King crab is Ushuaia’s headline ingredient, but it is not the entire seafood story. Travellers who look beyond centolla can find black hake, mussels, trout, scallops, robalo and other seasonal fish or shellfish connected to Tierra del Fuego and the cold southern waters.
The best choice depends on whether you want a traditional port restaurant, contemporary cooking, a waterfront view or a destination lunch closer to the fishing communities east of the city. Ask what is fresh and available that day; a focused answer is more useful than a long printed menu.
If centolla is your priority, use the dedicated King Crab in Ushuaia guide. This article intentionally concentrates on other seafood.
What Seafood Should You Look For?
| Spanish menu name | English | Typical style |
|---|---|---|
| Merluza negra | Patagonian toothfish / Chilean sea bass | Roasted or pan-seared |
| Mejillones | Mussels | Casserole, gratin or pasta |
| Trucha | Trout | Grilled, roasted or smoked |
| Vieiras / robalo | Scallops / white croaker | Grilled, baked or in sauces |
Traditional Seafood Near the Port
Tía Elvira
Tía Elvira has served seafood since 1978 and remains a practical choice near the port. It operates without reservations, so arrive early. Ask which fish and shellfish dishes are available rather than defaulting immediately to centolla.
Volver
Volver occupies an old wooden house filled with maritime objects and serves local seafood, black hake and matured meat. It is especially relevant for travellers specifically searching for merluza negra.
Contemporary Seafood Restaurants
Kaupé is a family-run fine-dining option built around fish and shellfish, with views over Ushuaia Bay. Kalma uses contemporary techniques and local products; its current menu may change with supply. María Lola combines seafood and pasta with an elevated view, while Küar offers seafood tasting choices and a waterfront setting east of the compact centre.
Reinamora at Los Cauquenes includes local seafood such as black hake in a hotel-restaurant setting. It works well for a quieter dinner, but non-guests should confirm reservations and access.
A Seafood Lunch Outside the City
Puerto Pirata, on Route 30 toward the Almanza area, describes itself as a fishing settlement with a menu dedicated to local artisanal seafood. This is a destination lunch rather than a casual walk-in from downtown. Reserve, confirm road transport and allow enough time before another excursion.
Puerto Almanza and the eastern Beagle Channel are closely associated with mussels and small-scale seafood production. A meal there can make the origin of the product more visible, but operating days and road conditions deserve the same attention as the menu.
How to Order Better Seafood
- Ask “¿Cuál es la pesca o el marisco disponible hoy?”—What fish or shellfish is available today?
- Clarify whether the fish is grilled, fried, roasted or served with a cream sauce.
- For shellfish allergy, do not assume a fish dish is safe; shared pans, grills and stocks may create cross-contact.
- Order a starter to share only after checking portion size.
- Confirm the return transfer for Almanza-area lunches before ordering a long meal.
Contact VisitUshuaia to combine a seafood reservation with transport to a waterfront or Almanza-area restaurant.
Amazing Patagonia: Ushuaia, El calafate and Torres del Paine National Park
A wonderful 8-night tour to visit the best of Southern Patagonia
Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego National Park
A great 2-night program to visit Ushuaia
