The 17 Best Restaurants In Polanco [and Cafes] (2024)

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here,and my privacy policy here.

This guide to the best restaurants in Polanco will help you choose from the endless list of incredible eateries available in the most upscale neighborhood of Mexico City.

I know how overwhelming it can be. So I did the job for you. I joined several food tours in Mexico City where knowledgeable guides shared their favorite restaurants and took us around some of them.

In fact, during my latest trip to Mexico City, I ate my way around the city and put on some not-needed extra pounds just to write this post. 🙂

So I really hope it will be helpful.

Disclaimer: obviously there are so many more restaurant options in Polanco and 8000 taquerias (tacos places) in Mexico City.

Obviously, it’s impossible to say which one is the best.

So in this post, I am going to share the ones that I tried and enjoyed and others that I was suggested by the food tour guide (who is also an experienced chef!)

Polanco at a glance

Polanco is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Mexico City and the most upscale. As a tour guide explained, it was a suburb of Mexico city until the 30s when a group of ex-pats from Spanish, Muslim, and Jewish communities living in Mexico city decided to build a peaceful and tranquil area that became eventually part of Mexico City.

Now, if you want to eat in the most exclusive restaurants and shop in the top high-end stores Polanco is your place.

It’s also home to embassies and wealthy families living in spectacular buildings where modern and ancient architecture harmoniously blends together.

However, if you are traveling on a budget don’t let this intimidate you. In Polanco, you still find all sorts of restaurants, including cheap, and yet delicious, street food.

So in this post, you will find all of it, from the simple food shack to the upscale venue.

Mexico City Restaurants Map

The Best Restaurants in Polanco: upscale Mexican restaurants

1. Pujol

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pujol (@pujolrestaurant)

Pujol and the next one coming on this list are included among the 50 world’s best restaurants. That is why I had to include them even if I haven’t tried them myself.

The minimalist ambiance and restaurant decor harmoniously match the Mexican gourmet cuisine that you will experience in this upscale restaurant.

The Chef, Enrique Olvera, prides himself on using exclusively fresh local products from different parts of Mexico.

You can choose between a multi-course tasting menu in the formal dining room and a “taco omakase” meal at the low-slung bar where you will be served various tacos, antojitos, and botanas (snacks in Spanish).

Some would argue that the dining experience is not worth the high cost. Let me know what you think, if you go. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance.

Read the reviews from the CNtravelers.

What doesn’t make me want to go to Pujol is some of the reviews I have heard from many people that it’s much overrated and way overpriced, but I cannot personally say since I didn’t go. I have included it here for the sake of information.

Address – Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

2. Quintonil

View this post on Instagram

See Also

Multi-year drought and heat waves across Mexico in 202430 best restaurants in Roma, Mexico City | Mexico InsiderWith Haitian migration growing, a Mexico City family of doctors is helping out(UPDATED 2024) 18 ABSOLUTE BEST Restaurants In Mexico City - Nomadic Foodist

A post shared by Quintonil (@rest_quintonil)

According to the guide of my Polanco food tour, Qunitonil is much better than Pujol, mainly because Chef Jorge Vallejo, who is also the owner of the restaurant, offers a more eclectic menu which changes often according to the season.

Guests also have the option of a fixed tasting menu and a la carte, which is also a great plus for those who don’t feel like having a full meal.

Also, vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary requirements are well-taken care of. Kids below 12 are not welcome.

Make sure you make your reservation in advance and you can check their website to learn about the menu.

Address – Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

The Best Restaurants in Polanco: accessible Mexican eateries

3. Guzina Oaxaca

Oaxaca food is one of the most popular in Mexico. In fact, that’s where you will find the most incredible variety of flavors and odd dishes. You may have heard of Chapulines ( crickets), right?

From Oaxaca, what about the Oaxaca cheese, or the mole? Although the first mole was originally created in Puebla by the Carmelitas Nuns’ convent, Oaxaca is where you will find more varieties of Mole.

Well, in Guzina Oaxaca, located right on the most elegant avenue in Polanco, you will be able to try the most exquisite specialties from Oaxaca Region, including, the mole, the Tlayuda, and other delicious dishes.

