This guide will go over the experience you can expect when dining at Pujol Mexico City. We’re covering everything in this review including the tasting menu, pricing, how to dress, and if we’d go back. If you are short on time: yes, we highly recommend Pujol!
When I first saw Enrique Olvera’s episode on Chef’s Table, my husband and I immediately knew we had to go to his world famous restaurant, Pujol. Not only to sample the food, we were sold on exploring Mexico City in general.
We learned even more on this great city from watching shows like Somebody Feed Phil to doing in depth research. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved Mexico City and its incredible culinary scene. As a big foodie and travel blogger, I seek out destinations with amazing culinary scenes and Mexico City was one of my favorites.
When dining at some of the world’s best restaurants, it can be expensive. So, you really want to make sure it is something that YOU are going to like. Food is so personal so take my experience at Pujol and see if it makes sense for you! Although, I highly recommend you try it.
In this guide, I will go over the menu, pricing, dress code, how to get a reservation at Pujol and some of your top questions! Read on for everything you need to know about dining at Pujol Mexico City!
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How to get a reservation at Pujol Mexico City
When we decided to go to Mexico City, it was mostly for this restaurant. So, we planned the whole trip around when we could get a reservation. Yes, we made a dinner reservation at Pujol before booking flights or hotels.
It can be difficult to get a reservation at Pujol, but with some planning you can easily snag a seat. Reservations at Pujol can be booked via their website and are released 3 months in advance.
You can choose between the tasting menu and the taco omakase (8 course chef’s choice taco menu). They do not require a deposit upfront, however, you are required to guarantee the reservation with a major credit card.
You have the option to book a lunch or dinner reservation so you should definitely look at lunch availability if booking last minute!
Leisurely Tip: Never book a table like this on the day you fly in! If you get delayed or cancelled for any reason you will be so disappointed. Plan to make a reservation on day 2 or 3!
Dietary Restrictions at Pujol
When making your reservation, be sure to note any allergies or dietary restrictions. Pujol offers a vegetarian and pescatarian menu to accommodate most dietary needs.
We eat mostly plant based, but eat seafood occasionally so went with the pescatarian menu. They confirmed this on arrival and went over every type of creature to make sure we were good with everything from insects to snails.
Pujol Tasting Menu
Pujol restaurant is famous for its tasting menu incorporating Mexican ingredients with techniques both ancient and modern.
Chef Enrique Olvera and team have been named the #5 restaurant in the world according to the World’s 50 Best rankings. Likewise, the Michelin guide recently announced their Mexico Guide and Pujol was awarded two Michelin stars!
I will go over each of our courses below and share photos! The menu does change seasonally so you may not have this exact menu, but you can count on it being similar with a few things changed out like a type of fish or veggie.
1. Snacks (baby corn)
Our “snacks” consisted of the famous baby corn coated with costeño chile mayo and powdered with chicatana ants. Yes, ants! You wouldn’t anticipate this to be so good, but it was one of my favorite dishes. The sweet and smoky flavors blend to create a complex dish that tastes like nothing I’ve tried before.
2. Sea Snail Ceviche
Next on the Pujol menu, we had the sea snail ceviche in heart of palm juice with parsnip. It is served with the thinnest homemade chips to enjoy it with. This was surprisingly one of my favorites with the thin sliced snails and tangy blend of sauces.
3. Brussels Sprouts Tlayuda
Brussels Sprouts Tlayuda with almond’s mojo and ant roe was one of the most creative ways I have had brussels! The leaves are delicately placed atop a crispy tostada with the almond mojo tying it all together. Tlayuda is a traditional Oaxacan dish and Olvera’s take on it is excellent.
4. Rockfish, Shellfish Chilpachole
Chilpachole is typically a type of seafood stew, but this was such an inventive interpretation of it. The rockfish is served on a plate over kohlrabi guacachile (like a salsa) with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. You think that is all until they pour the shellfish chilpachole over the top! This was such a fun course.
5. Swiss Chard Wrap
Next, we had a swiss chard wrap with rice, bulgar, chile-ajo, and chickpea puree. It is served along side warm blue corn tortillas and you can combine it all like a taco for the perfect blend of flavors.
6. Mole Madre
Finally, we got to try Pujol’s signature dish, mole madre. I like to describe this kind of like how you “feed” a sourdough starter. The mole is fed continuously and is like a living thing! When we were there, the mole was going for 2,964 days which is about 8 years!
The older mole is spooned onto the plate and a newer mole is placed in the center. I recommend to taste each one separately then combine them.
This dish doesn’t look like much, but it is one of the best things I have ever tasted. The combination of flavors is truly extraordinary with hints of chocolate, nuts, and spices. You can also try it with fresh tortillas!
7. Lemon Verbena Custard & Mini Conchas
And for desert, we had a lemon verbena custard with raspberry sauce. It was the perfect light and refreshing end to a flavorful meal. The combo of lemon with sweet raspberries was divine.
The mini conchas are a crispy on the outside filled with a banana cream on the inside. What a treat!
Pujol Omakase Experience
When dining at Pujol, you have the option to choose between the tasting menu and the omakase menu. The taco omakase experience is based on the Japanese concept of letting the chef guide your tastes.
This menu is served at their bar seats for up to 12 guests at a time. It features 8 different courses with various tacos including many unique flavors like lobster, tuna, chicatana ants, and soft shell crab. Of course, you will have the opportunity to try their famous mole dish as your final course.
If you can’t get a reservation for the main tasting menu or want a lighter lunch, this is a great option at Pujol.
Pujol Mexico City Beverages
There is plenty to choose from on the beverage menu at Pujol which is probably why they do not offer a beverage pairing. Enjoy inventive cocktails, wine, beer, and of course, they offer specialty mezcal options all a la carte. Non-alcoholic options available, too!
