El Viejo Marino — Restaurant in Ushuaia

High level, the restaurant knowingly served us old and bad snow crab that was grey and mealy. We only knew because we are from an area with a lot of fresh seafood. Please be cautious, especially if you’re not familiar with eating seafood.

We were very excited to come here after reading about how amazing this spot was to try the infamous fresh whole king crab (centolla entera). We waited around 20-25 minutes before they opened for dinner, since it’s common to queue up. Unfortunately, they had sold out on the king crab during lunch so we did not get to try that, but it sounds like it’s quite common.

We decided to go for the fresh whole snow crab (centollón entero) instead since that was recommended as an alternative, along with the seafood stew (cazuela de mariscos) and the seafood pink pasta (tallarines con salsa "El Viejo Marino").

The seafood stew and pasta were both good. However, when we received the whole snow crab, we were very puzzled. The body of the meat directly under the main shell (which was placed back on top for presentation purposes) was grey. Upon cutting open the first claw, it was a grey and mealy as well. We tried an initial bite and it tasted spoiled and somewhat soapy. We didn’t eat anymore than that bite. We’re from a coastal area in the USA where we have access to a lot of fresh seafood/crab, and knew immediately that the restaurant had knowingly served us bad and old seafood.

When we asked the waiter about the crab, he came back with another fresh steamed crab and cut it open to show us the new crab meat. It was the complete opposite of what we had received and looked like what fresh crab should look like, which is white and pink meat. We did not want it then, since it was after our meal and we had lost faith in all of the other seafood we consumed.

This was not a great experience and if we were none the wiser, could have gotten seriously sick from consuming the foul crab. It was a really unfortunate experience and I wish I didn’t have to leave...

Won’t return.

The low three star is totally due to my personal preference and experience: it takes a lot to impress a New Yorker. In any cases, they probably deserve 4 star: very accommodating, good service with a smile …

We got there at 7:39pm and seated by 8:49, sharing a table with another couple. (Or wait more time for a table for two. Most tables sit four.)

Two small dining halls, side by side. Our side can sit 18 people, and can stretch out for a few more.

No frill but they do it with a kind smile. By mistake, we ordered wrong food. The couple who sat at the same table took over and explained to them what we might want (the lady knew exactly what we wanted …) the restaurant took our food back without any fuss. Very sorry but many thanks.

We shared a king crab. (All the time I wondered why the hell did I wait for an hour for? Doesn’t New York have it better?…) I think we waited only bec we were finally got on shore after 18 days at sea. A friend recommended this place. And we didn’t have any other thing to do for the evening. We’ve enough of ship’s ‘fine dining’ - just want a change. The yellow rice is tasteless. The salad has no dressing.

A few my Chinese shipmates found this place too. They took endless videos and photos, which is a nuance at this tiny restaurant. The Chinese are oblivious and the restaurant is unfailingly polite about it. The snow crab isn’t any tastier. I’ll take Maryland blue crab any given day!!!

I tried,...

Guys, this was a great find 🥳. The menu is posted on the window, so you can see the options. This is one of the restaurants directly across from the harbor ⚓️, so the seafood can't be much fresher 🌊. I treated myself to a $40 (40,000 pesos) bowl of soup 🍲 and I don't regret it a bit.

My tour guide had recommended several places, and she had mentioned that this place served the local crab centolla 🦀 in a tomato sauce. I thought that might be strange, but this was sooo good. The tomato base did not cover the fresh taste of the crab and shrimp at all. Delicious!

They served a basket of warm bread with a tasty garlic aoli which went great with the soup. I literally cleaned the bowl 🥣.

I did not have beer or wine 🍺🍷,but I did see another group take out their corked bottle.

This is a very modest appearing place. There is a charming nautical window on the inside door. There is one small step in from the street, but otherwise the floor is level for walking. The seating is pretty limited and there is a sign requesting visitors not to bring in large luggage, so drop your suitcases off first.

There is no wifi to connect with.

None of my servers seem to speak English, so I'm glad to have the translator downloaded on my phone.

I hope you make it to Ushuaia, and that at least one of your meals is here. #shelivesontheroad #shesharestheroad #jamieinargentina...