Mexico City is not just the political capital of Mexico; it is arguably the culinary capital of the entire continent. From bustling street corners sizzling with al pastor to hushed, high-concept tasting menus that rank among the world’s best, this sprawling metropolis offers a dizzying array of flavors. The city’s food scene is a living history lesson, blending pre-Hispanic ingredients with centuries of European, Asian, and African influences to create a gastronomy that is uniquely Chilango.
Navigating this vast culinary landscape can be overwhelming for first-time visitors and even seasoned travelers. The sheer volume of options—ranging from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to grand haciendas—means you could spend a lifetime eating here and still not try everything. That is why having a curated list is essential to cut through the noise and ensure you experience the true highlights of the city’s dining culture.
When compiling a guide to the best dining in the capital, it is important to look beyond just the flavor of the food. The best restaurants here offer a sense of place, whether through a stunning architectural setting, a deep connection to regional Mexican ingredients, or a story that speaks to the resilience and creativity of the city’s chefs. Atmosphere, service, and historical significance play just as large a role as what is on the plate.
This guide focuses on establishments that have defined the city’s culinary identity, from historic institutions that have served presidents and artists to modern kitchens that are pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine. You will find a mix of high-end dining destinations, beloved local lunch spots, and places that have earned international acclaim for their innovation and respect for tradition.
Whether you are looking to celebrate a special occasion with a multi-course tasting menu or simply want to find the perfect plate of tacos al pastor, this list has something for every palate and budget. We have prioritized restaurants that offer consistent quality, authentic flavors, and an experience that you simply cannot replicate outside of Mexico.
Below, we have compiled the essential dining destinations that should be on your itinerary for your next trip to the capital.
Ling Ling by Hakkasan
| Address | Av. P.º de la Reforma 509-Piso 56, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5919 1559 |
Ohhh myyyyy!!! What an unforgettable dining experience - quite possibly the best meal of my life.
Ling Ling completely exceeded every expectation. I’ve been fortunate to dine at some incredible restaurants around the world, but this experience is one I’ll remember forever.
From the moment we sat down, our waiter, Angel, made us feel like royalty. His service was impeccable—warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about creating an unforgettable experience. He anticipated everything we needed and made us feel like the most important guests in the restaurant.
The food was extraordinary, not to mention the views… it’s PANTY DROPPING!! We started with the shishito peppers, followed by the hamachi tacos and the wagyu robata, and every dish was beautifully executed. We paired it all with an incredible bottle of wine that complemented the meal perfectly.
Then came the star of the evening: the black pepper filet. I can honestly say it was the best steak I’ve ever had. It was so unbelievably tender you could literally cut it with a chopstick. It melted in my mouth and the flavor was absolutely unforgettable. I had originally asked to substitute a scallop and pepper dish for the filet, and I’m so grateful they accommodated the request because it turned into one of the greatest meals I’ve ever experienced. If someone asked me what I’d choose for my last meal, this filet would be at the top of my list.
A special thank you to Chef Jorge, who came out to greet us personally. Meeting the chef behind such an extraordinary meal made the evening even more memorable. His passion, talent, and attention to detail were evident in every single bite.
To finish the night, Ling Ling served playful fortune-cookie messages in Spanish. Ours read, “Since I don’t have flowers, I bring you desire,” and “Whether it’s your hell or mine, let’s sin together.” It was such a clever, memorable touch that perfectly matched the restaurant’s personality and left us smiling long after dinner.
Thank you to Chef Jorge, Angel, and the entire Ling Ling team for an evening I’ll never forget. This wasn’t just dinner—it was an EXPERIENCE. Five stars simply aren’t enough. I can’t wait to return the next time I’m in Mexico City.
This restaurant definitely stands out for its beautiful design, impressive views, and stylish atmosphere. The interior is very well thought out, and it’s the kind of place that feels special from the moment you walk in.
The staff were extremely attentive and welcoming — they checked on us regularly and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. The menu is quite diverse, with options for different tastes.
I wouldn’t describe it as a fine dining experience, but the food was enjoyable, well presented, and overall quite good. Our waiter also recommended a dessert that was a pleasant surprise and a great way to finish the meal.
Overall, I think this is a place worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere, great views, and a memorable experience.
It was our first time here and we had a great experience! The customer service was amazing, I highly recommend. The views are beautiful and the food was amazing. Mario and antonio took very good care of us and they made the whole experience excellent from start to finish!
A must do experience when in Mexico City. 56 floors up. Spectacular views. The food was really good. We had spicy edamame, dragon roll, truffle dumplings and hand cut truffle noodles. Every dish was quality and well prepared. Service was 5 star. Very attentive.
Ling ling was such an amazing experience. The rooftop night view makes everything so magical. The food was very tasty, we tried several appetizers and entrees and everything was spectacular. I have to say that the bone marrow fried rice was a bit dry but nonetheless was still good. The only reason I’m giving service a 4 star is because our waiter wasn’t the most helpful but everything else was great. I highly recommend this spot and if you’re making a reservation put a note that you want to be seated by the windows if possible.
Balcón del Zócalo
| Address | Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5130 5134 |
An absolute masterpiece of a dining experience! We came in for dinner as a walk-in and had zero wait. They seated us inside, which worked out perfectly since it was raining, yet we still enjoyed a breathtaking view of the city. Rain or shine, the view truly needs no words—it speaks entirely for itself.
What really set this night apart, though, was the hospitality. We experienced some of the best service we have ever had anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. A massive thank you to Miguel Diego and Ileana, who were incredibly attentive, detail-oriented, and genuinely kind. They made us feel so welcome and genuinely excited for our meal.
The food and drinks matched the flawless service. We started with the best mojitos we have ever tasted. For dinner, the NY strip was great, the tortilla soup was incredibly rich in flavor and nourishing, and the shrimp tacos with som yum were absolutely exceptional.
