Mexico City Dining Guide: The Best Places to Eat in Mexico City
- Apr 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Mexico City is a culinary mecca, inviting food enthusiasts on a remarkable journey of flavors and gastronomic diversity. The city's culinary scene is a dynamic fusion of time-honored recipes and contemporary creativity. Join me to embark on a culinary adventure through the local eateries and high-end establishments that collectively shape the unparalleled dining experience in Mexico City. This is your ultimate guide to exploring the top restaurants in Mexico City.
Best Places to Eat in Mexico City:
Contramar
Contramar is a seafood restaurant in the Roma Norte neighborhood that is one of the best places to eat in Mexico City. They are only open for lunch, and it is always busy. The interior has a chic and contemporary design, creating a comfortable yet stylish setting. They specialize in seafood tostadas and a variety of ceviches. We tried the tuna tostada as a started and it did not disappoint! As a main, you must try the whole grilled fish with their home rubs (red adobo rub & parley rub). Given Contramar's popularity, you should make a reservation well in advance. I would make a reservation 4 weeks in advance to guarantee a time that works well for you.
Pujol
Pujol is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the Polanco neighborhood known for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. It has been consistently recognized as one of the best restaurants in Mexico and has gained international acclaim as one the World's 50 Best Restaurants. Pujol is led by Chef Enrique Olvera, a renowned figure in the culinary world who has a modern interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine. The menu showcases a mix of traditional dishes reimagined with creative techniques and presentations. Pujol offers a tasting menu so you can experience a curated selection of dishes that highlight the diversity and depth of Mexican ingredients. You will need a reservation to dine at Pujol, which can be made on their website. Since reservations can be hard to come by, I would make one as far in advance as possible.
Botanico
Botanico is a restaurant located a renovated Art Deco home in the Condesa neighborhood. The main dining area is in the courtyard garden surrounded by giant cacti. In the garden there is also pond with axolotl, which are a unique, aquatic salamander that can only be found in lakes near Mexico City. Beyond the incredible ambiance, the food is delicious with a beautiful presentation. We tried the pesto rigatoni and sea bass - both were prepared perfectly! I would recommend making a reservation at Botanico if you can, but it is possible to get a table without one.
Ling Ling
Ling Ling is a sophisticated and chic restaurant and lounge located at the top of a skyscraper at the edge of Chapultepec Park. The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows so you take in the breathtaking views of Mexico City. There is also as outdoor deck surrounding the restaurant with tables directly next to the view. These are the best seats in the restaurant as you can take in the sky high ambiance while enjoying your meal. Ling Ling offer asian fusion cuisine, specializing in dim sum, sushi, and seafood. I highly recommend trying the crunchy tuna tacos and a variety of their dumplings. This is a very popular restaurant, so you will need to make a reservation in advance and make sure to specify if you would like a table on the deck with a view. The restaurant also has a more casual bar located inside where you can grab a drink without a reservation.
Rosetta Panderia
Rosetta Panadería is a bakery on Calle Colima in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood. It is an extension of the acclaimed Rosetta restaurant, known for its Italian-inspired cuisine with a Mexican touch. Rosetta Panadería focuses on baked goods and pastries. You can either order for takeout or eat at the table on the front patio. There is often live music playing out front of the cafe. I recommend tring their guava hole pastry or a croissant. If you are in the mood for a more hearty meal, then you should try one of their baguette sandwiches which are made with their freshly baked baguettes.
Lardo
Lardo is a sister restaurant to Rosetta and Rosetta Panaderia that opened in the Condesa district. Lardo is a casual restaurant with a mix of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. I would recommend going to Lardo for brunch or lunch because the restaurant is surrounded by greenery with beautiful french doors along each wall that when opened create a nice daytime ambiance. The restaurant has an open kitchen concept, and is known for their bread baked in a wood-fired oven. You must try the baba ganoush with Lardo bread, citrus salad, and squash blossoms. You do not need a reservation to eat at Lardo, and they will typically seat you immediately or after a quick wait.
Huset
Huset is a restaurant on Calle Colima in Roma Norte with with a large outdoor patio. The ceiling has string lights hanging across a garden canopy, creating a welcoming ambiance. Huset wants you to feel like you are eating country cooking at home, and prepared all food over a wood-fired oven. The menu is seasonal, but they offer staples such as a gnocchi appetizer with a lemon cream sauce and a seasonal pizza. When we dined at Huset they were offering the best black truffle pizza I ever had. They also offer delicious ceviches and tartars. I would recommend making a reservation a few days in advance of your planned visit.
El Pescadito
El Pescadito is a low key taco shop in Condesa that specializes in fried fish and shrimp tacos. They have a toppings bar where you can dress your tacos with a variety of slaws, pico de gallo, salsas, and hot sauces. They have an airy dining room open walls where you can sit to enjoy your tacos. If you enjoy seafood, these tacos are a must try in Mexico City!
La Gruta
La Gruta is a restaurant inside a natural, volcanic cave that is located about an hour outside of the city center directly next to the Teotihuacan pyramids. This restaurant makes the perfect lunch spot to relax after exploring the pyramids. They specialize in authentic Mexican food local to this region. La Gruta is a 5 minute walk from the pyramid entrance next to the museum, and the restaurant also has a large parking lot if you drove to the pyramids.
El Moro Churreria
El Moro Churrería is a historic and renowned churrería chain that you must visit while in Mexico City. It was founded in 1935, and has since become the most well known spot to try churros in the city. You can get sides of chocolate, dulce de leche, or hazelnut to dip your churros in. They also have tasty ice cream sandwiches made with churro buns. You can find a El Moro location in most popular neighborhoods in Mexico City.
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