Star Suites México

With only four communal tables, no sign, and no menu, this cash-only, sidewalk operation in Roma Norte offers a surprising experience that prioritizes food over fuss. In place of typical creature comforts, find a bustling kitchen that cooks and cooks until diners tap out. It is anyone’s guess as to what’s coming but know that heirloom corn nixtamalized and ground in house serves as the foundation for many of the dishes. Tortillas, sopes, and huaraches alike are molded and griddled to order and then dressed in a dazzling variety of seasonal ingredients and sauces. Tableside salsas pack lightnin

A pre-dinner cocktail at the moody 686 Bar upstairs is a smart way to start an evening in the capable hands of Chef Lucho Martinez. Named for his daughter Emilia, the intimate restaurant on the ground floor suits couples well, while the handsome kitchen takes a contemporary look at Mexican ingredients, many of which are seafood. Think grilled young corn served in a sauce made of coffee, browned butter and yuzu or a tostada bearing Veracruz-style fish stew topped with shaved avocado and caviar. The signature dessert celebrates all things mamey, arriving as a Swiss roll and frozen tartlet. Refin

While the bones of its industrial past are present, this chic Roma Norte restaurant's gorgeous space boasts whitewashed brick, mesquite wood furnishings and soaring ceilings. It's breezy and beautiful—and you'll want to linger for hours. Chef Eduardo Garcia's French and globally influenced Mexican cuisine draws attention. Order à la carte or try their tasting menu; either way you will be delighted by the intentional cooking here. Aguachile is given a glow-up, featuring sweet sea scallops and a bright dragon fruit sauce spiced with green chile. Seared fish is gorgeously seared and plated with a

Charm abounds at this unassuming Condesa spot, where concrete floors and exposed brick belie warm, polished service and sophisticated cuisine. A café offering simple dishes during the day, at night the kitchen gets to really show off Chef Victor Toriz’s bold, inventive cooking. Shareable plates blend seasonal inspiration with traditional flavors, embodying an exciting yet approachable style that is thoroughly of the moment. Offal is a particular highlight, as in crispy tripe paired with Ocosingo cheese and roasted beet, or perfectly seared sweetbreads with a creamy chileatole sauce. Produce an

This small spot in La Condesa feels like a chic neighborhood place with polished concrete and white tiled walls. It saves most of its precious real estate for the kitchen though there is a wood counter with six seats along with an additional handful of seats outside. The concise menu is focused on items made from corn nixtamalized daily on-site (think tamales, tacos, chilaquiles, and enfrijoladas). There are also items to take home like the excellent tortillas—grab them warm if you are lucky. The tamal de calabaza is a freshly steamed orb of flavorful yellow masa studded with bits of tender pu

Chef Elena Reygadas's Rosetta is a perennial favorite, packed with a crowd that comes here for creative cooking that is decidedly Mexican but is inflected with global influences. Dishes are designed for sharing, ideal for those who want to sample more of her ingenious creations like the cabbage tacos with two small rounds of Savoy cabbage, served warm with pistachio puree and romeritos. Blending interesting flavors and textures, this dish is a great play on expectations, and its different shades of green are visually arresting. A sweet potato tamal over toasted pumpkin seeds with a buttermilk

The address may no longer be a secret, but reservations at this hot spot are closely guarded (and only available by direct messaging on Instagram). The covered rooftop setting is enhanced with bountiful greenery and a lovely, relaxed vibe.Chef Ana Dolores González and a young, talented team cook with plenty of personality and a solid foundation of strong technique and good ingredients. Styled like a tasting menu and portioned for two, these dishes are impressive. Items of note include the pescado del dia, which may be grilled cod set in a luscious green mole with crushed ripe plantain, fava be