Pujol Mexico City: My Review of one of the best restaurants in the World

In a stunning recognition of its culinary excellence, Pujol Mexico City was awarded a coveted 2 Michelin Stars by the Michelin Guide in 2024. This prestigious accolade places Pujol amongst the finest dining establishments in the world. Located in the heart of Polanco, this fine dining restaurant has long been a leader in Mexican cuisine, consistently ranking high on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In 2024, Pujol secured the 33rd spot, solidifying its position as the second-best Mexican restaurant globally, following Quintonil Mexico City at number 7.

Helmed by the visionary Chef Enrique Olvera and Chef de Cuisine Jesús Durón, Pujol offers an unforgettable experience that transcends exceptional cuisine and chic surroundings. Let’s explore what makes Pujol Mexico City a must-visit for any discerning foodie.

A 2 Star Michelin Restaurant in 2024

Making history in 2024, Pujol Mexico City secured a coveted 2 Michelin Stars, becoming one of only two restaurants in all of Mexico to achieve this prestigious honor. This recognition comes as the Michelin Guide sets its sights on Mexico for the first time, meticulously evaluating the country’s culinary landscape. Earning a Michelin Star signifies exceptional cuisine, while two stars denote a destination worth a detour – a testament to Pujol’s position at the forefront of Mexican gastronomy.

History and Vision of Pujol Mexico City:

Chef Enrique Olvera founded Pujol Mexico City back in 2000 with the vision to showcase everything about Mexican gastronomy, from its unique techniques and inimitable spices to the country’s rich history. More than twenty years on, Chef Jesús Durón has taken the reins as Pujol’s Chef de Cuisine, continuing this quest for memorable flavors and culinary excellence. With consistently high rankings since 2016 in Latin America’s and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Pujol Mexico City has become a destination for foodies from around the globe.

With the reputation of Pujol Enrique Olvera is now considered one of the best Chefs in the World and perhaps the Best Chef in all Mexico, Olvera has expanded its Mexican Restaurant Empire into the United States with his renowned Restaurant in New York Cosme which also ranked as one of the 100 Best Restaurants in the World this past 2022.

Another achievement has been added to Pujol: the UN recognizes Enrique Olvera, Pujol’s chef, for his sustainable food, as Enrique Olvera acquires quality products and integrates innovative menus consisting of a taco bar, a corn based menu, and a seafood menu.The recognition was also given due to the chef’s commitment to preserving Mexican corn, and he created his own mill where he has been making tortillas from native corn varieties for over a decade. The UN news channel published a recognition to the chef for his environmental commitments and his call to approach the 2030 Agenda.

Chef’s Special Dishes at Pujol Mexico City Tasting Menu:

Pujol Mexico City offers a varied seven-course tasting menu that changes seasonally. However, the signature Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo – two concentric rings of the traditional Mexican preparation, one of which is aged for 2,500 days – is a stable feature, alongside a steamy dish of baby corn with chicatana ant mayonnaise. This Mole is one of the Best Mexican Dishes I’ve ever tried in my life, its quite a simple dish but with a lot of taste, this dish is served with multiple types of tortillas for you to Dip with your Mole Madre.The cost for this tasting menu experience is $150 per person with no Drinks or gratuity included.

Taco Time at Pujol Mexico City: The Omakase Experience

Pujol Mexico City’s ever-popular taco bar with a ten course meal experience offers refined riffs on the classic Mexican dish, such as scallop tacos with avocado, ginger, and shiso, and squash blossom tacos with koshihikari rice and amberjack. The chef’s favorites feature on an omakase menu and include the likes of amberjack ceviche with palm hearts, fennel and parsnip, and baby corn with chicatana ant mayo.When visiting Pujol Mexico City, the star of your meal will be the mole, which has been cooking continuously since 2013 and tastes like incredibly light and complex melted chocolate.

This Experience also feels very authentic because you’re seated in a designated Taco Bar Area that also offers the opportunity for solo travelers and visitors to make friends during the experience The cost for the Omakase Taco Experience is $175 per person with no Drinks nor gratuity included.From the two menu options the Omakase Taco Experience is still my favorite one.

Chic Setting of Pujol Mexico City:

After relocating in 2017, Pujol Mexico City’s new home can be found in a leafy, suburban neighborhood of Mexico City. Its sleek interior is lit by gorgeous natural light that floods through the windows. Guests can sit both inside the dining room and at the outdoor tables on the partly covered, terrazzo-floor patio.

Pujol and Quintonil: The Best Restaurants in Mexico City

Quintonil is the 9th Best Restaurant in the World and like I mentioned earlier Pujol ranked this past 2022 as the 5th best Restaurant in this category and for this reason many people tend to compare both restaurants in Food and Service Quality. But believe it or not Quintonil and Pujol have a lot in common. not only are they both in Polanco, but the chef at Quintonil also worked at Pujol, and Pujol’s most famous dish (the mole madre that’s been cooking since 2013) was initially made to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Quintonil.

Despite the similarities, each restaurant has its own unique approach to Mexican cuisine, making both worth visiting for a different but equally exceptional dining experience. I must add that Quintonil tends to be more expensive than Pujol with prices starting at $215 per person and the Kitchen Bar Experience at $240.

Last but more important, Quintonil is also the 2nd Two Star Michelin Restaurant that made history this 2024, so I would say both are equal in quality and Michelin Guide Stars.

Final Thoughts and 2023 Update:

Pujol’s commitment to showcasing the best of Mexican cuisine, coupled with the expertise and passion of its chef de cuisine Jesús Durón, has earned the restaurant a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to explore the flavors of Mexico, Pujol Mexico City offers an exceptional dining experience that is sure to impress.

Pujol Mexico City is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking to experience the best of Mexican gastronomy. With its signature dishes of Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo, and baby corn with chicatana ant mayo, Pujol Mexico City’s seven-course tasting menu is an unforgettable culinary journey. The chic and stylish ambiance of the restaurant, along with its outdoor terrace, provides a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for guests.

Reservations open up a year in advance, and you’ll probably need to plan a couple of months ahead if you want to get a table.A very friendly tip for my solo travelers is that you might have a lucky chance to grab a spot into the Omakase experience.

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.

Posts you May Like

Join my Workshops and Nightlife Experiences that I host in Mexico City plus an Online Cocktail Class

Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I genuinely believe in and have personally used. Your support through these affiliate links helps me maintain and improve this blog. Thank you for your support!