Mexico City’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred experiences. This guide breaks down the best restaurants by category to help you navigate the city’s extensive culinary landscape.

Fine Dining Excellence

Contemporary Mexican

• Pujol (Polanco)
  • Chef Enrique Olvera’s flagship restaurant
  • Famous for aged mole and creative tasting menus
  • Reservation required months in advance
  • Price range: $$$$
  • Best for: Special occasions, gastronomic experiences
  • Signature dish: Mole madre, mole nuevo
• Quintonil (Polanco)
  • Chef Jorge Vallejo’s garden-to-table concept
  • Focus on indigenous ingredients
  • Intimate atmosphere
  • Price range: $$$$
  • Best for: Experiencing modern Mexican techniques
  • Notable: Extensive wine list featuring Mexican wines

International Fine Dining

• Máximo Bistrot (Roma)
  • French-Mexican fusion
  • Seasonal menu changes
  • Casual elegant atmosphere
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Date nights, business dinners
  • Chef’s background includes Le Bernardin
• Rosetta (Roma Norte)
  • Italian-influenced Mexican cuisine
  • Located in a beautiful mansion
  • Famous for their house-made bread
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Romantic dinners
  • Don’t miss: Their pasta dishes

Traditional Mexican

Regional Cuisine

• El Cardenal (Centro Histórico)
  • Traditional Mexican breakfast
  • Famous for hot chocolate and sweet bread
  • Multiple locations, original is best
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Traditional breakfast experience
  • Must try: Huevos rancheros, chilaquiles
• Contramar (Roma)
  • Seafood-focused
  • Mexico City institution
  • Lunch-only, closes at 6:30 PM
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Long Friday lunches
  • Signature dish: Tuna tostadas, whole grilled fish

Casual Mexican

• El Califa (Multiple locations)
  • High-quality tacos
  • Clean, modern environment
  • Open late
  • Price range: $
  • Best for: Late-night dining
  • Famous for: Tacos al pastor
• Fonda Margarita (Del Valle)
  • Traditional breakfast spot
  • Home-style cooking
  • Early morning only (closes at 11:30 AM)
  • Price range: $
  • Best for: Authentic Mexican breakfast
  • Specialty: Eggs with black beans

International Cuisines

Asian Restaurants

• Rokai (Roma Norte)
  • Authentic Japanese
  • Intimate omakase experience
  • Reservation required
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Sushi enthusiasts
  • Specialty: Daily-changing omakase menu
• Asian Bay (Polanco)
  • High-end Chinese cuisine
  • Dim sum available
  • Large groups welcome
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Group dinners
  • Must try: Peking duck

European Restaurants

• Sartoria (Roma Norte)
  • Contemporary Italian
  • House-made pasta
  • Excellent wine list
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Italian food cravings
  • Signature: Daily pasta specials
• L’Olivier (Polanco)
  • Classic French cuisine
  • Elegant atmosphere
  • Good wine selection
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: French food lovers
  • Notable: Traditional French techniques

Vegetarian and Vegan

High-End Plant-Based

• Expendio de Maíz (Roma Norte)
  • Creative vegetable-focused dishes
  • Traditional cooking techniques
  • Intimate setting
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Vegetarian fine dining
  • Specialty: Corn-based dishes
• Forever Vegano (Multiple locations)
  • Modern vegan cuisine
  • Instagram-worthy presentations
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Healthy lunch
  • Famous for: Vegan Mexican classics

Casual Vegetarian

• Pan Comido (Roma Norte)
  • Vegetarian street food concepts
  • Casual setting
  • Quick service
  • Price range: $
  • Best for: Quick bites
  • Must try: Mushroom tacos

Seafood Specialists

High-End Seafood

• Pescado Capitalino (Polanco)
  • Contemporary seafood
  • Elegant setting
  • Fresh daily selection
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Seafood lovers
  • Specialty: Whole fish preparations

Casual Seafood

• La Docena (Multiple locations)
  • Oyster bar and seafood
  • Casual atmosphere
  • No reservations
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Weekend lunch
  • Famous for: Fresh oysters

Breakfast and Brunch

Traditional Breakfast

• Lardo (Condesa)
  • Mediterranean influence
  • Beautiful terrace
  • Great coffee
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Weekend brunch
  • Must try: House-made pastries

Modern Brunch

• Panadería Rosetta (Roma Norte)
  • Artisanal bakery
  • Famous for pastries
  • Coffee specialties
  • Price range: $$
  • Best for: Morning meetings
  • Don’t miss: Guava roll

Special Occasion Restaurants

View Restaurants

• Lago (Chapultepec)
  • Overlooking Chapultepec Lake
  • Contemporary Mexican
  • Elegant atmosphere
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Special celebrations
  • Notable: Sunset views

Historic Venues

• San Angel Inn (San Angel)
  • Historic hacienda
  • Traditional Mexican
  • Beautiful gardens
  • Price range: $$$
  • Best for: Traditional experience
  • Signature: Table-side preparations

Practical Tips for Dining Out

Reservations

• Fine dining: Book 1-3 months ahead
• Popular spots: 1-2 weeks advance
• Casual dining: Usually walk-in friendly
• Use platforms: OpenTable, WhatsApp

Timing Considerations

• Breakfast: 7:00-11:00 AM
• Lunch (main meal): 2:00-4:00 PM
• Dinner: 8:00-11:00 PM
• Many restaurants close between meals

Price Guide

• $: Under 200 pesos per person
• $$: 200-500 pesos per person
• $$$: 500-1000 pesos per person
• $$$$: Over 1000 pesos per person

Cultural Notes

• Tipping: 10-15% standard
• Splitting bills: Not always available
• Dress codes: Vary by restaurant
• Service: Generally unhurried

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

• Seafood restaurants busiest
• Outdoor seating popular
• Light, fresh menus

Winter

• Comfort food restaurants busy
• Indoor seating preferred
• Heartier seasonal menus

Holiday Seasons

• Christmas: Special menus common
• New Year: Set menus and events
• Independence Day: Traditional dishes
• Book well in advance for holidays

Getting Started

First Week Recommendations

1. Start with casual spots to adjust
2. Try one traditional breakfast place
3. Experience a mid-range dinner
4. Explore your local neighborhood

Building Your Restaurant Network

• Join local food groups
• Follow food bloggers
• Connect with other expats
• Keep a personal list of favorites

Remember that Mexico City’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with new places opening regularly. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond this list and discover your own favorites in your neighborhood.