Address – Av. Pdte. Masaryk 513, Polanco, Polanco II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map –

4. Tamales Tamalli

There are many varieties of tamales made in many different ways and although you can find a lot of street vendors offering their homemade tamales, in Tamalli, you can sit comfortably in their colorful tiny place and taste some of the best tamales in the City.

Address – Av. Emilio Castelar 227-A, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

5. Karisma Cantina

The so-called “cantinas” in Mexico were gastro-bars that in the 50s only men were allowed to enter, where they used to consume drinks and a hot meal.

Over the years they have become like bars where you can usually go for drinks and get some local dishes as well.

Karisma Cantina is the oldest cantina in Mexico City. We went there during our food tours and we tried the tortilla soup, so tasty.

Address – Campos Elíseos 219, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

6. Bello Puerto

Bello Puerto is a pretty stylish place in the heart of Polanco where you are served seafood plates. Besides the beauty of the place, you will enjoy freshly brought seafood prepared in many different ways.

We tried the tostada with tuna fish and many different Mexican sources. A sweet strawberry smoothy cooled the spices sauces off.

Address – Calle Julio Verne 89, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

7. Catamundi

Katamundy is a bar but also a store where you can find a vast array of Mexican specialties, from peculiar types of Chocolate (even with Crickets) to bread, sauces, and a great choice of wine.

They have also an upscale venue for an elegant meal or you can sit on the outside tables for a snack or coffee with one of the mouth-watery donuts.

Address – Alejandro Dumas 97, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

8. Agua & Sal

Agua y Sal is a “Cebichería” (where they specialize in ceviche) with Latin American cuisine that pays homage to the fishing villages of Mexico, Central, South America, and the Caribbean, with a selection of the best dishes from their coasts.

I have included it in this list even if it’s not solely a Mexican restaurant because here you can find some of the best ceviche and you are guaranteed that the fish is super fresh!

Address – Campos Elíseos 199-A, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

9. Entremar

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Restaurante Entremar (@entremarmx)

Another great option of a restaurant in Polanco for seafood lovers. A variety of seafood is prepared in many different ways, from Pulpo a La Gallega, to fish tacos and ceviche.

But they also have a variety of vegetarian dishes and delicious desserts. It’s definitely to try.

Address – B Y C, Hegel 307, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Maps

10. La Casa de Toño

If you want to taste the famous Pozole, you must go to Casa de Toño, a simple, nonpretentious restaurant where you can try different varieties of Pozoles, from the spiciest to the mildest one, for every taste.

Just make sure you get there hungry because the Pozole seems like a simple soup but is super rich and filling.

La Casa de Toño has multiple restaurants around the city, including Polanco

Address – José Luis Lagrange S/N, Polanco, Polanco I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11510 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Map

Best tacos in Polanco

11. El Turix

This is one of the most popular taco places in Polanco between a food stand and a restaurant. In fact, there is no seating space. You just get your taco from the window and sit on a random bench on the street.

It’s great to grab something quick to eat before moving on to your next attraction. This taco place is special because they actually have one type of taco, which is Cochinita pibil, a Yucatan specialty that is pork meat cooked underground.

I assure you it’s delicious.

EXTRA TIP – At a few steps away on the same side of the road you will see a table where they sell tacos the canasta, another kind of taco that you must try.

Address – Av. Emilio Castelar 212, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

12. Taqueria Selene

This is the favorite taqueria in Polanco for tacos al pastor according to our guide. I didn’t try many so I’ll take his word. What I can say is that the tacos I tried were really good. We had two tacos and one gringa.

If you don’t know the “gringa” is just a taco al pastor but with cheese.

Tacos al pastor have normally pineapple inside but if you don’t want it you can just ask “sin piña” (without Pineapple). I forgot and I just take it out of my taco.

I am Italian so as much as I repulse the pineapple in pizza I also wholeheartedly dislike the pineapple in tacos. 😜

Address – Leibnitz 51-C, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, 11590 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

The best cafes in Polanco

13. Tierra Garat

I found this franchise of cafes all around Mexico during this trip for the first time and I love their americano.

