If the cocktail bars set a high standard in Mexico City, the food kept right up with them. I came in with high expectations and left having eaten some of the best meals of my life. Here’s where we went and what made each place worth it.
This was my absolute favourite meal of the entire trip and I’d go back for it alone. Contramar is an institution in Mexico City and after visiting I completely understand why. The grilled fish is exceptional, the kind of dish that’s simple in concept but executed so well you find yourself thinking about it long after the meal is over. The tostadas are also not to be missed. What I didn’t expect was how good the cocktails were as well, which made the whole experience feel complete. If you only have one sit down meal in Mexico City, make it this one.
The space alone is worth mentioning. Abrasamar is genuinely beautiful and the kind of restaurant that feels special from the moment you walk in. The focus is on seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, drawing on the culinary traditions of regions like Tabasco and Yucatán, and you can taste that specificity in every dish. The ceviche was some of the best I’ve had and the oysters were incredible. It’s the kind of meal you find yourself eating slowly because you don’t want it to end.
For a more upscale dining experience, Animal Masaryk is a great choice. The aesthetic is beautiful and the space has a lush, almost jungle like quality to it that makes the whole setting feel really considered. What sets it apart from other upscale spots is the menu, which blends Mexican, Japanese and international flavours in a way that feels genuinely creative rather than gimmicky. It’s the kind of restaurant you’d go to for a special occasion or when you want something a little more refined, and the food absolutely matches the setting.
There’s a reason there’s always a line outside Taqueria Orinoco, and once you’ve eaten there you’ll understand it immediately. It’s a casual, straightforward taco spot with a simple menu done consistently and really well. The salsa bar and roasted potatoes that come alongside are not to be underestimated either. The line moves quickly and the staff hand out menus while you wait, so don’t let it put you off. It’s worth every minute.
If you want something completely outside what you’d expect from a taco, Carinito is its own thing entirely. The menu is small and focused, built around a fusion of Mexican and Southeast Asian flavours that sounds unexpected but works beautifully. The pork belly is slow cooked and the tacos are served on dried corn husks instead of plates, which is a small detail but adds to the whole experience. It’s Michelin recognised and the kind of spot that makes you rethink what a taco can be, without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard.
Mexico City is genuinely one of the best food cities I’ve ever visited. Between the seafood, the tacos, and everything in between, every meal felt like it was worth paying attention to. I hope this list gives you a good starting point for wherever your appetite takes you.
