Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico, is a vibrant metropolis famous for its rich history, cultural diversity, impressive architecture, and dynamic culinary scene.
From traditional Mexican fare to avant-garde fine dining, the city’s restaurants offer an eclectic mix of flavors and experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.
A visit to this exciting city is, among other things, a culinary journey through varied flavors and atmospheres. The culinary offer is huge, as is the number of places to enjoy the variety of versions.
Keep reading for a lowdown on some of the coolest restaurants in Mexico City, each offering a unique dining experience that goes beyond just the food.
Table of Contents
The Coolest Restaurants in Mexico City
Balcón del Zócalo
Balcón del Zócalo offers a unique dining experience with one of the most breathtaking views in Mexico City. Located on the sixth floor of Zócalo Central Hotel in the heart of the city’s Historic Center, it overlooks the iconic Zócalo main plaza and the Metropolitan Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop for a memorable meal.
Chef Pepe Salinas crafts a contemporary Mexican menu that highlights traditional flavors with a modern twist. Signature dishes include duck tacos with mole and ceviche with mango and habanero, or you can opt for their seasonal tasting menu.
It consists of a series of exceptional dishes served with the perfect pairing, changing every season of the year.
Each dish is presented with artistic flair, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to both flavor and aesthetics.
The amazing service and elegant setting, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish interior, as well as an open-air terrace, enhances the overall experience, making Balcón del Zócalo a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals.
Location: Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5130 5134 or WA 52 55 4051 6341
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Animal
An exclusive spot in the upscale and fashionable Polanco neighborhood, Animal has a rich culinary offer that fuses grilled specialties, urban and Japanese cuisines. Its adventurous and varied menu makes it a great option for those occasions when you and your dining companions crave different cuisines.
Animal has become one of the trendiest and coolest restaurants in Mexico City, and for good reason. The lively and relaxed ambiance makes it a great spot for an extended lunch or dinner with exquisite cocktails for a fun afternoon or evening out.
The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal flavors, but regular items include nigiris, sushi, salmon sashimi, as well as astounding meat cuts, tacos, salads, and more.
The decor at Animal is as eclectic as the menu, with a Japanese bar at the center, a smoking grill in the background, as well as industrial elements mixed with lush plants and elegant details.
Location: C. Calderón de la Barca 108, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 7691 3120
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Also Read: 7 Practical Tips to Know Before Your Next Visit to Mexico
Contramar
If Mexican-style seafood is what you´re after, Contramar is a great choice in the bustling Roma district, both for its delicious fresh offer as well as its relaxed and warm atmosphere.
The fine seafood menu includes several versions of aguachile, ceviches, fish filets, and beach-style fish and shrimp tacos. However, they also put on the table more elaborate creations like their fish balls, grilled octopus, and shrimp bathed in tequila sauce, among others, all prepared with high standards and prime ingredients.
Contramar is also known for the sustainable manner in which they source their ingredients, which are brought from the Gulf of California or harvested in their own garden.
The relaxed atmosphere, top-quality food, and professional service keep drawing locals and visitors to Contramar 26 years after its foundation, regardless of the culinary offer that has emerged since then.
Location: Durango 200, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5514 3169
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Maximo Bistrot
Helmed by Chef Eduardo García Guzmán and his partner Gaby López, Maximo Bistrot is the epitome of casual fine dining in Mexico City and a favorite with both tourists and locals. If you’re aiming for exceptional French cuisine with Mexican touches and local ingredients, this is an excellent choice.
The restaurant itself is beautiful and cozy, opening from breakfast to dinner. Abiding by the couple’s approach to sustainable cooking and supporting local producers, they use ingredients obtained by fair trade. This philosophy not only applies to the food, but also extends to their wine and crafted beer, as well as furnishings, napkins, and dinnerware.
The menu at Bistrot changes daily, but you can count on simple yet fine dishes and sides like Organic Roast Chicken, Creole Carrot Purée, Seared Tuna with Artichoke Purée, and other exquisite specialties.
Location: Av. Álvaro Obregón 65 Bis, Roma Nte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5264 4291
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Cityzen Rooftop Bar
Located in the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma hotel, Cityzen Rooftop Bar is a fantastic choice for savoring good food, relaxing with expertly mixed cocktails, taking in amazing views, and experiencing the city’s lively nightlife. It’s also one of the best rooftops in Mexico City!
Whether you’re going for an afternoon of relaxing fun or a night out in town, Cityzen Rooftop Bar is just right for you. Chef Alexis Palacios’s gastronomy blends French and Mexican cuisines to perfection, while the design cocktails are overlooked by Riesler Morales in a very exclusive spot overlooking Paseo de la Reforma.
