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Being one of the top food cities in the world, there’s no shortage of great restaurants in Mexico City. While there are of course the classics that always make the “must eat at in Mexico City” lists, like Lardo and Meroma, this list is also filled with hidden gems that serve some of the best food I’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in.
Often missed because of its unique location, in Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood, this is one of the great restaurants in Mexico City that should be at the top of your list.
The restaurant takes a ritualistic approach to food, honoring the heritage of the Aztecs but doing so in a contemporary way. They grow their produce in the restaurant’s garden in the Xochimilco, where the Aztecs had their Chinampa floating gardens centuries ago.
The food is incredible and the menu is inclusive of all types of dietary restrictions, if I am being honest, it offers some of the best vegan and vegetarian options in Mexico City.
While the location is out of the usual “Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Juarez bubble” it’s still extremely popular, so I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Coyoacán is a lively neighborhood, that’s extremely safe and has a village feel to it. It’s worth going early to walk around the artisan market and enjoy the gorgeous architecture in the main square.
It’s also the neighborhood where Casa De Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Diego Rivera Museum) are located, so if you can get reservations for both the Museum (which is mandatory) and Los Danzantes it idea, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Museum to the restaurant.
Headed to Oaxaca during your trip to Mexico? This restaurant has two locations, one in Coyoacán, Mexico City, and another in Oaxaca City.
A little birdy (the executive chef of the Oaxaca Location) may have mentioned that the first Michelin guide to Mexico was just in, and they’re going to be featured in the guide, still awaiting if it’s a star or a mention, but the restaurant is THAT good.
Located in the trendy Roma neighborhood, MUX is a must-visit for foodies looking for a unique and memorable dining experience. MUX is one of the coolest restaurants in Mexico City, but it’s not the beautiful interiors that intrigued me, but rather the restaurant’s concept.
The restaurant works on a 3-month rotating menu, but it’s not just changing with the season (although it does), it’s also changing with regions of Mexico.
The concept is to preserve the diverse regional foods of Mexico. The team goes to the farms of whichever region they are researching for next and learns from the farmers and the elders of the community to understand which recipes are important and why.
The menu reads like a story of the explorations into the region’s food culture, noting different bits of their discoveries along the way. While I was visiting they were featuring food from the Malinalco region. I had never heard of a single dish on the menu, so I took the recommendation of the waiter and had Adobo with Chilacoyte, which for lack of better terms seemed like a cactus curry.
After consulting the story in the menu I learned that this recipe came from the San Martin neighborhood and it’s the only place in Malinalco that uses cumin in their dishes. It was delicious and extremely filling.
The next region that they were exploring at the time was Puebla. This is hands down one of the best restaurants in Mexico City and shouldn’t be missed.
On a quiet side street of Condesa’s Parque Mexico, you’ll find a stunning restaurant, that almost feels like you’re in a prehistoric cave, but a very chic one to say the least. The black interiors and complemented with unique artifacts that I came to learn are indeed prehistoric and are collected by the owner who is an Architect who befriended a man living in the mountains of Oaxaca who had tons of ancient artifacts.
The space alone is worth going to see, but the food is out of this world and their extensive natural wine list is absolute perfection. Everything on the menu is seasonal and grown locally. From the Tuna or Burnt Jalapeño Aguachile Tostada to the Equisites and the best-roasted veggies and hummus I’ve had, you really can’t go wrong with anything here.
Plus, they have a great breakfast menu and serve ceremonial-grade cacao. If you’re a remote worker, this is a great place to come in the morning for a bite to eat and get some work done since they don’t usually get busy until around dinner time.
There are a lot of great restaurants in Mexico City, but if you like Mexican and Indian food, you’ve found your heaven with Masala y Maiz.
At the heart of this innovative eatery are Chefs Norma Listman and Saqib Keval, who embarked on a flavorful journey to blend the cherished recipes of their childhoods. “Maiz,” or corn, symbolizes the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine, while “Masala,” meaning spice blend in Urdu and Hindi, pays homage to the aromatic essence of Indian cooking.
