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The Best Restaurants in Mexico City

by URBAN JOURNEY
Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Taqueria Orinoco

Many travelers have been heading to Mexico City recently for their culture, soul, history and of course, their food and drink scene. If you’re planning a trip there soon, we’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Mexico City just for you. Whether you’re looking for street tacos, fine-dining or everything in between, we’ve got some tried and tested picks for you. We’ve also included what part of town they are located in, so you can keep this handy with you on the go. We couldn’t showcase all the pictures from the beautiful venues, so be sure to check out their instagram for some highlights.

Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Mexican Restaurants

el Chapulin, Polanco

Mexico City Best Restaurants - el ChapulinChapulin, is a restaurant that is all about Mexico and its history. When you walk in you are welcomed into a space with colonial and modern elements and 11,000 custom clay tiles made by Oaxacan women. You can choose to dine on the terrace or the inside, which both offer great views of the Chapultepec footrest. The menu is not vast but they have a good dishes to choose from that mix traditional food with modern elements. If you have ever wanted to try grasshoppers (chapulines) or ant eggs (escamoles) this would be the place to do so. They also have traditional Mexican dishes including a variety of tacos, quesadillas and more. Pair your food with options from their extensive wine and cocktail list.

Campos Elíseos 218, Colonia Polanco. Inside the Hotel Presidente InterContinental Mexico Polanco. Tel : (55) 5327-7789

el Chapulin’s menu

Follow el Chapulin on Instagram to see more delicious photos of their food and ambiance.

Azul Historico, Cuauhtemoc District

Best Restaurants Mexico City - Azul HistoricoAzul Historico is located in an open air courtyard in Downtown Mexico Hotel, which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It is also known as “Palacios de los Condos de Miraville” and showcases its 16th century architecture.

Come in for a relaxed meal and stiff drink, which you may need from shopping at the boutiques above. Expect good Mexican dishes here like tacos de lechon, enchilidas de mole poblano and many others.

Isabel la CatÓlica 30, Center, 06000 CDMX

Azul Historico’s menu

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Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Classics

San Angel Inn

Best Restaurants Mexico City - San Angel InnIt’s pretty famous and you’re likely to be amongst tourists here but its well worth a visit because it’s a Mexican colonial architecture, beautiful interiors, gardens and fountains. The building was originally built in 1692 and in 1937 it was officially named a Colonial monument. It was converted into a restaurant in 1961. It’s a gorgeous property and known for its Mexican colonial architecture, beautiful interiors, gardens and fountains. Their menu features a variety of tacos, quesadillas, seafood and meats – and they are good.

Diego Rivera 50, San Ángel Inn, Álvaro Obregón, 01060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

San Inguel Inn Menu

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Loma linda, Lomas de Chapultepec

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Loma LindaWhat’s amazing about Loma Linda, is they have been around in multiple forms since 1924, including a cafeteria and a dance hall, and then a restaurant since 1956. It’s the first restaurant that introduced Argentinian cuisine to Mexico, after its owner went down to Argentina and learned about the different cuts of meat and empanadas, which you will find on the menu at Loma Linda. The service and quality are high. The steaks are cooked in front of you on small grills, ensuring you’ll eat it at its best temperature. We recommend making a reservation on the terrace outside.

Av. Paseo de la Reforma 1105, Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Loma Linda Menu

Follow Loma Linda on Instagram to see photos of their food and ambiance.

Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Upscale

Quintonil, PolancoBest Restaurants in Mexico City - QuintonilThe restaurant has been around for a decade and is headed by a husband and wife duo, Jorge Vallejo and Alejandra Flores. Quintonil is currently No. 9 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and No. 8 on on Latin America’s Best Restaurants, and for good reason. They blend Mexican flavors and a contemporary style perfectly in dishes like smoked heirloom tomatoes, avocado, “quesillo” dressing with “chapulín”, Oaxacan herbsand Atocpan style “mole”, seasonal vegetables, sourdough bread, which can be found on the a la carte menu. They also have a tasting menu, which can be adjusted to your dietary requirements, which may be the way to go here so you can try a variety of dishes. And if you want to go all out, because why not, opt in for the wine pairing.

Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico

Quitonil’s menu

Follow Quintonil on Instagram to see more delicious photos of their food and ambiance.

