Temporal — Restaurant in Mexico City

Updated Sept 2016

What a disappointment, Temporal used to be one of our go to spots in Mexico City (see below) yet it seems to have lost it's way. We were greeted by seats with cigarette burns, sticky tables and sticky laminated menu cards (where did those come from?) the once casual yet fine dining spot has really slipped. The cocktails we ordered missed the mark and weren't very well mixed, included much more ice then cocktail and were accompanied by the thinest , saddest orange slices in the CDMX. each one of the trio of dinner dishes we ordered missed the mark -- totally.

The tostada temporal was an indescribable blob of 'shrimp pastor'. the texture and flavour was off. The cold mess was served atop of a burnt tostada chip.

The next two dishes, although plated nicely, lacked flavour and technique. The octopus was either not cooked enough or not very fresh, meaning it arrived at the table both chewy and fishy tasting; Miles away from what we experienced during previous visits.

The mole taco didn't measure up. Three tacos, each with a generous chunk of over cooked way too chewy pork, served with an avocado slice and way too much of a very sweet mole sauce meant the tortilla shell disintegrated when you tried to eat it.

Sadly, I wouldn't go back again. When we asked the server if the restaurant was under new ownership he seemed to acknowledge it was...don't know if this is the case, but something has gone off the rails at temporal in the last year of so. What a shame.

Original Review from Dec 2014

went to Temporal several times during our stay in Mexico City. Can't say enough about this amazing restaurant. Multi lingual severs deliver an exceptionally high standard of service along with some of Mexico cities finest food and drink. One such cocktail featured Mezcal, fresh orange juice, chilies and tamarind - pretty mind blowing. Highly...

My recent visit to Temporal in Mexico City was an excellent experience. We opted for the 5-course set menu, and every dish was a delightful surprise, showcasing a perfect balance of creativity and flavor. From the first course to the last, each plate was thoughtfully crafted, with fresh ingredients and impeccable presentation.

One standout detail was the attention to even the smallest elements of the meal. Even the ice in the water felt luxurious—those perfectly clear, dense cubes you’d expect in a high-end cocktail at a fancy bar. It’s a small touch, but it elevated the entire experience and showed the level of care put into every aspect of the dining journey. Had a somewhat of a Japanese type of vibe and attention to detail.

The ambiance was warm and inviting and the owner (or perhaps a manager?) was kind and attentive, ensuring that we felt welcomed and were taken care of throughout the meal. Their passion for the food and the dining experience was evident, and it added a personal touch that made the night memorable.

If you’re in Mexico City and looking for a dining experience that combines exquisite food with genuine hospitality, Temporal is a must-visit. The 5-course menu is a fantastic way to explore their offerings, and don’t be surprised if even the ice in your water leaves you impressed....

I love a good fusion or twists on common dishes and I think this restaurant does it well. First, I love tuna tartare…if it’s on a menu I’m getting it…and I’ve had good and no so good and let me say this one is staunchly in the good camp! Maybe even great? The look and the fact that it had potatoes threw me off and I think the waiter saw it on my face (because he stood off to the side watching me until i decided to take a bite haha). But, oh that first bite made me do a happy dance! The flavor and quality were great and mix of temperatures in the dish was definitely an interesting journey for my taste buds.

They also give you complimentary homemade corn chips with a sweet sauce and a spicy sauce. I loved mixing the two together and the flavors were perfect. The only thing i didn’t care for is that the chips tasted burnt. I don’t think they were, i think that’s just the flavor. So that’s just a personal preference, but overall good.

I also ordered the gnocchi. I honestly wasn’t a fan. To me it lacked flavor and the pork belly on top didn’t help. I asked for salt and they helped but that dish wasn’t for me.

I ordered a berry mezcal cocktail that was super yummy.

Overall I enjoyed my meal, service was great and the restaurant is beautiful. If you’re in Condesa or Roma area, it’s def...