7 Delicious Michelin Restaurants in Mexico City, Mexico

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I love dining at a good restaurant. In fact, on my travels I usually make an effort to make reservations for at least one “fancy restaurant” in every city I visit. I want to try their “best of the best” and “most acclaimed” so to speak. One of these global restaurant rating systems is the Michelin Star Guide, and lucky for me as a Mexican food lover, they recently made their way to Mexico. Thus, there are now Michelin restaurants in Mexico City!!!

Firstly – it’s about time.

Secondly – I am astonished how they were even able to narrow down their list with so many incredible options! Mexico City, or Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX for short), has a truly extraordinary culinary scene, and I’m not just saying that as someone who grew up in Southern California with Mexico as one of my two favorite countries.

In 2024, the Michelin Guide awarded its coveted culinary stars to restaurants in Mexico for the first time, earning the country a whopping total of 2 two star restaurants, 16 one star restaurant, 6 green stars (sustainable gastronomy), and 42 Bib Gourmands. Notably, Mexico did not earn any three star recognitions, but clearly the Michelin Guide judges did not stop by the abuela on the corner that grills green chilis on the corner.

But I digress.

Seven restaurants in Mexico City only were donned with their shiny new Michelin stars, and while locals and Mexico-obsessed travelers like myself always knew of the gastronomic excellence of the city, it does feel rewarding to have the greater culinary community also celebrate the food.

As I have not yet been to all of the Michelin restaurants in Mexico City (emphasis on YET!!), my friend and Mexican writer, editor, and traveler Dani of The Guide CDMX to give me the scoop on all of the newly awarded Michelin restaurants in Mexico City!

What is a Michelin Star?

Real quick, before we get started, I just want to clarify that yes. The Michelin restaurant Guide is also…the Michelin tire man.

Yup.

Same company.

I know, it threw me off too. When I first started looking into Michelin restaurants, I was in Singapore and bumbling around a hawker center for this renowned stall. I got in line for what looked to be the restaurant, but then I got close and noticed a sticker with the Michelin tire man on the booth. Thinking it was a knock-off joke, I got out of line and probably missed out on the best meal of my life. Don’t be like me.

The Michelin inspectors are veteran food critics, and over the course of multiple visits they judge restaurants based on the establishment’s quality of ingredients, skill and technique mastery, harmony of flavors, cuisine personality, and (perhaps most importantly), the restaurant’s consistency.

The breakdown of the stars is as below:

One Star: The restaurant is considered “very good in its category”.
Two Stars: The restaurant has excellent cuisine delivered in a unique way.
Three Stars: The restaurant has exceptional cuisine and thus “worth a special journey” just to visit
Bib Gourmand: The restaurant highlights simple yet skillful cooking at an affordable price
Green Star: The restaurants role models sustainable gastronomy

Now that we know what we’re getting into, let’s…well, get into it!

Two Star Restaurants

Mexico currently has a total of 2 two star Michelin restaurants, and both of them are in Mexico City! If you’re looking for the finest of fine, check out these 2 star Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, but uh….bring your wallet.

Pujol

Location: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 5545 4111 / Pujol

Chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol is a pioneer of modern Mexican cuisine. The two Michelin stars are a testament to its excellence. Famous for reinventing the classic Mexican dishes with precision and flair, their carefully crafted tasting menus are a journey through Mexico’s culinary past and present. Dishes and ingredients vary as they prioritize local seasonal sourcing.

Pujol offers two different culinary experiences. The first is a tasting menu, which is served in the main dining room. Then they have a tacos omakase bar. Highlights include the iconic “Mole madre, mole nuevo” and new interpretations of street food classics like “esquites” corn kernels in a cup with various toppings.

These reinvented dishes include a “chicatana” ant mayonnaise for the “esquites” as well as tacos prepared with astounding ingredients like lobster, macadamia nuts, and Brussel sprouts.

Quintonil

Location: Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 5280 2680

Another fine dining venue in Mexico City awarded with two Michelin stars, Quintonil is helmed by internationally recognized Chef Jorge Vallejo.

His proposal centers on elaborating dishes that are deeply rooted in Mexican traditions, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The experience here is refined yet somehow comforting, with legendary Mexican flavors persisting in a contemporary setting.

Quintonil is also famous for highlighting entomography in their menus, which is the practice of eating insects that is common in some areas of Mexico.

Favorites include smoked crab tostadas, grilled chicken with macadamia mole, tatéd avocado tartare with escamoles – edible ant larvae and pupae, a delicacy in Mexico also known as insect caviar or Mexican caviar.The setting is minimalist and refined, with a blend of wood and marble with elegant accents.

