Mexico City's Most Romantic Restaurants

Quintonil in Mexico City is led by Chef Jorge Vallejo and Alejandra Flores, who highlight Mexican ingredients with a personal touch. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant opened in 2012 and is currently among the top-ranked spots on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Its warm atmosphere and careful attention to detail make it a favorite among those seeking a thoughtful dining experience.

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Vaughan Mabee

Chef

What an amazing journey of Mexico through the mind of Chef Jorge Vallejo. An amazing attentive service guiding us through traditional cuisine and some Mexican wine in a modern way.

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Restaurante Rosetta is set in a beautifully restored old building in Mexico City’s Colonia Roma, offering a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of greenery. Led by Chef Elena Reygadas, it showcases a deep respect for Mexican ingredients through simple yet carefully balanced flavors. The intimate setting and thoughtful approach to cooking make it a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors alike.

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Vaughan Mabee

Chef

Another highlight of my trip to Mexico was Rosetta. We went in for a late lunch. Chef Elena Reygadas is an amazing person and an amazing chef. I think I love the purity of her cuisine. She captures flavours which to some seem simple, and her food is simple but in the most incredibly balanced way. I was super impressed by her palate and just everything we had that came out of that kitchen. She took great care of us and I think she really captures the Mexican products in a really beautiful way. I just love the feel and the ambiance of that restaurant with all the plants and trees growing up the walls, the skylight above the head in the remodeled old building. She definitely caught my heart and it definitely was an amazing experience.

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Máximo in Mexico City stands out for its warm setting and commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Set in a restored industrial space, it focuses on a seasonally driven approach and close ties to small producers, creating a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere.

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Pía León

Chef-Restaurateur

I go to Mexico often, and in Mexico City I really enjoy going to Máximo Bistro in Roma Norte. It's run by chef Eduardo García.

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Contramar is a busy seafood restaurant in Mexico City that draws both locals and visitors to its lively dining room. It’s known for working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a casual, energetic vibe. With chef Gabriela Cámara at the helm, this spot has become a modern classic in the city’s dining scene.

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JR Ryall

Head Pastry Chef

An essential first stop for anyone visiting CDMX. Beautiful simple food, authentic dishes and excellent flavours. Fun, bustling and atmospheric. The service is always excellent - the tuna tostada is iconic, but the fresh tasting aguachile is what I dream about, essential.

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Maizajo in Mexico City offers a welcoming, street food-inspired atmosphere on the ground floor and a more polished dining space upstairs. It balances tradition and modern techniques under one roof, letting you experience two sides of Mexican cuisine. The inviting setting makes it an appealing choice for anyone curious about the city’s culinary scene.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

Walking into Maizajo, you immediately sense something special. The ground floor greets you with the irresistible aroma of street tacos, a bustling atmosphere that feels authentically grounded in Mexico’s vibrant street food culture. But don’t stop there. Climb the stairs to the second floor, where the experience transforms entirely. Here, Maizajo presents a more refined, yet still deeply rooted, approach to Mexican cuisine. Each dish is a thoughtful exploration of traditional flavors, elevated with modern techniques and a touch of culinary artistry. The contrast between the two floors is striking yet harmonious, a testament to the versatility and depth of Mexican food. Maizajo manages to capture the essence of street food while offering a sophisticated dining experience upstairs. It’s a journey worth taking, each floor offering its own story, each bite a reminder of why food is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

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Pujol in Mexico City is known for blending traditional Mexican flavors with a fresh, modern perspective under chef Enrique Olvera. Its simple yet stylish interior, combined with attentive service, creates a comfortable setting that highlights the history behind each dish. Visitors appreciate how the restaurant balances creativity and heritage, making it a standout destination for those interested in exploring Mexican cuisine.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

