Here it is: our pick of the nine of the best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining, including Contramar, Em, and La Docena. The Mexican capital is known for its street food; hello, la esquina del chilaquil, where you’ll find chilaquiles sandwiches drenched in salsa verde!
But street food is just one slice of the culinary pie in the Ciudad de México. There are various restaurants to try, including some of the best fine dining in the world. As a resident of Mexico City for more than 5 years, I tasted my fair share of food, all in the name of researching for our food-focused travel clients.
The 9 Best Restaurants In Mexico City For Fine Dining
The emergence of fine dining establishments in the Mexican capital has added a new dimension to the gastronomic scene. This list of the best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining for 2024 reflects the city’s culinary evolution and innovative spirit.
From the long-standing Contramar, a seafood haven in Roma Norte, to the Japanese-Mexican fusion delights at Em and La Docena with its commitment to fresh seafood and bold flavors. Or Lorea’s storytelling meals, Pujol’s renowned Taco Omakase, and Quintonil, these establishments showcase Mexico City’s culinary prowess. Let’s dive in!
Contramar (Roma Norte) $$$$
A longstanding staple for fresh seafood in the Roma Norte neighborhood, Contramar often appears on the best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining. Chef Gabriela Cámara’s tuna tostada always has guests talking. There’s a Netflix documentary on her story and two restaurants, which is a must-watch before you dine here and, FYI, they have a sister restaurant in San Francisco.
Don’t Miss: The aguachile and a decadent dessert.
Contramar, Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México
Em (Roma Norte) $$$$
Another restaurant we love in the Colonia Roma neighborhood is Em by chef Lucho Martinez. If you’re looking for a Japanese flare with local Mexican ingredients, each plate is creative. Since opening Em, he has opened four more restaurants, all unique flavors from French to fried chicken and seafood spotlighted. We love them all.
Don’t Miss: The ever-evolving tasting menu
Em, Tonalá 133, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
La Docena (Roma Norte) $$$
We’re including La Docena on our list of the best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining because the service is excellent, the seafood is fresh from Baja California, and the flavors are bold. We love the little space at the bar around golden hour where the natural light shines over the staff opening hundreds of oysters. La Docena’s commitment to sourcing the freshest and highest-quality ingredients is evident in every dish.
Don’t Miss: The whole fish and a variety of oysters with mignonette
La Docena, Av. Álvaro Obregón 31, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Lorea (Roma Norte) $$$$
There is no better place than Lorea for a meal that tells a story. Dining at Lorea is not merely a meal; it’s an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors, beautifully woven together in a way that captivates. Hence the reason we’ve added to this list of best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining.
From the main dining room, you can see the open kitchen, which we love being able to peer into as the enticing aromas fill the dining room. From hand-pressed tortillas to stuffed squash blossoms, the menu comprises traditional Mexican food ingredients while elevating and innovating.
Don’t Miss: Ordering a local bottle of wine selected by their sommelier
Restaurante Lorea, Sinaloa 141, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Máximo Bistrot (Roma Norte) $$$
Máximo Bistrot just moved a few years ago from their original location as they had outgrown the space. The menu reflects a harmonious blend of flavors where dishes are thoughtfully prepared with the freshest ingredients. The Wagyu beef, served in multiple delightful ways, is a standout, embodying the restaurant’s dedication to quality and creativity.
Don’t Miss: Dine with a small group of friends so you can share various dishes
Restaurante Máximo, Av. Álvaro Obregón 65 Bis, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Meroma (Roma Norte) $$$
Meroma’s service’s fine food with a more affordable price point in a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s a place many of our travel clients’ favorite places to consider among the best restaurants in Mexico City for fine dining. From the first-floor cocktail bar, where one can savor a local glass of wine while awaiting a table, to the upstairs seating, including outdoor options and streetside dining, Meroma crafts a welcoming ambiance with chic interior design.
The menu, thoughtfully curated, offers a fusion of exquisite tastes, ensuring a memorable experience for discerning palates. Whether indulging in their creative dishes or savoring a carefully crafted cocktail, Meroma captures the essence of modern Mexican dining, making it a must-visit for those seeking a harmonious blend of culinary sophistication and laid-back charm in the heart of Mexico City
Don’t Miss: Sitting on the rooftop patio with a reservation at sunset. We love the entire menu, so order away!
Meroma Bistro, Colima 150, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Pujol (Polanco) $$$$
One of the most famous restaurants in Mexico City, Enrique Olvera’s Pujol is a popular spot our travelers look forward to experiencing when they are visiting Mexico City for the first time. It’s usually the first thing people bring up when we ask our travelers if they have any bucket list dining spots.
Pujol is known for their mole madre and serving heirloom corn but we prefer the taco omakase experience over the tasting menu. And we like to eat there lunch over dinner. And while this spot is delicious, there are so many others to try. So, if you’ve waited too long to get a reservation and are stuck on the waitlist, you’ll probably fall in love with Mexico City and return anyhow to save it for another time.
Don’t Miss: The Taco Omakase
Pujol, Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Rosetta (Roma Norte) $$$$
Chef Elena Reygadas was a pioneer among female chefs in Mexico. Here, the Italian restaurant Rosetta weaves together a narrative of refined flavors blending tradition and innovation, where each dish is not only delicious but also artful.
The dining experience extends beyond the plate and into the decor, with high ceilings, fun hand-painted walls on the first floor, and colorful wallpaper adorning the upstairs. Serving mouthwatering baked goods (you’ll also find even more at their breakfast spot, Panaderia Rosetta). Pop by neighboring Blanco Colima before or after for a cocktail on the second floor.
Don’t Miss: Tasting the Rye sourdough and chicatana ant butter, and any of the pasta dishes!
Restaurante Rosetta, Colima 166, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Quintonil (Polanco) $$$$$
As a fine-dining food lover, Quintonil, named after the Mexican green herb, is a do-not-miss. On the 50 Best List in not only North America but the world year after year. While it’s expensive, we think it’s worth the price tag for a special occasion.
Chef Jorge Vallejo, one of Mexico’s top chefs who previously worked at Pujol, among other fine restaurants in the city, before opening his spot in 2012, artfully combines indigenous ingredients with modern techniques. We love that they offer not only a full-tasting menu, plus wine pairing if you like, but also a la carte if you’re not wanting to blow the bank completely but get a taste of the chef’s creative cuisine.
Don’t Miss: The braised oxtail
Quintonil, Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexico City is home to several renowned fine dining restaurants such as Em, Pujol, Quintonil, and Lorea. These restaurants are celebrated for their innovative takes on traditional Mexican cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients to create unique culinary experiences.
Reservations are highly recommended, and often necessary, for most fine dining restaurants in Mexico City. Popular spots like Pujol and Quintonil can be booked weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak dining hours and tourist seasons.
The cost can vary significantly, but you can expect to pay a premium for fine dining experiences in Mexico City. Many top restaurants offer tasting menus ranging from $50 to $150 per person, excluding drinks and gratuities.
Find The Best Neighborhood For You In Mexico City
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, you’re likely in search of where to stay. Read on to decide between the Polanco vs Condesa neighborhood or downtown or Roma.
And, of course, if you need help deciding on what to do on a Sunday in Mexico City or where to stay or where to eat, we can help with our travel planning services. After discussing your preferences during a short consultation, we’ll plan your perfect itinerary.