One Star Restaurants

There are a good handful of one star Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, so you can find a spot to fit whatever munching mood you’re in. From fancy to casual, there’s something for everyone at these one star Michelin restaurants in Mexico City!

Sud 777

Location: Blvd. de la Luz 777, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 5568 4777

Located in the Pedregal neighborhood in the southern area of Mexico City, Sud 777 seamlessly combines Mexican ingredients with global culinary trends in an intimate dining experience where creativity is the star.

The seasonal tasting menu, crafted by Chef Edgar Nuñez, ensures that every visit feels unique. He has been showcasing a creative and contemporary offer since 2008, putting a special emphasis on delicious and astounding Mexican vegetable cuisine.

Núñez, a member of the Academie Culinaire de France and Colegio Mexicano de Cocina, got one Michelin star in the 2024 edition, which included restaurants in Mexico for the first time. He is not a newbie when it comes to obtaining awards, however, as Sud 77 has gotten the 64th position in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and 11th place in the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Rosetta

Location: Colima 166, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 5533 7804

Nestled in a charming townhouse in Roma Norte, Rosetta is led by Chef Elena Reygadas, who was named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2023. This year, she also got a Michelin Star from the first batch awarded in Mexico; she’s really blazing the trail for Michelin restaurants in Mexico City owned by a woman.

Her menu reflects a contemporary twist on Mexican ingredients, with dishes like tamales filled with smoked cream and hoja santa ravioli. The elegant, cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for intimate and relaxed dining in the trendy neighborhood.

Esquina Común

Location: Fernando Montes de Oca 86, La Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: Opentable.com.mx

Esquina Común, located in the heart of La Condesa, is a charming restaurant known for its innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. Led by Chef Ana Dolores González, the menu creatively combines local ingredients with international influences, resulting in an extraordinary traditional yet modern experience.

The opening of Esquina Común restaurant took place in 2021. Since then, it has evolved, going from a living room to one of the best outdoor terraces that requires a reservation in only three years. The culinary offering is Mexican and comal – and DEFINITELY earned its spot as one of the best Michelin restaurants in Mexico City.

Signature dishes include the fish pâté with pumpkin flower pesto and the richly flavored short ribs. The cozy terrace provides a serene escape from the bustling city, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed, refined meal.

El Califa de León

Location: Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: No reservations accepted. First come, first served. Only cash.

Surprisingly enough, but not really, a taco restaurant made it through and is now among the esteemed Michelin Restaurants in Mexico City!

Despite its casual and somewhat informal setting, it does seem fitting enough, though, as it serves some of the best tacos in Mexico City and they are very much a highlight of the city’s gastronomic scene for both locals and visitors.

The taquería is located in the San Rafael neighborhood, so visiting is also a good way to get to know a side of the city that most visitors don’t check out. Plus, prices here are what you’d expect from any taco restaurant, so it’s perfect if you’re not looking to splurge.

Not sure what to order? The restaurant is famous for its arrachera tacos and ‘gringa’ (flour tortilla with al pastor meat and cheese). Other great option include bistec tacos, costilla tacos, chuleta tacos, and gaonera tacos.

Despite its “non-elegant” setting, the quality and attention to detail make it a standout spot, and visiting this spot is a great way to experience a more relaxed side of the culinary scene in Mexico City!

**Restaurants That SHOULD Have Stars**

In our not-so-humble opinion, the Michelin Guide missed a few spots that we believe deserve stars on their own. These spots may not have earned the official title of being one of the few Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, but honestly they are local winners by locals, residents, and travelers alike.

But hopefully they’ll be recognized and added to the list in the (near) future!

Balcón del Zócalo

Location: Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 5130 5134

This rooftop gem in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico offers spectacular views of the Zócalo while serving up elevated Mexican cuisine.

Chef pepe Salinas incorporates modern techniques into traditional recipes, resulting in exquisite proposals like duck tacos and moles with unique flavor profiles, resulting in exquisite tasting menus and dishes such as duck tacos and mole with unique flavor profiles.

With incredible views and creative menus that invoke all of the senses, we just might be seeing this one on the next round of Michelin restaurants in Mexico City.

Baldío

Location: Antonio Sola 26, La Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 4364 9852

Baldío opened its doors as the first restaurant in Mexico City to follow a zero-waste concept. Which is INCREDIBLE. Sure it might not have earned a spot as one of the Michelin restaurants in Mexico City (yet!), I thought it would have at least been awarded a green star! But I digress.

