The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Mexico City

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Bosque de Chapultepec and wrap up your outing with brunch at Lago Algo. This unique venue combines a contemporary art gallery and restaurant, housed in a stunning example of Mexico’s Brutalist architecture from the late 1960s, featuring a dining area with views of Chapultepec’s lake. The seasonal art exhibits are always captivating, creatively utilizing the space. After exploring the artwork, don’t miss the endive salad, cheese ravioli with pumpkin broth, or the glazed pork chop served with cauliflower and caramelized onion.

Recently launched in Polanco, Aúna is the latest venture from Quintonil’s chef Jorge Vallejo, in collaboration with chef Fernando Torres, who directs the culinary program. The kitchen emphasizes ingredient traceability and quality, offering vegetable-centric dishes such as roasted tomatoes paired with black garlic dip, stuffed squash blossoms with mushroom cream, and roasted sweet potatoes enhanced with mascarpone and harissa. Chef Torres showcases his talent in dishes like soft shell crab with red curry and the perfectly braised short rib accompanied by roasted shishito peppers. Aúna’s menu provides a refreshing perspective in Polanco’s competitive fine dining landscape, complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine list.

Consistently featured on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Pujol has created a remarkable legacy in the realm of fine dining. Over the years, it has transformed into a multi-course vegetarian or pescatarian journey while staying true to Enrique Olvera’s principles of sustainability, honoring Mexican culinary traditions, and utilizing local ingredients. Since Chef de Cuisine Jesus Duron took the reins in 2020, he has enhanced the experience with his execution of the tasting menu and taco omakase. Given its popularity, securing a reservation requires booking at least three months in advance.

What began in 2019 as a simple tortilla shop with a casual taquería has transformed into a beautifully designed corn-focused restaurant in Polanco, evolving under the expertise of chefs Karina Mejía and Israel Montero. The scent of fresh corn fills the semi-open kitchen, where one section is devoted to nixtamal tanks and comales producing fresh tortillas, crispy blue and yellow tostadas, and hearty sopes. A variety of dishes highlight corn sourced from Tlaxcala, such as creamy escamol (ant larvae) sopes, soft-shell crab tacos, and pork belly gorditas. Don’t miss the shrimp aguachile to truly enjoy the texture of the restaurant’s tostadas, which serve as the perfect crunchy base for seafood, and finish with the warm chocolate tamal sprinkled with cacao nibs.

Comal Oculto is a charming little Dinogoy in the San Miguel Chapultepec area, featuring a menu centered around hearty antojitos like flautas, enmoladas, and tlacoyos. Specializing in breakfast and lunch, you can enjoy your fresh-from-the-comal treats alongside hot chocolate or café de olla. The flauta ahogada served with mole and the bean tlacoyo infused with avocado leaf are particularly beloved by patrons.

After establishing himself in prestigious kitchens like Bestia in LA and Arca in Tulum, chef Victor Toriz Sánchez is now showcasing his talents at Gaba, attracting diners to the edge of Condesa with his remarkable dishes. The menu emphasizes carefully selected ingredients such as acoyote beans, chicatana ants, and Ocosingo cheese, all presented with a flair for experimentation that yields sophisticated flavors. Be sure to try the sweetbreads paired with green chileatole (a corn masa porridge mixed with green chiles and herbs) and the wagyu cecina tartar.

Established by Chef Santiago Muñoz in 2016, Maizajo began as a corn-focused research initiative, sourcing indigenous corn from small Mexican communities to craft high-quality tortillas from 100% nixtamalized dough. After several years in Azcapotzalco, Maizajo has moved to a new location in Condesa, featuring a corn-grinding facility alongside a counter-service taqueria and a second-floor terrace for dining. The menu showcases tacos made with rib-eye, brisket, and longaniza (sausage), alongside volcanes (corn tostadas with various toppings under a cheesy crust) and gorditas. Weekends are particularly vibrant on the terrace, where guests can enjoy wine and craft beer with an enhanced menu featuring dishes like black mole, brisket with roasted leek, or oxtail served with cegueza, a thick Oaxacan sauce made from red corn.

