Bygone Restaurants in Mexico City / Mezzanotte: Italian Cuisine, Innovative Architecture, and Chic Vibes
A restaurant-club frequented by glamorous celebrities, serving Italian cuisine and encouraging dancing on the tables.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
“Mezza” means half and “notte” means night. The name of this glamorous restaurant-disco-meeting spot comes from the Italian Mezzanotte: midnight. What I remember about this sophisticated club is that people danced on the tables—precisely after Cinderella’s hour: 12 a.m.
Architecture and Décor
I recall taking an escalator to the second floor (or am I mistaken?). The architectural and decorative concept was designed by architects Marcela Ibáñez and Carla Salazar. I remember the chairs with oval-shaped backs and the trees that mingled with the crowd, as if they wanted to dance too.
I can’t confirm (I went only once, in my forties, and didn’t dance on the tables because I have balance issues), but it’s said that Mezzanotte was visited by celebrities like Bono (from U2, not César Bono), Jennifer López, Martha Sánchez, and Chayanne (not to brag, but I did a telenovela with Chayanne—real name Elmer Figueroa—called Volver a Empezar, starring Yuri).
The Second Attempt
"It became a reference point for the city’s nightlife…", some texts read. Its peak lasted only a decade; then it closed. It was a blaze that burned out fast. One of the partners, Miguel Sacal, tried to reopen it in the same location as “Mezzanotte 513 Ristorante.” It didn’t catch on and disappeared shortly after.
The reopening promised: “After 10 years of absence, one of Polanco’s most emblematic meeting points opens its doors with the promise of becoming a reference once again for fun, music, and (…) gastronomy.”
The promise was never fulfilled. I don’t remember this second version, but it faded quickly. Rest in peace.
Address: Masaryk 513, Polanco, CDMX
Permanently closed
