Mexico City is a cosmopolitan metropolis that continually fascinates with the richness of its culinary scene, and if you’re on your way to exploring Mexico, it’s probably where you’ll be starting your journey. From outstanding local Mexican cuisine served in traditional tavernas to acclaimed fine dining gems and vibrant hotspots serving tacos and margaritas, if you’re planning a travel holiday across the Atlantic, here’s where to find the best restaurants in Mexico City.
In Polanco and Satelite neighbourhoods, a fun hotspot serves Latin-American steaks and seafood alongside creative cocktails and DJ nights. In the city centre, a spectacular terrace boasts views over the iconic Zócalo. In must-visit Condesa, mark a special occasion – or a last day of travelling – at an award-winning world-renowned gem housed in a stunning mansion. Head over to the 56th floor of the Chapultepec Uno skyscraper to find a romance-filled rooftop boasting spectacular views over Mexico City.
Embark on a culinary journey, these 10 best restaurants in Mexico City are loved by locals and visitors alike and promise a trip to remember, so book your spot on OpenTable today.
The best restaurants in Mexico City – read on for a top 10
For a world-renowned, multi-award-winning restaurant – visit Rosetta in Condesa/Roma
If you’re visiting Mexico City and looking for a fine dining experience, look no further than Rosetta. Directed by chef Elena Reygadas, it has been a winner of the Mexico Gastronomic Guide by Culinaria Mexicana 2024, winner of the MexBest by Quién 2023 awards and included at #49 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023. Located in a stunning old mansion filled with historic charm, this worldwine known gem is the perfect destination for a special celebration, a romantic date night, or even a proposal. The traditional corn tamales with celeriac and smoked cream are the stars of the show, alongside other stellar dishes such as the beet risotto with radicchio and Chiapas cheese or the cappellacci of cacahuazintle in corn broth. For the main course, try the baked suckling pig with sweet potato purée and achiote sauce or the beef ribs with chile morita, plantain and hoja santa. For dessert, you can’t miss the avocado sorbet with muscatel plums and avocado leaf oil.
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For one of the best restaurants in Mexico City for international cuisine – visit Máximo in Condesa/Roma
Award-winning Máximo is one of the best restaurants in Mexico for international fare. Winner of the Mexico Gastronomic Guide by Culinaria Mexicana 2024, and directed by chef Eduardo García Guzmán, its contemporary and cozy atmosphere promises a meal to remember. Meticulous plates made with locally sourced produce go paired with rare fine wines from Mexico and beyond. The menu is creative and attractive – expect octopus ceviche, tuna tostadas with onion mayo, black truffle risotto, ricotta ravioli, roasted cauliflower with spinach or beer-braised Wagyu beef. If you can’t choose, order the 10-course tasting menu to try a little bit of everything.
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For one of the best trendy restaurants in Mexico City with live DJ music – visit Rosa Negra in Polanco/Nueva Anzures and Satélite
Located in Polanco and Satélite, Rosa Negra is ideal for enjoying a good Latin American meal with friends or for a lively date night with a special someone. With creative cocktails and DJ nights, the elegance of the interiors and the quality ingredients make it a must-try spot. Rosa Negra is renowned for its stellar Kobe beef cuts and for top-notch sustainably sourced seafood. Go for the jumbo-sized Alaskan king crab, raised in frozen waters and certified sustainable fishing, try the Nigerian tiger shrimp with vegetables, or order the king salmon, ranked as one of the finest in the world. Make sure to leave some room for dessert, the giant churro with dulce de leche ice cream is an absolute must.
📍 Polanco — Check availability
📍 Satélite — Check availability
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For an iconic restaurant with panoramic views – don’t miss El balcón del Zócalo in the city center
El balcón del Zócalo boasts Mexican fare with a contemporary twist in a charming atmosphere, with a stunning terrace overlooking the Zócalo Cathedral landmark. Chef Pepe Salinas directs the menu of this iconic gem, maintaining a high standard of quality ingredients. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it’s a must-visit if you’re visiting Mexico City’s downtown. Highlights from the menu include specialties such as pork chamorro in black cochinita and beans, charcoal-grilled Campeche octopus with green sauce and pineapple, or battered mushrooms and huauzontles, with Oaxaca cheese and poblano sauce. To explore the house’s best dishes, go for the tasting menu. Pair your meal with creative cocktails from the house mixology such as the nero, with mezcal, avocado leaves and black sapote; or the truffle milk, with gin, figs and black truffle maceration.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Mexico City – book at Entremar in Polanco/Nueva Anzures
Expect stellar Mexican-style seafood at Entremar, one of the best restaurants in Mexico City for freshly caught fish and seafood. The casual and relaxing vibes feel like being at home away from home, and close to the sea, with interiors featuring white and blue tones and wooden furniture. Run by chef Laurencio Cantú, the food and wine menu features local and international produce. For starters, order the Zihuatanejo strips or the Galician-style octopus, the green shrimp aguachile or the red clam ceviche. The seafood and fish soup is highly recommended, as is the shrimp broth or pasta with clams. For the main act, the grilled octopus, the fish of the day with red chilli and parsley and shrimps with tequila are some of the crowd favorites.
