The Best Date Night Restaurants In Mexico City

Laura Arlotti

Mexico City has no shortage of date night restaurants. Which is good news if you’re traveling with your significant other, planning a date night—no matter what stage of a relationship you’re in—or if luck struck and you happened to meet someone special while in town. The city is full of Mexican restaurants in old casonas, European-style bistros, and lush, laid-back restaurants where you’ll feel special. Below are some romantic spots that will make a great impression.

THE SPOTS

Andrew Reiner

Havre 77

This French bistro, helmed by the Máximo team, strikes the perfect balance between old-school charm and modern style, transporting you on a Concorde-like escape from Mexico to Paris. Plenty of candlelight, along with intimate corner tables and booths surrounded by period molding, set the scene for a lingering dinner. Go for their fresh oysters with mignonette or the baked ones smothered in comté, then share the fish of the day à la meunière that’s always done by the book. Pair everything with a bottle of Jean-Paul Brun pinot noir from Burgundy, and let the conversation flow.

Andrew Reiner

Bar Nino

Not into dramatic, candle-lit restaurants that make you feel like you’re in a gothic romance novel? Newcomer Bar Nino is the move. This spot nails the sophisticated-but-low-key energy, and an Italian-Mediterranean menu that’s all about elevated classics—think prosciutto and melon, and delicate housemade ravioli. Adding to the charm is polished service that never feels stiff and not overly splurgy prices that don’t call for awkward check-splitting at the end. And if the date’s going well, head next door to its sister bar, Hugo, for more wines by the glass.

Galea

Galea is quietly stunning, without even trying. Although the frutti di mare panzerotti are incredible, as is the rest of the Italian-ish menu, it’s not packed (yet), so you might just snag a quiet table just walking in most of the time. The space feels airy and uncluttered with wooden benches and plants all over, making it the perfect setting for a well-executed, no-pressure dinner. And if things don’t go as planned, your credit card won’t be feeling the burn either.

Eloise Chic Cuisine

This French spot might not be trendy, but it’s been around for over 15 years and has hosted more date nights than a Tinder Platinum account. Catering to a slightly more seasoned crowd, it’s the perfect spot for dinner with someone you’ve been seeing for a while. The chef and owner is always in the kitchen, doing what he does best. The short rib à la bourguignonne is fork tender, and the foie gras crème brûlée is the definition of decadence. Don’t skip the apple strudel à la mode that’s a classic for a reason.

Guillaume Guevara

Taverna

Taverna is a dark, mysterious restaurant, located in a restored Juárez hacienda that’s almost entirely lit by candlelight. You’ll dine on mostly Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are roasted in a wood-burning oven, like standout dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in jamon serrano, fried sardines with a sardine aioli, and a beet carpaccio with a pistachio dressing that should be bottled and sold everywhere. Settle into one of several corners that are ideal for low-key conversations—or flirting without an audience.

Andrew Reiner

Sartoria

Sartoria is upscale enough to feel special without being stuffy. They’re all about impeccably homemade pastas served in a space that feels like a cave thanks to arched ceilings and very dim lighting. Everyone knows there’s something about Italian wine on a date—a reminder of love, maybe—and this place has plenty of it. Don’t be surprised when you wind up sharing a strand of cacio e pepe like you’re in a movie.

Andrew Reiner

Rosetta

Rosetta is easily one of the most attractive restaurants in CDMX, and the moment you step inside this old Roma multi-story mansion with high ceilings and leafy palms that seem to take up every inch of space, time sort of pauses, which just means more time to spend with a date. Plant-themed frescos and a menu that’s predominantly Italian with a Mexican twist make a meal here feel more like a scene out of La Dolce Vita than a dinner. If you’re out to reignite the spark after all those years—or if showing off your Montelpuciano and Barolo knowledge is your first date love language—head here. Just make sure to book this spot at least two weeks in advance for a prime-time reservation.

Araceli Paz

Ticuchi

This ultra-cool, mezcal-forward Mexican spot nails the lighting game—each table sits under a dim spotlight, making you (and your taco de pulpo with hummus and curry) look incredible. Right at the entrance, you’ll find a selection of vinyl playing all night long, anything from reggae to soul to marimba. Plus, date night here is way more wallet-friendly than booking a table at Pujol, its need-no-introduction sibling—all while holding onto that relentless drive to be at an Enrique Olvera hotspot.

Andrew Reiner

Cana

If Havre 77 is where you go for date night over textbook French classics, then Cana is where to be for a more modern take. It has the charm of a European bistro, but the Mexican music playing inside the airy dining room brings you right back to CDMX. They serve up one of the best caesar salads in the city, loaded with parmesan and decadent medium-rare steak frites. You can also exchange platitudes at the bar, over at least one dirty martini or a glass of something red.

Andrew Reiner

Botánico

Are you and your date nature freaks? Slide over to Botánico, a not-so-secret French-Mexican restaurant that somehow still feels like a hidden jungle, pond included. There are tons of lush plants, lights illuminating all that vegetation, and a large yet still cozy outdoor space, which can help that daunting second date feel loose. Trade bites of fresh tuna carpaccio, creamy mushroom rice with Chiapas cheese, a juicy rib-eye served with guacamole, and a rather spicy pico de gallo—but book ahead (and consider alternative date spots during the June and August rainy season).

Aúna

The Careyes-looking entrance to this restaurant by the Quintonil chef is so grand and expansive that by the time you reach your table, your date will already be blown away. Inside, a stunning Japanese-inspired garden is the backdrop for a zen-like moment and relaxed conversation over some of the best crab tostadas you’ll ever have. Great mocktails and not-too-loud music add to the mood, making it impossible not to feel at ease.

Andrew Reiner

Darosa

There are a ton of Italian restaurants in CDMX, but if you’re looking for one with palpable energy, head to Darosa. The white tablecloths and bare-bones decor might make you think it’s been around for a while, but this chic spot on a central corner of Juárez only opened in 2023. Low lights are ideal for taking turns sopping up whatever pomodoro sauce is left on your shared plate of spaghetti. It can be tough to snag a table, so if you don’t see a reservation, show up early and try to walk in.