Malcriado operates as a cozy specialty coffee shop in the mornings and transforms into a wine bar by evening. Led by Colombian chef Valeria Vázquez, the kitchen serves a straightforward lunch and early dinner menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes like sardine and parsley salad, chicken Milanese, and short rib ragu. While indoor seating is limited, Malcriado capitalizes on Condesa’s outdoor seating tradition, fostering a lively atmosphere that complements its food and wine offerings. Breakfast options are also commendable, including chilaquiles, shakshuka, or an Italian ham with fig sandwich to start the day on a high note.

Niv shines brightly in Mexico City's established wine bar landscape. This venture unites two wine aficionados — importer Tanguy de Bodinat and Eneida Fuentes, former beverage director of Pujol — to create a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The wine selection features boutique producers from France, Italy, Germany, and Mexico, including sparkling pet nats, vibrant orange wines, and classic Burgundy labels. Chef Diego Martínez's culinary offerings are just as impressive; the toasted beef carpaccio and wild mackerel sashimi have garnered a loyal following, and don’t miss the mamey crème brûlée for dessert. Since opening, Niv has become a beloved gathering place in Condesa, complete with a candlelit backroom where guests enjoy cocktails, infused rums, and late-night snacks accompanied by DJs and an eclectic vinyl collection.

Embracing the growing enthusiasm for Yucatecan cuisine, restaurateur Gabriela Cámara launched Castacán in the spring of 2024. The menu highlights traditional dishes like cochinita pibil, succulent roasted suckling pig, and crispy castacán (Yucateco pork belly). Sample each in taco form or opt for an ambitious torta, accompanied by sides of black refried beans, cheese, or longaniza sausage. The tortillas and salsas reflect Cámara's dedication to Yucateco heritage, while the vibrant atmosphere of Castacán, complete with bright pink tiles, striking signage, and intricate mosaic walls, captures the essence of CDMX.

Nestled in a beautifully restored art deco mansion in Condesa, Botánico marks the debut solo venture of chef Alejandra Navarro, a former chef at the renowned Mexican fine dining establishment Quintonil. The lush courtyard provides a refined atmosphere perfect for leisurely afternoons filled with cocktails, wine, and shareable dishes. The menu boasts an international flair, featuring a variety of flavors from around the globe, all crafted with top-notch ingredients. Don’t miss the oyster platters, fried squid, and pork Milanese served with a fresh field mustard salad and buttermilk dressing.

This laid-back coffee and breakfast spot in Condesa caters to various cravings, offering everything from cinnamon rolls to French toast paired with scrambled eggs, and a biscuit topped with a fried egg and bacon. Restaurateurs Andrea Strobl and Adriana Hernández have crafted a welcoming environment with both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a charming counter where you can savor your daily coffee alongside a freshly baked pastry from Farmacia’s selection. Starting mid-week through Saturday, the cafe serves small plates like crab cakes and fried chicken wings with spicy morita chile sauce, complemented by a concise yet delightful cocktail menu.

Opened in Condesa in 2024, this wine bar features a menu by chef Montserrat Garza that fuses Sephardic and Mizrahi traditions. Highlights include kubaneh (pull-apart bread) served with tahini and red schug, grilled snapper topped with a spiced tomato and olive sauce, and burekas filled with spiced meat and pine nuts. The carefully curated wine list offers great value with excellent choices available by the glass. For dessert, don't miss the malabi (rose water milk pudding) or the halva soft serve accompanied by poached cherries.

Nestled in Condesa, Plonk is known for its exceptional hospitality and passion for wine. Opened in fall 2023 by sommelier Romina Argüelles and chef Flor Camorlinga, the menu features Mexican dishes infused with Asian elements, such as smoked marlin tamal with morita chile sauce and spicy shrimp udon with peanuts and cheddar. Camorlinga’s evolving culinary creations pair beautifully with Argüelles’s curated wine selections from small Old World producers. Plonk offers an affordable wine-by-the-glass list and a cocktail menu featuring inventive takes on classics, with the bar seating being the prime spot for enjoying the experience.

Salazar's top three draws are its location, location, and location. Situated on a rooftop with a view of one of Mexico City's most iconic roundabouts, it offers an ideal setting for enjoying dinner and cocktails at sunset. Chef Allan Yañez crafts a menu that blends bistro favorites with family-style, rustic recipes, featuring organic roast chicken from a local farm, confit tomatoes, grilled shrimp with leek emulsion, and a succulent aged Pat LaFrieda rib-eye with sauerkraut. Generous portion sizes encourage sharing, and the wine list boasts exquisite organic and biodynamic options. With exceptional service, it's easy to linger over martinis and dessert long after the meal.