If you are in the city, do not miss out on this spot. Between the world-class service, stunning views, and delicious food, it is an unforgettable experience!
Decent food just a little pricey. Service excellent. Suggest to eat meat. I had tried with friends and family different steaks, ans most of them are good. The view from Restaurant is very good. It will be a good place to when is sunny.
If you're ever in mexico city please make a reservation here. This place is impeccable. Service is phenomenal. The food and drinks are so delicious. The scenery itself just makes the experience much more enjoyable. This is one of my top 3 favorite restaurants to visit every chance I get when I travel to Mexico city.
Hey there, this is GeniePam 🧞♀️ visiting from Dubai 🇦🇪 originally from 🇲🇽 with my partner in crime from 🇩🇪
We came here for breakfast and it was a delicious experience. The food was amazing, and the pan dulce was just as good. The service was lovely, and they even celebrate our anniversary.
It was the perfect spot to kick off our Mexico trip.
If you’d like more recs & spots all around the globe 🌍 check me out IG: @iamgeniepam
Beautiful restaurant and incredible view of the square. Perfect place for an afternoon snack and glass of wine. Added bonus that they had TVs everywhere showing the world cup. We will be back for a proper meal!
El Cardenal
| Address | Calle Palma 23 Cuauhtémoc, C. de la Palma 23, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 55 5521 3080 |
A very busy restaurant in a beautiful location. We arrived with no reservations for brunch on a Saturday but they were able to accommodate us with a very short wait. We took the elevator to the second floor and we're greeted but the very friendly staff. We were afford amazing pastries, highly recommend the pan de queso and café de olla. The food was flavorful and arrived warm and fresh to the table. An amazing experience, arrive early of you are interested in brunch it was much more busy around 11am.
Make sure to pick out a pastry before your meal! They're so fresh and delicious. We had the chocolate croissant, soft and delicious ! I also recommend their table-side hot chocolate! I ordered the enchilada with red sauce. It was also wonderful with very fresh ingredients. The quality of our food and flavors were great!
Traditional restaurant full of locals. You definitely need to know some Spanish. They make a delicious hot chocolate fresh and have hot out of the oven pastries. Had the best concha here.
The service is very professional. Had the enchiladas and chilaquiles. Everything was tasty. We had to wait over 30 minutes during lunch time it was worth it.
Delicious food and drinks! The service is excellent. Highly recommend. We had the chile relleno Oaxaqueño which was great. The bread was super good too. I forgot what the ant eggs are called but they were freaking incredible. Sounds gross but they were sooooo good! It's the picture that looks like rice or couscous.
Delicious food. Very friendly staff and excellent service. We had the grilled octopus and Chile relleno. I definitely recommend for a date night. The atmosphere is very romantic.
Pujol
| Address | Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 2:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 5545 4111 |
My first Michelin experience and what an experience it was. All of our servers and wait staff that assisted during our meal were incredibly fantastic, attentive, and warm. The menu was unlike anything I have ever eaten or tasted before. Honestly one of the best meals of my life. They even sent a birthday cake out for me! Well done. Such a memorable experience from start to end.
Fantastic dinner experience!
Beautiful service, comfortable space, and a great atmosphere! I really love the garden surrounding the place!
The foods were delicious and we had 4 of the desserts that available on the day and we all love 2 of them.
The wine pairing is also pretty good!
Services offered was definitely the standout!
An incredible architectural space in Polanco with a stunning, minimalist atmosphere. The highlight was definitely the iconic Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo—the depth of flavor in the aged mole is unforgettable. The baby corn with chicatana ant mayo was also a unique, delicious starter. However, the service felt a bit rushed and transactional for a restaurant of this caliber, and a couple of the mid-courses lacked punch. It is absolutely worth visiting once for the culinary history and artistry, but it comes with a steep price tag.
I had an excellent dinner at Pujol. Let’s start with the food: everything was great and the mole was my favorite part. One small thing I would suggest is that the vegetable part at the first was a little bit out of place and didn’t really add anything to the dinner in the contrary getting raw carrots was a little weird but nothing to complain about. Second, the service our server was Moi and since me and my boyfriend are both from Mexico we ended up having a long and great conversation with him after our meal. He was amazing, fun and knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant in general. He made our dinner even better. Lastly, the ambiance was great as well and the piano added a touch of elegance and peaceful atmosphere.
My time at Pujol was a wonderful experience from start to finish, set against a stunningly beautiful interior where live trees grow right up through the roof to create a relaxed, elegant, and fun atmosphere accompanied by a live pianist and a mellow recorded soundtrack, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 for atmosphere. The wait staff were simply amazing, immediately making you feel taken care of by referring to you by name and even sharing an interesting 20th-anniversary restaurant book, which easily elevates the service to a 5 out of 5. Sitting next to two kind gentlemen from Arizona and Mexico added to the evening, especially when one of them suggested to the staff that a flour tortilla should be featured; after thinking about it, that actually sounds like a great alternative staple to include.
The food progression began around 9:23 PM with some very good initial bites, highlighted by a delicate and flavorful avocado flauta, followed by a second wave featuring a tostada with a light seafood flavor (scallop and sea snail) and an incredible tortilla base that held up well. A heated plate was provided for the crab taco, keeping everything at the right temperature. However, by the time the legendary mole madre arrived, I was already completely full. While the mole madre was incredible—and preferred over the newer mole, though both combined tasted very delicious—eating it with just a single provided tortilla made the ratio feel a bit off, and tackling it without a protein was quite challenging. A request for an additional tortilla was honored without any hesitation.