A restaurant rooted in Mexico using its ingredients & recipes, but elevated and reinterpreted in Enrique Olvera’s way After visiting Pujol some years for the tasting menu we decided to come back and give the Tacos Omakase a chance. It was definitely a good decision, as we enjoyed this experience more and we think this is the way to go. Pujol is one of the most beautiful restaurants we know of, the whole building is astonishing, with a great interior and the terrace is incredible. Focusing on the food, some of the dishes we liked were: * Mole madre, mole nuevo (coloradito). * Campechana: geoduck clam and scallop, coriander, grilled avocado and leche de tigre. * Blue corn taco of Kampachi in kobujime, avocado, wakame algae, yuzu, wasabi and black sesame. * Gordita of avocado and pico de gallo with ginger. * Taco of criollo Coriander, onion and avocado leaf. * Pink corn taco of octopus, miso adobo, frijol with squid ink, tomatillo, coriander and chile serrano. * Clementine juice, butternut squash, medlar and oxalis flower. * Churros. We definitely loved the concept of the tacos omakase. We loved the gordita and of course the mole madre dish, which is one of our absolute favorite bites.

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Em is a modern, inviting restaurant in Mexico City that highlights fresh Mexican ingredients along with global influences. The dining room feels lively yet laid-back, and the cooking style puts local produce front and center. They use a deposit-based reservation system that helps create a relaxed, intimate setting.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

A mix of Mexican and Japanese flavors and techniques making this one of the most interesting restaurants in town. Emilia was actually the only restaurant we went to twice on our trip to Mexico. We really liked the place, the atmosphere and especially the interesting mix of flavors. They offer two options, either a la carte or omakase, we think both are great options, but if you are two people we would recommend the omakase. Some of the favorites dishes were: * Bluefin tuna crudo, XO, dried chilli ponzu and yuzu koshō. * Grilled chione clams, clarified butter, XO and chives. * Tuna tostada, fried leek, charred habanero and avocado. * Flatbread, Oaxaca cheese, kale salad, uni and chives. * Beef tartare and black garlic mayonnaise. * Fish necks, black chilhuacle BBQ, chives and fried garlic. * Mamey tart, pixtle ice cream & pine nuts. * Chocolate fudge, sake and cacao nibs. We liked all dishes mentioned above, but one that stood out among them was the fish necks, just so so good, super juicy and tender, and super tasty. Just two fantastic meals here, and definitely a place to return when we come back.

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Sud 777 in Mexico City emphasizes Mexican flavors with a vegetable-centered approach led by Chef Edgar Núñez. The modern, welcoming space offers a relaxed setting where guests can explore thoughtful cooking rooted in local produce.

Recommended by

Peter Meng Sapper

Charcutier/Restauranteur

A journey through Mexican flavors in a modern setting. Edgar Núñez prepares a thorough and well executed tasting menu that takes you on a trip through modern mexican food. Fruits and vegetables are the stars, from beetroot to watermelon and pineapple, Núñez makes interesting combinations that have deep toots in Mexican flavors and spices. A wine pairing consisting of only local wines or a well thought juice pairing are great additions. The restaurant is beautiful and cozy and an a la carte menu is available.

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Botánico in Mexico City offers a laid-back spot where traditional Mexican cooking meets a modern touch. You can sit in a garden surrounded by tall, decades-old cacti and a pond with unusual amphibians, or enjoy the Art Deco dining room inside. It’s a comfortable place with high-quality local ingredients at its core, creating a relaxed yet memorable dining experience.

Recommended by

Eleftheria Vasiliadi

Food & Travel reporter

If you are into having a hearty traditional Mexican meal with a modern flair, in a garden surrounded by giant 50-year old cactus plants, and a lovely pond with unusual amphibians, or in a dining room with Art Deco touches, this unique culinary oasis is just for you. Chefs Alejandra Navarro and Ernesto Hernandez created their own bridge between tradition and modernism in Mexican food, elegantly translating their memories and gastro-experiences. The menu is filled with dishes they would love to have on table, from crunchy cheesy quesadillas, perfectly grilled juicy meat cuts, mussels with super crispy fried potatos, sauces and accompaniments to dive in. The cocktails are also colourful, and refined. Highly recommended when in Mexico city.

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Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City is tucked behind a black door marked with number 13, offering an intimate setting where seating is limited. The welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and good music make it a relaxed spot to enjoy a drink. Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table.