The fusion of Chinese and Mexican cuisine in Baja California traces its roots back to the mid-1800s, when Chinese immigrants came to work in agriculture and railway projects. Over time, the culinary traditions of both cultures blended in local cafes and restaurants, giving rise to a unique culinary style. To experience this rich history, visit Canton Mexicali. The restaurant has a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere with red and yellow decor, perfect for enjoying a variety of dishes, including pork wontons, green fried rice mixed with green beans, fava beans, and chickpeas, dan dan peanut noodles, and chile relleno infused with garlic and ginger. Be sure to try the carne Mexicali and chile shrimp, which are house specialties. Dishes are served family style, making it ideal for sharing over a couple of house cocktails or wine. Since its opening, Canton Mexicali has become quite popular, so reservations are highly recommended. Open until 1 a.m., it’s a great choice for late-night dining.

Embracing a sleek 1920s aesthetic in a concealed, speakeasy-style venue, Handshake presents a cocktail menu crafted by renowned Dutch bartender Eric Van Beek. Since its move to Colonia Juarez in 2021, the bar has become a sought-after spot for drinks, attracting patrons eager to sample the famed clarified piña colada or modern twists like the pornstar martini, featuring vodka, pineapple, passion fruit, and vanilla. With limited seating available, making a reservation is essential, and guests have 90 minutes to savor their experience.

To savor Tijuana-style tacos in Mexico City, visit El Compita Tacos located in the Roma Sur area. Originally launched as a Northern-style beef birria stand, it has now transformed into a full-fledged taco restaurant. Indulge in classic Tijuana favorites like the quesabirria, served on a crispy tortilla and complemented with beans, or the carne asada taco wrapped in handmade corn or flour tortillas.

Nestled in the Santa María la Ribera neighborhood is Pink Rambo, a vibrant ‘psychedelic cantina’ hidden behind a garage door. Patrons flock to the bar and shared tables in a colorful, concrete-walled courtyard to enjoy dishes crafted by chef Nicolás López and cocktails by Luca Simpson-Damiano. The menu features small plates like lamb tartare, trout confit, and fried chicken, encouraging guests to savor the bold cocktails, such as the Kendall (gin, fennel, lacto-fermented cucumber, white wine) or the Miriam (tequila, mezcal, radish, watermelon, sake).

Kick off your evening with a drink at Oropel, a cozy vermouth-centric bar that has quickly become a favorite among Mexico City’s hospitality scene since its debut in summer 2022. The extensive vermouth selection includes nearly 30 varieties, ranging from dry and sweet to red, rosé, and white, plus a house vermouth spritz. If bitter isn’t your style, you can also choose from a well-curated wine list available by the glass. The tapas-style food menu features delights like tinned sardines or squid paired with aioli and red peppers. Expect a lively happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

To reach Panadería Gala, simply ring the doorbell of a nondescript building on Tonalá Street in Roma Norte, go through a second door, and navigate a corridor filled with the enticing scent of freshly baked bread, leading you to the pastry workshop. Inside, guests can savor a cup of coffee or hot chocolate alongside one — or several — of Panadería Gala’s delectable pastries while observing the bakers skillfully crafting bread, the enticing aroma wafting from the oven, and the bustling activity of the staff. Although seating is limited, the experience is a delight for any pastry enthusiast.

Chef Giuseppe Lacorazza handpicks seasonal seafood from Mercado de la Viga, Mexico City’s largest seafood market, crafting simple, home-style dishes that blend Mexican flavors with international influences. The avocado tostada topped with furikake is a signature dish that remains a favorite, but be sure to explore other specialties such as chilpachole (a hearty corn and seafood soup), gnocchi paired with mussels, and a white bean stew featuring clams. Lacorazza’s menu is a reflection of his culinary explorations, which he shares with fans through his newsletter, Gula. Located on a bustling avenue in Roma Norte, Fugaz is perfect for a relaxed late lunch or dinner.

