Cuerno Mexico City Restaurant Ultimate Review

In the heart of Mexico City’s prestigious Polanco district, where luxury and culinary excellence converge, sits a steakhouse that recently caught the attention of the global sports world. When NBA teams visited Mexico City in December 2023, they didn’t just make headlines on the court – they racked up an astounding $100,000 bill at Cuerno Mexico City, cementing this establishment’s reputation as Mexico City’s premier steakhouse destination!

But what makes this upscale restaurant worthy of such an extravagant splurge? Let’s dive into the experience that’s making Cuerno the talk of Mexico City’s elite dining scene.

The $100K NBA Night: When Basketball Met Fine Dining

December 2019 marked a historic moment for Cuerno when the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs descended upon the restaurant during the NBA’s Mexico City games. What followed was nothing short of legendary – a $100,000 dining extravaganza that made headlines across sports and culinary media alike. Players, coaching staff, and team executives filled the restaurant, ordering multiple rounds of premium cuts, dozens of signature Taco Richis, and seemingly endless bottles from the restaurant’s premium wine cellar.

Location and Atmosphere: A Polanco Gem

Nestled in the sophisticated streets of Polanco, Mexico City’s answer to Beverly Hills, Cuerno stands as a testament to modern luxury dining. The moment you step through its doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that perfectly balances upscale elegance with warm, inviting energy. The open-concept kitchen adds a theatrical element to your dining experience, allowing you to witness the culinary mastery firsthand.

The restaurant’s design speaks volumes – warm lighting casts a gentle glow over sophisticated interiors, while an impressive wine cellar showcases an expertly curated selection of Mexican and international wines. The attention to detail in the ambiance sets the stage for what’s to come: an unforgettable culinary journey.

The Famous Taco Richi: Cuerno’s Crown Jewel

If there’s one dish that encapsulates Cuerno’s philosophy of elevating Mexican cuisine to new heights, it’s the legendary Taco Richi. This isn’t just any taco – it’s a masterpiece that combines premium high-choice Ribeye with a perfectly executed cheese crust (costra de queso). The addition of crispy chicharrón provides a textural contrast that plays beautifully with the creamy avocado, all wrapped in a house-made flour tortilla.

What makes this taco truly special is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The Ribeye is cooked to perfection, maintaining its juiciness while developing a beautiful crust. The cheese crust adds a savory depth that transforms this from a simple taco into a culinary experience worth traveling for.

Starting Strong: The Legendary Beef Broth (Jugo de Carne)

Before diving into the main courses, the Jugo de Carne (beef broth) serves as a perfect opening act. This isn’t your ordinary soup – it’s a rich, complex creation that showcases the kitchen’s mastery of traditional Mexican cooking techniques. The broth is slowly simmered to extract maximum flavor, resulting in a clear, intensely flavored liquid that warms the soul.

Served with traditional garnishes, this starter sets the tone for the meal ahead while paying homage to Mexico’s culinary heritage. It’s the perfect way to awaken your palate for the feast to come.

The Star of the Show: Rib Eye Steak

At Cuerno, the Rib Eye steak isn’t just a dish – it’s a statement. The kitchen team sources only the finest cuts, treating each piece of meat with the respect it deserves. The steaks are cooked with precision over high heat to achieve the perfect crust while maintaining a juicy, tender interior.

The seasoning is minimal but impeccable, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine through. Each steak is served with a selection of accompaniments that complement rather than overwhelm the meat’s natural flavors. This is where you truly understand why Cuerno has earned its reputation as one of Mexico City’s finest steakhouses.

A Must-Try Starter: The Porkbelly Tacos Experience

While the steaks might be the main attraction, the Porkbelly Tacos (also known as Tacos de Chicharron Cuerno) have earned their place as the perfect appetizer. These small but mighty bites showcase the kitchen’s ability to balance traditional Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques.

The pork belly is cooked until tender on the inside while maintaining a crispy exterior, creating a wonderful textural contrast. The portion size is perfect for sharing, making these tacos an ideal way to begin your Cuerno experience. They’re consistently praised by first-time visitors and regulars alike as one of the menu’s standout items. It’s very important to emphasize that you have to order it as a Taco de Chicharron Cuerno in Spanish instead of Pork Belly.

Saving the Best for Last: The Legendary Pastel de Campechanas

No discussion about Cuerno would be complete without mentioning their show-stopping Pastel de Campechanas. This dessert has earned its reputation as one of Mexico City’s finest sweet creations, and for good reason. The combination of caramel and dulce de leche with traditional campechanas pastry creates a dessert that’s simultaneously familiar and innovative.

The pastry itself is a marvel of texture – delicate yet substantial enough to hold up to the rich caramel and dulce de leche. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity, making it a fitting end to a memorable meal. It’s no exaggeration to say this dessert alone is worth the visit to Cuerno A Must-Visit Culinary Destination.Other Option I’ve tried before is the Nutella Ice Cream Cheesecake which is another wonderful option to consider.

The Wine Cellar: A Connoisseur’s Paradise

Another aspect that caught the NBA delegation’s attention – and deserves its own mention – is Cuerno’s impressive wine cellar. Housing over 200 carefully selected labels from both Mexican and international vineyards, the cellar represents one of the most comprehensive wine collections in Mexico City. The selection includes exclusive vintages from Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, alongside premium selections from France, Italy, and California. May I recommend a Madero Shiraz Wine for you to pair with your Steak?

The restaurant’s sommeliers are particularly skilled at pairing wines with their signature dishes, creating combinations that elevate both the food and wine to new heights. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to enhance your dining experience, the wine program at Cuerno adds another layer of sophistication to an already exceptional meal.

A Must-Visit Culinary Destination

Whether you’re following in the footsteps of NBA stars or simply seeking out Mexico City’s finest dining experiences, Cuerno delivers an unforgettable experience that justifies its reputation as one of the city’s premier restaurants. From the iconic Taco Richi to the unforgettable Pastel de Campechanas, every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and exceptional quality.

In a city known for its culinary excellence, Cuerno stands out by consistently delivering an experience that combines the best of Mexican culinary traditions with modern steakhouse expertise. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of what makes Mexico City one of the world’s great food destinations. When in Polanco, do as the NBA stars do – make Cuerno a non-negotiable stop on your culinary journey.

Take the Famous Polanco Food Tour available on Viator

Explore the culinary delights of Polanco Mexico City with an exclusive Food Tour. Join an expert guide on a captivating walking tour that takes you to various esteemed eateries, providing an insider’s perspective on the local food scene.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Mexico as you indulge in a diverse array of dishes, spanning Oaxacan, Yucatecan, and traditional specialties. Enjoy delightful chocolate and ice cream desserts, all while surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Polanco’s parks, elegant mansions, and captivating art galleries.

This intimate experience is tailored for a small group, limited to just 10 people, ensuring a personalized and engaging journey through the culinary hotspot of Polanco Mexico City. To secure your spot on this top-rated tour, exclusively available on Viator.

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