The menu at Masala y Maiz is a testament to the power of culinary fusion, bursting with flavors that are both familiar and novel. Each dish has its own backstory, transforming every meal into an intimate dining experience.
Take, for instance, the Pipián Paneer curry, a harmonious blend of chochoyotes and sweet potatoes, inspired by Norma’s birthday requests for her grandmother’s green pipián—a dish that beautifully marries Mexican tradition with Indian flair. Then there’s the iconic samosas, a classic that transcends borders and needs no introduction, yet receives a unique twist that’s distinctly Masala y Maiz.
Eating at Filigrana isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience akin to dining in a museum. This culinary haven boasts an architectural marvel with its two-story, diamond-shaped glass windows that frame the lush, towering trees that are within the restaurant, creating a backdrop that’s as breathtaking as the food is delicious. The interior, with its cozy purple velvet chairs, invites diners into a world where comfort meets elegance.
The presentation of the dishes at Filigrana is a visual feast, each plate crafted with the precision and care of a work of art. For the more daring palates, Filigrana offers a taste of the extraordinary with pre-historic delicacies like crickets, a nod to traditional local snacks that continue to be savored by many. If the idea of such an adventure on your plate seems daunting, fear not; Filigrana caters to every preference with a wide array of culinary delights. The guacamole comes especially recommended, and for those looking to dip just a toe into the waters of adventure, it can be served with cricket salt—a subtle twist that adds an intriguing flavor without betraying its origins.
As you stroll through Mexico City’s Roma Norte, a 1970s architectural treasure with oval windows beckons you to a culinary journey. Meroma, a restaurant resembling 1950s New York City from Mad Men, offers modern Mexican cuisine using local resources.
The ground floor hosts a cocktail bar, setting the stage for the gastronomic experience upstairs. The architecture by a renowned Mexican agency, including a glass-domed terrace, elevates the dining atmosphere. Crafted dishware from local artisans showcases culinary artistry.
Meroma’s commitment to local talent and sustainability forms the backbone of this narrative. Suppliers who share a vision for sustainable farming breathe life into the menu, from the chinampas that revive ancient agricultural practices to the small producers who pour their passion into every harvest. This connection to the land and its people is the secret ingredient that makes each dish—be it the foie gras with a side of cherries and Creole-style apples, or the delicate dance of flavors in the goat cheese pie, rice pudding, and camomile—a revelation, broadening your palate with unforeseen flavors and combinations.
Tucked in the lively heart of Mexico City is Contramar, a seafood gem that’s earned its place among the world’s top 50 restaurants. At Contramar, the ocean’s bounty isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of seafood cuisine artistry, where only the freshest catch of the day makes it to the menu.
Under Chef Gabriela Cámara’s skillful guidance, who also advises the Mexican president on cuisine, Contramar goes beyond borders to explore global seafood dishes. From the zesty Peruvian tiradito that tantalizes the taste buds to the cozy New England-style chowder, each dish is a voyage across the seas.
Standouts on the menu, like the Galicia-style octopus with paprika and olive oil, and the sautéed shrimp tacos, are truly impressive. However, it’s the whole grilled fish with vibrant salsas that truly embodies Contramar’s essence – a tribute to seafood at its finest.
Weekends at Contramar turn into a lively gathering, drawing locals and tourists alike for the fresh and delicious dishes. The restaurant’s chic atmosphere and outstanding reputation attract food enthusiasts seeking culinary joy.
Rosetta is not just a restaurant but a sanctuary of culinary innovation and tradition, housed within the elegant confines of a gorgeous mansion. This dining paradise, is not just one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, it’s a regular feature on the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. It is where Chef Elena Reygadas, crowned Latin America’s Best Female Chef in 2014, works her magic, transforming traditional Mexican dishes with a contemporary flair that’s nothing short of revolutionary.
At Rosetta, the menu is a testament to the beauty of seasonality and the rich tapestry of Mexico’s local produce. Reygadas’ commitment to sourcing ingredients from small producers ensures that each visit offers a new palate of flavors, where the dishes evolve with the seasons, yet always remain rooted in Mexican culinary heritage.