Omakases have gained popularity in CDMX as chefs cater to the craving for upscale dining experiences featuring fresh, often sustainable seafood from Baja California. The 12-seat bar, Kill Bill, offers a relaxed twist on the trend, fusing sushi omakase with robata cooking and smooth hi-fi jazz music. This inviting setting is perfect for savoring one of three thoughtfully curated omakase options — Kill, Bill, or Kill Bill — the latter featuring premium ingredients such as certified Japanese wagyu and caviar. Guests can enjoy sake available by the glass or bottle alongside a refined selection of crisp whites and oranges.

Lina marks the first solo venture of chef Mariana Villegas, who honed her skills in esteemed kitchens such as Cosme in New York, Fulgurances L’Adresse in Paris, and Contramar in Mexico City. The dinner menu at Lina artfully blends global influences with local ingredients, featuring dishes like trout tartare with hibiscus crème fraîche, tuna sashimi with carrot aguachile, and wagyu with salsa borracha. For dessert, Villegas presents an elegant twist on the classic tres leches cake with guava cream, and the chocolate mousse paired with pataxtle (white cacao) is exceptional. The inviting open kitchen and cozy dining area offer bar seating where guests can start their meal with a Sake Splitz (Mexican sake, Oaxacan poleo, prosecco) or a glass of biodynamic wine.

Oregonian chef Jacob Harth and restaurateur Enrique Lascuráin present Sarde, a restaurant inspired by the culinary traditions of Corsica and Sardinia. The menu showcases seafood-centric dishes, beautifully plated, such as totoaba tartare, mackerel with celery vinegar, and tuna carpaccio enriched with schmaltz and pickled chile. The simple yet thoughtful preparations reflect a commitment to sustainability, featuring responsibly sourced seafood. The wine selection highlights lesser-known wine regions, offering a delightful array of sparkling and white wines by the glass. The intimate setting exudes charm, with the lively sounds of the open kitchen punctuating the air, filling the space with enthusiastic “Yes, chef!” during busy service.

Since its inception in 2020, the all-female bar team at Brujas has celebrated female Latin American artists and activists through innovative cocktails inspired by Mexican herbal medicine. This dedication earned them a spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Located in Casa de las Brujas, a historic apartment building known as the Witches’ House, the bar overlooks the Río de Janeiro plaza in Roma Norte. This iconic structure has long been surrounded by urban legends, notably as the former home of Pachita, a renowned psychic. Brujas’ cocktail menu honors Mexican botanical traditions with creations like the Woman of the Century (house vermouth, gin, and lavender soda) and the Amazona (tequila, yucca, cinnamon, and pepper tincture).

Mexico City has a deep-rooted passion for all things Norteño, from banda music and cowboy attire to soft flour tortillas, and El Tigrillo perfectly embodies this vibe. This cozy bar in Roma Norte offers a concise menu of hearty Norteño breakfasts from Friday to Sunday. Savor the scrambled eggs with chorizo and potatoes, grilled cheese with carnitas, chile güero tacos, or chicharron burritos. You can't go wrong here. In the evenings from Wednesday to Saturday, El Tigrillo transforms into an aperitif bar, serving vermouth, cider, Mexican wine, and mini cocktails.

At Ultramarinos Demar, seafood takes center stage in chef Lucho Martínez's latest venture. The menu is a tapestry of culinary influences, featuring zarandeado (traditional Mexican grilled fish), creamy clam chowder, succulent crab cakes, lobster rolls, caviar with chips, and lavish seafood platters. The atmosphere is casual, with a laid-back dining room and bar seating, yet the servers deliver an elegant experience reminiscent of classic European establishments, dressed in crisp, white jackets. This cosmopolitan dining spot is perfect for lunch or an early dinner, as it closes at 7 p.m.

Somsaa marks the third venture of Thai chefs Somsri and Rachadaporn Raksamran, who have made their mark in Mexico City by celebrating their culinary roots. The South Asian menu at Somsaa embraces tradition while showcasing the sisters' innovative flair. Begin with the baos crostini topped with king salmon, ikura, and nam jim sauce, then savor the ultra-crispy fried chicken infused with spicy lemongrass or the Singapore-style chili crab. Don’t miss the dessert assortment of mooncakes, filled with flavors like sala cider or cured duck egg. The casual tea service features carefully curated organic blends, while the cocktail menu highlights tea-infused creations. The wine selection focuses on pet-nats and sparkling varieties, adding a sophisticated sparkle to your dining experience.

