​A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico City

This year, I spent almost two months in Mexico.

I was not ready to come here, but what made me stay for almost two months? It was Erik (my friend) and the food. The food here is hard to find anywhere else.

In my guide to Mexican food, I already discussed what to eat in Mexico, including a full list of the best dishes at the best restaurants in Mexico City. But today, I want to show you where to eat in Mexico City. The best restaurants truly stand out.

Restaurants like Pujol and Rosetta are famous for a reason. Many others offer special flavors and creative menus. Some are great for a date, and some are better for trying local dishes in a stylish setting. I will help you find what fits you best.

So, if you are hungry to discover Mexico City’s best restaurants, keep reading. You won’t get bored even for a second.

Why Mexico City Is Now a Fine Dining Capital

Not too long ago, most people used to come to Mexico City for street tacos, tamales, and late-night tortas. And to be honest, that is still a big reason why I love this place. But something has changed here.

In the past few years, Mexico City has become one of the top places in the world for fine dining. Chefs are creating dishes that look like art but still taste like home. Mexico City Restaurants like Quintonil and Pujol now rank among the best in the world. They are in magazines like The World’s 50 Best and the Michelin Guide.

But this shift did not happen overnight. Many young chefs who trained abroad returned to the city with new ideas. Instead of copying foreign dishes, they started using native ingredients in new ways. Think of a mole made with wild herbs. Or corn turned into delicate pasta sheets. The focus is now on creativity and culture.

Even the way restaurants look has changed. Some are built inside old houses. Some use handmade plates and local pottery. Everything feels thoughtful. These shifts in how food is made, presented, and enjoyed reflect a broader trend in the future of food delivery, where experience and innovation matter just as much as flavor since people are enjoying the food from the comfort of their homes instead of travelling miles for it today.

Why Condesa Mexico City? Best Things to Do

The Best Restaurants in Mexico City to Try

Mexico City has many restaurants now, but not all offer the authentic Mexican food you’re looking for. Some spots are just different. They have that special energy the kind where tables are full every night and you see locals, foodies, and travelers all in one room.

During my trip, I aimed to try the best restaurants in Mexico City the ones people kept talking about. Some were hidden behind quiet doors, others had long waitlists, but each gave me a new memory. Let’s start with a place that stood out.

1. Pujol

If I had to name just one place that changed how I see food, it would be Pujol. It tops the list of best restaurants in Mexico City.

What makes it so? To me, it never felt like just another restaurant. It feels like a journey. The first time I walked in, I noticed everything was calm and quiet. There was no loud music. Just soft light, an open kitchen, and people talking in low voices like they were in on a secret.

The tasting menu had seven courses. I still remember the smoked baby corn served in a hollow gourd. It was small, but the flavour hit hard. Then came the famous mole madre. It was dark, deep, and aged over 2,000 days. That single bite told a story I did not expect from a dish so simple.

Each plate was a surprise, not only beautiful but full of flavour. Even the tortillas were perfect. They were warm and made from heirloom corn. You could taste the care in every part.

If you are looking for the best food in Mexico City and want something you will never forget, book Pujol. Although it was not cheap, it was worth every peso.

Address: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 – Instagram | Website

2. Quintonil

I had high hopes before visiting Quintonil; luckily, it did not disappoint. Everything here is elegant, but never over the top. It feels fresh and honest.

Jorge Vallejo is the owner and chef here. He mainly focuses on vegetables, herbs, and native Mexican flavours. When I went, the tasting menu was seasonal.

Almost every dish had some green or earthy twist. One standout was the avocado tartare with herbs and ant powder. Yes, ant powder! The flavor was smoky and light.

They also served a cactus salad that looked simple but had incredible depth. And the dessert? It was a chilled mamey cream with citrus and crunch. I still think about it.

The place itself is quiet and modern, not too big. The staff is kind and explains each dish clearly. I felt comfortable the whole time. If you want to see how far local ingredients can go, Quintonil is a must.

Address: Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

3. Sud 777

Address: Sud 777 was far from where I stayed, but it was worth the ride.

The building feels more like a house than a restaurant. There is wood, plants, and natural light everywhere. The best thing? It was quiet and peaceful, too, like you had left the city behind.

Chef Edgar Núñez plays with local ingredients in a modern way. The menu changes often, but there is always something playful and bold. When I visited, the tomato broth with cactus was light but flavorful. You must ask for it, you may get the best food experience.

The duck taco with mole was another of the best things I tried here. It was rich and tender.

They also serve some fun extras between courses. One came in a little glass dome full of a smoky scent. It was dramatic but fun.

The wine list is big. They helped me pick something that paired perfectly with each course. And the dessert had guava and mezcal cream. It was super light and very Mexican.

If you are still unsure where to eat in Mexico City, head to Sud 777. It is excellent if you want something fancy but not too stiff. You can dress up or down. Just come hungry and curious.

Address: Blvd. de la Luz 777, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro Obregón, 01900 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

4. Rosetta

Rosetta is one of those places people keep telling you to try. And once you do, you understand why.

It is inside an old house in Roma Norte. The walls have cracks, the ceilings are high, and everything has a soft charm. The air smells like fresh herbs and baked bread.

Chef Elena Reygadas mixes Mexican ingredients with Italian style. Her pasta is famous. I tried it too, and it is renowned for good reason. I tried the hoja santa tagliatelle. It was fresh, light, and full of green flavor. The breadbasket also blew me away. I could eat that alone.

One dish had tamarind and roasted pumpkin, another had pink beans and creamy cheese. Nothing felt forced, just creative, clean food with heart.

Rosetta is cozy but elegant. You will see friends laughing at one table and a quiet couple sharing wine at another. It works for both moods.