Pujol, Polanco

Best Restaurants Mexico City - PujolPujol is consistently on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (currently ranking at No. 9) and Best Latin American Restaurants List, currently ranking at No. 7

Pujol has been around since 2000 and since coming onto the restaurant scene, they have been able to showcase the beauty and flavors of Mexican cuisine. Chef Enrique Olvera offers diners a seven course omakase menu, where chefs decide the menu of the day, while consistently offering some of their incredible signature dishes. For a more casual meal, there is also a “taco omakase” menu which you can get at the bar.

There is no wine pairing, but the restaurant offers up a great selection of tequilas and mezcals. Lock in your reservation as soon as you book your trip.

Tennyson 133, Polanco IV Section, CP11550 Mexico City

Follow Pujol on Instagram to see more delicious photos of their food and ambiance.

Carmela y sal, Torre Virreyas

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Carmel y Sal

This a newer edition to the ever-expanding list of best restaurants in Mexico City, but its worth a spot on our list for sure.

Gabriel Ruiz divides her menu into interludes, prelude, climax and other. and a lot of her dishes are inspired by songs. She is native to the southern state of Tabasco and she uses many ingredients from there in her cuisine like plantains and cacao.

Here you will find really interesting Mexican bites like smoked cheese from Tenosique, Tabasco from Uncle Rodo, roasted peppers and honey and short rib with chirmol (smoked and mildly spiced sauce), mashed plantains, pumpkins and pickled onions and others. Their signature cocktails like Tarragon (mezcal, pineapple grille, absinthe), Mango (Bacardi rum, orange, seed, sesame, chili), are definitely not to miss.

If you like pairing good cocktails with your food, this is a good option for you. And for the vegans out there, there are delicious options on the menu for you.

Torre Virreyes, Calle Pedregal N.24 Del, 11040 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Carmela y sal menu

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Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Miscellaneous

Rosetta, Roma

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Rosetta

The menu keeps changing here and is dependent on what ingredients are available, which are sourced from small producers. Expect an Italian-Mexican fusion meal here which include with fresh burratas, risottos, pastas mixes with Mexican flavors and ingredients. It is located within a beautiful townhouse which makes it such a cozy experience, and literally as if you are eating at home. If you love your fresh breads, and who doesn’t, they also have a bakery which focuses on all things sourdough. The restaurants is currently No. 37 on Latin America’s Best Restaurants.

Colima 166, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Rosetta menu

Follow Rosetta on Instagramto see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Maximo Bistrot, Roma

Best Restaurants Mexico City - Maximo BistrotEnjoy cozy surroundings and ambiance here at Maximo Bistrot, where you can enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the fields and the sea for a true farm to table experience. It’s a small and cozy spot and reservations are definitely required. Expect Mexican-French fare and dishes that are always rotating – but may include Mexican octopus ceviche , and oysters from “La Baja.” They also have a tasting menu and a pairing they offer, which may be the way to go if you are having difficulty choosing what to eat. Maximo Bistrot is ranked #33 on Latin America’s 50 best restaurants.

Av. Álvaro Obregón 65 Bis, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Maximo Bistro menu

Follow Maximo Bistrot on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Contramar, Roma

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - ContramarSeafood lovers, you won’t want to miss Contramar. This is definitely one of the best places to eat in Mexico City. They are known for the fresh fish and shellfish; you’ll also find amazing ceviche here. Chef Gabriela Camara, who is the culinary advisor to the Mexican president, cooks up pretty amazing dishes like uni ceviche, made to order grilled fish, octopus and so much more. The restaurant is only open for lunch and cocktail hour. Reservations can be made two months in advance.

Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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Sylvester, Polanco

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - SylvesterIf you are looking for an Argentinian steakhouse with an amazing Mexican twist, this is the spot. Sylvester offers up the best cuts of meat (churrasco, japanese kobe, american wagyu and more), an extensive wine list and good cocktails – meat is served and cut table side and prepped how you’d like.

The design is sleek, just like all the restaurants under the Hunan Group, very cozy and inviting to make you feel at home. The restaurant in fact did used to be a home, and all of the rooms connect and convert into a restaurant. Two bars are made out of tree logs, which are such a unique element of the restaurant. We recommend requesting to sit next to the vertical garden.

South Peripheral #3720, Local R03, Pedregal Gardens, 01900, CDMX

Sylvester’s menu

Follow Sylvester on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Casa Prunes, Roma

For a truly unique experience, come to Casa Prunes, a cocktail bar and restaurant. It’s located in a 1920s remodeled art-noveau house where each room is different. They have a zero-waste policy and every ingredient is used in its food or drink. They also have an in house fermentation program, where they create their own ingredients and ferment their fruit wines. They also offer up a delightful Sunday Mexican brunch with indulge on spritzes, Mimosas and more.

