From world-famous tasting menus to hidden neighborhood gems, here are the best restaurants in Polanco, Mexico City, right now.
Polanco might be Mexico City’s ritziest neighborhood, but it’s also one of its most exciting culinary destinations. Once known mainly for high-end boutiques and embassies, today it’s home to some of the most talked-about restaurants in Latin America —where tradition and innovation collide on every plate.
As someone lucky enough to live in CDMX, I’ve spent countless lunches and late-night dinners exploring Polanco’s dynamic food scene. From the legendary tasting menus at Pujol and Quintonil to low-key spots doing elevated takes on Mexican comfort food, the neighborhood always delivers.
This guide rounds up the best restaurants in Polanco, Mexico City right now—places I’ve personally eaten at (sometimes more than once), and would recommend without hesitation. In town for a single splurge-worthy meal or planning a full-on culinary tour? Polanco is a great place to begin.
Read more: 11 Boutique Hotels in Polanco, Mexico City to Book Now
The editor’s
The Mexico City Map
Hundreds of insider recommendations—where to stay, eat, drink, shop, and explore—all distilled into one beautifully simple Google Map created by us. This is the resource you don’t want to miss.
The Best Restaurants in Polanco, Mexico City
1. Quintonil
Quintonil is a culinary gem in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, renowned for its innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. Established in 2012 by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife, Alejandra Flores, the restaurant has garnered international acclaim, earning two Michelin stars and securing the seventh spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024.
Chef Vallejo’s philosophy centers on expressing Mexican flavors with a personal touch, utilizing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques reimagined in contemporary preparations. The menu features a seasonal tasting menu, highlighting dishes such as duck pibil tamales, spider crab in pipián verde, and innovative creations incorporating native herbs and edible insects. I also sampled the revelatory corn and turnip atole, braised oxtail in recado negro and a mamey fruit panna cotta tartelette for desert during my visit.
The dining experience at Quintonil is further enhanced by its perfect atmosphere and exceptional hospitality led by Flores. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices, with many ingredients harvested from its urban garden or procured from regional producers.
As probably the best restaurant in Polanco, Mexico City, Quintonil stands as a symbol of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, offering a fine dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and boldly forward-thinking.
2. Pujol
Pujol is the kind of restaurant that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Mexican food. Helmed by the legendary Chef Enrique Olvera, it’s a deeply conceptual yet deliciously grounded journey through the country’s culinary roots —where street food and ancestral recipes are elevated to fine art.
The experience unfolds through a curated tasting menu, with highlights like the now-iconic Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo, a duet of sauces—one aged over 2,000 days—served without fanfare but loaded with soul. The baby corn dusted with chicatana ant powder? Yes, it’s famous for a reason.
It’s serious food, but it’s not pretentious. Every dish tells a story, and every story honors the complexity and depth of Mexican cuisine, particularly that of Oaxaca. This isn’t just one of Mexico’s best restaurants—it’s one of the world’s most thought-provoking.
3. Ticuchi
Ticuchi is Enrique Olvera’s moody, mezcal-fueled love letter to Oaxaca—equal parts cocktail bar, culinary lab, and late-night hideaway. Housed in the former Pujol space, this dimly lit, cave-like venue offers a sensory journey through Mexico’s rich agave traditions and inventive vegetarian-heavy cuisine.
The menu leans heavily into Oaxacan roots, with dishes like tamales de esquites and mushroom barbacoa tacos that reimagine traditional flavors. The bar boasts an extensive selection of agave spirits, from mezcal to lesser-known regional distillates like bacanora and sotol, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails.
Ticuchi’s ambiance is as much a draw as its menu. The space is designed to evoke the mystical allure of Mexico’s cenotes, with dim lighting and tropical foliage creating an intimate setting. It’s a place where the line between bar and restaurant blurs, offering a unique experience that celebrates the depth and complexity of Mexican culture. Come for a cocktail, small plates, and drinks or a full-on meal.
4. Entremar
Entremar is the under-the-radar sibling of Contramar, both helmed by the renowned chef Gabriela Cámara. While Contramar is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic seafood dishes, Entremar offers a more relaxed yet equally delightful dining experience.