Favorites that have captured the hearts of many include a delicately prepared corn tamale paired with the earthiness of celeriac, a sea bass that finds its match in the crisp freshness of samphire, and a white mole that redefines tradition with its fermented carrots, introducing diners to a world of nuanced flavors.
What sets Rosetta apart, beyond its innovative cuisine, is its on-site bakery—a haven for bread lovers, specializing in sourdoughs that are as much a draw as the main dining experience. This bakery underscores the restaurant’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, where each loaf tells a story of patience, skill, and the simple pleasure of good bread.
Each room, with its unique character, complements the exquisite menu, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and invigorating.
If you found yourself enchanted by Rosetta, then Lardo is set to be your next culinary crush.
Nestled within the hip confines of Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from the verdant expanses of Chapultepec Park, Lardo is Elena Reygadas’s ode to the simplicity and integrity of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine.
Reygadas infuses Lardo with her signature style: simple yet profoundly flavorful dishes crafted from quality ingredients.
Lardo’s ambiance, with its casual charm, evokes the warmth of old European cafés, a mood accentuated by reclaimed wood and vintage café chairs. This setting provides a perfect backdrop for Reygadas’s mastery of baked goods, making Lardo an especially vibrant spot for breakfast and lunch.
During these hours, the restaurant truly comes alive as pastries and crusty sandwiches take center stage, delighting patrons with their exquisite flavors. For those on the go, pastries are conveniently available for quick pickup at the bakery window near the entrance.
However, the experience at Lardo extends beyond the morning and midday rush. Sitting at the bar with a glass of wine during aperitivo hour offers a unique opportunity to witness the culinary performance.
Here, you’re treated to a front-row view of the open kitchen’s hustle and bustle, where wood-fired pizzas emerge golden and bubbling, and fresh, leafy salads are crafted with care. This moment, as day eases into evening, encapsulates the essence of Lardo: a place where the simple joy of well-made food and the pleasure of witnessing its creation converge.
Botanico is like a foodie paradise that’s quickly become a favorite spot in Mexico City, including mine. This cool bistro is known for its creative food and awesome design, getting everyone talking and making it a fun challenge to snag a table. But trust me, it’s totally worth it because stepping into Botanico feels like finding a hidden gem where food and style come together perfectly.
As soon as you walk in, you feel the unique vibe of the place. Every little detail, from the decor to the lights, tells a story of the past mixed with a modern twist. The best part? Their secret-garden-like patio, a peaceful oasis in the city, centered around a majestic cactus that’s been around for 50 years. This magical spot, blending nature with art, sets the scene for an unforgettable meal.
Botanico’s menu is all about creativity and passion, a mix of ever-changing flavors. Every dish is fresh and innovative, if you’re a meat eater the rib-eye burger is a simple yet delicious choice that has quite the fan base. If you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu when you visit, go for it.
But Botanico offers more than just great food. It’s a place to people-watch, with a diverse crowd adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Among the stunning decor and lively patio, you’ll see a mix of locals, each adding their own touch to the lively Botanico scene.
Tucked away in a cool, restored Art Deco spot right by the most chill park in Colonia Roma, Pigeon is pretty much the go-to when you’re craving something fresh and a bit different.
Chefs Mercedes Bernal and Rodney Cusic are the duo behind this spot, and they’ve nailed the laid-back European vibe but with their own twist of course.
The menu has something for everyone. It’s not all-veggie, but trust me, the veggie dishes here are anything but boring. Think roasted carrots with super smooth tofu that’s just right, or rice that’s been kicked up a notch with eggplant and turmeric, and rice croquettes filled with mushrooms and mozzarella that are just chef’s kiss.
And if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more heft, you can’t go wrong with their roasted chicken spiced up with harissa and lemongrass – it’s a whole mood. Plus, the steak tartare with capers has the locals constantly coming back for more.
If you’re a fan of craft coctails, be sure to check out their cocktail menu. It’s put together by their sister bar Brujas, thats next door.
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