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For one of the best Italian restaurants in Mexico City – visit Parole Polanco in Polanco/Nueva Anzures
If you’re craving Italian food in the capital, a taste of Italy in Mexico awaits at Parole Polanco. Its ambience is glamorous and elegant, with classic and contemporary touches and an elegant vibe that’s ideal for a romantic dinner with a partner or for group dining with friends and family. Music will set the tone for a memorable meal with a tenor singers, violinists and resident DJs. Among the specialties on the menu, under the care of chef Irving Martínez, is the grilled octopus with pea puree and bell pepper, the Nordic salmon with lavender glaze, the parsley shrimp with capers and butter, and the mouthwatering Neapolitan-style lasagna.
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For one of the best Asian restaurants in Mexico City for a romantic date – go to Ling Ling Mexico in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
Ling Ling Mexico is a restaurant and lounge with a focus on Asian fare, with an extensive drinks list featuring signature cocktail mixology. Head to the 56th floor of the Chapultepec Uno skyscraper and get ready to be wowed by spectacular views over the city. For a romance-filled dinner or a special celebration, grab a site near the tall glass windows and under the beautiful greenery before exploring the Asian-inspired menu. Feast on sushi platters, creative rolls, fluffy dim sum and salmon and tuna temaki (tartare). Other highlights include the ankake fish steamed with vegetables and Japanese mushrooms, the dragon roll with tempura shrimp and caper aioli, and the duck confit bao with hoisin sauce. The cocktails are also the star of the show: order the little problem with mezcal and syrups or a lady to remember with vodka, cold-pressed lemon and raspberry pearls.
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For a celebration with friends – visit Porfirio’s in Polanco/Nueva Anzures, Coyoacán, Satélite and Tlalpan
Located in Polanco/Nueva Anzures, Coyoacán, Satélite y Tlalpan, Porfirio’s boasts an original concept revolving around the tradition of Mexican cuisine. With an elegant ambiance that promises a celebratory meal and beautifully-presented dishes prepared with top-notch ingredients, this restaurant loved by locals and visitors alike showcases sellar Mexican flavors. Among the highlights of the menu are the charcoal-grilled New York aguachile, flamed at the table with mezcal, the grilled beef marrow with mushrooms, jalapeño, cambray onions and corn tortillas, the slow-cooked beef ribs with cambray onions and red serrano chile and the traditional chile relleno, filled panela and gouda cheese. The mixology is inspired by different states such as Oaxaca, with mezcal and grasshoppers.
📍 Polanco/Nueva Anzures — Check availability
📍 Coyoacán — Check availability
📍 Satélite — Check availability
📍 Tlalpan — Check availability
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For an iconic restaurant with stunning outdoors – visit Huset in Condesa/Roma
Huset is one of the most iconic restaurants in the city – with a menu revolving around a wood-fired oven cooking technique that gives the food a special touch, bringing the flavor of the countryside in the heart of the capital. Helmed by chef Maycoll Calderón who meticulously takes care of the quality of the ingredients in the preparation, the plant-filled surroundings complete with string lights makes Huset a go-to place for outdoor dining and a romantic date night. Fish and seafood lovers, don’t miss the wood-fired sea bass with broccoli, roasted cauliflower, garlic and lemon broth and the grilled octopus with lentils, tomato and chile de arbol. The grilled rib eye with baked potato, bacon, cream and chives and the grilled salmon with potato cambray, olives, capers and mustard are amongst other must-try. And don’t skip the salads, prepared with fresh seasonal vegetables, whose flavor is irresistible.
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For the best of Spanish cuisine with a Mexican twist – visit Blanco Colima – in Condesa/Roma
Blanco Colima welcome diners in an old Porfirian-style mansion boasting elegant yet casual and relaxed vibes, ideal for an outing with friends or to celebrate a special day with a special someone. Chef Gerard Bellver is in charge of the kitchen, and created a unique tasting menu featuring innovative dishes made with seasonal ingredients. To pair, there’s a stellar cocktail menu and a wine cellar boasting Spanish, Mexican, Italian and French labels. Order the firewood-frilled fish served with beans and tortillas; the blue shrimp zarandeados with butter and lemon; the octopus chicharrón gorditas with organic dough and fresh Oaxaca cheese; or the Northern-style taquitos with grilled cheese. Don’t leave without trying the huitlacoche fondue with Oaxaca cheese served with homemade tortillas, a must-try.
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Mexico City has a wide gastronomic offer and there are diverse options for every occasion. From traditional to avant-garde, from oriental to Mexican, from Italian to signature cuisine, the best restaurants in Mexico City await you.
