With Mexican food being so tasty, we set forth trying to find the best restaurants the country had to offer. Mexico only recently received its Michelin guide in 2024, recognising the rich depth of flavour the cuisine showcases. When we travel, food is at the top of our priority but good food doesn’t always mean expensive restaurants. We list below the top 5 restaurants in Mexico we visited during our 2 week adventure, make sure to include these in your schedule!
Oaxaca
Very affordable one Michelin star restaurant in Oaxaca – gastronomy capital of Mexico. Tables are in an open courtyard, with English speaking waiters. The stand out dish was the pig’s head picada in green sauce – which was so soft that it was melting in your mouth. Sherry and I still talk about this dish to this day. We also had confit pork rib with garlic and spices bean paste, it came with warm tortilla which was a perfect pairing. Guava mole with shrimp was interesting, guava taste was very prominent and being in Oaxaca you can’t miss trying their different types of mole! To top it off, the chocolate dessert made from 70% cacao, roasted plantains puree and mezcal syrup was wonderful, it’s like all Sherry’s favourites made to one plate.
A funny story was that I discovered this place as I saw people showing a photo of a colourful and very well-presented plate of tomatoes, but we didn’t end up ordering this, though we seriously considered it and lots of people around us went for it. You really can’t go wrong with any dishes on their creative menu.
3 shared mains and a dessert between 2 people, with 2 glasses of wine, the total bill was MX$2200 – a fraction of the cost of an equivalent restaurant elsewhere. Bargain.
Mexico City
We came here for the famous grilled fish with red chilli and parsley sauce which was big enough that you really didn’t need a lot of other dishes. Sherry and I couldn’t agree on which sauce we liked most as they were both really yummy. The octopus tacos were also delicious and made it into our Top Delicious Tacos list. The octopus was so soft and paired really well with the condiments. For dessert, they came around with the selections on a round platter for you to select.
As with any popular restaurants, the spots fill up quickly. We luckily managed to get a reservation at noon on our last day in Mexico City, make sure to book early to not miss out!
Mexico City
This restaurant in Mexico City is a popular spot with nice interior. It is situated right in the historic centre, perfect as a lunch spot or a break in between your sightseeing.
The beef tongue was the stand out dish. It might sound (and look) scary to those unfamiliar, but the tenderness was what caught us out. We’re used to having this caramelised off the barbecue, so to experience it this way blew our minds. Paired with tortilla and cactus to wrap, and recommended by both our airbnb and walking tour guide (and now us), it is the one you have to try!
Mexico City
This restaurant was recommended to us by our AirBnB, and we went there for dinner after a long travel day. So you could guess that we might have over ordered but food was absolutely delicious.
We ordered a mango ceviche which was really fresh and full of flavours. Then for the mains, we went for half chicken and cochinita pibil which came with warm corn tortilla for making our own tacos. This place also makes great cocktails with full bar as you enter the premises. We had no room left for desserts unfortunately, but don’t let that stop you.
Valladolid
We came across this gem as it was close to our accommodation. The restaurant is small so reservations are essential. Julia, the host, was turning away walk ins as they were full. The Chef is Julia’s husband – he is from Oaxaca and hence the inspiration for the restaurant.
Ever since we had our first ever tlayuda in Oaxaca, we were craving for it as we travelled to other places in Mexico. Luckily this restaurant had just that, and more authentic Mexican dishes.
The tlayuda is massive and we had our first guacamole for the whole trip here – which was sooo fresh and creamy. We got in just in time since it was the last guacamole of the night! A bonus was that they poured lager in frosted glasses which was a nice way to quench your thirst in the heat. And for dessert, you have to get the flan, it’s as pretty as it is tasty.
So there you have it, top 5 restaurants during our Mexico trip. Let us know if you have tried any of those and what you think!