That portion issue carried over to the dessert, where a fruit slice proved frustrating because only a spoon was provided and a hidden thick skin underneath—an oversight in kitchen preparation—made it impossible to cut without some direction. Furthermore, the dessert following the mole was simply way too large, leading to unnecessary waste that could easily be cut in half or smaller. While every component of the meal was individually tasty, the food ultimately receives a 3 out of 5 due to these structural and pacing friction points: getting completely full right before the main centerpiece, struggling with a heavy sauce ratio and no protein companion, and encountering technical design oversights from the kitchen like the un-cuttable fruit skin and massive dessert portions that create avoidable waste. Despite those hurdles with the final courses, the incredible hospitality and setting bring the overall score to a solid 4 out of 5, making it a fantastic restaurant in Mexico City that is well worth recommending to others.
Azul Historico
| Address | Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5510 1316 |
Beautiful setting in the Centro Histórico and the food was mostly very good. Highlights: the escamoles were excellent — warm and served with a great guacamole — and the buñuelos rellenos de pato con mole negro were the standout of the meal, really delicious. The mezcal with tamarind was quite good too. The ceviche was fine, nothing special.
A few misses: the heirloom tomato salad was over-oiled with oil that didn’t taste good, and too salty. The shrimp and rice dish had nicely cooked rice, but the shrimp themselves were bland and lacked flavor.
For dessert, the vanilla ice cream was quite good; the guanábana with cream was just okay.
Service was great throughout. The check for 2 adults and 1 child, with a 15% tip, came to a little over $190 USD — on the pricier side, but the atmosphere and the duck buñuelos especially make it worth a visit.
Totally overhyped on the food but overhyped on the decor. The place is beautiful. You are eating in a fancy food court surrounded by jewelry stores and other high end boutiques. Unfortunately the food is not great. Nothing was spectacular. The Mayan fish had no flavor. The mole enchiladas were typical. The ceviche was tiny. You are paying for the decor here. Service was not great. Interesting menu but not interesting on the tongue.
The restaurant is part of a historic building and hotel with boutiques and bar on the second level. Beauty place, simple like that. Atmosphere in place is cozy but not fantastic. Ancient trees and plants filtering sun light during the day is the best part of this restaurant. Using the tree foliage as a natural ceiling is cleaver and the trees trunks as part of the ambient on the restaurant floor gives the perfect touch.
The service is not the best if your are not white and worst if your are Mexican between white foreign people. Not matters if you’re going with a fancy-looking clothes or your bill will be high or gives a good tip. They’re simple poker face and flat even you’re kind with them.
I don’t know if all food is good but Escamoles are the best that I ate and the Lechón tacos 🌮 were just good but not the best. As a Mexican that eat a lot of tacos in all kind of places… I can say that they was standard but the hand made corn tortillas… wow! The master lady that made them is a five star, absolutely.
They have a pretty good selection of mezcal and tequila but also on other kind of spirits. Capuccino was great.
Food in general was great and beauty on presentation or well plated. Prices on that is fair enough and prices are higher on any drink.
Reservation is the best way to not wait along or do queues.
Absolutely beautiful setting under trees indoors and pleasant lighting. Food presentation was top notch. We had mezcal recommended by our server after we told him our preferences. He did a great job. Also had tortilla soup and slow cooked pork tacos. Very good. A little expensive but, expected in such a beautiful location in the city.
Atmosphere and ambience was good but noisy. Tables were too close. Food was meh.. food served was almost cold… we sent one plate back to reheat that how cold it was. Then other plates of mole enchiladas came those were luke warm too but didn’t bather to send back. We were party of 6 and none of us liked the food. Not sure what is so much hype about this place, would say definitely not the veg food. Very disappointing experience, good and service
Cuina
| Address | Tabasco 46, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 8902 4840 |
Everything tastes amazing here and is perfectly plated. I got a latte w coconut milk and it was nice. The fresh juices are also great. They are known for the pastries. And of course the tres leches French toast was the star. I loved it. It does end up being a cold dish essentially when the creme is poured over top. But still delectable. Service here is top notch and the setting is beautiful.
This place is also more reasonably priced for the quality and level of service.
Amazing experience at Cuina. The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, and every dish exceeded expectations. The flavors were unlike anything I’ve had in the States.
If you want to be completely wowed, order the Tres Leches French Toast. It’s one of those dishes you’ll be thinking about long after your trip. And don’t miss the Black Chilaquiles—rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable.
From the service to the food, everything was exceptional. Easily one of the highlights of our time in Mexico City. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a wonderful breakfast at Cuina! Our waiter Daniel gave us fantastic service from start to finish. Attentive, friendly, and quick with recommendations. We started with coffee and couldn’t have been happier with the food: the chilaquiles were flavorful and perfectly done, the croque madame was rich and satisfying, and the tres leches French toast was the standout — sweet, moist, and absolutely delicious. Great spot for brunch, and Daniel made the experience even better. Will definitely be back!
Cuina is always a must when in Mexico City! This is a very popular place so there might be a wait but it’s always worth it. Some of my favorite dishes are the pancakes of red fruits. They are the fluffiest pancakes and not only are the beautiful but delicious. I also love the chilaquiles poblanos. Service is amazing, Gerardo was extremely attentive and friendly.
The latte was a little too mild for my taste, so I’d recommend adding an extra shot if you prefer a stronger coffee.
The croissant was excellent—the pastry was flaky, buttery, and had a lovely aroma. The egg dish was also very good, with a flavorful sauce that wasn’t too heavy. The bakery selection was delicious as well.
