Puerto Madero — Restaurant in Mexico City

I have nothing but good things to say about my family’s experience dining in for lunch at Puerto Madero. Soy un maestro estadounidense, enseño español en un colegio local. Viajé a México (CDMX específicamente) por la primera vez con mi familia en el julio de 2024. Antes de almorzar en Puerto Madero, pasamos unas horas en el museo nacional de antropología. Teníamos mucho hambre después de esa experiencia llena de historia y cultura. Nuestro almuerzo en Puerto Madero era perfecto.

We were quite hungry after our day at the museum. It felt like an army of service staff was prepared to greet us upon our arrival to Puerto Madero. Nothing but the highest levels of respect and consideration. I was the only fully bilingual member of our party but we could have had the same incredible experience using only the most basic of Spanish (sí, no, por favor, gracias). English menus were immediately made available. And what a menu it is!! The quality leaps off the page and if you are uncertain what strikes your fancy, the impeccably professional service staff will bring you sample platters to view the different cuts of meat available to you. The Argentinian chorizo appetizer was deliciously flavored. As hungry as we were, we had a lot more walking ahead of us and didn’t have the luxury of indulging upon this menu to the fullest. Nevertheless, the delectable crab tortellini, impossibly fresh fish of the day, and beautiful steak and salad were exactly the things we needed to refuel. I could easily put myself in a blissful food coma if I had the opportunity to return.

The food was incredible and the experience was elevated by the genuine care we were shown by the staff. This is a classy place. The business brokers of Mexico City clearly come here to talk business amidst fine dining. We walked in off the street, without a reservation, as an American tourist family dressed in backpacks and T-shirts. The staff made us feel right and home and Mr. Ruben López refused to let us leave before treating us to a perfectly sweet and textured slice of chocolate cake. I didn’t think I had room for more but he knew better. I wish I remembered the names of our servers. One gentleman told me he’d worked there for 15 years out of the restaurants 18 years of operation. He and his colleagues showed me and my family especially so much kindness.

Les agradezco señores. Mil gracias....

Very nice upscale spot in safe area in Mexico City. If you need treat someone work related, this spot will make the statement.

Nightlights Area / Ambiance: I've heard many people saying it's not a good idea to go anywhere after dark in Mexico City except few part of the city and this area is one of the few. Restaurant felt not too heavy not too hip. Right amount of noise to have dinner with conversation. Skirt Steak (For 2): This will rank within top 3 of 2014 for me. I could only come up with one word for this one. "Perfect". Dear chief, I can marry you if you share the secret how to do it with me. Grilled octopus: Surprised how tender the meat was. Usually grilled octopus meat is very hard and rubbery. Totally not this one, you can cut them with fork. Crispy outside with seasoning rub, tender inside. Two thumbs up!! Cesar salad: They will mix the dressing right next to your table. Ask server to spark the forks before mixing and you will know what I mean. Sashimi Plate: Yah yah I know, sashimi in mexico city? hmmm... with fork... freshness and taste was there. Over all it's 5 star but I'm giving 4, because of drink. If you order cocktails not on the drink menu, expect fat bill because they are close to 400 peso (I ordered 4 Lychee martini and saw big 1180 on my bill). Waiter will not tell you how much they are unless you ask. So, "ask" before you order...

TLDR: to be honest I was pretty surprised by the level of food and service here.

SETTING: the restaurant is huge, and nicely decorated. Not too crowded for dinner at 6:30pn on a Friday night though it did start getting a bit more full later. It feels less chaotic and more private / quiet / calm than the other restaurants we’ve been to (I.e., Contramar), but does have a slight chain like feel.

FOOD: we ordered a TON of food and every single thing tasted amazing. We were all impressed with the standouts for me being the table side ceasar salad, the rib eye and the tuna tartare.

SERVICE: we had the best hospitality and service of any restaurant we visited this trip here. They are super attentive to your needs - special shout out to David (who overheard one of us wanting the ceasar dressing with bread and took it upon himself to do that), and Marco. I really can’t express enough how amazing, kind, and attentive the service was.

VERDICT. There are plenty of places in Mexico City to eat, but if you are looking for something a bit less hectic, better for an older crowd/big groups or families where there is something for everyone, easy to navigate with amazing service...