The menu at Entremar mirrors that of its famed counterpart, featuring standout dishes like the butterflied grilled fish adorned with red and green salsas, and the ever-popular tuna tostadas. However, Entremar distinguishes itself with a more subdued ambiance, making it an ideal spot for those seeking the flavors of Contramar without the bustling crowds. I’m a longtime fan of Cámara’s culinary creations at the height of Mexico City’s seafood offerings, and Entremar provides a satisfying and accessible option for seafood lovers that doesn’t compromise on quality or taste.
5. Malix
Malix is one of Polanco’s most exciting culinary newcomers—a stylish, quietly rebellious restaurant that blends Mexican heritage with global flair and a deep respect for sustainability. Opened in 2021 by chef Alonso Madrigal, whose résumé includes stints at Noma, Rosetta, and Elizabeth, Malix is a love letter to Mexico’s culinary diversity, filtered through a modern, borderless lens.
The name Malix, derived from the Mayan word for “street dog” or “mutt,” reflects the restaurant’s ethos: a celebration of culinary crossbreeding and cultural fusion. The ever-evolving menu features inventive dishes like house-made braised duck dolma, mussel tamal, and Steelhead trout with recado negro “beurre noir”. Madrigal’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his weekly visits to local markets and collaborations with regional producers, ensuring that each dish is both innovative and environmentally conscious.
The dining space is minimalist yet inviting, with a U-shaped counter, sidewalk tables, and a rear dining room that offers a view of the open kitchen. The ambiance is enhanced by a creamy color palette, latte-lacquered tables, and light wood-accented concrete walls. The beverage program complements the menu with a thoughtful selection of natural wines and creative cocktails.
6. Bar el Sella
Bar El Sella is a beloved institution that brings a touch of Spanish cantina charm to the heart of Mexico City. Established in 1950 by Don José Del Valle Caso, this family-run establishment has been serving up traditional Spanish cuisine for over six decades, earning a reputation for its warm hospitality and delectable dishes.
The menu pays homage to classic Spanish flavors, featuring standout dishes like chorizo a la sidra, pulpo a la gallega, and the signature chamorro—a succulent pork shank simmered until tender and served with warm tortillas, cilantro, onion, and salsa. I love the chamorro, in particular, which has a really rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This Polanco restaurant’s ambiance is a blend of old-world charm and lively energy. The cantina-style setting, complete with dapper waiters and a mixed crowd of locals, creates an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for casual daytime dining or a relaxed evening out.
7. Guzina Oaxaca
Guzina Oaxaca is a culinary gem that brings the rich flavors of Oaxaca to the heart of Mexico City. Founded by acclaimed chef Alejandro Ruiz, known for his celebrated restaurant Casa Oaxaca, Guzina Oaxaca offers an authentic taste of Oaxacan cuisine in an elegant setting. The restaurant’s name, “Guzina,” means “kitchen” in Zapotec, reflecting its deep roots in Oaxacan culture.
The menu, crafted by Ruiz and executed by Chef Carlos Galán, showcases the diverse culinary traditions of Oaxaca’s eight regions. Dishes like tlayudas topped with tasajo and quesillo, mole negro with turkey, and guacamole with chapulines (grasshoppers) highlight the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and innovation. Ingredients are sourced directly from Oaxaca, with deliveries arriving twice a week to ensure freshness and quality.
Guzina Oaxaca’s ambiance complements its cuisine, featuring a minimalist design accented with Oaxacan crafts and natural light. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions- a great way to get to know Oaxaca’s delicious food culture without leaving the city.
8. ER RRE Un Bistro
ER RRE Un Bistró is an intimate culinary haven that brings together French sophistication with Mexican warmth. Tucked away on Polanco 8, this cozy bistro offers a dining experience reminiscent of a chic Parisian eatery, complete with warm wood-paneled walls and soft lighting.
The menu, curated by Chef Lorea Olavarri, showcases a harmonious fusion of European flavors and Mexican ingredients. Standout dishes include the luxurious Pan de Papá con Mantequilla y Caviar, a delightful starter that sets the tone for the meal, and the indulgent Lobster Risotto, where creamy Arborio rice meets succulent lobster. Other notable offerings feature Mediterranean-inspired grilled sardines, Italian-influenced pasta dishes, and the classic French crêpes suzette, all enhanced with local Mexican products.