The vistas are breathtaking, with the Angel of Independence right in front and the Chapultepec Castle in the background, enveloped by the city’s sunset hues followed by the exciting night lights of the huge metropolis.
On weekend nights, live DJs take over the musical offer, making Cityzen Rooftop Bar a great spot for experiencing the vibrant nightlife in the heart of the city.
Location: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (Av. Paseo de la Reforma 297-piso 38, Cuahtémoc, Mexico City)
Reservations: 55 8660 0500
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Alelí Rooftop
Perched atop a charming house in the lively Roma district, Alelí Rooftop stands out as one of the most fashionable dining spots at the moment, as well as one of the coolest restaurants in Mexico City for delicious grilled food paired with refreshing cocktails in a chic and fun setting.
This dining destination is perfect if you’re seeking scrumptious food and expertly crafted cocktails in a trendy spot with great music and a laid-back atmosphere. The effortlessly stylish ambiance is complemented by wood and palm furnishings surrounded by lush greenery and great views of the city.
At Alelí Rooftop, grilling takes center stage, offering a delectable range of dishes from beef and fish to bold vegetarian options, although you’ll also find a raw bar showcasing the freshest seasonal produce.
They welcome pets, so your furry companion can join in the fun and enjoy this verdant getaway amid the city bustle.
Location: Sinaloa 141, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 1973 9913
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Also Read: Five Cities You Can Go to When You’re in Mexico
Ling Ling by Hakkasan
Situated on the 56th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on iconic Reforma Avenue, Ling Ling by Hakkasan offers fusion enthusiasts a culinary haven with stunning panoramic views. It is also one of the coolest restaurants in Mexico City if you´re aiming for a long meal, great cocktails, and dancing.
As the highest restaurant in the country, Ling Ling mirrors the excellence of Hakkasan’s other locations in Marrakesh, Oslo, and Dubai, promising a gastronomic and social experience that transitions seamlessly from day to evening and well into the night. The modern decor, Asian flair, and eclectic soundtrack will set you in the mood for great dining and partying as soon as you walk in the door.
As for the menu, be prepared for an enticing array of Cantonese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines that draw inspiration from Japan’s Izakaya concept of pairing shareable portions with craft spirits.
Location: Av. Paseo de la Reforma 509 – floor 56, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: WA 55 3279 9204
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Lalo!
Created by the same team behind Maximo Bistrot, Lalo! offers a more unpretentious and bohemian dining experience in the Roma neighborhood.
A long communal table and vibrant wall murals create a lively social atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot for a relaxed meal showcasing the same quality and creativity as its sister restaurant.
The menu at Lalo! features all-time favorites from breakfast chilaquiles and buttermilk pancakes to hearty sandwiches, hamburgers, and wood-fired pizzas, applying the couple’s sustainability and locality philosophy.
This is the ideal spot if you’re in the mood for good, hearty food in a casual setting that allows for socializing a bit if you wish.
Location: Zacatecas 173, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5564 3388
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Funky Lee
Funky Lee is the perfect go-to for an exceptional Japanese dining experience in a trendy spot. This venue is among the newest additions to the booming Japanese culinary scene in Mexico City, featuring exotic decor and a lively atmosphere.
It is cleverly concealed behind a bookcase inside the “Diego y Yo” Oaxacan cuisine restaurant in the plush Polanco neighborhood, adding to the place’s intriguing aura. Upon crossing the bookcase threshold, you´ll find yourself amidst vibrant music, delectable Japanese cuisine, and expertly crafted designer cocktails.
Highlights on the menu include the Roca Shrimp and the Kanji Roll with clarified butter, but everything is outstanding and delicious.
Location: Av. Pdte. Masaryk 123, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 9237 6022
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Marcello
This relatively new Italian dining spot in the bustling Roma district is a great option for exquisite food in a charming atmosphere reminiscent of the 1960s in Italy. Housed in a beautiful building in a lively street corner, it offers both interior and sidewalk seating areas.
The decor is designed to transport you into a vintage Italian film like La Dolce Vita – think red seats, old appliances, items from the 1900s, and such. Moreover, the name Marcello was inspired by actor Marcello Mastroianni, who jumped to fame for his role in the classic film.
The menu at Marcello is traditional Italian cuisine made from scratch, using some key ingredients imported from that country. This combination results in a scrumptious offer that includes pastas, risottos, pizzas, high-quality meat cuts, and a delightful selection of desserts.
