Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
In Mexico City the Mexican and Latin American list is led by Pujol in Polanco (Two MICHELIN Stars, MXN 3,500 - 5,000 / USD 200 - 300 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Fonda Mayora at MXN 400 - 800 / USD 25 - 50 is the value pick.
- 1.
Pujol
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Mexican · Polanco · MXN 3,500 - 5,000 / USD 200 - 300
Enrique Olvera
Enrique Olvera's Pujol is a global benchmark for modern Mexican gastronomy, reimagining traditional flavors with refined techniques and exceptional ingredients. The tasting menu, served in an elegantly minimalist space, is a journey through Mexico's culinary history and future, highlighting fermentation and pre-Hispanic staples. Its profound respect for local produce and ancient methods defines its unique appeal.
Order: Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo; Baby Corn with Chicatana Mayonnaise
- 2.
Quintonil
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Mexican · Polanco · MXN 3,200 - 4,800 / USD 190 - 280
Jorge Vallejo
Quintonil, led by Jorge Vallejo, celebrates indigenous Mexican ingredients with remarkable creativity and precision. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and a direct relationship with producers, resulting in dishes that are fresh, vibrant, and deeply flavorful. The intimate, sophisticated setting complements a menu that is both daring and rooted in tradition, making every visit a discovery of native flavors.
Order: Crab tostada with lime, radish, and habanero mayonnaise; Charred avocado tartare with escamoles
- 3.
Sud 777
One MICHELIN StarContemporary Mexican · Pedregal · MXN 2,500 - 4,000 / USD 150 - 240
Edgar Núñez
Located in a lush residential area, Sud 777 offers a tranquil dining experience where chef Edgar Núñez masterfully blends Mexican ingredients with Japanese precision. His tasting menus are a testament to seasonal bounty, showcasing vegetables from his own garden and responsibly sourced proteins. The spacious, modern interior and garden views enhance a dining experience that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to nature.
Order: Vegetable focused tasting menu; Green aguachile with scallops
- 4.
Em
One MICHELIN StarModern Mexican · Roma Norte · MXN 2,000 - 3,500 / USD 120 - 200
Lucho Martínez
Chef Lucho Martínez's Em offers a high-concept, dynamic dining experience focused on innovative Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is known for its inventive flavor combinations and playful presentations, pushing culinary boundaries while maintaining a deep connection to local ingredients. The intimate setting and omakase-style tasting menu ensure a personalized and adventurous gastronomic journey for every diner.
Order: Mushroom and escamoles taco; Uni tostada
- 5.
Contramar
MICHELIN SelectedMexican Seafood · Roma Norte · MXN 1,200 - 2,500 / USD 70 - 150
Gabriela Cámara
Contramar is an iconic institution, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and outstanding Mexican seafood dishes. Chef Gabriela Cámara has created a menu that perfectly captures the fresh, lively flavors of the Pacific coast, served in a bustling, unpretentious setting. It's a quintessential Mexico City experience, offering consistently delicious food that showcases the bounty of the sea with simplicity and elegance.
Order: Pescado a la Talla; Tuna Tostadas
- 6.
Fonda Mayora
Bib GourmandTraditional Mexican · Condesa · MXN 400 - 800 / USD 25 - 50
Gerardo Vázquez Lugo
Fonda Mayora offers a delightful immersion into classic Mexican breakfast and lunch, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo champions regional dishes, serving hearty, flavorful meals in a warm, inviting setting. It's an excellent spot for experiencing authentic Mexican comfort food, known for its consistent quality and approachable, bustling neighborhood charm, perfect for an everyday meal.
Order: Enfrijoladas; Chilaquiles with cecina
Booking a Mexican and Latin American table in Mexico City
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use online reservation platforms like OpenTable or Resy, or directly via the restaurant's website.
- · Many top establishments require a deposit or credit card guarantee for reservations, with a strict cancellation policy to prevent no-shows. Be aware of the timeframe for free cancellations.
- · Consider booking a lunch seating at fine dining restaurants; prices are often more approachable, and reservations can be easier to secure while still experiencing the chef's full vision.
- · Strict no-show policies are common. Failure to cancel within the specified window (typically 24-48 hours) will result in a charge to your card, often the full tasting menu price.
And the local dishes in Mexico City
Tacos al Pastor
Originating from Lebanese immigrants, these tacos feature marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, shaved off and served on small tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. They are a quintessential Mexico City street food experience. Look for bustling stands with a vertical trompo (spit) to find the freshest ones.
Churros
Crispy fried dough pastries, often dusted with sugar and cinnamon, served warm. They are a beloved sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack. Pair them with a cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate. El Moro, a historic churrería, is legendary for its fresh, perfectly crunchy churros.
Esquites
A popular street snack made from corn kernels, typically boiled or roasted, then mixed with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Served hot in a cup, it offers a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Find vendors in parks and busy street corners.
Enchiladas
Corn tortillas rolled around a filling (often chicken, cheese, or beans) and covered with a chili sauce. Mexico City offers many regional variations, including enchiladas suizas with a creamy green sauce and cheese, or enchiladas rojas with a spicier red sauce. They are a hearty and satisfying meal.
Seven days in Mexico City
Pair these Mexican and Latin American tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the Mexico City travel guide