I highly recommend starting with a cocktail or mezcal! To start, I had a paloma with fresh grapefruit & mezcal and my husband went straight for the mezcal on the rocks. I tasted his and it was truly the smoothest tequila I’ve ever tried!
After, we moved on to a bottle of crisp white wine that was wonderful. (Honestly, we had it at another restaurant the next night and it was easily half the price, but oh well!)
Pujol Prices
The base price for the tasting menu at Pujol (not including drinks) is $2565 pesos. In USD, that is about $135 per person, plus 16% taxes.
Honestly, to be ranked as one of the World’s Best restaurants with 2 Michelin Stars, that is not a bad price. However, it is definitely a more expensive meal.
To me, it was completely worth the price and it lived up to the hype. We so enjoyed our experience at Pujol and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an artfully designed tasting menu.
I think you have to look at it as an experience, not so much a regular dinner. It’s like any tour/activity you would pay for on your travels.
Do you tip at Pujol?
Yes, you should plan to leave a tip at Pujol as it is not included. The norm for tipping in Mexico City is 10-15%,
Service at Pujol
I was quite impressed with the service at Pujol. It is evident that it’s a well run restaurant.
We arrived at 6pm for our reservation and were shown to our table. Our server was prompt in offering water and confirming our dietary restrictions. Once we made cocktail selections, we received them moments later and the tasting menu started to arrive.
They were efficient in bringing out each course, but it was never rushed. The tasting menu at Pujol lasted for almost 3 hours from the moment we sat down to when we walked out the restaurant.
The staff was knowledgable about the tequila menu and of course, the food menu. They knew any potential allergens within each dish which was much appreciated.
You never had to wait long for another drink and if you got up from the table, someone was there to point you in the right direction.
I have nothing but great things to say about the service at Pujol!
Ambiance and Setting
The ambience of a restaurant is always a big part of the experience for me. Pujol’s interior is modern and minimalist, with clean lines and soft lighting that create a relaxed, elegant vibe.
The space feels intimate and sophisticated, but not overly formal. It’s refined without being stuffy, making it perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a bit of fresh air, the outdoor terrace is a great spot to start your meal or enjoy a drink. It’s a great spot to sit for lunch on a nice day!
Pujol Dress Code
The Pujol dress code is considered to be “smart casual”. The restaurant is located in the trendy Polanco neighborhood, so you should definitely wear something chic!
For women, wear dressy pants, a skirt, or dress with heels to dine at Pujol. I would avoid jeans or shorts at dinner time. For men, dress jeans or pants with a button down shirt is perfect to wear at Pujol. You can do a sport coat if you like (especially on cooler evenings).
In December at Pujol, I wore a set with chic black trousers and slightly cropped coordinating top, with a houndstooth blazer on top. I did go with a low heel. My husband wore dark jeans, a button down shirt, and a causal blazer over.
As one of the top restaurants in the world, you should dress nice!
Sustainability at Pujol
One of the things I admire most about chef Olvera is his commitment to Mexican culture and local farmers. His restaurant group, Casamata, sources local ingredients from small scale farms that care about their environmental impact.
He works with Gaia which is a network of small farmers using regenerative agriculture practices in the Valle de Bravo. They don’t use agrochemicals which negatively impact our quality of food, soil, and the people out in the fields working.
Many of their ingredients also come from the chinampas of Xochimilco, which you can actually go visit to really grasp an understanding.
Their mezcal is sourced from small batch farms across the Oaxacan state – making it unlike anything you will find elsewhere.
If you have not watched the Chef’s Table episode, I highly suggest you do to truly appreciate all of these things that come together to create a fine dining experience at Pujol. When you consider all of these practices, the price really seems nominal.
*Leisurely Tip: I would 100% book this sunrise experience if interested in visiting the chinampas – not an ad – just think it sounds amazing!
Pujol FAQ
The top questions you might have about dining at Pujol Mexico City!
The dress code at Pujol is labeled as “smart casual”. The restaurant is located in the trendy Polanco neighborhood, so you should definitely wear something chic! For women, wear dressy pants, a skirt, or dress with heels. I would avoid jeans or shorts. For men, dress jeans or pants with a button down shirt is perfect. You can do a sport coat if you like (especially on cooler evenings).
Pujol was awarded two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide. These rankings were announced in May 2024 during the first Michelin Guide for Mexico.
Yes, I recommend a tip of at least 10-15% at Pujol as this is the norm in Mexico. Of course, this depends on your experience and service quality.
The base price for the tasting menu at Pujol is $2565 pesos. In USD, that is about $135 per person, plus 16% taxes.
The tasting menu at Pujol lasted for three hours. The experience is well timed so you never feel like you are waiting for the next thing. It was a wonderful date night in Mexico City!
Learn More About Chef Enrique Olvera
Chef Enrique Olvera is one of Mexico’s most celebrated chefs, known for his innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. As the founder of Pujol, Olvera has earned international acclaim for his ability to modernize and elevate Mexican flavors while staying rooted in the country’s culinary heritage.
I LOVE his episode of Chef’s Table, where Olvera shares his journey from studying culinary arts in New York to returning to Mexico City to open Pujol. He discusses his passion for reimagining Mexican dishes, focusing on quality ingredients and bold flavors.
The episode highlights his dedication to showcasing the richness of Mexican cuisine, not only through technique but also by telling stories of Mexican culture and history with food. I highly recommend seeing the episode before visiting to fully appreciate the experience at Pujol.
If interested in learning more about Chef Olvera and the restaurants, check out these books and cook books!
