Where Fine Dining in Mexico City Meets the Soul of Mexican Cuisine
If you think you know Mexico City’s dining scene, think again. Beyond the bustling taquerías and casual cantinas, the capital is home to a world-class collection of fine dining restaurants that rival any global food destination.
Here, top chefs blend tradition with innovation, serving up unforgettable tasting menus, artfully plated dishes, and wine lists that’ll make any sommelier swoon—all in settings that range from sleek and modern to charmingly historic.
As a local and someone who works in the food industry, I know all the best spots for fine dining in Mexico City, and these are a few of my current favorites!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, these high-end spots promise a culinary experience as vibrant and diverse as the city itself.
Ready to feast? Here are my picks for the best restaurants in Mexico City for a truly elevated night out.
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1. Barolo
In the mood for Italian food with a Mexican twist? Barolo is a cozy yet stylish Italo-Mediterranean spot tucked away in Mexico City’s lively Roma Norte. Inspired by Italy’s famous Barolo wine region, the restaurant brings together classic Mediterranean flavors and top-notch ingredients, some even flown in straight from Italy. From handmade pastas to creative starters like cacio e pepe croquettes, every dish is a nod to Italian tradition with a fresh, modern twist.
At the helm is Chef Rafael Prado, whose path to the kitchen wasn’t exactly planned—he once dreamed of being an Air Force pilot! After stumbling into culinary school and working his way up through some of Mexico City’s best restaurants, Rafael discovered his true passion for food. Now, he pours that love (and a lot of hard-earned experience) into Barolo’s menu, serving up honest, elegant dishes that are perfect for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Address: Calle Orizaba 203, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Google Maps
2. Fónico
Fónico is a standout spot in Mexico City’s Roma Norte, set inside a beautifully restored Porfirian-era house that mixes old-world charm with modern design. Executive Chef Billy Maldonado leads the kitchen, serving up a menu that puts a fresh spin on Mexican classics by blending local flavors with global influences. Expect dishes made with top-quality seafood from Baja and Sonora, premium meats, and seasonal ingredients that keep the menu exciting and ever-changing.
Chef Billy’s journey is as impressive as his food—born in LA and raised in Mexico, he trained at the Instituto Suizo de Puebla and worked in some of the world’s best kitchens, like El Celler de Can Roca, The French Laundry, and Jean-Georges. After sharpening his skills abroad, he returned to Mexico to take the helm at Fónico, where his creative, bold approach has turned the restaurant into a must-visit for anyone who loves innovative Mexican cuisine.
Fónico isn’t just about great food—the vibe is both elegant and laid-back, with a dramatic double-height terrace, cozy private rooms, and the buzzy Rayo Bar known for its inventive cocktails (I definitely recommend heading over to Rayo before or after dinner at Fónico for cocktails and a surprise elevator experience, which I won’t spoil for you!).
Tip: Most restaurants/bars in Mexico City close on Mondays, but Rayo is one of the few that stays open, making it a great activity to do in Mexico City on Monday!
Address: Salamanca 85, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Maps
3. Maiz Tinto
Maíz Tinto brings a fresh perspective to Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Roma Norte, Mexico City. The restaurant’s name says it all: “maíz” (corn) is at the core of every dish, celebrating Mexico’s most iconic ingredient, while “tinto” (red) hints at the bold flavors and spices woven throughout the menu.
Chef Ulises Palafox leads the kitchen, putting a modern spin on classic recipes—think inventive takes on tamales, tortillas, and other corn-based favorites, all made with locally sourced ingredients and a big dose of creativity.
The vibe at Maíz Tinto is cozy and stylish, mixing rustic touches with contemporary design for a space that’s both welcoming and chic.
Whether you’re in for a casual bite or a special night out, you’ll find plenty to love on the menu, which highlights the versatility of Mexican ingredients and the chef’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Each dish is crafted to surprise and delight, offering a unique taste of Mexico’s culinary heritage with a modern twist.
Chef Ulises isn’t just about great food—he’s also passionate about sharing Mexico’s mezcal culture. At Maíz Tinto, you can dive into guided mezcal tastings, expertly paired with dishes that bring out the best in both the spirit and the food. It’s a fun, educational experience that deepens your appreciation for mezcal and its place in Mexican dining.
Address: Durango 341, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Maps
4. Balcón del Zócalo
Perched on the sixth floor of the historic Hotel Zócalo Central, Balcón del Zócalo offers one of the most stunning dining views in Mexico City, with its sweeping terrace overlooking the iconic Zócalo, the National Palace, and the city’s massive flag in Downtown Mexico City.
Chef Pepe Salinas leads the kitchen, reimagining classic Mexican dishes with a modern, cosmopolitan twist and a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find thoughtful plates that celebrate the flavors, aromas, and textures of Mexico.
The vibe at Balcón del Zócalo is both elegant and inviting, with options to dine on the airy terrace, sip cocktails at the sleek indoor bar, or book an intimate meal at La Mesa del Chef.
The menu features everything from daily-baked artisanal breads—like sweet conchas and croissants to unique cranberry wine loaves—to a nine-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Pair your meal with a glass from their curated wine list or try a signature cocktail that puts a Mexican spin on classic favorites.
