Walking down the streets in Mexico City, particularly in trendy areas like Condesa, Roma Norte and Polanco, you’ll get the feeling that there are almost as many restaurants as there are people. And while that is certainly hyperbole, the fact is that the Mexican capital’s food options are so vast that you won’t have time to try everything on a single visit. But that’s a good thing. It means you’ll always have an excuse to plan your next trip back.
Here’s a list of eight delicious new reasons to visit Mexico City that will delight first-time visitors and longtime gastronomes in search of the latest culinary offerings.
With its original location on the ground floor of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Mexico City, Animal opened its second branch in October 2023. Decked in velvets, low lights and chandeliers, the establishment attracts a hip, young crowd that doesn’t mind a side of loud music with its meal.
The menu offers a blend of Mexican and Japanese creations. Start with some Sinaloa oysters with sea bass tripe and fish tacos or opt for an assortment of nigiri from the sushi bar. Next, choose from a selection of grilled meats such as ribeye or a salt-crusted fillet. But if you prefer seafood, the grilled octopus and roasted shrimp in cilantro dressing are the way to go.
A rooftop location overlooking the iconic Angel of Independence monument on Reforma Avenue is enough of a reason to visit Salazar. Self-described as “a country bistro in the city,” Salazar has sparse wooden furnishings that emulate a barn — if said barn was chic and cozy.
With a seasonal menu heavy on vegetables and plates meant to be shared family style, Salazar will please omnivores and vegetarians alike with dishes such as braised leek, heirloom tomato salad with red wine vinaigrette and cashews; chione clams in white wine sauce and herbs; and roasted chicken with cherry tomato confit. The organic, locally sourced menu is helmed by restaurateur Edo Kobayashi and head chef Allan Yáñez, who’s worked in acclaimed restaurants in Europe such as Akelarre in San Sebastian.
You’ve likely seen pictures of Fónico without even realizing it — its black iron staircase has become an Instagram staple. Located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, this large, contemporary space in a beautifully restored mansion is ideal for date nights or those traveling with friends.
Fónico reflects modern Mexico, particularly the cuisines of Baja and Sonora — its northern states. Its catch-of-the-day ceviche and the shrimp and fish aguachile in black recado sauce, lemon foam and mango shouldn’t be missed. The menu’s fresh flavors pair well with an apple margarita or Holbox iced tea, made with mezcal, gin and Grand Marnier.
Tucked away in a corner of the Roma Norte neighborhood, Martínez has steadily risen to become one of Mexico City’s trendiest spots. Led by chef Lucho Martínez, the mastermind behind some of the city’s top restaurants, the spot offers a simple menu of familiar and filling dishes in a setting that resembles an upscale diner.
The flatbread with butter and salmon roe is a must, as are the crostini beef tartare and steak frites. Wash it all down with a Félix, a soft drink made with sparkling water and natural fruit juice that’s all the craze in Mexico City these days.
With locations in the Roma Norte and Coyoacán neighborhoods, this laid-back eatery specializes in Mexican seafood. Mi Compa Chava started as a pop-up kitchen during the pandemic, and its popularity has risen to the point of patrons lining up for hours before being seated.
And while metallic tables and chairs advertising local beer don’t scream luxury, the stack of shrimp, fresh tuna, scallops, octopus, cucumber and avocado in the photo-ready La Señora Torres dish makes it all worthwhile. Plus, you can order micheladas (Mexico’s beer-based take on a bloody mary) on the sidewalk while you wait.
Guided by chef Mariana Villegas, who worked with chef Enrique Olvera from the famed restaurant Pujol for more than 10 years, Lina is one of the most anticipated new arrivals to Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. The pleasant atmosphere is felt as soon as you step through the door, where you’ll be greeted by a long candlelit hallway with seating on both sides before reaching the main dining room and a charming patio with a fountain in the center.
The seasonal menu is meant to be shared and includes much-talked-about highlights like the bok choy with a turmeric and macadamia curry, served with a parsnip puree and the wagyu arrachera (skirt steak) served over a broth of charro beans, avocado and borracha (drunken) sauce.
Opened in February 2023, this delicatessen feels like it belongs in New York, but it’s on a leafy street in Condesa. Like many breakfast spots around the city these days, Mendl doesn’t take bookings, and patrons line up for hours to score a table at one of the two plant-filled, retro dining rooms. Fortunately, there’s a bench that makes the wait more comfortable, and the option of ordering coffee and a pastry at the takeout window helps make the time go faster.
Once inside, you’ll first see the cute T-shirts and other merchandise by the entrance, but the bright orange salmon and slab of smoked pastrami displayed on the counter will soon command your attention. You’ll have a hard time choosing between the bagel and lox with cream cheese, thinly sliced onion and capers, and the massive, thick-cut pastrami sandwich. The traditional latkes (potato pancakes), matzo ball soup and borscht are also worth trying.
Don Pling is one of the latest Asian-Mexican fusion concepts to emerge in the Mexican capital. While there are three branches in the city, head to the one in Polanquito, an area within the Polanco neighborhood next to Lincoln Park known for its terrace restaurants and animated vibe.
Ask for a sunny table and start by ordering dumplings with interesting Mexican-inspired fillings, like duck in mole sauce or corn, chili and huitlacoche (the fungus that grows on corn is considered a delicacy in Mexico). Mains include ribeye tacos with Szechuan sauce and Peking duck tacos.