Recommended by

Gennady Jozefavichus

Food Writer

Under number 13 Some handshakes are allowed even in the pandemic times: hidden behind the solid black door (with number 13 on it) Hanshake Speakeasy is one of those. It’s small — just community table for maximum dozen people, counter and couple of low tables, that’s all. So you will be informed what the time you are going to spend drinking those cocktails with blue cheese (yes!) or mushrooms (another yes!) is limited. Service is perfect, music is good, atmosphere is great too. And yes (third time!), mini-cocktails (US$5 each) are quite dangerous, they are like bonbons — while you sure you just opened pack it’s already empty. Booking is essential.

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CANA, led by Chef-owner Fabiola Escobosa in Mexico City, has a cozy, bistro-like setting. The food is simple but delicious, blending European flavors with subtle Mexican touches. Along with its warm service, it offers a relaxed and inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

Olle Cellton

Chef/restaurateur/author

Chef-owner Fabiola Escobosas restaurant is one of those places I wish were my own. Furnished like a fine French bistro with Thonet chairs. Food is simple but absolutely delicious, it’s European but with subtle hint is Mexico. We were served excellent oysters with a habanero mignonette, prawn cocktail, a perfect tartare with buckwheat, brioche with sea urchin, croquetas, kale with salmon caviar, clam rice and more. Everything was absolutely fabulous. Excellent service and the best playlist I ever heard! Plus amazing desserts.

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Voraz is a gastro-cantina in Mexico City’s Roma Sur neighborhood that brings together traditional Mexican ingredients with a contemporary style. The open kitchen, wood-fired grill, and laid-back atmosphere make it an inviting place to share plates and experience bold flavors. Reservations are recommended because they’ve been popular since opening.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

Keep an eye on this restaurant. They’ve just opened, and they’re already sold out. No surprise there, as Chef Nano is one of the rising stars of Mexican cuisine. Before Voraz, Nano honed his craft in legendary kitchens like Faviken and Noma, but now he’s back in Mexico City with a bold, casual, and incredibly flavorful gastronomic proposal. Everything is prepared to perfection from their wood-fired grill, and their open kitchen hides no secrets.

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Plonk is a relaxed spot in Mexico City that pairs its straightforward dishes with a thoughtful selection of minimal-intervention wines. Chef Flor brings years of experience to the kitchen, focusing on high-quality ingredients and balanced flavors. The welcoming atmosphere and sustainable wine options invite guests to enjoy a comfortably refined dining experience.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

Plonk is the ideal destination for comfort food paired with excellent wine. Chef Flor has spent her career perfecting her craft in the world’s top restaurants, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to Plonk. The menu, though small, is a testament to honest flavors and high-quality ingredients. Each dish reflects her commitment to culinary excellence. The "Mac and Cheese" with udon noodles and shrimp stands out as a must-try, blending comfort and sophistication in every bite.

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Loup Bar in Mexico City highlights fresh, organic produce and thoughtfully chosen natural wines that reflect their origins. Their small plates are crafted to complement each wine, with ingredients sourced in a way that respects the environment. The warm atmosphere offers a relaxing spot for anyone looking to enjoy a casual evening out.

Recommended by

Gennady Jozefavichus

Food Writer

Bar Vivant Another great natural wine bar with very good food. Small bites — like wagyu brochettes — are especially interesting. Right place to have an aperitif or even a full dinner.

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Sushi Kyo in Mexico City offers a casual omakase experience at a cozy counter, where guests can learn about sushi while enjoying the process. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere create an easygoing setting for those seeking an authentic meal.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Amazing sushi Omakase served at a beautiful counter. This was our favorite sushi restaurant of the Mexico trip, the place felt really authentic, and it was actually the only place of the ones visited that serves a proper omakase (and no a la carte option, which is appreciated). The guys behind the counter were super nice, giving good conversation and allowing us to learn a little bit while enjoying our sushi. Some of our favorite dishes of the omakase were: * Kampachi with purple daikon. * Daikon broth, with chicken and chives. * Kasago marinated in kombu. * Suzuki with yuzu kosho. * Zuke nigiri. * Chu-toro nigiri. * Sawara and kombu. * Sho-donburi uni & ikura. * Miso soup. We had a great meal here and we will definitely come back in future visits to Mexico. We really liked both, the neta and the shari. The miso soup was one of the best we had and a perfect way to finish our meal.

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