Overall, a very satisfying breakfast, especially if you’re a fan of good pastries and a lighter, well-balanced savory dish
Rosa Negra
| Address | Av. Pdte. Masaryk 298, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 4169 3995 |
Came here to celebrate my husband’s birthday on Sunday evening, 9pm. There were very few diners and a lot of staff, lively vibe though. For about 5 minutes a bongo player came into restaurant and we hoped he would play longer and/or come back. He did not. The service was awkward. Rushed and then wait. Bread service took a while to come out and we had only a few minutes before the plates were quickly removed and the salad came. The servers made a big deal about my husband not serving his own salad, but then he had to serve mine (servers were no where around). Then didn’t finish the salad before they swiftly removed the salad plate for the main entree. Then disappeared and no service for a very long time. Again, there were very few other customers (maybe 4 tables in the whole restaurant and we were one of the 4). We appreciated they brought out a small cake for the birthday celebration but that was after we sat at the table for 10 minutes with literally an empty table, no water, not attention. Just a bit strange. In terms of the food, the salmon was delicious and cooked nicely and the accompanying potatoes were very tasty. My husband’s steak was half gristle, although tasty, and the mashed potatoes were brought out cold. For about $200 USD with tip, we had higher expectations.
Fernando and Uriel were very attentive and accommodating! We came at 8:45pm for a late dinner because we wanted the atmosphere and music vibe they offer late and it did not disappoint. Very talented musician that plays multiple instruments. The food and wine were very good. Cocktails were pretty and tasted just OK. Would recommend!
Absolutely fantastic food and service! If you can manage to get Jonathan and Fernando, your night is just absolute fun! Overate, over drank, smoked a hookah with tequila, I mean, nothing could top the experience here! The meat is insane! Absolutely a lovely place for an occasion! Nothing was short of perfection.
You can find a much better experience and value elsewhere. Perhaps because it was Christmas, but the service was subpar (slow, didn't ask if I wanted a cocktail , forgot to bring cocktail menu after request, forgot drink order, felt rushed and a little too much on the jokey side ("sorry I forgot the cocktail menu, I'm just busy, wink"). I was wondering why a fellow patron indicated a 15 percent tip was enough vs the 20%, but after seeing the service, I understood. Music was disco or 80s hits or 2020 pop, kind of off to hear dance music while eating. Steak came out a little on the cool side, I'm guessing due to being ready before the wait staff got to it. One redeeming note is staff asked if I wanted a hot plate to warm up the steak. Picture of cocktail menu for cocktail that never came. Waiter later apologized. Probably not a great night to come out. Picture of saxofonist playing over (with?) the pumping dance music. On later reflection, this place is completely not worth the cost.
The food was pretty good overall but The place was a bit too loud for my taste. Not the people but the staff provides claps and announcements when food is served haha. Great experience though!
Contramar
| Address | Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5514 9217 |
I was recommended this by my chef and restaurant owner of Nela in Amsterdam. Spot on in terms of food and service.
Bookings are months in advance yet play your luck and you could get a table. I got a table asap and the Mexican hospitality shines through and through. Ivan was a fantastic server for us and overall the pace of serving us dishes was quick.
All the food was great. The tuna croquettes actually make you feel lovely after having them with the fish shining in the food like it should.
The quality of the fish in every dish was fantastic and the tres leches as the end was light and delicious like it should be.
We enjoyed a good 2,5 hours here and the time flew by yet was very enjoyable and relaxing.
Be aware the high quality does mean the bill will also be high so we spent about $6000 for 3 persons and 1 child.
Love it and will visit again when I come to Mexico City.
This was my third time dining at Contramar, and somehow it gets better every single visit. The consistency in quality, service, and hospitality is truly unmatched. Every meal here has been memorable, but this latest trip was especially special because I celebrated my 29th birthday here.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff for always being so kind, welcoming, and attentive. Although I can’t remember the name of the wonderful server who helped us during our first visit two years ago, the level of care has remained the same every time we return. This trip, we came back two days in a row because we loved it that much.
A very special thank you to Javier, Jesus, Edgar, and Paulina for making me feel so celebrated and genuinely cared for. You all made me feel like family, and that kind of warmth is rare to find. The food, atmosphere, and service are all exceptional, but it’s the people who truly make Contramar unforgettable. Can’t wait to come back again.
Fantastic in every way! Paulina was super professional, friendly, and helpful! Loved the atmosphere and food. Tried an assortment of items (she was able to split dishes up so we could try 2 of each, rather than 4-really cool!) including the tuna tostada (amazing), incredible soft shell crab tortilla, great ceviche mixture, delicious salad, and of course, the famous fish. They were kind enough to bring our limon pie w a candle for my birthday and our 2 servers sang for me! So sweet! Really lovely time! Great cocktails and wine. We will recommend and revisit next time we are in CDMX!
The servers here do not speak English well so there were some slight miscommunications in the beginning.
I have a friend allergic to shrimp, but the English menu didn’t have any mentions of shrimps just “seafood” and we told the server we had a food allergy. At first we were a little bit frustrated cuz the waiter didn’t take it seriously but we learned afterwards with his cheery and attentive service he just didn’t understand.
The food here was REALLY good.
I highly recommend the tuna tostadas and the giant fish.
We got a baja fish taco and this one was not so great so I would avoid.
We had the most beautiful dinner at Contramar. The service was impeccable! The tuna tostadas, battered shrimp tacos, and the strawberry meringue pie was delicious. All of the food was so fresh and so flavorful. One of the best meals I’ve ever had!
Tezontle Restaurant
| Address | Rcda. de Jesús 7, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 8096 1827 |
Would 1000% come back! Culinary highlight of my trip.
I had my doubts because the location looked sketchy…. I am very glad I gave it a try.
The restaurant is on the second floor of a boutique hotel. A historic building that once was Hernan Cortez’ residence has been restored and transformed into an elegant hotel.
The food was excellent, and the service was even better. Juan was nothing but excellent. Honest recommendations and did not lead us astray. The cocktails were very tasty, not super boozy, but carefully crafted and presented. The Octopus sopes and the table side, made-from-scratch, salsa were 100 out of 10.
I came during May, which apparently it tends to be the hottest month the of the year, yet the terrace was very comfortable with plenty of shade and ceiling fans.
We did not have enough room in our stomachs for dessert but they looked good too.
