Restaurant Mexico - The 10 best restaurants Mexico in 2024

Practical information : Eating out Mexico

Timetable

Mexicans have a very different rhythm of life from the French. First of all, you can eat at any time of the day, on the go by ordering a few tacos in a puesto, these street stalls that attract people from 8am, or in a comedor if you are walking in a market. The main meal of the day is lunch, called comida. It is eaten quite late, around 2pm, and is relatively hearty. Many restaurants do not open until 1pm, unless they offer breakfast. Finally, dinner is a traditionally light meal, which is taken around 9pm. This does not prevent restaurants from opening for dinner and serving it as early as 6 or 7 pm. Note that more and more establishments offer continuous service and stay open all day or all afternoon.

Budget & Tips

Mexico is a wonderful place to treat yourself without breaking the bank. A meal in a nice restaurant in town will rarely cost you more than $250 per person. In the fondas, small restaurants serving inexpensive traditional cuisine, you can easily get away with less than $100 for a full meal. As for the street food stalls, the smell of which makes us salivate all day long, you'll easily find enough to satisfy a small hunger for less than $50. Of course, Mexico also boasts a number of excellent restaurants serving refined cuisine that can be accompanied by fine glasses of wine. In such establishments, dishes can cost $300 or more, which is still quite affordable.

What costs extra

It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants and cafés, in the order of 10 or 15% (up to 20% if the service has really won you over). If you pay by credit card, the waiter will ask you if you want to leave a tip(propina in Spanish) when you pay, in which case the amount will be added directly on the terminal. If you pay with cash, you can leave the tip on the table after you have paid.

The local way

One of the things you'll notice in Mexico is that the portions served in restaurants are gargantuan! In fondas as well as in taquerías and trendy mid-range restaurants found in the cities, it's best to avoid ordering too many dishes, even when the menu makes you salivate. If, despite your best efforts, you can't finish your plate, it's common practice in Mexico to ask for a doggy bag. Simply let your waiter know that you'd like the rest of your meal to go (" para llevar ").

To be avoided

If you fancy a cold drink to accompany your meal, avoid ice cubes at all costs, as tap water can make you ill. Similarly, to avoid trouble, don't ask for a glass of water, ask for a bottle of water. Water is purified at source and is supposed to be drinkable, but it's not uncommon for it to be contaminated before it reaches the tap.

Kids

Children are welcome in all restaurants and cafés. Mexicans are used to going out with their families, and most establishments are equipped with high chairs, and sometimes even games or a toy corner. Some also offer children's menus. Generally speaking, it's very easy to eat out with small children.

Smokers

In Mexico, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed spaces, including restaurants. The ban sometimes extends to the terrace, although it is almost never explicitly stated. Some establishments still offer smoking areas, especially in rural areas, but this is becoming increasingly rare.

Tourist traps

Tourist restaurants sometimes include the tip directly in the bill, simply because many foreigners (especially Europeans, where tipping is not widespread) tend to forget to leave one. The same applies if you're a group of six or more, in which case the tip is often automatically included. Check your bill carefully before paying, and if the word propina appears at the end of the bill, the tip has already been taken into account.

The best restaurants Mexico

EL MANATÍ BACALAR

ROSA SUR 32°

ALDEA XBATUN

IX CAT IK TRADICIONAL COCINA MAYA

YERBABUENA

RESTAURANT AHAL

A NICE PLACE ON THE BEACH

POSADA MEXICO

BARRIO SUR

CASA PORTUGUESA

ENTREVERO

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

OLIVA ENOTECA

AVEC AMOUR

CHEZ CHOUCHOU

LA MARIA COCINA PENINSULAR

NONNA MIA RESTAURANT

LA VAGABUNDA

LA BUENA VIDA

DON CAFETO

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