Gastronomy
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Photo: Karla Otero
▟ With over 57,000 places to eat by some estimates, it is truly impossible to narrow down the best places to eat in Mexico City. Each neighborhood in the megalopolis has its own unique flavors and traditions.
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Add to this the diverse range of people drawn to the thriving metropolis from around the world and from all parts of the country, eager to share their cuisines.
▌Whether you pop into a hole-in-the-wall taqueria, snag a spot at a market stall, or order the meal of the day at a diner, delicious food is easy to find.
But beyond the iconic taco stands, Mexico City also boasts an array of fine-dining options, where the city’s elite chefs draw on their rich heritage, enthusiastically reclaiming age-old recipes and innovating original flavors.
The result is a myriad of sophisticated experiences to delight the most demanding palate.
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▟ What is the traditional cuisine of Mexico City itself? Find out at Azulísimo in the Historic Center (although any of the Azul restaurants are well-worth the visit). Azulísimo’s chef, Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, called the “prophet and preserver of Mexican culinary tradition” by Time magazine, is known for his meticulous research into traditional ingredients and recipes.
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In this gracious restored mansion, you can dine on dishes originating in Mexico City that have been elevated to exquisite perfection. The Árbol de la Vida is inspired by the tree of life motif, with a metal tree structure bearing 12 dishes typical of Mexico City to sample and share.
Enjoy not only superb Mexican food, discover the city’s traditions.
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▟ In contrast, at the restaurant Pujol, chef Enrique Olvera, who holds two Michelin stars, takes traditional ingredients—some of them grown in the restaurant’s on-site organic garden—and plays with them.
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The fresh, seasonal ingredients become contemporary interpretations of old flavors. For example, try the “Mole madre, mole nuevo,” contrasting a fresh mole sauce to one aged 1,500 days.
For good reason, Pujol consistently ranks as one of the city’s best restaurants.
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▟ Leading Rosetta restaurant, chef Elena Reygadas has won World’s Best Female Chef, and her restaurant was recently awarded a Michelin star.
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She has put her own spin on Mexican food, serving tacos in savoy cabbage leaves instead of tortillas and pipián sauce made with pistachios in place of pumpkin seeds. Set in a stately mansion, the ambiance is cheerful by the day and romantic by night.
Delight your sweet tooth by stopping by her bakery next door.
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▟ Quintonil presents a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, deftly executed by chef Jorge Vallejo. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by Mexico’s varied ecosystems using local ingredients. Its delicately balanced flavors have earned two Michelin stars.
The exceptional dishes are visually striking, creating a unique experience.
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▟ Perhaps the oddball of the list, Taqueria El Califa de León, appears to be your typical taco spot. However, unlike other taco joints, it has been awarded a Michelin star.
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The menu is limited to a few kinds of tacos, including their iconic gaonera tacos, but they feature generous servings of exceptionally tender meat on handmade tortillas.
There’s a reason why diners have been squeezing up to the counter for more than half a century.
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With so many elegant establishments serving superb dishes, and innovative chefs seeking to create ever more delectable dishes, Mexico City is truly a diner’s delight.
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