Ambiance and decor 10/10
Food20/10
Drinks 10/10
Service 100/10
A true gem for us! We were looking for a restaurant to have breakfast in a Sunday morning. We came across this one due to their good reviews. I am truly impressed by the delicious food. A nice spin to classical dishes by adding flavors from Oaxaca. Presentation of the food and the place itself were impeccable. The personnel friendly and flexible. I really appreciated the service, the food and everything. I am Mexican, but I overheard them speaking good English with other guests. I am adding a few pictures of our food (really recommend the chilaquiles yucatecos and huevos tezontle).
This was an incredible dining experience with salsa made table side and served with fresh tortillas. All the dishes were elegantly prepared and portion sizes were generous. The ceviche and limonada is a must! The service and wait staff were excellent, though be prepared to stay awhile.
EXCELENTE!!! Beautiful, delicious, and creative! Fantastic homemade salsa (complimentary) is prepared at your table before your meal and served with fresh tortillas. The service was top notch, and the truly inspired dishes from Oaxaca were exceptional! Outstanding presentations! A must in Mexico City! ❤️❤️
Incredible chefs tasting experience tonight. Every dish was exquisite. This place deserves way more hype. If you’re in Mexico City, def check out the chefs tasting at Tezontile! You get the history and explanation of each dish, and in a city like this where good food is everywhere, this serves as a unique experience
Limosneros
| Address | C. Allende 3, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5521 5576 |
Located on a cool street with a lot of history this unassuming (from the outside) restaurant really packs a wallop with their dishes. We came in because of its proximity to our hotel and the solid reviews online.It was our first night in town and given the extensive menu we had a bit of fatigue as to what to eat or drink, especially because the meals we had landed on were sold out. So we pivoted and ordered 4 different types of tacos to split (there are 2 to an order). We went with a mix of what called to us and recommendations from our waiter; and settled on the squash blossom, waygu, rabo, and langostinos and paired them with a glass of their Sangiovese wine on the menu. I will say that I wasn’t impressed with the langostinos because i pictured prawns (that is what we call them where I’m from) they were more the size of tiny shrimp. But overall the taste was spectacular. The dish has a nice heat to it and wonderful taste that I had to reevaluate my feelings towards it. The other stand out dish was the rabo tacos, the beef was so tender and delicious and the presentation was just so pristine and delicate I would never think such an ingredient could look that elegant and on a taco no less.
The waitstaff and their attention to us was exceptional. Overall, despite it being one of the pricier restaurants we dined in while in Mexico City, I would absolutely recommend the splurge.
What a great experience at the Limosneros. My favorite dish was the oxtail and eel taco. I also enjoyed the 21 day duck served with molasses, white chocolate, pickled onions. My waiter could've done a better job. I had to remind him about the wine list, time to ordering... But the rest of service team was very attentive. Outstanding dinning experience, highly recommended.
Absolutely amazing dining experience! ✨
Every dish at Limosneros was full of flavor and beautifully presented —
Fresh ingredients, refined taste, and a perfect balance of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.
The staff were friendly and attentive, and the cozy stone-wall setting with chill music made the evening unforgettable.
Highly recommend this place! 🇲🇽🌮🍷
Beautiful place and even more beautiful food. I did the Chef’s tasting and I loved it. The dishes served were delicious and presented beautifully. The wait staff were kind and attentive, I felt taken care of. Thank you for this wonderful dining experience
An amazing interior and atmosphere. In ways a more typical higher end downtown restaurant. Service and food were good [not great] . It was a more expensive dining experience. I would not "not recommend " Limosberos but would hope to find a better dining value near El Centro.
Quintonil
| Address | Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 5280 0254 |
We came here because of the reputation: supposedly one of the top restaurants in Mexico City, two Michelin stars, and at one point ranked around #3 in the world. With credentials like that, expectations were obviously pretty high.
Don't get me wrong—the food was good. Very good, actually. But maybe my palate just isn't sophisticated enough to understand the difference between one Michelin star and two. 😄
We did the wine pairing and chose the Mexican wines vs. wines from around the world, which was interesting and well done. The sommelier was a little over the top with the presentation, but hey, you're at a two-star Michelin restaurant—you almost expect a little theater. The rest of the staff was genuinely warm, friendly, and welcoming.
The food was what I would call "Michelinized" Mexican cuisine—traditional and local flavors transformed into beautiful, sophisticated little creations. Everything was technically excellent and beautifully presented.
Where they lost me a little was with some of the exotic ingredients: ants, grasshoppers, and a few other things. I've eaten grasshoppers before and tried plenty of unusual ingredients, so the shock value wasn't really there for me. Afterward, they even brought some of the ingredients out in a glass display case for us to inspect.
That part was… kinda weird.
Instead of making me appreciate the meal more, it made the whole exotic-ingredient thing feel slightly gimmicky. Maybe that's part of what helped earn the restaurant its reputation, but personally, ants under glass aren't going to convince me I just ate one of the world's greatest meals.
Again, it was good. The wines were good. The service was good. The flavors were good. We enjoyed ourselves.
But one of the very best restaurants in Mexico City, two Michelin stars, and once among the top restaurants in the world?
Maybe I just don't have a two-Michelin-star palate. 😂
Honestly, if you want to save your money, skip this place. The two Michelin stars feel like just a formality at this point, pretty disappointing overall.
First, the food was pretty mediocre. I was expecting something great, but what I got was mediocre dishes. Don't get me wrong, they all looked nice, the presentation was really good, but taste wise, it just didn't deliver. The entrée, which was a fish dish, was salty and honestly just fish and rice. If the chef is reading this, I could make this at home with 10 ingredients. I don't know who gave you two Michelin stars. I know for a fact I don't have a bad palate, but the food was mediocre. It seems like Michelin just hands stars out to anyone at this point. One of the desserts, some kind of eggnog dish, tasted really bad too.
