Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Mexico / Pujol, in Polanco, with brand-new tasting menus and omakase tacos, has received two of these awards.
Author-driven Mexican cuisine with a focus on environmental care and sustainability.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Let’s start at the beginning: what is a Michelin Star? People often say it’s simply the “Oscar of food.” Winning one of these little stars is like receiving the gastronomic Nobel Prize. The award is given by the Michelin Guide, a publication that evaluates, rates, and reviews restaurants and hotels. It has existed since 1900. In Mexico, however, it only arrived in 2024.
Two restaurants have earned two of these shining medals: Pujol and Quintonil. Today, we’ll focus on the first one, which was started by chef Enrique Olvera, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, back in 2000. At the time, it was a small spot in Del Valle. His idea was always to combine international elements with traditional Mexican cuisine. They say (I can’t personally confirm this since I never visited that original location) that in those early days Olvera was more “experimental and technical.”
The Move to Polanco
In 2017, Pujol, already successful, moved to a renovated, tree-lined house in Polanco. It offers two tasting menus: one focused on seafood and the other on corn. Both have seven courses. You can also enjoy “omakase tacos” there (about ten varieties that change daily). (Omakase is a Japanese concept applied to sushi. It roughly means “trust the chef.” Here, of course, it’s about trusting the tacos.)
The Food
Those tacos are a must-try. Highly recommended dishes, in my opinion, include the ceviche, wagyu short ribs, mole madre, and the not-to-be-missed chocolate tamales. Beyond the food, Michelin Stars, and the ambiance, it’s worth highlighting that Pujol is committed to caring for the environment—they save water and energy, manage solid waste and reduce emissions, prioritize local ingredients and raw materials, and preserve the gastronomic culture of our country.
Deliciousness, culinary Oscars, and social and ecological awareness—what more could you ask for?
What We Love and You Should Try: Soconusco chocolate tamal, Sayula cajeta ice cream.
Address: Tennyson 133, Polanco, CDMX
Hours: Closed on Sundays; Monday to Saturday, 1:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Best For: Lunch and dinner
Payment: Cash and cards
Nearby Public Transport: Metro Polanco
Accessibility: Yes
Reservations: Essential
Phone: +52 55 5545 4111
Pet Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Vegan Options: No
