a bitter taste. The pineapple inside tasted like it came from a can, and the seafood inside tasted like frozen seafood. Even though the waiter was super attentive and friendly, I wouldn't go back. The price wasn't bad; their prices are affordable at $300 per person.
The food is delicious and the wait is short; unfortunately, this place doesn't get crowded, but the food is very tasty and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Playa Hermosa Veracruz Bolivar
| Address | Simon Bolívar, Av. Salvador Díaz Mirón 1372, Salvador Díaz Mirón, 91918 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 590 3485 |
I'm going to give you this review of this place. It's very clean and delicious. It has two floors upstairs with a play area for children. The waiters and valets are all very friendly and fast. The food is very, very good, and the portions are generous. The flavored water is super delicious. I really recommend this place. Besides the seafood, the pizzas are amazing. I highly recommend it. They even welcome you with little empanadas.
The first time we visited, we went without any expectations 🧐. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted warmly, menus are brought out right away, and the staff is polite, friendly, and attentive 🫡. By the way, Emanuel is a great guy 🙂.
We ordered mojarra en papillote (baked fish), Galician-style octopus (phew, some of the best we've ever had ✨), fresh oysters, and garlic shrimp. Everything was 10/10 (the octopus was 100/10 🤭). They have a safe and spacious children's area upstairs, and there's a kids' menu.
We went back to try more and arrived around lunchtime. We learned they also serve breakfast, so we ordered a plate of Arrieros (a traditional Galician dish) 👌🏻. But we were also still hungry for another octopus 😎, and we also ordered a salad.
The food is delicious, the portions are generous, and the price is more than fair 💲. They have plenty of drinks and natural waters.
The food is amazing, the portions are generous, and the price is more than fair 💲. If you'd like any changes, they're happy to accommodate and offer options for those who don't want seafood.
We'll be back ✌🏻️
The food was truly delicious, the lobster was amazing, as were the shrimp and lobster creams, the beer was cold, and the service was excellent. Keep in mind that if you go and it's crowded, you might have to wait, although the staff are very attentive and try their best to get your food to you as quickly as possible.
The food is good. I ordered the shrimp consommé; it's a small portion but very tasty. They serve mini-meat empanadas as appetizers upon arrival, which is appreciated because they're free, but I didn't find them very good. I ordered the Shrimp and Crab Cocktail; it's a very generous portion and reasonably priced. My girlfriend ordered some bacon-wrapped shrimp, which she really enjoyed. I also ordered some shrimp in mojo de ojo sauce, but I didn't like them as much; they seemed dry and lacked the typical sauce for that type of dish. We ordered two passion fruit drinks, which were delicious. The green salsa they served was very flavorful and not spicy, which I appreciate. Good restaurant, affordable prices, good service, and generous portions.
First time here and we were very satisfied. The food, in my opinion and that of my companions, was very good. We ordered bacon shrimp ($200 or so), fried tilapia ($180, a great price), and shrimp with chiltepin sauce ($180), and as an appetizer, octopus tacos ($130). The tacos weren't the best, but they were good. The shrimp were also very tasty and spicy, although I expected them to be in a cream sauce; I guess I should have asked. We ordered micheladas with and without Clamato, and they were both good.
The staff is very friendly, and the service is relatively quick. There's no wait time (we came on a Sunday at 4 pm). There's parking, but it's small. I saw that a pitcher of clericot costs $180*, which I thought was a great price compared to other places. My only complaint is that one of my shrimp apparently wasn't cleaned properly because they didn't remove all the vein. It only happened with one shrimp, but it wasn't very pleasant.
Mr. Pez Veracruz
| Address | Adolfo, Bv. Adolfo Ruíz Cortines 3028, Costa de Oro, 94299 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 129 6160 |
Good buffet
335/person. Many seafood dishes, desserts and more. Drinks included for the 1st hour, participating beer / mixed drinks or Agua del días. Friendly service and manager who took the time to check in on clients. Good experience. Good, safe food. Good time.
Just okay for me. I enjoyed it, but I doubt I would return. I think it was a little expensive for my tastes.
The seafood buffet was OK, nothing to write home about, sadly & the drinks took forever! In their defense, it was a busy day, but the "mixed drinks" were also missing the alcohol. 🤦🏻♀️ Needless to say, they do need to hire more people asap.
We managed to have a good time bc we were a big group, but I'm not sure we'd go back, though.
My relatives took my wife and myself to have dinner at this place. Food is excellent and Diego our server is a plus to the staff. The price is ok. The only negative comment is that there are not enough restrooms. Other than that, I highly recommend Mr. Pez
I would not recommend this place. Everything is so unorganized and it takes forever to get any drinks to your table. Overall the food was not good at all. Very limited selection
La Fishque
| Address | Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho 703, Costa de Oro, 94299 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 229 763 3282 |
Food was great.. Shrimp Aguachile was amazing... Music was spectacular but a little bit loudly. I guess atmosphere is nice but with the windy breeze there is a lot of mess with papers in the floor.. This could be improved for general cleaning and best visual aspect.