My wife got the mole they highly encouraged her to get, dude it was a sauce on a plate, that's it. I will be putting pictures. Don't worry, we looked at the pictures, apparently people who are not pescatarian or vegetarian were getting it with duck, so I'm like wow, I'm paying the same amount of money and my replacement is nothing special. Absolutely nothing.
Second, it's incredibly loud in there. I'm paying $1,000, it should be a little quieter and more comfortable. My wife asked me is there something good I can say about this place, and my answer is for $1000 they didn't do shit, there's nothing good I can tell them. Yes they folded the napkins really well, and one of the waiters/busser was very attentive. He knew we were talking and he came to explain the dish. And the waiter tried his best to explain but there were multiple times where a different waiter told our waiter to shush.
The cappuccino here was pretty mediocre too. And if the cappuccino or coffee is mediocre, that basically tells me this place is meh!
I went to Rosetta earlier this trip, and it was a way better restaurant than this. There's also a place called Contramar, better fish, better service, and honestly I had a lot more fun there.
Quintonil (Tasting Menu + Wine Pairing) – 4.3/5 ⭐
Quintonil is definitely an experience rather than just a meal. The service was polished, the pacing was excellent, and every course showcased Mexican ingredients in creative ways. I appreciated that the menu balanced traditional flavors with modern techniques, and the wine pairing was surprisingly well curated.
The meal started with four snacks. The tuna was fresh and crispy, and the puff pastry bite was delicious, while the tortilla soup and mole bite didn’t quite work for my palate.
The standout dishes for me were the dry-aged kampachi with oyster and chilled sour broth—fresh, smoky, and incredibly refreshing—and the cactus lime ice cream with charcoal salt, which was one of the most memorable palate cleansers I’ve ever had. The duck was perfectly cooked, although I found the sauce a little sweeter than expected.
The wine pairing was a highlight. Each pour complemented the food well, but the final mead (honey wine) completely stole the show. It was unique, beautifully balanced, and easily my favorite drink of the evening.
Desserts were enjoyable but not quite as memorable as the savory courses. The honey yogurt ice cream and corn bread with custard were my favorites, while the chocolates and fruit petits fours felt more like a pleasant finish than a grand finale.
Overall, Quintonil isn’t a restaurant where every bite is designed to be overwhelmingly delicious. Instead, it’s about exploring Mexican ingredients, techniques, and flavors in thoughtful and creative ways. Some dishes were outstanding, others were more experimental than enjoyable for me, but the experience as a whole was excellent.
If you’re looking for one of Mexico City’s most innovative fine dining experiences, Quintonil is absolutely worth visiting—especially with the wine pairing.
Overall: 87/100
Truly the best and most memorable restaurant experiences we’ve ever had.
1) The service was absolutely phenomenal. Every server was paying attention to every detail, and this made the experience over the top.
2) Food could not have been better. So much flavor, so many different textures, innovative ideas, and excellent presentation. I didn’t want the experience to end!
3) The others in my party did the Mexican wine pairing which was enchanting - best wine of their lives! But it is a lot of wine! Cocktails are not necessary if you’re getting the wine tasting.
4) Non-alcoholic wine pairing was nice - unique ferments, sparkling teas, and homemade sodas. But a tiny bit too sweet for my taste to go with food (though I loved the smoky pairing).
5) We celebrated a birthday, and the staff made it feel extra special.
The only problem was that it was SO good, everything else in our trip paled in comparison!✨
Thank you Viktor, Thomas, Aaron, David, and Anna for creating such a memorable night!
I was hesitant about how to write this review, but I guess I'll just be 100% transparent.
We had tried to visit this 2 Michelin star restaurant for a while but it was either fully booked or we had to reschedule for business trips that we got and so. Finally, when our reservation approached, I got sick (stomach infection) just one night before the reservation and of course rescheduling was not an option anymore. We reached out to the restaurant first thing the next morning and they told us they would contact people from the waiting list to take our reservation and get our pre-payment refunded. Not sure how hard they tried, but of course no one accepted to use our reservation the very same day that they were communicated about it. So... Yes, we were forced to go (to avoid loosing our 6K pre-payment) with me dying slowly. I was really mad about that, but I least I got to see my wife enjoying the totally worth 2-Michelin star menu and I can confirm that their bathrooms are really comfortable and sound proofing (they also gave us the table closest to the bathrooms, so... I guess, thank you?). On the other hand, I can tell that the staff was really kind asking me about how I was feeling and they offered me an alternate single dish menu (rice, some vegetables, rib eye mini steak) which was pretty good (at least the 30 min it stayed in my stomach).
At the end, they also mentioned they made some sort of exception with us by using the pre-payment when they should have not because I did not eat the tasting menu... I mean, really?
So I don't know... From a business perspective I understand why they did not allow us to reschedule our reservation, but from a customer perspective I would have preferred the outstanding reschedule than the good attention they gave me during our almost 4-hour stay. I don't think that would have hurt so much their financials.
Blanco Colima
| Address | C.Colima 168, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 55 4161 3491 |
Having just landed in Mexico City, this beautiful restaurant was on our list and close to our hotel. We decided to see if they could accommodate us for a late lunch. The staff are fantastic and made some great recommendations. We started with some grilled artichokes, followed by orders of cudo and ceviche, served with corn tortilla chips and a few different salsas. I ate the entire salsa offering, even though it was as hot as Hades. We then ordered tacos, all of which were paired with a crisp, dry white wine.
The property is beautiful, open, and airy, with a few small tables outside overlooking the sidewalk. There is also an interior bar with modern and original details.
I cannot recommend this spot enough; it's a great addition to your food tour of CDMX.
Blanco Colima is a gorgeous spot set in a historic building that immediately stands out, even if you’ve never heard of it before. The design—both inside and out—is truly impressive, and the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit.
The service is impeccable, attentive without being overbearing, which adds to the overall experience. That said, the prices are definitely on the higher side, and while the food is good, it’s not exactly mind-blowing.