Cananea, the latest hot spot in Juárez, is the stylish wood-paneled bar located within the Posada Viena hotel. Once neglected, the space has been revitalized by Baja chef Jair Téllez, who has transformed the menu and drink offerings. Despite the updates, the bar retains its original charm, featuring a mezzanine with a pool table, a cocktail bar with a jukebox, and moody red lighting. The refreshed menu includes bar snacks and small plates inspired by Northern cuisine, such as quesabirria, Sonoran dried meats, and chivichangas, along with a selection of well-crafted classic cocktails like margaritas, whiskey sours, gimlets, mezcal spritzes, and natural wines.

After operating only on weekends for several years, Barbacoa Gonzalitos has now moved to Colima Street in Roma Norte and expanded its hours to Tuesday through Sunday. Chef Israel Mata has retained the menu of hearty Northeastern-style tacos while introducing delicious tortas filled with beef barbacoa or machaca (dried, shredded beef), the latter served with scrambled eggs and salsa. Be sure to try favorites like the chile relleno taco and asado de puerco. The new spot is perfect for enjoying tacos during brunch along with multiple rounds of micheladas.

In a city brimming with casual bistros and wine bars, it takes exceptional cooking for a restaurant to stand out. Cana, the inaugural solo venture by chef Fabiola Escobosa, delivers just that with expertly balanced dishes like foie gras paired with pear compote, cod croquettes, chive dumplings, creamy squid rice, and steak frites. If you're in the mood for a burger and a house martini, Cana accommodates that as well (the burger is exclusive to bar seating). The restaurant attracts a local crowd, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff, making it a delightful addition to the neighborhood.

As Mexico City's dining landscape embraces international flavors, Ojo Rojo emerges as chef Scarlett Lindeman's second venture, in collaboration with Jhotzi Reyna and Francisco Reed. This diner serves comforting classics like grilled cheese, Reubens, tomato soup, and pancakes, each with a unique twist. The drink menu leans local, featuring a mezcal-infused michelada, salt-rimmed margaritas, and a refined mezcal Negroni.

Supplì embodies soulful dining. Originally a workshop and cooking class in Polanco, it transformed into a charming restaurant in November 2023, drawing inspiration from traditional Roman trattorias. Begin with the supplì featuring Italian sausage and saffron, followed by beef carpaccio and house-made pastas like ricotta occhi or mezze alla carbonara. The tiramisu is a delightful nod to home cooking, well-balanced yet rustic. The cozy restaurant also offers outdoor seating.

Since moving to the Juárez neighborhood in fall 2023, Makan has welcomed guests into a stylish new space with views of the iconic El Reloj Chino roundabout. Chefs Maryann Yong and Mario Malvaez have retained crowd favorites like fish larb and Singaporean chicken with rice while introducing exciting new dishes such as chili king crab with sambal, lacquered duck, and char siu pork belly. The restaurant has evolved from its original small courtyard in Roma Norte; the new design features an open kitchen and two private rooms for special gatherings. Their revamped cocktail menu pairs beautifully with a vibrant selection of natural wines.

For a delightful and laid-back Mexican-inspired breakfast or lunch, visit Paradero Conocido. Launched in late 2022 by chef Sofía García, this cozy restaurant aims to foster community in Centro Histórico. The menu is concise, featuring beloved, homestyle Mexican dishes like chilaquiles topped with cecina, crab gorditas, sopes with fried eggs, and soothing chicken soup.

When visiting Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, be sure to reserve a table at Caracol de Mar, located just steps from this iconic site. Nestled within the boutique Círculo Mexicano hotel, the restaurant offers a serene escape within its beautifully restored colonial courtyard, contrasting with the vibrant energy of Centro Histórico. As a sister establishment to the renowned Contramar, Caracol de Mar carries the esteemed mark of chef Gabriela Cámara. The menu highlights sustainably sourced, seasonal seafood, crafted by Peruvian chef Álvaro Vázquez, featuring dishes like hoja santa ceviche with leche de tigre and crunchy choclo or grilled octopus with salsa macha and white corn purée. Be sure to indulge in dessert; the citrus meringue is a delightful twist on Contramar’s famous strawberry meringue.

For a quick dive into Mexico City’s vibrant street food culture, embark on a walking tour to explore the best curbside treasures that transform the city into a culinary paradise. A great choice is Club Tengo Hambre, which hosts a multi-stop journey through top taquerías and hidden food stalls in the downtown area.