Situated in La Condesa, it was conceived as a collaboration between Arca Tierra and Silo, a London restaurant recognized for managing to reduce their waste to zero.

Baldío also takes farm-to-table dining to the next level, showcasing organic ingredients sourced directly from Mexican farmers. The menu changes with the seasons, but always highlights authentic flavor.

Its minimalist decor sets the stage for dishes like glazed mushrooms with pepper, potatoes with garlic miso, and their wonderful honey and fennel caramelized milk sauce, among other specialties.

PLONK

Location: Iztaccihuatl 52, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 2953 0255

Known for its bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere, PLONK combines global influences with Mexican flair, showcasing a menu that features dishes like curry-infused shrimp tostadas and duck carnitas.

PLONK’s drink program is just as impressive, offering a curated selection of craft cocktails and natural wines, which are ideal for pairing with your meal and enjoying a relaxed afternoon or evening. The drink program alone could land this spot on the Michelin restaurants in Mexico City!

The eclectic décor and upbeat vibe make it a fantastic venue for a night out in town or special occasions. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or a cocktail enthusiast, PLONK delivers a memorable experience.

Makan

Location: Emilio Dondé 68B, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 4765 9626

Makan is a small, chef-driven restaurant in Roma Norte that serves Southeast Asian with some Mexican accents. Helmed by Annie Yong from Singapore and Mario Álvarez, it’s a relatively new venue located in the downtown area of Mexico City, on Bucareli Avenue.

The menu is ever-changing but often features fusion dishes like coconut curry with shrimp and Cochinita Pibil dumplings that highly enrich the flavors of both types of cuisines, to be paired with young, natural wines.

Botánico

Location: Alfonso Reyes 217, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Reservations: 55 5271 2152

Set in a quiet street in the Condesa, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City, Botanico recently received a start and it’s a great place if a cozy meal or dinner is what you’re after.

It’s set on a patio covered in lush greenery and its garden-like ambiance is perfect for a sunny day. Its unique dining experience that centers around contemporary Mexican flavors. Botanico’s menu features a range of dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and traditional Mexican culinary techniques, often with a modern twist.

Moreover, the beverage menu is equally impressive, offering a selection of fine wines, craft cocktails, and artisanal non-alcoholic drinks. I was honestly surprised it wasn’t included in the first round of Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, but true foodies know its excellence!

Siembra Comedor

Location: Newton, Chapultepec Morales, Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 7875 0411

A farm-to-table dining venue, Siembra sets a fine example of creative cuisine focused on showcasing organic ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Highlighting authentic Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist, they embrace rich flavors while maintaining a high respect for corn, a millenary regional ingredient.

This pleasant spot in Polanco with a terrace is perfect for savoring sophisticated Mexican fare such as soft picaña and crab tacos, huitlacoche empanadas, and beef barbacoa.

Babero

Location: Durango. 219, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 9312 2551

A cozy eatery in the heart of Roma Norte, Babero is a hidden gem worth discovering. Its dining proposal centers on reinventing comfort food adding an inventive take, with standout dishes such as pork belly tacos with citrus glaze and chiles rellenos stuffed with seasonal ingredients.

Babero’s artisanal mezcal pairings enhance the overall dining experience, and their dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through in every bite. The relaxed ambiance and innovative twist on traditional flavors make for a fine experience for “almost” Michelin restaurants in Mexico City.

Gaba

Location: Avenida Mazatlan 190, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City

Reservations: 55 9107 8494

Another establishment that we think should have made it to the Michelin restaurants in Mexico City list is Gaba. This fine dining spot in Polanco is celebrated for its modern Mexican dishes and elegant presentation.

Highlights their mole trio and fresh seafood options, with the scallops in chileatole sauce being a favorite.

The restaurant’s refined, aesthetic ambiance is matched by its impeccable service, ensuring a luxurious and memorable meal. Gaba’s dedication to showcasing Mexican flavors with a contemporary flair makes it a standout in the city’s dining scene.

Conclusion

Between you and me, I’m surprised there aren’t WAY more Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, and in Mexico in general – especially more in Oaxaca, Puebla, and Jalisco. I mean, if they need a guide, I can show them the best tacos in Puerta Vallarta for sure.

The only one of the Michelin restaurants in Mexico City that neither Dani or I have been to is…Em!! Hopefully that will change soon, but if you’ve visited, what did you think? Are any of these Michelin restaurants in Mexico City making you consider a trip? Let me know in the comments below!