17 Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico City (as told by someone who works in the food industry here)
Looking for the best fine dining spots in Mexico City? This post is for you!
Mexico City boasts a thriving culinary scene that’s sure to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
As someone who lives in Mexico City and works in the food industry, I’ve got the best spots for you!
From traditional Mexican fare to innovative fusion cuisine, the city’s fine dining restaurants offer a wide array of flavors and experiences.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal to celebrate your visit to the Mexican capitals, these fine dining in Mexico City are a must.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico City
1) Pujol
Pujol stands as a crown jewel in Mexico City’s culinary scene. You’ll find this renowned restaurant in the upscale Polanco neighborhood.
It’s pretty much a must if you’re a fine dining lover as Chef Enrique Olvera’s innovative creations are guaranteed to please.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo. It’s a testament to tradition and innovation, with a mole sauce that’s been aging for over 2,000 days.
You’ll experience a tasting menu that changes with the seasons, showcasing local ingredients in unexpected ways.
Reservations are a must at Pujol. You’ll want to book well in advance, as tables fill up quickly.
The dining experience typically lasts around three hours, so plan your evening accordingly.
2) Quintonil
Quintonil offers a culinary journey through Mexico’s rich biodiversity. You’ll find this gem tucked away in the upscale Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City.
Chef Jorge Vallejo’s unique menu showcases indigenous ingredients in contemporary presentations. Each dish tells a story of Mexican terroir and tradition.
The restaurant’s sleek, minimalist decor allows the food to take center stage. You’ll appreciate the attention to detail in both presentation and flavor.
Quintonil’s tasting menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh, peak-flavor ingredients. You will get to try dishes like ant larvae with burnt corn husks or cactus sorbet.
The wine list features both Mexican and international selections. You can also opt for creative non-alcoholic pairings that complement the cuisine.
Reservations are essential, as Quintonil consistently ranks among the world’s top restaurants (and it recently received a Michelin star). You’ll want to book well in advance to secure your spot.
3) Sud 777
Set in the southern part of Mexico City, Sud 777 is another of the best fine dining restaurants in Mexico City as it offers a unique dining experience that blends Mexican and international flavors.
Chef Edgar Núñez leads the kitchen, crafting innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability.
Sud 777 offers both à la carte options and tasting menus. You might sample dishes like octopus with black garlic or duck with mole and pineapple.
The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and creative cocktails. You can enjoy your meal in the main dining room or opt for a more intimate setting in the garden area.
I also recommend checking out their open kitchen, where you to watch the chefs at work.
Sud 777 has earned numerous accolades, including a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It’s a great choice for a special night out or to impress visitors to Mexico City.
4) Máximo Bistrot
Máximo Bistrot offers a delightful fine dining experience in Mexico City. You’ll find this gem nestled in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, known for its vibrant food scene.
You can expect a cozy yet elegant atmosphere when dining here. The intimate setting allows you to focus on the exquisite flavors and beautiful presentations of each dish.
Chef Eduardo García brings his expertise to the table, crafting innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients. The menu changes frequently, ensuring you’ll always have something new to try.
Reservations are highly recommended, as Máximo Bistrot is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
As a tip, make sure not to miss out on their wine pairings. The sommelier has curated an impressive selection that perfectly complements the ever-changing menu.
5) Rosetta
Rosetta is one of the most popular of fine dining restaurants in Mexico City and for food reason! You’ll find it inside nestled in a renovated 1920s mansion in the heart of the Roma Norte neighborhood.
Chef Elena Reygadas, winner of Latin America’s Best Female Chef award, crafts a menu that changes daily. Her dishes blend Italian influences with Mexican ingredients, creating unique and memorable flavors.
For dessert, try their famous chocolate cake or seasonal fruit tarts.
Tip: Don’t miss their freshly baked bread, a hallmark of Rosetta’s offerings. The pasta dishes, made in-house, are also musts!
6) Lorea
Lorea is another highlight of the Mexico City fine dining scene. Its dining experience pushes culinary boundaries and its intimate atmosphere is a dream. It was recently awarded a Michelin star, too!
Another highlight is Chef Oswaldo Oliva’s farm-to-table approach (they source ingredients from local producers and markets).
As a tip, there’s also a bar right under Lorea called Antesala where you can continue the evening! Moreover, there’s also a rooftop restaurant at the top (Aleli Rooftop). Both establishments are part of the Lorea experience as well!
7) Havre 77
This restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, blending historic charm with modern culinary flair.
You’ll find a menu that combines French and Mexican influences, creating innovative dishes that surprise and delight.
As you enter, you’re greeted by an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. The dining rooms feature high ceilings, original architectural details, and contemporary artwork that’s super instagrammable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try their specialty cocktails, expertly crafted to complement your meal.
8) Nico’s
Nico’s has been a fixture in Mexico City’s fine dining scene for decades. You’ll find this beloved restaurant in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, where it’s been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine since 1957.
The menu at Nico’s focuses on traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. You can expect to see classic favorites like mole, chiles en nogada, and cochinita pibil, all expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
One of the highlights at Nico’s is their extensive selection of mezcal and tequila, too!
