If you’re determined to eat at excellent local restaurants during your travels, then you probably do a lot of research and make dinner reservations well in advance. I did not always plan ahead for my meals abroad, but after an unfortunate Saturday evening spent searching the streets of rainy Paris for what felt like hours, I decided it would be the last time.

If I’m new to a city or visiting on a Thursday through Saturday, I travel with a long list of highly-regarded restaurants and a few dinner reservations made in advance. Sometimes I cancel my reservations depending on how the day turns out (you can’t tie me down!), but more often than not, my research and reservations save the day! It also gives me something to confidently anticipate throughout the day.

Mexico City is so famous for its food that I put a lot more time than usual into restaurant research. I consulted friends, articles, and blogs. I looked at hundreds of photos on Google Maps, Facebook, and Instagram pages. Below is the list of restaurants that excited me most. 

Where We Actually Had Dinner

Fonda Fina: Medellín 79, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Fonda Fina provided an ideal first meal the evening we arrived in CDMX. The menu had many classic Mexican dishes and really excelled at lively sauces and fresh ingredients. The restaurant had a warm, intimate feeling and the wait staff were very attentive. I recommend trying one of their fruity cocktails.

Contramar: Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Contramar was our favorite dinner spot in CDMX. The restaurant decor was crisp and stylish, and the service was wonderfully attentive. If you love seafood, or even if you don’t, you still should prioritize Contramar for a special dinner in Mexico City.

Huset: Colima 256, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Huset appears to have it all; excellent decor, hip clientele, and fantastic food. The giant outdoor garden was special for this urban setting, providing fun, ambient lighting, lush plants, and a pebbled floor. We initially had made reservations to sit at the bar, but the night we visited, the evening was warm and the garden had space so we changed our minds. If you want a restaurant where you need a lift in your travel mood, then consider Huset and it’s lively garden and fun staff.

Pujol: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

We had to try the infamous Pujol. We understood it was expensive, even for us New Yorkers. However, we budgeted for it and went in with a very open mind. It turns out, you will certainly need an open mind during your visit to Pujol. The menus add several surprises and are guaranteed to introduce you to foods you have never encountered. Think sea urchin, algae, and ant larvae. I am certainly not very adventurous but sometimes it’s fun to just dive in and surrender to new and exotic foods as you leave your old self behind!

Restaurants We Will Prioritize For Our Next Visit

Azul Historico: Isabel la Católica 30, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Cafe De Tacuba: Calle de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

La Docena: Av. Álvaro Obregón 31, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Mexico City? Please let us know in the comments below!