Alfil Restaurante — Restaurant in Mexico City

Alfil, the newest Arabic-Mexican restaurant in Roma Norte, offers sluggish service paired with overpriced, tiny portions that made us ill. Making reservations was practically impossible—the website was useless, and calling in went without a response. We decided to be walk-ins and, luckily, found outdoor seating, but not before waiting a while for the hostess, who was busy on the phone, to acknowledge us. The table felt like an afterthought, as they brought it out of nowhere and placed us in the middle of the sidewalk. It took more than ten minutes for a server to acknowledge us and take our orders.

We began with an order of baba ganoush, which was decent and the only highlight of our visit. The pita that came along wasn’t bad, but the portion was a bit too small (7/10). For our mains, we ordered the golden chicken and the arroz enjoyado. The curry’s presentation was excellent and looked tasty, but the chicken was more burnt than golden and it wasn’t apparent until biting into it. Some pieces were very chewy and unpleasant, making the solid curry sauce disappointing (3/10). The rice was just as disappointing, as the tiny portion didn’t justify its $200 price (3.5/10).

Service was slow—waiting for our mains took a while, and getting our bill took even longer. The server didn’t ask how our meal was and barely attended to our table, rarely coming outside to check on us. The biggest ripoff was the rice, followed by the golden chicken, which was deplorable and flat-out disgusting. The bathroom didn’t even have proper soap—just diluted water mixed with the leftovers of the soap. Overall, waiting too long for service was frustrating, and getting sick from the golden chicken wasn’t in our plans when trying the trendy Arabic eatery. A disappointment that left us with a sour stomach—not worth the wait...

2025 #170, CDMX 2025 #88: I was very on-the-fence about eating here but was pushed over the edge as a visiting friend really wanted to eat here.

What we ordered: Martini Habibi $220, Bana-Guana $220, Al Tayaran $220; Kibi Yucateco 4pz $220, Tabuleh $120, Gringa $220, Kebab Mixta $370; Baklava $190, Cafe Turco $65/ea

The good: solid food, solid service, great/lively ambiance

The bad: a few ordering issues, cocktails are on the smaller side, some food feels overcooked/bland

If you order one thing: the gringa :)

Of the three cocktails we ordered, we both enjoyed the Bana-Guana most. The kibi and tabuleh were both fine but neither was anything life-changing. By contrast, the gringa was. The grilled chicken was both perfectly-charred yet still moist. Absolutely delicious. If it wasn't $220, I could see myself grabbing one for lunch at least weekly.

The kebab mixta was just that...a mixed bag. I felt the chicken was bland/overcooked compared to the chicken in the gringa. The beef was good but a touch overcooked (this may have been our fault as we ate it last). The panela was quite a fun, tasty kebab.

Dessert was good although I feel like they made one batch of Turkish coffee and split it between two espresso cups (we had very different experiences/flavors of our coffee). Was hoping/expecting it'd be served traditionally and individually.

Overall, I'd recommend Alfil and I'd come back. There are so many things on the menu I'd still like to try. While I still think a lot of dishes are on the pricy side for what they are, the flavors, service, and ambiance are all enough to bring me back.

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Alfíl, located in the heart of Roma Norte, is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that masterfully blends Mexican and Arabic cuisines. The name Alfíl—Arabic for “elephant”—symbolizes the bold and unforgettable experience it offers. As someone who lived in the UK, surrounded by incredible Arabic food, Alfíl transported me back to everything I love about Middle Eastern cuisine while introducing a unique Mexican twist.

Chef Paco’s passion is evident in every detail. He personally ensured all dishes met our gluten-free requirements and shared his deep knowledge of every ingredient, down to its origin. The menu is a true culinary journey. Highlights included the refreshing Alfíl salad, smoky and creamy baba ganoush, and the rich kebab mix with perfectly grilled chicken, panela, and arrachera. The barbacoa, slow-braised with subtle Arabic spices, was unforgettable. Chef Paco even surprised us with a vibrant yellow curry, an off-menu dish inspired by Nano of Voraz, showcasing Alfíl’s creative spirit.

The open-fire kitchen infuses every dish with a distinct smoky flavor, adding depth to an already outstanding menu. Paired with exceptional service and a cozy atmosphere, Alfíl is a true gem. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and culture. If you’re in Roma Norte, don’t miss this extraordinary...