Overall, it’s a great place to dine if you’re looking for a beautiful setting and top-tier service. You’re really going for the ambiance and experience, and on that front, it delivers.
So, the 5 stars are for the service and or table location alone . While we were at a high top we were seated at an open window which we loved. We had 2 gentlemen taking care of us, and they were both wonderful and tolerant of our beginner level Spanish. Our meal was very good 3.5-4 star - we had the croquettes (based on other reviews) , the prawn risotto, and some tacos. The tacos were the star of our ordering, there were 2 of us and we split a plate of 4. They brought a variety of salsas and guacamole which took the tacos to the next level as we put it ALL on top. We finished with the Tres Leches, it was okay - but more like a regular white cake in my vast Tres Leches sampling experience. Our server brought us these cute little milkshakes after or food extravaganza and it was SO delish.
A must do when you are in Roma Norte. We had this place marked way before we even arrived in the city. It did not disappoint in any way. We were treated like we were VIP the whole time. Our server Jorge was INCREDIBLE. Armando, the manager came over and had a great conversation with our group of 4 and took us on a little tour of the place after we were done. THIS PLACE IS A MUST DO.
The whole place had a really nice vibe whether you're dining inside or on the terrace viewing the street life.
You will not be disappointed.
The best restaurant we've been to during 12 days in Mexico. We'll definitely come back next time. In an impressive historic building lies this beautiful restaurant. It's upscale with prices on the upper end but friendly and accommodating. Service was flawless and the food & drinks unique, fresh, and delicious. They even offer OTH treats. Wonderful spot 🙏
Gardela
| Address | Av. Álvaro Obregón 31, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 7591 8812 |
I had an amazing experience at for alone birthday ! The steaks were perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish we ordered exceeded our expectations.
What impressed us the most was the outstanding service. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming from the moment we arrived. They made us feel truly valued and ensured everything was perfect throughout our meal.
The atmosphere was elegant, relaxing, and perfect for celebrating a special occasion. I will definitely come back the next time we’re in Mexico City. Highly recommended!
Excellent experience! The food was really good! The fillet was super tasty as well as the potatoes + beetroot salad. The corn and cheese empanada and meat soup was ok, wont order them again but will certainly be back to try other things on the menu. The staff was very friendly and fast! The bathroom is very clean and smells very good - which goes to show the attention to detail. We came on a Monday night, without a reservation and there was space.
Delicious food, excellent service, with an upscale ambience. It was easy to make reservation for our group of 5 since we were coming in for a late lunch. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hostess and shown to our table. They have minimal English-speaking staff, but we didn't have any issues communicating. There is also patio seating as well.
Menu was split into different categories from appetizers, salads, steaks, pizza, pasta, and seafood. We were surprised at how big the portion was, plenty to share. We ordered a few items:
- NY dry aged carpaccio: This was a massive portion. Cut perfectly into thin slices. A great choice for an appetizer.
- Brisket tacos (3): Comes with 3 medium size tacos. Meat was tendered. Two different sauces and with your usual toppings.
- Ribeye tacos (3): Same with this, comes with 3 tacos. My favorite out of the two tacos.
- Octopus on the grill: My favorite out of everything we tried. I love getting octopus when in Mexico. It was fresh and grilled perfectly. It also came with fried potatoes which we all love.
- Peasant salad: A good balance to the rest of the meal. A refreshing salad with sweet tomatoes.
- Grilled cod fillet: The cod fillet was just the right texture. The sweet potatoes puree gave it a nice balance.
The service was amazing. The staff helped pour our water and helped with plating our food. I really appreciate their attentiveness. Overall, this was a great experience and would highly recommend anyone to stop by for lunch/dinner if they're in the Roma Norte area.
We went to celebrate my birthday and engagement with my friends and we had the best time! The food was amazing and the service excellent! Super recommend this place
A perfect dining experience! The atmosphere was beautiful, and the service was attentive and friendly. Both the cocktails and the food were excellent. This restaurant made me miss my trip to Mexico City so much! I especially loved the little surprise during the serving - the small live cooking performance was such a nice touch!
Prime Steak Club
| Address | Av. P.º de la Reforma 333, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 9012 1564 |
I had the best experience of my entire life here. Genuinely have never had such amazing customer service, amazing food, and amazing drinks ever. The restaurant has an incredible vibe and it’s such a beautiful restaurant! To start, our waiter Saul was extremely attentive and made sure our experience was nothing short of perfection. The food was brought out and was absolutely fantastic. They bring out a hot stone to keep your meats warm throughout your entire meal, which is a super unique experience in of itself! We then went out to the terrace for drinks, which seemed to have caused some sort of issue with another party (I’m really not sure what their deal was, NOT THE RESTAURANTS FAULT AT ALL), but Gustavo and Saul were QUICK to resolve this issue for us and were extremely accommodating! They truly elevated our experience from what already was a 10/10 to more of a 100000/10. I truly cannot thank them enough for how amazing they treated us. Highly recommend!
everything from the atmosphere, to the seating, to the food options, to the quality and presentation was just absolutely phenomenal. I live in the state of Texas and I absolutely have to say that this is one of the best steaks I've ever had in my entire life. very happy we went here. was worth every peso.
Just because something or a place it’s expensive does not necessarily makes it a premium/ upscale experience and this was the case.
I’d give this restaurant a solid 3 out of 5 stars, mainly because of the food. The steaks were perfectly cooked and were easily the highlight of the evening.
Unfortunately, the overall experience didn’t match the price point. From the moment we arrived, the host seemed more focused on confirming our reservation and asking for our full name than on offering a warm welcome. First impressions matter, especially at a high-end steakhouse.
The restaurant is beautiful, spacious, and has plenty of seating, which made the emphasis on reservations seem unnecessary. We arrived around 6:00 p.m. and stayed until approximately 10:00 p.m. Throughout the evening, the restaurant remained surprisingly empty.
