Mexico City’s culinary offerings are as wide and diverse as the city itself, ranging from world-class fine dining outlets to irresistible street food and innovative, up-and-coming concepts. Two Travel’s Mexico City restaurant guide includes delicious bites of this extensive gastronomic landscape. Believe us when we say this for starters – we are sure you’ll be left wanting more. We can help you with more recommendations when you book a trip!
Pujol – A Modern Mexican icon
It was a little more than two decades ago that chef Enrique Olvera first opened the doors to his fine dining venture, a truly daring gesture at the time. With a razor-sharp focus on ingredients and flawless technique, Olvera raised traditional flavors and recipes to new, unexpected levels. And he has continued to do so over time, challenging himself and his team to higher standards.
These days, you can enjoy the Pujol experience in two formats. First is a taco omakase, in which corn is the main protagonist and the chef will surprise you with a series of delightful creations. Second is a multi-course tasting menu, featuring Olvera’s signature mole madre, a sauce that has been aging for more than 2,000 days.
Price: $$$$
Dress Code: Smart casual
Reservations Needed?: Make sure to book two or three months in advance
Sud777 – Ingredient-Focused Fine Dining
Located in the city’s residential Pedregal neighborhood, this beautiful space invites you to take your time as you enjoy each aspect of the experience. At the helm is chef Edgar Nuñez, whose increased passion for putting vegetables at the forefront has allowed the kitchen at Sud777 to evolve over the years.
In every dish, chef Nuñez and his team make sure every ingredient was grown or born in Mexican soil or water. These ingredients translate into perfectly balanced and beautifully presented creations. Try the smoked kampachi tiradito with hoja santa and chili salsa; turkey breast with amarillito mole, greens, and sweet potato purée; and warm crabmeat salad with butter and squash. Lunch and dinner at Sud777 are available á la carte or as a 12-course tasting menu.
Price: $$$$
Dress Code: Smart casual
Reservations Needed?: Strongly recommended
Contramar – A Seafood Temple In The City
It’s not an overstatement to say that most in-the-know visitors who come to Mexico City will hit Contramar at some point. It’s a places you’ll for sure hear about, either from a local or a fellow traveler. This is truly one of the best restaurants in Mexico City. It’s in the heart of Colonia Roma and it’s a favorite for several reasons. The first of course, being the food. Here, chef Gabriela Cámara serves super fresh, unpretentious seafood that is meant to be shared. Think tostadas and tacos, ceviches and aguachiles, and a legendary a la talla-style fish: served whole, half of it seasoned with a parsley rub and the other half with a red chili rub.
To make the experience even more delightful, the service is impeccable. And Contramar’s airy dining room is always bustling with lively conversation. Many patrons love to extend the meals for a couple of hours. Don’t miss the fluffy strawberry-meringue cake or the Carajillo cocktail (made with espresso and Licor 43). You’ll find this cocktail is a staple at most Mexico City eateries.
Price: $$$
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations Needed?: The restaurant doesn’t take reservations; we suggest you get there early.
Nicos – Traditional Recipes Served With Love
For more than six decades, this family-run restaurant has been celebrating Mexico’s traditional dishes. Led by chef Elena Lugo and her son, Gerardo Vázquez Lugo, Nicos is all about preserving the country’s flavors and making diners feel like part of the family.
Nicos’ warm, casual atmosphere is equally delightful at breakfast and lunch. If you’re there in the morning, you’ll find a wide variety of egg dishes. We recommend the hearty Enchiladas Nicos: stuffed with chicken and bathed in salsa verde and cream, and topped with poblano pepper slices and melted cheese. They will bring you back to life if you had one too many mezcals the night before.
At lunchtime, don’t miss the charales tacos (with tiny, fried fish from Michoacán), the classic tortilla soup, or chef Elena’s ribs in green pipián mole. Whatever you order, you can be sure that it will be made with excellent ingredients. One of the main drivers of the kitchen at Nicos is the relationship with small producers.
Price: $$
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations Needed?: Yes