Chihuahua 78, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Casa Prunes Menu

Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Tacos

el Califa

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - el Califael Califa is one of Mexico City’s best taco chains. Tacos in Mexico anyway, are on another level. They are known for their ‘the costra,’ tortilla topped with warm and crispy cheese and filled with a meat topping of your choice. el Califa is no street side taco joint, but more of a sit down establishment. Compared to the other taquerias, el Califa can be considered on the pricier side, but the quality of the food is very high. You won’t want to miss out. There are multiple locations, so it should be easy to find.

el Califa menu

Follow el Califa on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

El Farolito

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - el FarolitoEl Farolito is more old school and classic compared to El Califa. El Farolito is an established taco joint in Mexico, most famous for its tacos al pastor. Go for the costras, which is meat wrapped in fried cheese, which is then wrapped in a tortilla. There are 24 outlets of El Farolito in Mexico City, so you’re bound to come across them and once you do, step inside and order what your heart desires. All the grilled meat will have your mouth watering.

El Farolito menu

Follow el Farolito on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Taqueria Orinoco

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Taqueria OrinocoAfter a few rounds of good tequila, there’s nothing better than some solid tacos. (They are open until 3:30 AM). They offer three types of meat: bistec, al pastor and chicharron (fried pork fat), which they are known for. Also, try the creamy costra (toasted cheese). Choose from one of their specialty salsas to add to the taco(s) of your choice. You won’t go wrong with anything you choose.

Av. Álvaro Obregón 179, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Taqueria Orinoco menu

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Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Japanese

Rokai, Polanco

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - RokaiOne of the great things about eating fresh sushi and sashimi in Mexico City are the prices. The seafood is sourced locally and served up in typical Japanese fashion, so much so, you may even feel like you’ve transported yourself to Japan. This restaurant is great for a dinner for two as it is pretty small. If you’re in a bigger group, we suggest you head elsewhere.

Río Ebro 89, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Follow Rokai on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Best Restaurants in Mexico City: Brunch

Lardo, Colonia Condesa

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - RosettaThe ingredients are fresh and dishes are prepared simply here at Lardo. Think Mediterranean / Mexican fusion with dishes like – same owners behind Rosetta. They are open for breakfast and lunch – expect a wait, but its well worth it. Its rustic chic interiors make the perfect setting for brunch. We suggest sitting at the bar if you can. Choose from a variety of eggs, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more.

Agustín Melgar 6, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Follow Lardo onInstagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Lardo’s menu

Lalo, Polanco

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - LaloLalo is by Enrique “Lalo” Garcia, the same chef behind Maximo Bistrot. This is a guaranteed good brunch spot, and well, who doesn’t love a good brunch. Expect your hipster like vibes here and enjoy good coffee, pancakes, BLTs, pizzas, hamburgers, and of course a typical Mexican breakfast like pretty much all the comfort food you may be looking for. So if that’s what you’re looking for, this is for you.

Zacatecas 173, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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Lalo’s menu

Best Bars in Mexico City: Pre-dinner drinks

Baltra Bar

Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Baltra BarBaltra is named after one of the islands Charles Darwin visited while in the Galapagos and the theme here is all about evolution. This spot is created behind the same team as La Licoreria Limontur

What’s unique about here is that there are no servers or hosts, so the vibe is super laid back, leaving the guests in the bartenders hands. They will surely recommend the best cocktails.

There are a lot of options of drinks to choose from including many gin cocktails, craft beers and other specialty cocktails like Bolena with mezcal, gentian wine, sake and maraschino liquer. There are not too many food items on the menu, so be sure to not be on an empty stomach. You can make reservations online, but there are tables allocated for walk-ins.

Follow Baltra Bar on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

Iztaccihuatl 36D, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Handshake Speakeasy

The Best Restaurants in Mexico City - Handshake SpeakeasyIf you’re in Mexico City, you’re going to want to have a cocktail (or a few). Why not step into Handshake Speakeasy, which is No. 11 on the World’s 50 Best Bar list. The bar is inspired by the1920s and many of the cocktails include vintage spirits like century old amaro and many other old and rare bottles. The Mexi-Thai is one of the most popular cocktails which includes coconut-washed tequila, a housemade makrut lime distillate, clarified tomato cordial and basil oil. The staff is amazing and will take good care of you. Definitely make a reservation before going. Located behind a secret door (of course, what else would you expect), in the passageway to the entrance of a hotel.

C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Follow Handshake Speakeasy on Instagram to see more photos of their food and ambiance.

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