The Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Mexico
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure through Mexico? This guide will walk you through the best of the best when it comes to Mexican cuisine, so be prepared to tantalize your taste buds and experience the amazing flavors of Mexico.
Introduction to Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is a diverse and flavorful blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other culinary influences. It is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, including corn, beans, tomatoes, chili peppers, and a wide variety of herbs and spices. With regional specialties and street food favorites, Mexico offers a world of gastronomic delights for you to explore.
Top 5 Must-Try Mexican Dishes
Before we jump into our restaurant recommendations, here are five iconic Mexican dishes you simply must try during your visit:
- Tacos: A classic Mexican street food, tacos consist of a corn or wheat tortilla filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, beans, and salsa.
- Enchiladas: Rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or beans, covered in a chili sauce, and typically baked in an oven.
- Chiles en Nogada: A traditional dish representing the colors of the Mexican flag, made with poblano chiles stuffed with a meat and fruit mixture, topped with a walnut-based cream sauce, and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.
- Pozole: A hearty soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and a variety of spices and garnishes, such as lettuce, radishes, and lime.
- Tamales: A traditional dish made of masa (a dough made from corn) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in a corn husk, and steamed until cooked.
Regional Highlights
Mexico is a vast country with a diverse culinary landscape. To give you a taste of the regional differences, we’ve selected a few standout restaurants from various regions in Mexico.
Central Mexico
Pujol (Mexico City)
Ranked as one of the world’s best restaurants, Pujol is a must-visit for any food lover. Chef Enrique Olvera showcases his innovative take on Mexican cuisine, combining traditional ingredients and techniques with modern flair. Be sure to try the tasting menu to get the full Pujol experience.
Azul Historico (Mexico City)
Located in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center, Azul Historico offers a beautiful setting within a 17th-century palace. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes with a focus on regional ingredients, making it an excellent spot for trying a variety of classic Mexican fare.
Yucatan Peninsula
Los Aguachiles (Playa del Carmen)
For a taste of the Yucatan’s famous seafood, head to Los Aguachiles. This laid-back eatery offers a variety of ceviche, tostadas, and aguachiles (a Mexican version of ceviche made with chili peppers), alongside a selection of tacos and other seafood dishes. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, making this a must-visit spot in Playa del Carmen.
Kuuk (Mérida)
In the charming city of Mérida, Kuuk is a culinary gem that showcases the best of Yucatecan cuisine. With a focus on local ingredients and traditional techniques, Chef Pedro Evia creates a unique and sophisticated dining experience. The tasting menu is a journey through the flavors of the Yucatan and is highly recommended.
Western Mexico
Alcalde (Guadalajara)
Alcalde, helmed by Chef Francisco Ruano, is one of Guadalajara’s top dining destinations. The menu is a creative fusion of traditional Jalisco flavors and modern gastronomy. The restaurant’s contemporary design and attentive service make for an exceptional dining experience. Don’t miss the aguachile de camaron or the suckling pig carnitas.
La Docena (Guadalajara)
Another standout spot in Guadalajara, La Docena is an oyster bar and grill offering some of the freshest seafood in the city. The menu features a variety of oysters, clams, ceviche, and grilled seafood, as well as a selection of meat dishes. The lively atmosphere and impressive raw bar make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Oaxaca
Casa Oaxaca (Oaxaca City)
Casa Oaxaca is a renowned restaurant in Oaxaca City, celebrated for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Chef Alejandro Ruiz uses locally sourced ingredients to create traditional dishes with a touch of modernity. Make sure to try the mole, a complex and delicious Oaxacan sauce, which is a highlight of the menu.
La Teca (Oaxaca City)
For a more intimate dining experience, head to La Teca, a charming family-run restaurant specializing in Oaxacan home cooking. The menu, which changes daily, features a variety of traditional dishes like tlayudas, memelas, and mole. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant has limited seating.
Street Food
No visit to Mexico would be complete without sampling its vibrant street food scene. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Taqueria Los Cocuyos (Mexico City)
This unassuming taqueria in Mexico City is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known for its delicious tacos de suadero (beef brisket tacos), Taqueria Los Cocuyos is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Las Guerrerenses (Ensenada)
Located in the coastal city of Ensenada, Las Guerrerenses is a legendary seafood cart known for its amazing ceviche tostadas. The tostadas are piled high with fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a must-visit spot for seafood lovers.
Mexico’s culinary scene is as diverse and rich as its history and culture. From world-class fine dining establishments to humble street food carts, there’s something for every palate. We hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own gastronomic adventure in Mexico.