If there’s ever been a time to plan a bucket list food trip to Mexico City – now is certainly it. Brimming with renowned dining experiences, Condesa and Roma famously receive a lot of attention and accolades, however the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood is enjoying a gastronomic emergence and unveiling a new generation of rising stars.
Cuauhtémoc is a central neighborhood in Mexico City known for its blend of historic and modern elements. It’s named after the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc, and serves as a key commercial and cultural district. The area is home to numerous government buildings, embassies, upscale hotels, and restaurants, making it an important business and tourism hub.
Now emerging as the heart of Mexico City’s culinary scene, Cuauhtémoc has garnered significant acclaim in the country’s historic first Michelin Guide selection. Of the 16 restaurants in Mexico that earned a Michelin Star, four are located in this vibrant neighborhood, making it a top destination for fine dining enthusiasts. The area’s appeal extends beyond just Michelin Stars, as it also hosts 13 out of the 21 restaurants in Mexico City recognized with the Bib Gourmand award, which honors establishments offering high-quality cuisine at a more accessible price point. This recognition underscores Cuauhtémoc’s diverse range of dining options, catering to both luxury seekers and foodies who appreciate value-driven culinary experiences.
In addition to Michelin accolades, Cuauhtémoc is home to 26 of the 35 Recommended Restaurants in Mexico City, solidifying its status as a gastronomic hotspot. The neighborhood’s bar scene is equally impressive, with seven out of the 14 bars in the city recognized by The World’s 50 Best located here. These achievements reflect Cuauhtémoc’s dynamic evolution into a culinary and nightlife epicenter, where global dining trends converge with Mexico’s rich gastronomic heritage. As the neighborhood continues to attract top talent and adventurous palates, it remains at the forefront of Mexico City’s ever-expanding food and beverage landscape.
Where to Stay
Volga – Cuauhtémoc’s newest and chicest luxury boutique hotel – is the best place to stay when exploring. In addition to being conveniently located within a borough of globally recognized restaurants, Volga offers exceptional food and cocktail experiences on property led by promising young Executive Chef Juan Manuel González. His 16 years of culinary pedigree include training in prominent kitchens such as Akelarre (3 Michelin Stars) in Spain’s Basque Country and Mexico City’s famed Pujol (2 Michelin Stars).
At Volga, Chef Juan Manuel González is responsible for menu curation and leading culinary execution for the hotel’s signature Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant Elora, opened by international restaurateur Edo Kobayashi along with the hotel last year in the fall of 2023. The contemporary restaurant refreshes its offerings regularly, and the new seasonal menu at Elora was recently unveiled. A collaborative effort between Chef Juan and Edo Kobayashi, the seasonal menu highlights include Mushroom Tatami with mushroom jus, confit shitake, parmesan cheese and arugula, Zuke Maguro blue tuna with black garlic, shallots puree and truffle honey, and Toast of Basque boquerones (anchovies) with kale pesto and roasted quelites (Mexican edible wild greens).
