Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Mexico? (2023)

Wondering if Mexico has any Michelin star restaurants? You’ve come to the right guide!

Unfortunately, the Michelin Guide does not yet evaluate restaurants in Latin America, which means Mexico does not have any Michelin star restaurants.

But this should definitely not deter you from exploring Mexico’s vibrant culinary scene, which offers a diverse range of outstanding restaurants.

As a luxury travel expert that lives in Mexico, I can attest that there are many exceptional fine dining restaurants in the country that showcase the best of Mexican cuisine.

So whether you’re a foodie looking for the next best thing or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, you’ll find it in Mexico. 

In this post, I’m sharing more information about Michelin star restaurants in Mexico, as well as some of the country’s Michelin star-worthy restaurants, which cities are considered to be the food capitals of the country, and more.

So if you’re ready to learn more about the fine dining restaurant scene in Mexico, let’s get started!

Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Mexico?

No, there are currently no Michelin star restaurants in Mexico. The Michelin Guide, a prestigious restaurant rating system, has not evaluated restaurants in Latin America. 

However, the good news is that the Michelin Guide has announced its plans to launch in Mexico in 2023. This is expected to put the spotlight on the culinary scene of Mexico and offer local chefs the recognition they deserve.

One of the reasons Michelin has not expanded to this region earlier is that the rating system focuses mainly on Europe, Asia, and the United States. 

Nevertheless, the increasing international attention on Mexican cuisine has encouraged Michelin to expand its reach and start evaluating restaurants in the country.

About the Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide is a renowned restaurant rating system that originated in France. It rates restaurants on a scale of one to three stars, with three stars being the highest accolade.

• One Star: Considered to be a “very good” restaurant. It indicates that the restaurant has high-quality cooking, and uses ingredients that are fresh and of high quality.
  
  
• Two Stars: Considered to be an “excellent” restaurant. It indicates that the restaurant serves exceptional cuisine, and has skillfully and carefully crafted dishes using high-quality ingredients.
  
  
• Three Stars: Considered to be an “exceptional” restaurant. It indicates that the restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience, and represents the epitome of fine dining. The restaurant is typically led by a world-class chef who has demonstrated exceptional culinary skills and techniques, and the dishes are often creative and innovative, using the highest quality ingredients available.

Food Capitals in Mexico

Mexico is a country with a rich culinary tradition, and there are several cities that stand out as Mexican food capitals, each with its own unique flavor and style.

Mexico City

Mexico City is considered the food capital of Mexico due to its diversity of regional cuisines and avant-garde dining experiences, from traditional street food to fine dining establishments.

The Mexican capital city is home to many luxury Mexico City hotels and some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, including Pujol, Quintonil, and Restaurante Rosetta.

These restaurants have been recognized internationally for their exceptional cuisine, creative techniques, and use of local ingredients.

Puebla

Puebla, a colonial city in central Mexico, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, blending pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences and flavors, such as mole poblano, chiles en nogada, and cemitas.

The city is also famous for its street food scene, which offers a great place to try a variety of snacks, antojitos, and sweets, such as tacos arabes, chalupas, and camotes.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca, a southern state in Mexico, is a food lover’s paradise, featuring a wide range of authentic and diverse dishes, such as tlayudas, memelas, moles, and chapulines, as well as mezcal, a smoky spirit distilled from agave.

The city of Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and cultural festivals, such as the Guelaguetza and the Day of the Dead.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara, a western city in the state of Jalisco, is famous for its tequila, mariachi music, and regional cuisine, including birria, tortas ahogadas, and pozole.

The city has a thriving food scene, with a mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a range of flavors and styles, from classic to fusion.

Merida

Merida, a city on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, is a gastronomic hub, blending Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in its cuisine, such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, and papadzules.

The city is also home to many modern and innovative chefs and restaurants that combine local ingredients and techniques with global trends, offering visitors a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Michelin Star Worthy Restaurants in Mexico City

Mexico City is home to some of the top restaurants in the world, and these Michelin star worthy establishments offer culinary excellence and are some of the best places to eat in Mexico:

Pujol

📍 Location: Polanco
📅 Reservations: Open Table

Chef Enrique Olvera’s approach to Mexican cuisine at Pujol is genuine and personal, where tradition and contemporary gastronomy blend together.

