Quintonil: The Best Restaurant in Mexico According to the 50 Best
The 50 Best Restaurants where recently announced and Quintonil Mexico City ranked for the first time as the Best Restaurant in Mexico because of its number 7 position in the 50 best restaurants Awards this 2024. It is also the first time that this restaurant ranked better than its main competitor Pujol which sipped this time from number 13 last year to number 33.
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with Mexican Flavours then Quintonil is definitely a great option for you to enjoy.Let me show you in this blog post what makes Quintonil such a great dining experience when visiting Mexico City created by Chef Jorge Vallejo.
A Two Star Michelin Restaurant in Mexico City
Quintonil secured the prestigious 2-star Michelin rating in 2024, the year the Michelin Guide arrived in Mexico. This innovative restaurant celebrates Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, featuring unexpected local ingredients and highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity. Alongside Pujol, Quintonil is one of only two restaurants in Mexico City to achieve this high honor. Their tasting menus are a delightful exploration of unique Mexican flavors, making Quintonil a must-try for any foodie visiting Mexico City.
The Origins of Quintonil
Located in the fashionable High-End Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City, Quintonil Mexico City is the brainchild of chefs Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo. Since its opening in 2012, Quintonil has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mexico City, offering a unique take on Mexican cuisine that combines traditional flavors with a modern twist.
The name “Quintonil” comes from the Nahuatl word “quiltonilli,” which means edible plant or weed, and “tonalli,” which has various meanings depending on the context and language. It reflects the restaurant’s focus on using local ingredients, including many indigenous plants and herbs.
About the Chef:
Jorge Vallejo gained valuable experience by joining the renowned Pujol restaurant led by Enrique Olvera. He then went on to become an executive chef at the Diana restaurant located in Mexico City’s luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Vallejo’s culinary journey then led him to Copenhagen’s prestigious Noma, where he worked for some time before opening Quintonil in 2012 alongside his wife, Alejandra Flores. At Quintonil, her wife manages the front-of-house with her team, who are known for their exceptional hospitality skills.
The Experience: What to Expect at Quintonil Mexico City
As soon as you step into Quintonil, you’ll be struck by its elegant and minimalist decor. The restaurant is bright and airy, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The service is impeccable, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that will guide you through the menu.
The Menu: A Journey Through Mexican Flavors
At Quintonil, the menu changes every month, reflecting the availability of seasonal ingredients and the creativity of the chefs. The focus is on Mexican flavors, with a particular emphasis on local ingredients. You can expect to find dishes like crispy suckling pig with mole, charred octopus with avocado and cucumber, and beef tongue with purslane and pickled onions.
However the Chef keeps some of their signature dishes in the Menu like the slow-cooked beef tail in a dark recado sauce with almond puree and pickled red onions to a savory atocpan-style mole with locally grown organic vegetables and crusty sourdough bread, Quintonil’s menu offers a wide range of flavors that represent the unique and diverse aspects of Mexican cuisine.
The dishes are thoughtfully prepared and perfectly balanced, with refreshing palate cleansers like tangy crème fraiche with sweet rhubarb and delicate caviar, ensuring that every guest leaves the restaurant feeling satisfied and content rather than overly full.
Photos of the Food I had on my last visit at Quintonil Mexico City
The tasting menu costs $230USD or $4500 MXN, and can be adjusted to accommodate vegan, pescatarian, and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. Drinks are not included, but you can opt for a wine pairing for an additional 300 USD. The Menu with wine Pairing costs $10,500 MXN aproximately $530 USD
The Kitchen Bar Experience: An Unforgettable Culinary Adventure
For the ultimate culinary adventure, book the Kitchen Bar Experience at Quintonil. Here, you’ll be seated at a bar table in front of the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs as they prepare your food. This experience costs 235 USD or 340 USD, depending on the day of the week. Drinks are not included.
The Wine List: A Perfect Pairing for Quintonil’s Cuisine
If you wish to upgrade your Menu to a wine pairing experiece,Quintonil’s wine list is one of the Most extensive in Mexico City and carefully curated, with a focus on Mexican and Spanish wines.
The Always Comparison: Quintonil Mexico City vs. Pujol
People tend to compare these 2 iconic restaurants because of their competition in the 50 Best Restaurant in the World.It’s interesting to note that Pujol and Quintonil have more in common – they’re both renowned restaurants in Mexico City that offer exceptional Mexican cuisine. However, there are some key differences between the two.
While Pujol focuses on traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist, Quintonil takes a more modern approach, using local ingredients to create unique and innovative dishes. In fact, 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.
In terms of atmosphere, Pujol has a more traditional feel, with dim lighting and a cozy ambiance, while Quintonil is bright and airy, with minimalist decor.
Both restaurants offer tasting menus, but the prices are slightly different – Pujol’s tasting menu costs 195 USD, while Quintonil’s is 215 USD. Additionally, Pujol offers a vegetarian tasting menu, while Quintonil can accommodate various dietary restrictions upon request.
Ultimately, both restaurants offer incredible dining experiences and are must-tries for food lovers visiting Mexico City.
Reservations: Plan Ahead since its a 50 Best Restaurant in the World
Reservations at Quintonil are highly recommended, as the restaurant is often fully booked. You can make a reservation up to two months in advance, either by phone or through the restaurant’s website. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, make sure to book your table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
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.
Final Thoughts of Quintonil Mexico City:
Quintonil Mexico City offers a gastronomic journey through Mexican flavors that is sure to impress even the most discerning foodies. With its focus on local ingredients and stunning presentations, it’s no wonder that Quintonil has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mexico City. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Quintonil is a must-do for anyone who loves food.
Mexico City has nos become an international Hub for Food Experiences and even some of the Best Bars in World like Handshake Speakeasy among other great Quality Bars.This time the 2023 Best Restaurants in the World will be announced soon and I’m pretty sure that Quintonil will improve its already impressive ranking and I believe this time it will make it to the Top 5 Best Restaurants.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, make sure to book your table well in advance, and consider the Kitchen Bar Experience for a truly unforgettable culinary adventure even if you have to pay a little bit more.I also recommend to keep an eye on their Official Social Media Accounts for Special Events hosted by the Restaurant.
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