Do not skip this spot if you are exploring Mexico City food and want something stylish but soulful.

Address: Colima 166, Roma Norte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

Related: Explore top things to do in Roma Norte while enjoying the best food.

5. Maximo Bistrot

Maximo Bistrot was one of the first places I ate at in Roma. It felt easy-going but still upscale. The vibe is relaxed, but the food is sharp and thoughtful.

The chef, Eduardo García, uses fresh ingredients sourced daily, so the menu changes often. They had roasted beet salad, grilled octopus, and a rich duck with figs when I went. Every dish was balanced and colourful.

Food is not the only good thing here. The space is airy and full of light, and the plants and wood furniture make it quite alive and beautiful.

Many locals say this is one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, and I agree. It mixes style with substance, and you can feel the care in every plate.

If you want to explore more Mexico City restaurants, this one should be on your list. It is also a good place for brunch or a long afternoon meal with friends.

Address: Álvaro Obregón 65, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

6. Contramar

Contramar is a must-visit place if you are craving seafood in the middle of the city. It offers fresh seafood perfectly made with local ingredients. Another good point of this place is that its staff is very charming, and the service is really quick.

I went on a Friday afternoon, and the place was packed with locals and a few business folks. The vibe was lively but not loud.

The standout? Tuna tostadas. Thin slices, creamy mayo, crispy onion—these are simple yet perfect. I also loved the pescado a la talla. A tostada is grilled fish split in half and dressed with red and green sauces. It is spicy and smoky.

They do not take dinner reservations, so it is best to go for lunch. The place feels like a coastal escape, even though you are right in the heart of Roma.

Contramar often ranks among the best restaurants in Mexico City, especially for seafood.

Address: Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

7. Limosneros

Limosneros feels like a hidden treasure in the busy heart of Mexico City. The space is rustic and moody, with stone walls and soft lighting. It is not trying to be trendy. It is rooted in tradition.

Their menu is proudly Mexican. I started with the blue corn tacoyo filled with beans and cheese. Then, I had duck tacos with mole. It was smoky, rich, and well-balanced.

The flavors are bold but never heavy. You can feel the respect for local ingredients in every bite.

Limosneros stands out because it does not follow trends. It follows history. Still, the food feels new and creative. Many locals say it is one of the top picks for Mexico City’s best restaurants in the old town.

If you love a mix of deep tradition and fresh ideas, this is your place.

Address: Allende 3, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website | Instagram

8. Carmela y Sal

Carmela y Sal has a softer and more poetic vibe. Its leader is Chef Gabriela Ruiz, a rising star in the Mexican food world.

This spot feels like a celebration of comfort and home cooking, but with elegance. I tried the creamy corn soup and the octopus in a warm stew. Both dishes reminded me of meals made with love.

The interior is bright and welcoming. Although it is modern, you still feel a deep connection to Mexican roots.

It is one of the newer additions to the list of best restaurants in Mexico City, but it already feels like a classic.

Address: Pedregal 24, Molino del Rey, Miguel Hidalgo, 11040 Ciudad de México, CDMX Website

9. Taquería Orinoco

If you love tacos (and who doesn’t?), Orinoco should be your first stop. It is not fancy, just fast, flavorful, and packed with locals. That is always a good sign, a restaurant with a lot of locals is a sign of authentic Mexican cuisine.

The first time I went here, it was past midnight. Still, there was a line out the door. I ordered the trompo taco and one de chicharrón. Both were juicy and full of flavor. The spicy red salsa hit just right. They also serve drinks in old-school glass bottles. It gives it a fun retro vibe.

Many call it one of the hottest restaurants in Mexico City for casual eats. It is excellent for a quick stop after exploring Roma. And yes, you will want to come back again.

Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 64, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX Website

10. Blanco Colima – Roma Norte

Blanco Colima is where style meets flavor. This restaurant is located inside a restored mansion. Everything, from the food to the furniture here, feels elegant but not too serious.

I came here on a Friday evening with a friend. We grabbed a table on the open-air terrace, which buzzed with energy. We ordered octopus with habanero butter and a mezcal cocktail. Both were delicious, and even the bread was special.

It is a top choice if you are looking for the best restaurants in Mexico City that mix good design, fun crowd, and creative food. Some people go just for the drinks, but I think the kitchen deserves just as much love.

Address: Colima 168, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX Website

11. Azul Histórico

Azul Histórico is like stepping into an old Mexico City dream. It is in a leafy courtyard with soft lights and old stone walls. The whole place feels calm and magical.

I visited during lunch after touring nearby museums. Their chili en nogada was the best thing I tried. It was sweet, savory, and beautifully plated. This place honours tradition while keeping things fresh.

If you are looking for the best restaurants in Mexico City that serve regional dishes with heart, Azul Histórico should be high on your list.

Address: Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico, 06000 CDMX Website

Related: Is Mexico Safe to travel?

Do not Leave Without Trying These Hidden Gems.

Not every great meal in Mexico City comes with a long waitlist or a famous name. Some of the most unforgettable food experiences hide in quiet corners.

These hidden gems may not always make the top charts, but they leave you planning your next visit before the bill arrives.

If you are about to leave and you are nearby, I suggest you try these hidden places at least once.

Huset (Roma Norte) – A garden-style escape with wood-fired dishes and a calm, cozy vibe. Their grilled sea bass is a must.

Havre 77 (Juárez) – A French bistro hidden in a vintage townhouse. The duck confit is rich and comforting without being too heavy.

Delirio (Roma Norte) is Chef Monica Patiño’s deli-bakery combo. It is great for mezze, sandwiches, and fresh salads with herby flavours.

Planning to explore more hidden gems like these? Save this guide or share it with your foodie friend now. Discover more handpicked experiences on TripFrogApp.com.

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