La Perlita

La Perlita is a small seafood spot in the Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood, well away from the waterfront and the cruise-day crowds. It runs on a lunch-into-early-evening schedule the way island seafood places traditionally do, which is to say it opens when the catch arrives and closes when the day is done.

What To Order

Ceviche and aguachile are the core of the menu, alongside grilled and fried fish, shrimp and mixed seafood plates. Portions are built for sharing and the salsas are made in-house. This is Mexican coastal cooking rather than anything dressed up for visitors.

Good To Know

Open 12:00pm to 8:00pm, closed Tuesdays. Because the kitchen closes at 8:00pm this is a lunch or early-dinner plan, not a late one, and it fits neatly after a morning two-tank when you come off the boat hungry. It is a casual room with a mostly Mexican clientele, so a little Spanish smooths things along. Phone is +52 987 119 5231, and they post on Instagram at @laperlitaczm.

Getting There

Calle 10 Norte 499 in the Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood, inland and north of the Centro grid. It is a short taxi from the downtown waterfront rather than a comfortable walk in the heat.