The wine menu is curated to pair nicely with the food, and they also serve great cocktails.
Location: Álvaro Obregón 110, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City.
Reservations: 55 9210 1995
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Mochomos Lomas
Mochomos is a serious Mexican steakhouse that originated in the state of Sonora specializing in northern Mexican cuisine. This means amazing meat cuts with tasty sauces, although they have a varied menu that includes seafood, salads, and vegetarian options.
The establishment is owned by Alfonso Lira Valenzuela, who took on the challenge of taking his home state´s flavors to other parts of the country with tremendous success, as Mochomos has rapidly become very popular as well as one of Mexico City’s coolest restaurants in the three branches in the capital.
This is the perfect place to experience the robust and rich taste of Northern Mexican cuisine in a lively, fun spot. Must-try dishes include the Spiced Rib eye, beef filet in burnt black butter, and the famed mochomos – a tasty shredded meat dish from northern Mexico that inspired the restaurant’s name.
The decor is filled with wooden rustic accents, creating a cozy ambiance that complements the hearty, delicious food, well-crafted cocktails, and curated wine list.
Location: Av. Paseo de las Palmas 781, Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5919 4211
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Hotaru Lomas
A favorite spot among sushi aficionados in Mexico City, Hotaru Lomas is helmed by Chef Alejandro Perez, who abides by the Japanese “Omakase” philosophy. This concept is about allowing the chefs to select and serve several dishes based on their judgment, intuition, and creativity so as to create unique personalized dining experiences.
Hotaru’s modern sushi bar is impressive, offering delightful culinary options, with each sushi piece being a gastronomic and visual experience that elevates cooking to a multisensorial art.
Location: San isidro 44, Reforma Social, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
Reservations: WA 55 8022 2325
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Terraza Cha Cha Chá
If eating seafood in a tropical atmosphere is what you´re craving, you´ll like Terraza Cha Cha Chá. This colorful, laid-back terrace is the perfect getaway from the city bustle without having to travel anywhere.
Enjoy delicious fish, seafood and other dishes in a spot with an authentic coastal feel while you take in awesome views of the Revolution Monument, which stands proudly in front.
Terraza Cha Cha Chá opens in the morning with a nice breakfast and brunch offer too, so it is a nice option for taking a break while exploring Mexico City´s Historic Center.
Location: Av. de la República 57, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
Reservations: 55 5705 2272
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Rosetta
Housed in a beautiful early 20th-century residence, Rosetta offers a unique blend of Italian and Mexican cuisines.
Led by renowned female Chef Elena Reygadas, who has won several gastronomical recognitions including one Michelin star, its menu features dishes that highlight the use of artisan techniques and seasonal ingredients.
The homemade pasta and bread are musts, while the lush greenery and garden decor provide a relaxed dining environment for lunch or early dinner.
Rosetta’s charm and culinary excellence make it a standout in Mexico City’s Roma Norte vibrant culinary scene. The quaint Rosetta Bakery is conveniently located a few steps down the street, in case you want a piece of sweet bread, a light breakfast or a salad and a cup of coffee.
Location: Colima 166, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 5533 7804
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Los Danzantes
Looking for a place to relax and dine after sightseeing in Coyoacán? Los Danzantes is your go-to for this. Set in the heart of the picturesque, bohemian neighborhood, right by the Jardin Centenario plaza and garden, Los Danzantes blends traditional Mexican flavors with modern techniques.
More than a restaurant, Los Danzantes is like a gastronomic ritual that exalts the greatness of Mexican roots and its vibrant present. The menu features dishes like mezcal-marinated beef cuts and mole from Oaxaca, paired with a varied selection of Mexican wines and mezcals.
They make it a point to respect the land and its products, as well as producers and everyone involved in the process of serving dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
The restaurant’s beautiful courtyard, complete with lush greenery, provides a serene setting for a delightful and relaxing dining experience.
Location: Parque Centenario 12, Coyoacán TNT, Coyoacán, Mexico City
Reservations: 55 4356 7185
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The Coolest Restaurants in Mexico City: Conclusion
Mexico City´s culinary scene is an exciting tapestry of flavors, traditions, and innovation. From world-famous fine dining establishments to beloved local flavors, the city’s food offer has something for everyone.
Whether you’re on the lookout for traditional Mexican cuisine, contemporary creations, or eclectic fusion dishes, Mexico City’s coolest restaurants promise a gastronomic adventure you won’t soon forget.
So, next time you find yourself in this bustling capital city, make sure to explore its diverse and dynamic dining landscape.
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