It’s a sort of Mexican Starbucks with a cozy ambiance where you can sit and work, but it’s much better and their coffee is actually good, really good!

They could improve their pastry but you can find some nice panques to accompany your coffe if you feel like having a sweet treat.

I loved the Tierra Garat in Polanco on Masaryk street.

Address – Av. Pdte. Masaryk 86, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

14. Postales de Cafe

I just found this place out being next door to El Turix. It’s a cute little cafe showcasing delicious pastry!

Definitely to try if you are up for a sweet break during your day exploring, or if you are for an Italian breakfast with coffee and croissant 🙂

15. Neveria Roxy

Neveria Roxy is a chain of delicious Mexican icecream or sorbet, but this particular one has been there for years and it has become an icon in the neighborhood.

They have icecream of all sort of flavour even the weirdest and unthinkable ones. I suggest you try a few!

Address – Calle Julio Verne 84, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Map

16. Churreria El Moro

If you have never heard of them Churros are long and rounded fried doughs filled with all sorts of creams, of which the most common is chocolate and cajeta.

They come from Spanish and Portuguese culinary traditions but are very common in Mexico.

Churreria El Moro is a chain of Churro places where you can find some of the best ones in the city.

There is one just beside the above mentioned Paleteria Roxy if you want to double down in sweetness 🙂

Address – Calle Julio Verne 90, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11540 Ciudad de México, CDMX – Google Map

The best chocolate in Mexico City

17. Que Bo!

I wanted to add this because you are looking for a special Mexican Souvenir, in this place you can find real Mexican chocolate from the only officially certified chocolatier in Mexico. Don’t miss it.

Address – Calle Julio Verne 104-Local B – 91 And 92, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11565 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico – Google Map

Food tours in Polanco

Polanco food tour in Mexico City

I found this amazing food tour of Polanco on VIATOR and I cannot recommend it enough. You can also ask for Edoardo if you want to have the same guide as I did.

He was great and loved to share his knowledge as a Mexican chef in love with the food traditions and secrets of his own country.

He’s also super funny and speaks great English!

The tour last from 11 am to 14.30 approx. Totally worth the money. Just make sure you get there hungry because the amount of food you will eat is going to kill you.

► Book your food tour in Polanco on VIATOR

Mezcal & Tacos Tour Polanco

If you are a taco lover this tour is for you as you will taste the most popular taco places in Polanco and of course taste some great Mezcal.

This tour is available every day and last approximately 2 hrs and 30 minutes from 12 pm to 2 pm.

► Book your Tacos and Mezcal tour in Polanco on VIATOR

Other food tours in Mexico City

Colonia Roma Food Tour

This food tour was one of my favorites. The guide Joseph was incredibly knowledgeable and fun and the food we tried was unbelievably amazing.

I loved the fact that we explored different types of restaurants in Roma Norte, from taco places to gourmet vegan and international cuisine.

Also, while walking from one place to another the guide was sharing interesting information about the history of the neighborhood, iconic buildings, and fun facts and he would answer all our questions.

Definitely recommended.

► Book your Tacos and Mezcal tour in Polanco on VIATOR

A Night of Tacos and Mezcal in Mexico City

One of the best things to do at night in Mexico City is to join a taco and Mezcal tour. I did this tour and had a blast.

This tour will take you around some of Mexico City’s most delicious taco places by van so you don’t even have to walk, just eat and drink.

It starts at 5.30 pm and ends around 9.00/ 9.30

You will not only try iconic taco places with interesting history and traditions but you will stop by famous landmarks of Mexico city along the way.

The guides are super friendly and entertaining and you will feel like going on a tour with friends, while eating amazing tacos and learning about the Mexican food culture and more.

► Book your Tacos and Mezcal tour in Polanco on VIATOR

Top things to do in Polanco

So while you are indulging in the best restaurants of Polanco, you may want to explore the neighborhood highlights or do some shopping. So, here below is a short list of the top things you can check out in Polanco, besides eating.

Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is to Mexico City like Central Park is to New York City or Hyde Park is to London. A vast green area where people, tourists, and locals alike, can walk around safely in a tranquil environment from 5 am to 5 pm.

You will see a lot of fitness lovers jogging at any time of the day but especially in the morning and people of all ages walking or biking around, sitting on the lawn or benches while reading a book or chatting.

It’s a great place to chill and detox from the city hustle and bustle.

Chapultepec park is located south of Polanco and separates the fancy neighborhood with the artsy Roma and Condesa.

Inside the park, you can find restaurants, lakes, and a few cultural sites, such as the Castillo of Chapultepec and the Museum of Modern Art, but also a beautiful botanic garden.

It will take a full day to see it all and enjoy the park.

I would also recommend taking a free walking tour with Estacion Mexico. I took several walking tours with them and the guides I met were always professional and knowledgeable.

Anthropology Museum

It’s one of the biggest and most iconic Museums in Mexico and a must-visit if you are interested in Mexican history.

Even better if you visit the museum with a guide otherwise you will get lost among the many rooms and the amount of information.

The museum contains significantarchaeologicalandanthropologicalartifacts from Mexico’spre-Columbianheritage, such as theStone of the Sun(or the Aztec calendar stone) and theAztecXochipillistatue.

► Book your guided visit to the Anthropology museum on VIATOR

Rufino Tamayo Museum

If you love contemporary art you will want to visit the Rufino Tamayo Museum, named after the international contemporary painter, the museum of contemporary art hosts different temporal exhibitions of international artists.

It’s located right in front of the Museum of Modern Art in Chapultepec park.

Jumex Museum

Jumex Museum is located right beside the fancy Antara Mall and the Museo Somaya.

You can enjoy different exposition of contemporary artists, depending on where you are going. You can check out the museum’s official website to see what’s happening at the time you visit.

Museo Soumaya

Museo Soumaya is the private collection of artworks of Carlos Slim the richest man in Mexico and one of the richest in the world.

There are two locations in Mexico city one of which is in Polanco.

TheMuseo Soumaya is home to over 66,000 works from 30 centuries of art including sculptures fromPre-HispanicMesoamerica, 19th- and 20th-centuryMexican art,and several works by European artists includingAuguste Rodin,Salvador Dalí, Murillo,andTintoretto. It is considered one of the most complete collections of its kind.

The museum is named after Soumaya Domit, the wife of the founder of the museum who died in 1999.

Even if you don’t feel like spending the day in a Museum it’s worth looking at the unusual building from the outside.

Parque Lincoln

This park is located in the heart of Polanco and it’s surrounded by beautiful historical buildings and modern ones.

The most significant attractions of the park are the clock tower, a symbol of Polanco, the Angela Peralta open-air theater, a small area of ​​aviaries, as well as two water mirrors located in the central area of ​​the park.

The park is named after Abraham Lincoln because he was highly appreciated by Mexicans, for his courageous opposition to the US intervention in Mexico (1846 – 1848), before becoming president, when he was a Representative of the United States Congress.

Obviously, you will be able to appreciate the statue of Abraham Lincoln: The Man, located in the center of the park.

One of the three original castings of the statue of the same name by Augustus Saint-Gaudens stands in Chicago’s Lincoln Park.

The statue was a gift from the United States under the Lyndon B. Johnson government to the people of Mexico.

Antara Mall

A less cultural stop, but if you are in the mood for some shopping, Antara Mall is one of the finest Malls in Mexico city, located right in front of the two above-mentioned Museums.

Learn more about the things to do in Mexico City

Where to stay in Polanco

If you decided to stay in this upscale neighborhood here are a few hotel options for all budgets.

Casa Polanco – The most luxurious boutique hotel in Polanco – Book on Booking.com | Expedia

Utopic – Best boutique hotel in a historical building – Book on Booking.com | Expedia

Las Suites Campos Eliseos – Best Apart hotel with rooftop pool – Book on Booking.com

Ayenda Terraza 158 – cheap and cute hotel in Polanco – Book on Booking.com | Expedia

You can check out my posts on where to stay in Mexico City where I explain about each area and share the top hotels for different budgets.