Villa María

Ask about anyone in Mexico City where to go for first-class traditional Mexican cuisine and you’ll likely hear one of two answers. Either Villa Maria or SAKS. Both are located in Polanco, Mexico City’s affluent residential area that’s home to many of the city’s most notable hotels, and the majority of the high-end dining establishments.

Of the two, Villa María is clearly the more traditional, serving an almost stereotypical, expansive menu of Mexican classics. The décor is equally traditional, with bright yellow paint on the walls, adorned by colorful paper flowers, and illuminated by massive chandeliers, hanging from the rafters.

But Villa María is certainly a cut above your typical Mexican fonda. The waiters, all male, friendly and efficient, are clad in starched black uniforms, oddly out of place in the otherwise slightly gaudy ambience.

I’ve dined at Villa María on several occasions. Execution of the menu and service were always consistent.

The image slider shows small fried chicken chalupas, tortilla soup, octopus and shrimp al ajillo, and a dark chocolate chicken mole.

Villa Maria remains one of our favorite destinations in Mexico City. Conveniently located and reasonably priced, it’s a great choice for traditional Mexican cuisine.