Summer is right around the corner! That’s why we’ve created a list of new restaurants worth visiting this time of year. For us office workers in the capital who are unable to travel on vacation for more than a couple of days, here are a variety of options to enjoy this Summer and indulge in great foods in CDMX.
Lur
Renowned chef Mikel Alonso, whose Biko has conquered the taste buds of capital city’s residents, ventures into a much more casual and home-made project named Lur. Located on Masaryk, this new establishment’s name means earth in Euskara, referring to one of the four elements known as the fundamental constituting principles of the body. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be surprised by its décor, with details including artisan floors from Oaxaca, wooden tables and walls, blue velvet sofas, and black walls as a reference to nature, creating a casual environment that invites guests to stay and have a long relaxing chat after their meal.
The menu is precise, designed to remind us of homemade treats. I suggest starting with their fresh water offered in a variety of combinations, such as strawberry, tomato and cardamom, or hibiscus chai, which reminded me of Peru’s chicha morada. Regarding the dishes, despite offering small portions, they are all very flavorful. For entrées, I recommend the crab salad, artichokes, shrimp and purslane; and the crunchy roast beef. For the main course, my favorites include catch of the day with artichokes and ham hash; the tuna with pigweed stew, and the organic roasted chicken with vegetables. Desserts are wonderful, as they offer highly creative and unique combinations. My favorite was the apple soup with compote, green apple ice cream with compote, gelatin and balls of chamoy, spectacular!
Avenida Presidente Masaryk 86 Tel: 5545-6802
http://www.restaurantelur.com/
Loretta
Loretta Chic Bistrot is the new Mediterranean cuisine proposal in the city’s south, from the partners of renowned Eloise. On this occasion, they chose Mediterranean food, as there was space for a proposal of this style in the south, something more relaxed than its older brother. The restaurant is fully designed in white, with brick walls and white reliefs, copper lamps, and steel lattice on the ceiling with hanging plants. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes from the Middle East and, even though most ingredients are well-known, chef Morali creates unique and innovative combinations.
We suggest you start with the array of dips and salads, marinated olives, hummus, charbroiled eggplant, and jocoque. This is served with delicious and warm homemade bread. Some of their signature dishes well worth trying are: falafel with jocoque and beef tartar; charbroiled beets; agnolotti with sweet potatoes and jocoque; ravioli with ricotta and lemon; and the petite lamb moussaka. Finish your meal with the traditional cheesecake-shaped baklava, with layers of phyllo pastry and ricotta cheese, served with a scoop of orange blossom ice cream, a delight!
Av. Revolución 1426 Tel: 55501692
Cascabel
For frequent visitors of Santa Fe, you must get to know the new Cascabel by chef Lula Martín del Campo. Located at Park Plaza, the restaurant seeks to represent modern-day Mexico, with a Mexican food menu with corn, as the axis of our cuisine, as its core element. The name of this place relates to the flavor of cascabel chili, the sound of the rattles worn by dancers, and the mysticism of the rattle snake.
The chef lives by the “less is more” motto, and seeks to create simple and delicious dishes, with fundamental respect for ingredients and techniques. The starring dishes enjoyed by guests include curd-cheese tlacoyos; talla-style fish picaditas; tongue sopecitos; traditional mole de olla; shrimp tacos; charbroiled pan-roasted corn with chili and lemon juice; and the octopus with chorizo and potatoes. If you love to venture into peculiar desserts, order the brownie with mole, yes, you read that right! The mole’s flavor is quite subtle, and creates a delicious dessert.
Av. Javier Barros Sierra 540 Tel: 5292 6216
Cafe Nin
Extremely famous chef Elena Reygadas from Rosetta and Lardo got a perfect score again with her Café Nin project in the Juarez neighborhood. Like the Rosetta bakery, one of the city’s favorites, this new establishment has a relaxed ambiance for neighborhoods and tourists to enjoy great foods and beverages. In its versatile menu, you will find simple dishes for breakfast and lunch, always showcasing carefully treated ingredients. I visited Café Nin at lunch time; and from what I tried, my favorites were the fava bean and tarragon hummus, arugula salad, baked tomato and parmigiana, soft crab and mango tostadas, and baguette with turkey ham, goat cheese and pesto.
I loved that all wines are served by the glass, offering independent wines that are mostly from young producers, so I strongly suggest pairing your meal with a glass of wine. Their exquisite bakery and confectionary are worth noting as a significant part of their menu. The red fruit strudel, banana eclairs, hazelnut crunch, and chocolate mousse are a must when visiting Café Nin.
They don’t take reservations for breakfast or lunch, so wait patiently to be seated in this small space.
Havre 69 Tel: 9155 4805
Negroni
Negroni is the new concept from Grupo Hunan, inspired in the rustic cuisine that distinguishes the neighborhoods of Florence, the restaurant brings to life a traditional Old-World trattoria. Located within Arcos Bosques, the restaurant’s interior design transports you to ancient Italy. It boasts white mosaic floors, rustic light wood chairs, low white grid ceilings, and copper colored lamps. Its open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs’ hectic moves while they prepare the dishes created with the highest-quality ingredients.
The menu is quite vast, offering Italian delights to satisfy all preferences. Start your visit with the Carciofi, oven-roasted artichoke with olive oil and Parmesan gratin; the beef carpaccio or artichoke and Parmesan salad with arugula and lemon dressing. For the main course, if you are a pasta lover, order the classic fettuccini Alfredo, or stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a mixed mushroom sauce. If you prefer pizzas, don’t miss the Verona with gorgonzola cheese, red wine pairs, and pecans. On to desserts, their prosecco pops are a must, especially the one with peaches, chamomile and vodka, perfectly refreshing!
Paseo de Los Tamarindos 90 Tel: 91350197
