Mandolina Polanco — Restaurant in Mexico City

A Perfect Morning at Mandolina

If you’re looking for a breakfast experience that combines mouthwatering food, impeccable service, and a setting that feels like a serene escape, Mandolina is the place to be.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm, inviting aesthetic—light streaming through tall windows, soft neutral tones with touches of yellow lemon colors and thoughtfully curated decor that feels both cozy and upscale. Every corner is Instagram-worthy without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease.

Our server, Yozune, truly elevated the experience. Warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, Yozune made us feel like we were being welcomed into a friend’s beautifully designed home. She gave perfect recommendations (the chicharrón is impecable) and made sure everything came out exactly as ordered—with a smile and the kind of graciousness you rarely find.

The food was equally impressive—fresh, flavorful, and plated with care. The coffee was rich and aromatic, the chilaquiles Divorciados with salsa roja and salsa morita was perfectly balanced, and the mimosas were the perfect refreshing touch.

Mandolina isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a whole vibe. A calm, charming escape from the everyday hustle. Whether you’re out for a quiet solo breakfast, a brunch date, or catching up with friends, this place delivers on every level.

We’ll definitely be back—and we’ll be asking for...

We were really looking forward to trying Mandolina in Polanco, but unfortunately it ended up being a major disappointment. We came as a family with three kids during the early afternoon on a weekday, hoping for a relaxed brunch, but the experience was far from enjoyable.

The service was extremely slow and inattentive. Guests who arrived well after us were served and finished their meals before we even got our food. We had specifically requested very hot coffee, but it arrived lukewarm. No apology, no acknowledgment, just indifference.

It took over an hour for the food to arrive. When it finally did, we were shocked at the poor quality. The bread that came with our shakshuka, including bagels, sourdough, and challah, was dry and stale as if it had come straight from the freezer. The shakshuka itself was watery and lacked flavor. The yogurt had a strange texture, and instead of using real honey, they served it with a sugary syrup.

The pistachio ice cream was the biggest letdown for the kids. It was overwhelmingly sweet, with no actual pistachio taste. Even our children, who usually love sweets, could not finish it.

For a place with such high prices and beautiful decor, we expected much better. Unfortunately, Mandolina seems to prioritize looks over quality. The food and service just do not match the price point. Totally not worth $2000 mxn for 2 main dishes...

Highly disappointing experience. We had heard good things about this restaurant and reserved a table 2 weeks in advance. Upon arrival we were seated outside on their empty sidewalk patio without being asked our preference, we thought this was odd seeing as there was plenty of availability inside. Throughout the meal we felt the atmosphere was lacking on the patio as we were the only people seated outside.

Our server was slow and our appetizer came out before water and our cocktails.

The food overall was delicious and by far the best part of the experience.

Upon paying for the meal, the server asked if we wanted to leave a tip. Seeing as the service had been lacking, I offered 10%. The server then went on to tell me that I could only tip 15% or 20%. Sadly, this left a bitter taste as we felt pressured to tip more than we wanted. We had never been expected to tip a specific percent at any other restaurant we have been to in the area.

Overall, while the food was good you can find better service and similar quality food in the area at the same price point. We felt this restaurant really fell short for our expectations and for the...