Fancy a taste of the finest French cuisine but like the comfort of having a friendly taco stand around the corner? Don’t bother with
Paris, come to Mexico City! In Mexico’s largest city there’s a wealth of dining options, which can be confusing for the uninitiated novice. Here’s our guide to the capital’s top French restaurants you have to try.
Le Petit Resto
Look beyond the slightly retro interior of Le Petit Resto and let yourself be transported instead to a Parisian bistro. A well established, familial, and cozy French restaurant, Le Petit Resto has guaranteed quality French food for over 20 years and remains a firm favorite. Offering attentive service and delicious escargot, along with an extensive wine list, prices are on the higher side, but not quite fine dining. It’s highly recommended to stop by on the final Friday of the month, Noche Bohemia, and relax with some atmospheric, live accordion music.
Address & telephone number: Av. San Antonio 100, Nápoles, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 5611 9128
Rojo Bistrot
Located in the beautiful Condesa neighborhood, on the corner of Amsterdam and surrounded by various bars perfect for an after-dinner drink, Rojo Bistrot is a favorite with the locals. True to its laidback, cosmopolitan location, expect divine French cuisine with a bohemian, contemporary twist very much influenced by the Parisian bistro lifestyle, as well as the New York background of its owners. Perennially busy, the low lighting, live music, and efficient service make this an excellent location for a date night.
Address & telephone number: Amsterdam 71, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtemoc, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 5211 3705
Central Brasserie
Dine in style in this chic restaurant in the upscale Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City, or take advantage of the Central Brasserie terrace. Best for the French food novice, this pared down, simple menu only offers a small selection of classic French-inspired dishes with minor Mexican adjustments, of which the lobster ravioli is a particular favorite. If you fancy relaxing with a drink, the red wine selection is also delightful and can be enjoyed in front of the fire to round off an evening of delicious dining.
Address & telephone number: Presidente Masaryk 123, Polanco, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 5545 5628
Les Moustaches
Mexico City’s French dining institution and award-winning Les Moustaches is one of the originals and remains the best on the scene forty years on. Consistently well reviewed, this popular hotspot for authentic French food in the heart of the Mexican capital is not to be missed. Famed for its fantastic ambiance, live violinist, and regal interior, its food is also outstanding. Sommelier Jonas will assist you in choosing the perfect wine accompaniment to your dinner, be it foie gras or escargot in a garlic butter. It’s well worth treating yourself to a fine dining experience at Les Moustaches.
Address & telephone number: Río Sena 88 Colonia Cuahtemoc, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 5533 3390
Máximo Bistrot
Máximo Bistrot
Venture into quirky Roma Norte and stop off at the delightful Máximo Bistrot while you’re there. Offering locally grown and sourced produce that will please even the most discerning palates, this quaint little bistro serves only the freshest, in-season ingredients which demand the daily creation of new and inventive menus by Chef Eduardo “Lalo” Garcia. Even the napkins are artisan-made and locally sourced. Due to the farm-to-table nature of Máximo Bistrot, they do not offer exclusively French dishes, instead combining a range of cuisines, truly offering something for everyone.
Address & telephone number: Tonalá 133, Roma Norte, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 52644291
Eloise
Contemporary. Chic. Minimal. Eloise is a divine French restaurant, offering both traditional and novel new dishes to satisfy every diner, in a beautifully decorated, neoclassical- inspired interior. Each dish, from the truffle topped huevos rotos to the risotto with escargot, draws from and is influenced by classic French dishes and ingredients, yet simultaneously breaks away from the traditional to serve up something truly original. Reservations are a must for this small but always busy restaurant in Colonia San Ángel. Make sure to stay after dinner and enjoy a martini.
Address & telephone number: Revolución 1521, San Ángel, Distrito Federal, Mexico, +52 55 5550 1692