Again..Food was amazing
The food was very, very, good. Great flavor. And the staff were wonderful. Will definitely eat here again.
They also have a private parking lot which is super convenient.
Great place! I ordered the BOTANERO ESTILO SINALOA: Raw oysters & shrimp, cooked shrimp and octopus. It was one of the best meals I’ve had while I was in Veracruz. The seafood was very fresh. Also had a Michelada with Victoria beer.
Everything here was great. The tacos were so good and fresh. The margarita tip notch. And service was spectacular.
The reviews looked good but when we walked up it sounds like a raging discotheque. Not an inviting environment for a meal. It was so loud there would be no way you could have a conversation without shouting. We turned around. In looking more closely at the reviews, I’m pretty sure they’re fake.
Mariscos Villa Rica Costa de Oro
| Address | Boulevard #2184, Blvd. Manuel Ávila Camacho Fraccionamiento, Costa de Oro, 94299 Boca del Río, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 922 8002 |
Delicious, a Veracruzana tradition. We had (shared) the huachinango Veracruz, the signature dish of Veracruz. There are multiple locations of this restaurant, this one is on the Malecón. It is family-friendly.
Probably one of the best seafood places I have been to. The food is delicious, service is excellent, decor and setting is wonderful and prices are unbelievably reasonable
We had a wonderful dinner. Juan had excellent recommendations and the service was fast, attentive, and very smooth. We’ll definitely be back. Everything we tried was delicious!
Dinner 2 adults 1 kid 100 USD. Delicious octopus + shrimp cocktails. Tasty & fresh flavoury in all of the specialties. I tried twice this week, I did choose Moscato and coconut ice cream with american coffee to close the dinner... my suggestion is you choose the A/C area. They have kids playground w/o AC but totally secure area (in case u have kids). Pets are welcome. And they have live music at 6pm Sat/Sun. I love this place.
Delicious place with a beautiful waterfront view of Veracruz. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great meal in the area but don't forget your wallet.
Puerto Martí (Pto. Martí)
| Address | Paseo José Martí 72, Reforma, 91919 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 229 1897 |
Delicious food and lovely service. Would definitely come back!
Delicious and fresh seafood. The green ceviche and battered tacos are fantastic.
The service is quite good and fast, and the waiters are very friendly. The pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere is much appreciated.
The complimentary broth is delicious!
We went two months ago and the service was excellent, and the food was amazing!
And this past weekend we went back for lunch and drinks, and it exceeded my expectations. The food and drinks are delicious, and the staff is very friendly. EVERYTHING was incredible! You do have to be a little patient, though, because during peak hours they take a bit longer, but it's worth it, and the staff is very attentive.
Delicious. Highly recommended. A great value and excellent flavor. The seafood was very fresh.
You'll spend approximately $450 per person. That includes a drink, a ceviche or salad, and an appetizer.
This place had been recommended to me, but unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. We ordered a steak, and it was raw. I mentioned it to the manager, and all he did was throw away what was left of it. I didn't want to say anything more; I wasn't trying to make a scene, much less refuse to pay the bill, but I expected better service. The fruit-flavored water was completely bland, and the rest of my meal was just okay, nothing special. I've eaten at better places. I heard another customer complaining about the lemonade. The place itself is pleasant, with air conditioning and fans, and it's cool. I think they should pay more attention to customer service, since it's not cheap, so they need to focus more on these details.
Marisquería El Tampico
| Address | Jose Marti 260 esq, C. Antonio de Mendoza, Reforma, 91919 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:30 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 7:30 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 229 447 8251 |
This is one of my favorites sea food places, the dishes are delicious and the service size is large I recommend the Tampico style shrimps and Squid tacos with bone marrow. The service is great always pending and very friendly. Finally don't forget to try a Michelada, 400 conejos mezcal or Licor 43.
Service and food were fantastic. The place is very clean and comfortable. It was so good the first night we went that we came back for 2 more meals. Each one was more delicious and fresh. The desserts and after dinner drinks were delicious too. The servers were very attentive to make suggestions that we really enjoyed making it a superb dinning experience. Loved it!
excellent food and friendly service
Too expensive and not tasty at all
The air conditioning is excellent, the decor is pleasant, and the place itself is nice. The service was good.
The selection and quality of the food and drinks seem adequate. However, the portions seem a bit small, and the preparation could be more elaborate. It's a place worth returning to.
Palapa Perea
| Address | 16 de Septiembre Azueta e Iturbide, Av. 16 de Septiembre 1493, Ricardo Flores Magón, 91900 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 229 200 9894 |
Amazing food, kind service and an excellent setting.
Definitely a place to visit if you are looking for the best seafood in Veracruz with the kindest treatment.
The personnel is very attentive, prepared and ready to deliver a nice service.
Also the prices are very accessible. I would say they are very cheap compare to the quality of the food. 😋
Great food, the best shrimp, octopus cocktails, great service
Amazing food is served here and the service is excellent. This restaurant has been my favorite place during my stay in Veracruz. It is in walking distance to the Aquarium and the beaches.