While the chef’s menu is as exciting as it gets, if you want to experience a unique dining experience, I recommend doing their tasting menu! Most restaurants in Mexico City have one, but Balcon del Zocalo’s truly stands out for being a full-on work of art, not just in its dishes, but the stories they tell (they’re themed and focus on different subjects, ranging from women’s rights to censorship in Mexico).
The photo is a dish from their last tasting menu, “Censorship”. It’s an ode to the 43 students who disappeared in Iguala in 2014.
Address: Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Maps
5. Lorea
Lorea is an intimate fine dining spot in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, where Chef Oswaldo Oliva crafts ever-evolving tasting menus that push the boundaries of creativity and flavor.
Drawing on his experience in some of the world’s top kitchens, Oliva puts the spotlight on local and seasonal ingredients, using contemporary techniques to create dishes that are as surprising as they are delicious.
The atmosphere at Lorea is elegant and understated, designed to let the food take center stage while giving guests a truly immersive sensory experience. Each visit feels special, with a menu that changes regularly to reflect the chef’s latest inspirations and the freshest ingredients of the season.
Chef Oswaldo’s passion for innovation and his commitment to showcasing the best of Mexican produce have made Lorea a standout on the city’s fine dining scene.
Address: Sinaloa 141, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google maps
6. Long Story Short
Long Story Short is actually a bar, but I’ve lost count of the times people have told me how much they’ve loved the food!
Just a few blocks from the Ángel de la Independencia, this tiny bar in Juárez is proof that size isn’t everything. Inside, you’ll find a whole universe of flavors and tunes—think comfort drinks, food that’s so good it steals the spotlight, and playlists curated to match every mood and moment.
Chef Ximena Aréchaga keeps the menu short but seriously well-crafted, perfect for sharing at the center of the table. Don’t miss the patatas bravas, wonton with salmon tartare, roasted octopus tostada, and the beef sliders—trust us, if you love burgers, these will blow your mind.
Long story short: it’s the kind of spot where great food, drinks, and music come together for a laid-back, unforgettable night in the heart of Juárez.
Address: Florencia 51-Local B2, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX Google Maps
7. Mux
Mux is not your typical Mexican restaurant—instead, it’s a culinary project dedicated to connecting diners with the rich biodiversity, traditions, and everyday rituals of Mexico’s lesser-known communities.
The name “Mux,” meaning “sacred point” in Mam (a Mayan-derived language), reflects the restaurant’s mission to bridge city and countryside through food, storytelling, and shared experience. Here, each dish is the result of a deep, ongoing collaboration with local communities, who share their recipes, stories, and ingredients, creating a menu that goes beyond the familiar narratives of Mexican cuisine.
At the heart of Mux is Chef Diana López del Río, a passionate Mexican chef and mother of two, whose curiosity and respect for seasonal ingredients have led her far beyond the well-trodden paths of Mexico’s culinary hotspots.
Every season, Diana presents a new menu inspired by her research and time spent with different communities. The current menu, for example, is a tribute to the Mixteca Poblana—a culturally rich region spanning parts of Puebla, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. Through months of immersive research, Diana uncovered unique ingredients like the ancient Zapotitlán salt, and collaborated with local cooks such as Tomasa García Soto and Fidela Enríquez Guzmán to bring authentic dishes to the table, like Mole Rojo with habas and beef Guaxmole.
This season’s offerings invite guests to taste Mixteca’s street food favorites, such as gordita bandera and requesón empanadas, alongside diverse moles and brothy preparations that tell the story of the region’s history, climate, and people.
Address: Jalapa 189, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico Google Maps
8. Nico’s
Nicos is a beloved institution in Mexico City, celebrated for its heartfelt approach to traditional Mexican cuisine.
Led by Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo, this family-run restaurant in Azcapotzalco has been honoring the country’s culinary heritage for decades. Recently, it made it into the Michelin guide as well!
Nicos isn’t about reinventing the wheel—instead, it’s about preserving and celebrating the recipes, techniques, and ingredients that have shaped Mexican food for generations.
The menu highlights everything from hand-ground moles and freshly made tortillas to seasonal specialties sourced directly from local markets and small producers. What’s best? Sustainability is the secret of Gerardo’s recipes – he sources most of his ingredients from nearby ranchos, including Rancho Vecchio in the state of Hidalgo!
Address: Av. Cuitláhuac 3102, Claveria, Azcapotzalco, 02080 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Maps
Fine Dining in Mexico City: Final Thoughts
These fine dining restaurants show just how creative, diverse, and elevated Mexican cuisine can be—especially in a city like CDMX, where food is truly an art form. Whether you’re after bold flavors with a modern twist or beautifully executed classics, these spots offer something unforgettable.
If you’re craving the other end of the spectrum, check out my guide to the best street food in Mexico City—because let’s be honest, no food journey here is complete without a fresh taco on the sidewalk.
About the Author
Dani is a travel journalist, foodie, and publicist based in Mexico City. Her travels have taken her all around the world, ranging from game parks in Africa to volcanoes in Asia. She believes Mexico City is one of the most unique and special cities in the world, and she shares her love for her country in The Guide Mexico and The Guide CDMX.
