Mexico's restaurant scene heats up with Zagat and star chefs
Mexico is set to enjoy a dual boost to its gastronomy scene, with Zagat releasing its first ever restaurant guide to Mexico City and a roster of some of the world’s most important chefs descending on the country next month in an international event aimed at promoting the country's culinary heritage.
In a sign showing that Mexican cuisine has succeeded in rising above its reputation as the sum of just its tacos and enchiladas for the makers of the burgundy guide, Zagat has released “Mexico City Restaurants” filled with 476 addresses in the capital, based on the opinions of local diners.
Trending in the city right now is traditional Mexican fare given a ‘stylish twist’, says Zagat. Restaurant Quintonil, for instance, uses authentic flavors as a springboard for modern dishes such as “green rice” with egg, chili poblanos, sprouts and coriander or octopus with black olive sauce and roasted garlic.
Some of the most popular dining destinations are also known for using local, sustainable ingredients such as Kaah Siis, where dishes such as tomatoes, onions, bitter orange, avocado, watercress and Yucatan oregano vinaigrette are all sourced locally.
Other hot tickets in town include posh hotel restaurants such as the J&G Grill at the St. Regis, Quattro at the JW Marriott, The Palm at the Presidente InterContinental and the Morimoto at the Camino Real.
Meanwhile, Mesamerica is set to take place next month and has succeeded in attracting a veritable who’s who of the avant-garde gastronomy scene. Big names such as René Redzepi, Daniel Humm, Alex Atala, Gaston Acurio and Andoni Luis Aduriz -- all chefs considered trailblazers in the industry -- have lent credence to the nascent event in just its second edition.
Here are some of the top-rated restaurants according to Zagat readers in Mexico City:
Food:
Maximo Bistrot Local
Andalus
Fonda 99.99
Pujol
L’Osteria del Becco
Most popular:
50 Friends
Sanborns
Arroyo
El Cardenal
La Casa de Tono
Mesamerica runs May 20-22.
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