The restaurant’s culinary techniques are ancient with modern twists, using imagination and delicacy to recombine Mexico’s infinite ingredients and flavors. 

The restaurant offers two tasting menus, each boasting seven signature dishes, with one composed around corn and the other around the sea, as well as a casual taco tasting experience served in traditional Japanese style. 

Quintonil

📍 Location: Polanco
📅 Reservations: Tock

Named after a green herb, Quintonil is a world-renowned restaurant located in the heart of the city center.

Led by Chef Jorge Vallejo in the kitchen and his wife Alejandra Flores in the dining room, the restaurant is known for its inventive, contemporary Mexican cuisine that celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Quintonil has received numerous accolades, including a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and has firmly established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative dining destinations in Mexico.

Restaurante Rosetta

📍 Location: Roma
📅 Reservations: Open Table

Set within a beautifully restored mansion, Restaurante Rosetta offers an à la carte menu that changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative combinations.

With a focus on Mexican cuisine and a deep respect for local ingredients, Rosetta has become a must-visit spot for foodies in the city.

Led by Chef Elena Reygadas, Rosetta has earned a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Latin America.

Known for both classic Mexican dishes and unique creations, Chef Reygadas combines her passion for Mexican ingredients with a dedication to sustainability and sourcing from small producers.

Mexican Chefs with Michelin Stars

There are several talented Mexican chefs who have earned Michelin stars for their exceptional cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Mexico.

Indra Carrillo

Born in Quintana Roo, Indra Carrillo won the Gault et Millau award for ‘Upcoming Young talent’ in 2016.

He earned his first Michelin star for the opening of his restaurant La Condesa, located in the Paris 9th arrondissement.

Paco Méndez

Paco Méndez, born in Mexico, discovered his passion for gastronomy at a young age and went on to study at Ambrosia Culinary Center.

In 2004, Méndez joined forces with Albert Adrià to open “Hoja Santa” in Barcelona, where he currently leads the restaurant’s gastronomic endeavors alongside Niño Viejo.

Thanks to his innovative culinary techniques and exceptional creations, Méndez was awarded a Michelin star just one year after opening Hoja Santa. 

Cosme Aguilar

Chef Cosme Aguilar, originally from Chiapas, Mexico, arrived in the United States at the age of 20 to improve his financial situation after working as a mechanic. 

He began his culinary career as a doorman at a French restaurant and eventually worked his way up to become a cook, learning about French cuisine along the way. 

In 2012, he opened Casa Enrique in New York City, which became the first Latin restaurant in the city to earn a Michelin star. At Casa Enrique, Aguilar showcases his family’s recipes and heritage.

Roberto Ruiz

Chef Roberto Ruiz, originally from Mexico, started his culinary journey as a dishwasher before receiving a scholarship to study at Ambrosia Culinary Center. 

He then traveled to Spain where he worked as a chef at the Royal Board of Trustees of the Prado Museum. 

In 2012, he opened “Punto MX,” the first restaurant in Europe to serve Mexican-style cuisine, in Madrid. He was awarded his first Michelin star in 2015 for his innovative and authentic approach to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Carlos Gaytán

Born in Huitzuco, Guerrero, Carlos Gaytán started working in the culinary industry at the age of 20 after migrating to Chicago to pursue his dreams. 

 In 2004, Gaytán became the executive chef at Bistrot Margot and opened his own restaurant, Mexique, in 2008. 

In 2012, Mexique was awarded a Michelin star, making Gaytán the first Mexican chef to receive this honor in Chicago.

Mexico Michelin Star Restaurants: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Michelin restaurants in Mexico:

Conclusion: Michelin Star Restaurants Mexico Guide

While Michelin stars may not be officially awarded in Mexico, the country is still home to a thriving culinary scene with many outstanding restaurants. 

The Mexican culinary scene is thriving, with many chefs using local ingredients and traditional techniques to create unique and delicious dishes. 

From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Mexican cuisine is diverse and constantly evolving, and visitors to the country are sure to find something to suit their taste.