This Polanco area restaurant is known for its nouvelle Mexican cuisine and its popular chef who has authored multiple cookbooks. Try the duck mole or the salmon dish that's coated with maize and accompanied by clams. While waiting for your meal to arrive, order a rosewater cocktail or a hibiscus-flower beverage (flor de jamaica). The interior space invites guests to linger as it's filled with sunlight, casual and dominated by a large grinding stone that's the room's focus.

If you're in the Centro Histórico area, stop in at the Café Tacuba for lunch or dinner for authentic Mexican cuisine served in a classy setting replete with brightly colored tiles, handmade furniture, stained glass windows, wall murals and large archways. Feast on tasty tamales, chiles rellenos and enchiladas. Live music is performed most nights, with entertainment that ranges from guitarists to costumed singers.

Nouvelle Mexican cuisine is the star at this Zona Rosa favorite that's been in business since 1912 and occupies a 17th-century mansion. The interior's neatly accented with antiques and stained glass and softly lit by candles, adding a feeling of romance and excitement. Menu notables include exotic fare such as vibora (snake) and tepezcuintle (desert rodent) as well as more traditional options such as chicken served in an almond sauce and mole poblano.

Celebrities and regular folk alike voice rave reviews for this classic Mexican restaurant that's housed in a quaint two-story house. It's been a Zona Rosa mainstay for over 40 years and simply gets better with age. Scratch made tortillas, chicken breast topped with light chocolate sauce, mole poblano, beef-stuffed chiles and other inventive dishes keep taste buds begging for more. A charming fireplace takes the edge off cool evenings and adds an air of romance.

Pulling together regional dishes from across Mexico, this restaurant serves entrees made of a unique blend of chilies, herbs, nuts, spices, poultry, vegetables and seafood. Try the cilantro soup, the fish tacos or the blackened marinated chicken. Live music acts perform here every once in a while, and the bar has a quality assortment of tequilas. Friendly service and a casual environment add to this eatery's draw. (Another branch is found in the Polanco area at Presidente Mazaryk 393.)