Service was the biggest disappointment. Nothing arrived at the table in a timely manner, and almost every aspect of the experience required us to ask for assistance. There was very little proactive service, and the atmosphere didn’t feel premium or luxurious.
To make matters worse, when we were ready to leave, we had to ask four different staff members for our bill before we finally received it. After spending nearly four hours at the restaurant, waiting that long just to pay was frustrating and left a poor final impression.
Our bill came to approximately $600 which it’s completely fine and feels different when you leave satisfied the bill came out to about $600 before gratuity, and the restaurant suggested a minimum 15% tip. While I always appreciate and reward great service, gratuity should reflect the quality of the experience. Unfortunately, the level of service we received did not justify the expectation of a premium tip.
For a restaurant where the most affordable steak is around $70, I expected true five-star hospitality—attentive, polished service that exceeds expectations. Instead, the experience felt average. In the U.S., I’d honestly choose Texas Roadhouse for the overall value and service.
Our dinner for three included:
* 2 appetizers
* 3 steaks (each with one side)
* 2 glasses of wine
* 3 small bottles of Perrier
* 2 desserts
The food was excellent, but at this price point, exceptional service should be just as memorable as the meal.
The atmosphere at Prime Steak House in Mexico City is stylish, lively, and perfect for a night out. The drink menu is also a strong point, with well-crafted cocktails and a great selection that really enhances the overall experience.
Unfortunately, the food did not meet expectations. I ordered the ribeye, but what was served was clearly skirt steak. While skirt steak can be good when prepared correctly, it’s not what was ordered especially at a steakhouse of this caliber.
Overall, Prime Steak House delivers on ambiance and drinks, but accuracy and consistency with food orders need improvement to truly match the premium experience they aim to offer.
Amazing place! We had a company dinner and the appetizers were great, definitely suggest the tostada and add esquites!
For the main plate, we orders the New York and it was mouthwatering soft but the most amazing is when its sliced on the table next to you!
El Mayor
| Address | República de Argentina 15, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 55 5704 7580 |
I visited El Mayor for my final dinner in the city and it was easily the best spot for a solo traveler. The view of the Templo Mayor ruins from the rooftop has to be the best in the city and it was such a peaceful place to reflect on my trip.
The staff was wonderful and gave me excellent recommendations throughout the night. I had the octopus tacos which were delicious and a specialty mixed drink with local spirits that was very well made. I finished with the tres leches for dessert and it was the perfect treat to end the meal.
If you are looking for a scenic and authentic spot with great service you cannot beat this place. It was a highlight of my time here!
The view is great, service a little slow, but acceptable. Food was great, portions were perfect size for our group. Not big and not small. Nachos were great.
This is my go to cafe/ restaurant when in Mexico City. Entered via a lift in a beautiful bookshop. You emerge to a breath taking view over the Mayan Temple ruins adjacent to the cathedral. A great spot to catch your breath. Give you weary tourist legs and hour or respite and enjoy some Mexican treats.
I opted for a tequila and Curacao and sprite to wash down a very tasty quesadillas.
The best part about El Mayor is definitely the view—it’s stunning and makes the atmosphere special. Unfortunately, the food didn’t really live up to the setting. The dishes were pricey but pretty ordinary, nothing memorable for the cost. I was also surprised that they charged extra for tortillas, which felt unusual for a restaurant of this level.
Another drawback is that, even though it’s a famous and touristy spot, the staff didn’t speak any English, which made ordering a bit tricky. On top of that, they sort of push you to tip, which left the experience feeling less comfortable.
One of the best spots at Zocalo. Highly recommend, food was amazing and service was top-notch.
Just a heads up, they close around 6:30 pm, don't be that person who rolls up at 6:15 expecting a table. Staff's got vibes like yours 💯
Tips for Dining Out in Mexico City
To make the most of your culinary journey through the capital, it helps to understand the local dining culture and logistics. The city is massive, and while the metro and rideshare apps are efficient, traffic can be unpredictable, so planning your meals around your daily itinerary is crucial. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your dining experiences are seamless and memorable.
Book Ahead for Fine Dining: The most famous high-end restaurants, particularly those on the World’s 50 Best list like Pujol and Quintonil, often book out weeks or even months in advance. Do not leave these reservations to chance. Set an alarm for when reservation books open online, or ask your hotel concierge for assistance well before your arrival date.
Embrace the "Comida" Schedule: Mexicans typically eat their largest meal of the day between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. If you want to experience a restaurant at its liveliest or take advantage of a "Menu del día" (fixed-price lunch menu), aim to eat during this window. Dinner service usually starts later, around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM.
Cash is King for Street Food: While all the sit-down restaurants on this list accept credit cards, the legendary street stalls and markets often operate on cash only. Keep small bills and coins on hand if you plan to supplement your fine dining with late-night tacos or esquites (corn in a cup).
Tip Generously: In Mexico, a tip of 10% to 15% is customary for good table service, even if a service charge is not automatically added to the bill. Some higher-end spots may include the tip, so always check your receipt to avoid double-tipping.
Don’t Skip the Market Visits: Some of the best food in the city is found inside its bustling mercados. If you have time between restaurant reservations, visiting places like Mercado de San Juan or Mercado Medellín offers a glimpse into the raw ingredients that make this city’s food so special.
The dining scene in Mexico City is a vibrant reflection of its people—proud of their roots but constantly innovating. Whether you are tasting a perfectly pressed tortilla made from heirloom corn or a complex mole that took three days to prepare, you are participating in a cultural tradition that has been refined over generations.
Ultimately, the best way to experience this city is to arrive hungry and keep an open mind. Venture beyond your comfort zone, talk to the servers about their favorite dishes, and savor the incredible diversity that makes this one of the most exciting food cities on Earth.
