Mexico City, also known as Ciudad de México, is home to some of the best restaurants in North America. From traditional Mexican cuisine to fine dining experiences, the city has something to offer for every type of food lover.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best restaurants in Mexico City. Including a mix of both traditional and contemporary options.
#1 Pujol
Pujol is considered one of the best restaurants in Mexico City and even the world for a number of reasons. The restaurant’s chef, Enrique Olvera, is considered one of the most influential chefs in Mexico and Latin America. He is known for his innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. And his dishes are a reflection of his passion for the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Another reason why Pujol is considered one of the best in its commitment to using local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms, ensuring that each dish is made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, which allows Chef Olvera and his team to showcase the best of what’s available at the time.
They are located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood and are a great place for special occasions. It’s a great place to explore the best of Mexico City’s food scene.
#2 El Pescadito
El Pescadito is another highly acclaimed restaurant in Mexico City, known for its traditional Mexican seafood dishes. The restaurant is led by chef Eduardo Garcia, who has a passion for seafood.
Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including traditional Mexican favorites such as tuna tostadas, shrimp tacos, and ceviche. The restaurant also offers a selection of grilled fish dishes and soups.
One of the unique features of El Pescadito is its location in the historic center of Mexico City. El Pescadito is well worth the long line, it’s also a perfect place for a Sunday brunch. A restaurant is a great option for those looking for a traditional Mexican seafood experience.
#3 Maximo Bistrot
Maximo Bistrot is a unique dining experience in Mexico City, known for its French-Mexican fusion cuisine. The restaurant is led by chef Fernando Martínez Zavala, who is well-known for his innovative approach to combining the flavors and techniques of both cuisines.
The menu at Maximo Bistrot features a mix of French and Mexican ingredients and techniques. Creating truly unique dining and excellent service. Some of the signature dishes include escargot with mole and duck confit with tamarind sauce. Their menu also features a variety of vegetarian options and changes seasonally, showcasing the best of what’s available at the time.
One of its standout features is its wine list, which features a variety of options from both France and Mexico. The atmosphere at Maximo Bistrot is sophisticated and elegant, with a decor that reflects the fusion of French and Mexican cultures.
Maximo Bistrot is located in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and great restaurants.
#4 El Cardenal
El Cardenal is a traditional Mexican restaurant located in the historic center of Mexico City. The restaurant is led by chef Jorge Vallejo, who has a passion for traditional Mexican cuisine.
Their menu features a variety of traditional Mexican food, such as tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole poblano. The restaurant also offers a selection of soups and traditional drinks such as horchata and agua fresca. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best of what’s available at the time.
One of their unique features is their use of traditional cooking techniques. They use a wood-fired oven and a metate (a traditional Mexican grinding stone) to prepare certain dishes. This gives the food a unique and authentic flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.
#5 Contramar
Contramar has considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Mexico City. One of the reasons is their commitment to using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant is led by chef Gabriela Cámara, who is known for her passion for seafood and her innovative approach to traditional Mexican seafood dishes.
The menu at Contramar features a variety of seafood dishes, including traditional Mexican favorites such as ceviche, and whole fish dishes that are cooked to perfection. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best of what’s available at the time. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian menu.
They are located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood. The atmosphere at Contramar is casual and lively, with a decor that reflects the laid-back atmosphere of the neighborhood. They have an open kitchen, which allows customers to see the chefs in action and watch as their dishes are prepared
Contramar has also received numerous awards and accolades. It has been ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. It also received a Michelin star, and it’s a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux.
#6 Lalo!
Lalo! is a casual restaurant in Mexico City that is considered one of the best for its casual dining experience and delicious traditional Mexican dishes. The restaurant is led by chef Isaac Newton.
Their menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole poblano. The restaurant also offers a selection of soups and traditional drinks such as horchata and agua fresca.
The atmosphere at Lalo! is casual and cozy, with a decor that reflects the laid-back atmosphere of the La Condesa neighborhood.
Another great feature of Lalo! is the restaurant’s selection of ice cream. They offer a variety of traditional Mexican flavors such as cajeta, tequila, and even chapulines (grasshoppers). You will be delighted if you’re looking for a unique and delicious dessert experience.
#7 Quintonil
Quintonil is one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Mexico City. As they are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Led by chef Jorge Vallejo, who is considered one of the most influential chefs in Mexico and Latin America. Chef Vallejo’s approach to traditional Mexican cuisine is innovative and modern, and his tasting menu is a must-try for any food lover.
One of the unique features of Quintonil is its use of traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques. combined with modern cooking methods to create a truly unique dining experience. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms and markets, ensuring that each dish is made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. In addition, Quintonil has a particular focus on the use of vegetables and herbs in the menu.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is also noteworthy. It is sophisticated and elegant decor that creates a perfect ambiance for a special occasion or a memorable meal with excellent service from the staff.
Quintonil is located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood. Which is a great place to explore the best of Mexico City’s food scene.
#8 Casa Enrique
Casa Enrique is a traditional Mexican restaurant located in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. Led by chef Enrique Olvera, he is widely considered one of the most influential chefs in the country. Known also known for its use of traditional cooking techniques, such as using a wood-fired oven and a metate. They offer a great option for those looking for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The menu at Casa Enrique features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole poblano, and changes seasonally. The restaurant also offers a selection of soups and traditional drinks such as horchata and agua fresca.
The atmosphere at Casa Enrique is traditional and cozy, with a decor that reflects the rich history of Mexican culture. The service is also excellent, with a team of friendly and professional staff who are always ready to assist with any requests. Casa Enrique is a perfect place for a Sunday brunch, and it’s also a great option for those looking for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
#9 El Moro
Churrería El Moro is a traditional Mexican churrería located in the historic center of Mexico City. The restaurant is a great option for those looking for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine and is particularly famous for its churros and hot chocolate.
The menu at Churrería El Moro features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including churros, hot chocolate, and other traditional breakfast items such as tamales and chilaquiles. They also offer a selection of traditional Mexican drinks such as horchata and agua fresca.
The atmosphere at Churrería El Moro is traditional and cozy, with a decor that reflects the rich history of Mexican culture. The restaurant has been around for over 80 years. Located in the historic center of Mexico City, the perfect place for first-time visitors to the city, as it offers a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine in a historic setting.
#10 Fonda Margarita
Fonda Margarita is a traditional Mexican restaurant located in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. The restaurant is led by chef Margarita Carrillo, who is known for her passion for traditional Mexican cuisine.
Their menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as mole poblano, tamales, and pozole. Chef Margarita is particularly famous for her mole, a traditional Mexican sauce made with a variety of different ingredients such as chile, nuts, and spices, that can take days to prepare. The menu also offers a variety of traditional Mexican drinks such as horchata and agua fresca.
Must try Mexican street food!
Aside from these fine dining options, Mexico City is also known for its street food. Some of the best places to try street food include the historic center, Colonia Roma and La Condesa. These areas are home to a variety of street vendors offering delicious traditional Mexican dishes. These street vendors are a great option for those on a budget, or for those looking for a more casual dining experience.
Another great place to try street food is the Polanco area, a wealthy neighborhood known for its high-end restaurants and shops. This area is home to some of the best street vendors in the city, offering delicious traditional Mexican food.
Mexico City offers a wide variety of dining options for every type of food lover. From traditional Mexican cuisine to fine dining experiences, the city has something to offer everyone.