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – their flan and tres leches cake are not to be missed.
9) Azul Histórico
Tucked away in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center, Azul Histórico offers a delightful blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and modern flair. You’ll find this gem nestled within a charming 17th-century building, adding to its unique ambiance.
The restaurant’s courtyard seating provides a magical dining experience. You’ll be surrounded by lush trees adorned with twinkling lights, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a special evening out.
Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita’s menu showcases regional specialties from across Mexico. If you’re not sure what to try, order their mole tasting menu to experience the diverse flavors of this iconic Mexican sauce.
10) Contramar
If seafood is what you’re after, Contramar is definitely your go to!
You’ll find an array of fresh fish and shellfish dishes on the menu. The tuna tostadas are a must-try, featuring seared tuna atop crispy tortillas with chipotle mayo.
Don’t miss their signature grilled fish, served whole and split down the middle. One half is seasoned with red adobo, while the other is coated in bright green parsley sauce.
The raw bar showcases the day’s freshest catches, perfect for those craving oysters or ceviche. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail or choose from their selection of Mexican wines.
11) Amaya
Amaya offers a unique fine dining experience in Mexico City’s upscale Polanco neighborhood. You’ll find a blend of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors on the menu, crafted by renowned chef Jaime Colordo.
Amaya’s menu changes seasonally, showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You might start with their signature octopus carpaccio or the grilled artichoke hearts.
For main courses, try the catch of the day prepared with Mexican-inspired sauces or the slow-cooked lamb shank. Vegetarian options are also available, like the roasted vegetable tart.
Don’t skip dessert at Amaya. Their chocolate lava cake with homemade ice cream is a crowd favorite.
12) Blanco Colima
Blanco Colima is another favorite in the fine dining scene in Mexico City. You’ll find it tucked away in a charming 19th-century mansion in the Roma neighborhood.
The menu at Blanco Colima showcases contemporary Mexican cuisine with international influences. You can expect creative dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.
The restaurant’s courtyard provides a lovely outdoor dining option. Here, you can enjoy your meal surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere or opt for a more intimate spot at their balconies.
Blanco Colima’s wine list is impressive, featuring both Mexican and international selections.
If you’re staying in Polanco, you can head over to Blanco Castelar instead, which is like the “sister” of Blanco Colima (the menu is the same and the setting is just as pretty).
13) Dulce Patria
Nestled in the heart of Mexico City’s downtown area, Dulce Patria offers a vibrant and colorful dining experience. Chef Martha Ortiz’s creative cuisine brings traditional Mexican flavors to life with a modern twist.
You’ll be enchanted by the restaurant’s artistic presentation of dishes. Each plate is a work of art, carefully crafted to delight both your eyes and taste buds.
The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best local ingredients. You might savor dishes like mole negro with duck or chili-spiced octopus. Don’t miss the signature desserts, which are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Dulce Patria’s cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring unique concoctions inspired by Mexican culture. The attentive staff will guide you through the menu, ensuring you have a memorable dining experience.
14) Carmela y Sal
Carmela y Sal offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. You’ll find this stylish restaurant in the super upscale Lomas neighborhood in Mexico City.
Chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo brings her Tabasco roots to the table, creating innovative dishes that showcase the flavors of southern Mexico. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and exciting options each visit.
Signature dishes include the duck carnitas and the octopus in black recado sauce. Moreover, make sure to try their unique desserts, like the corn ice cream or the chocolate tamale.
15) Balcón del Zócalo
Perched atop the Zócalo Central Hotel, Balcón del Zócalo offers you a breathtaking view of Mexico City’s main square (if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can even see Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes from here!).
The restaurant’s menu showcases contemporary Mexican cuisine with international influences. My recommendation is to order their seasonal menus, which are always inspired on a theme and are super creative.
Reservations are recommended, especially for tables near the balcony edge. You’ll want to secure the best spot to take in the panoramic views of the bustling Zócalo below.
16) Huset
Tucked away in a charming 1920s townhouse, Huset offers a dreamt dining experience in Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighborhood. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and rustic decor as you step into this hidden gem.
The menu at Huset changes regularly, but you can always expect a mix of Mexican and international flavors, expertly crafted into innovative dishes.
17) Raíz Polanco
Raíz Polanco offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Chef Arturo Fernández leads the kitchen, crafting innovative dishes that celebrate Mexico’s diverse culinary heritage.
You can expect beautifully plated creations that blend familiar flavors with unexpected touches.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a great choice if you’re not sure what to order. Each course is paired with Mexican wines or creative cocktails, of course!
Tips for fine dining in Mexico City
- Make reservations in advance for popular fine dining spots. Many book up quickly, especially on weekends (I personally use Open Table for bookings).
- Dress codes vary, but smart casual attire is usually appropriate. Check the restaurant’s policy beforehand to avoid any issues.
- Be prepared for later dinner times. Many locals don’t eat until 9 PM or later, especially on weekends.
- Tipping is customary in Mexico City. 10% is low for a fine dining establishment, so aim for 15%-20%.
- Be adventurous with your choices. Mexico City’s dining scene offers diverse flavors and innovative cuisine.