Good place to eat fresh seafood and traditional Veracruz style hot seafood. Try the Chilpachole, the seafood tostadas and the seafood empanadas
La Palapa Perra is just one of the places where I've had Ceviche de Pescado and liked me the most! I mean it, it tasted so fresh and delicious 🤤. Other people in my party had Shrimp Cocktail and they also mentioned that you can really tell the difference in the freshness of the shrimpy (they also loved it)
The crew was super attentive and kind. As this places is not located in a Main street you can easily find free parking and a table for you.
El Bayo
| Address | Carmen Pérez 31, Formando Hogar, 91897 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 938 7725 |
A very authentic seafood restaurant, Veracruz style, with a huge selection of main courses and side orders, even a cocktail list! But almost exclusively fish and shellfish, of course.
I had a perfectly cooked whole fish, paying by size, and the service was excellent.
Just be aware that they close early, last orders at 6.20 or so.
Cozy place with a friendly staff and delicious food. Had the a la diabla shrimps, no shell. Good flavor a little hot.
Yesterday I went to eat at this restaurant and my experience was good.
The food tastes good, I ordered a seafood soup and it was delicious, the shrimp were huge.
The waiters' attention was good and the service was fast. The price is good and there is a lot of variety of dishes, the atmosphere of the place is pleasant.
I will be back soon
This seafood restaurant is an excellent place to go while you are visting Veracruz City. This place has the authentic and delicios flavors from the coast.
Good place for eating sea food, good prices. Shrimp plates are my favorites.
Mariscos Villa Rica Diligencias
| Address | Independencia 1115, Centro, 91700 Veracruz, Ver., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 229 948 5935 |
Take my review with a grain of salt, since I do not eat seafood. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and in a beautiful hotel. Service is excellent. There was definitely a lack of menu options for people who don’t eat seafood or meat. I had the rice with fried plantains and it was good, but basic. My coworkers who I went to dinner with had seafood and said it was delicious!
Excellent place to try authentic cuisine from Veracruz. I specially recommend the green ceviche (tuna). They serve generous portions.
Very expensive plus for the price the food is bad....Arrachera was tasteless and presentation poor. Lobster tail was ok...just okay at best. Thermador sauce wasn't great, watery... Lobster cost about £165 and so for the price was bad. The waiter did state is was around £50...final price was a shock and not noticed until I saw my credit card statement🙁
I asked for Peruvian style ceviche, but I had paid for the Sunday Seafood Buffet…the chef made the ceviche at no extra cost! I was in heaven!!!
Meal was ok: nothing to brag about. Service was subpar with drinks all confused. The Rice”a la tumbada” was the only thing that saved the day, since it did taste very good. Prices are on the higher side. Not worth it.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seafood in Veracruz
To make the most of your culinary journey in this bustling port, it helps to know how the locals navigate their dining scene. A little bit of knowledge about timing, ordering, and location can dramatically improve the quality of your meal. Here are some expert insights to ensure you eat like a true jarocho.
Prioritize Lunch Over Dinner
The freshest seafood is often served during the afternoon hours. Local fishermen bring their catch to the restaurants in the early morning, meaning that lunch menus feature fish that was swimming in the Gulf just hours before. Dining at 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM ensures you get the best of the day before supplies run out.
Look for the Daily Catch, Not Just the Menu
While menus are helpful, the true gems are often written on a chalkboard or explained verbally by your server. Ask what came in fresh that morning. If a restaurant is hesitant to tell you where their fish came from or when it arrived, consider that a red flag. A good kitchen will be proud to share this information.
Understand the Local Terminology
Veracruz cuisine has its own vocabulary. Dishes like "vuelve a la vida" (a hearty seafood cocktail meant to cure hangovers) and "arroz a la tumbada" (a brothy rice dish) are staples. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you order with confidence and appreciate the regional specialties beyond the standard fried fish.
Venture Beyond the Malecón
While the boardwalk offers stunning views, the restaurants directly on the tourist strip often charge a premium for location rather than quality. Walking a few blocks inland or heading to the nearby towns of Boca del Río or Mandinga can lead you to family-run establishments where the focus is entirely on the food and the prices are more reasonable.
Check the Crowd and the Cleanliness
A busy restaurant is almost always a good sign in Veracruz. High turnover means the seafood is constantly being replenished and is not sitting in a cooler. Additionally, pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the dining area and, if visible, the kitchen. A clean establishment is a strong indicator of how they handle their raw product.
Exploring the seafood of Veracruz is about more than just satisfying hunger; it is an immersive cultural experience. Every dish tells a story of the Spanish colonizers, the African slaves who brought new cooking techniques, and the indigenous people who first harvested the Gulf. The result is a cuisine that is bold, comforting, and deeply rooted in a sense of place.
Whether you choose a bustling downtown institution or a quiet spot on the beach, the key is to order with an open mind and a hearty appetite. Trust the recommendations of the locals, savor the freshness of the ocean, and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes this port city one of Mexico’s true culinary treasures.