The open kitchen adds a theatrical element to the dining experience, allowing you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. With its refined ambiance and exceptional cuisine, ER RRE Un Bistró is easily one of the best restaurants in Polanco and Mexico City.
9. Tori Tori
If you’re craving expertly sliced sashimi and sleek architectural cool, Tori Tori is the move. This Japanese-Mexican powerhouse has long been a favorite among Polanco’s well-heeled crowd, and for good reason: it strikes that elusive balance between consistency and surprise. You know you’re going to eat well, and you’ll probably discover something new along the way.
It’s not just the food that draws the crowds—though the uni-topped nigiri, robata-grilled skewers, and pristine sushi rolls certainly hold their own. The setting, a dramatic, futuristic structure designed by Mexican architect Michel Rojkind, feels more like a spaceship than a restaurant. But inside, the energy is warm and buzzy, with a mix of business diners, creative types, and in-the-know locals filling the tables night after night. Tori Tori isn’t trying to reinvent Japanese cuisine—it’s just doing it really, really well. And in a city bursting with international flavors, that kind of quiet mastery still turns heads.
NEW!
The Mexico City Map
Hundreds of insider recommendations for things to do, the best hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, markets, museums, and more—wrapped into one simple Google Map created by us.
10. Yoshimi
Another Japanese dining gem, Yoshimi is a serene enclave where traditional Japanese cuisine meets modern elegance. Located within the Hyatt Regency Mexico City, this restaurant offers an authentic culinary experience that transports diners straight to Japan.
The ambiance is a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. Designed by architect Akira Kameta Miyamoto, the space features neutral-toned wood, geometric patterns, and a Zen garden inspired by the Karesansui concept, inviting contemplation amidst the city’s noise.
Under the guidance of Chef Miriam Moriyama, Yoshimi’s menu honors Japanese culinary traditions. Dishes like shabu shabu with Wagyu beef, sukiyaki, and an array of nigiri and sashimi are prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant also offers seasonal menus, such as the “Tsukimi” autumn-winter menu, showcasing the chef’s creativity and dedication to authentic flavors.
11. El Bajío
You don’t come to El Bajío for trend-chasing plates or hushed fine dining. You come here for the soul. For mole that tastes like your abuela spent three days making it. For carnitas that don’t just melt in your mouth—they dissolve your willpower.
Founded by the legendary Carmen “Titita” Ramírez Degollado, El Bajío is a love letter to regional Mexican home cooking. The kind of place where the tortillas are made by hand, the salsas are fiery in all the right ways, and the menu reads like a culinary road trip across the country—from Veracruz to Jalisco, Puebla to Yucatán.
Yes, it’s a chain now. But don’t let that fool you. The Polanco location still delivers the goods, from the gorditas infladas and tamales de cazuela to the rich, brick-red mole de Xico. There’s tradition in every bite, and pride in every plate.
12. Parole
Parole is where Italian romance meets Ciudad de México glam—think Amalfi Coast on holiday in Polanco, dressed to impress. The vibe is all about high drama: lush greenery, chandeliers swinging from trees, and the kind of see-and-be-seen energy that practically begs for an Aperol spritz in hand.
But Parole isn’t just a pretty face. The menu plays the hits, and plays them well—truffle-laced pastas, perfectly al dente risottos, creamy burrata, and branzino cooked to silky perfection. It’s indulgent without being overwrought, familiar but polished. And yes, there’s tiramisu—and it’s exactly what you want it to be.
The soundtrack is lively, the crowd is dressed up, and the impeccable service knows when to keep it playful. Parole is not where you come for a quiet bite. It’s where you come to live a little louder, toast to the night, and twirl your fork with flair.
13. Eno
Eno is Enrique Olvera’s casual answer to Pujol—an all-day café that trades tasting menus for tortas and keeps things simple, seasonal, and unmistakably Mexican. The Polanco outpost is a local favorite, known for breakfast staples like chilaquiles and molletes, and hearty lunch fare like the torta de milanesa, done with care and zero pretension.
It’s the kind of place you pop into for a quick bite and end up lingering over a second coffee. Unfussy, thoughtful, and always delicious, Eno proves that even Mexico’s most celebrated chef can nail the everyday meal. For a casual meal, this is one of the best restaurants in Polanco CDMX.
Save on Pinterest
