Restaurants in Museums in Mexico City / Gastronomic Hall at the National Museum of Anthropology, superb Mexican cuisine
Inside the most important museum in the country—and the continent—lies this bright Mexican restaurant, where you can explore the delicious path of our nation’s cuisine.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
The National Museum of Anthropology can surely be considered the capital of museums: the star. It opened in 1964 (I was three years old; do the math) and was the result of an initiative by President Adolfo López Mateos. I think we’ve all been to this museum—either with school or taking a tourist. It has 23 permanent exhibition halls, and one of its most impressive pieces is the Sun Stone (commonly, but mistakenly, called the Aztec Calendar).
What’s also curious—almost mythical (young readers may not know)—is the story of transporting Tláloc (the rain god), a massive 168-ton stone moved on a rolling platform from San Miguel Coatlinchán, Texcoco. They say it rained for three days… The rain god was not pleased.
A remarkable feature that is part of the most extraordinary architectural works I know is the fountain at the museum’s entrance. It was designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez: a column miraculously supporting a giant roof.
Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the Gastronomic Hall of the National Museum of Anthropology. Another masterpiece (like Ramírez Vázquez’s architecture). It’s, of course, located inside the museum, and its menu features Mexican selections. Did you know that Mexican gastronomy was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO?
Well, part of this intangible heritage is found in this Gastronomic Hall, which you must visit: mole-crusted filet (tender meat, mole perfectly balanced), Oaxacan enfrijoladas (I’m a fan of Oaxacan cuisine), chicken breast stuffed with requesón, and something supreme: Potosino enchiladas with potato and chorizo. It’s a National Museum of Mexican delights you can explore without getting bored: breakfasts (chilaquiles with cecina, huauzontle omelet); lunch options include cochinita pibil, pan de cazón, esquites, molotes made with plantain, and baked bone marrow.
There’s also a Café Hall with classic pastries, including crepes.
- What We Love and You Should Try: Mole-crusted filet
- Address: Av. Gandhi s/n, Colonia Polanco, CDMX
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Best For: Breakfast and lunch
- Payment: Cash and cards
- Accessibility: Yes
- Reservations: Not required
- Nearby Public Transport: Metrobús Avenida Reforma, Metro Polanco
- Pet Friendly: No
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Vegan Options: Yes
1 comment
Beatriz Cruz
Nadie contesta en Sala Gastrónomica tengo 2 telefonos y ni como hacer una reserva en la página pasa lo mismo que MAL, muy MAL