Review: The Lunch Experience At Pujol (Mexico City)
I can finally check it off my list: Dining at Pujol in Mexico City.
On a last-minute trip to Mexico City, we tied a thrid time to get reservations for Pujol. This time, through the magic of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Concierge, we finally snagged a reservation for a late lunch.
About Pujol In Mexico City
Pujol, located in Mexico City, is a renowned restaurant celebrated for its innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Founded by Chef Enrique Olvera in 2000, Pujol has consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the world, achieving accolades such as No. 9 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021 and No. 33 in 2024. The restaurant is known for its seven-course tasting menu, which features dishes like the signature Mole Madre and Mole Nuevo, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
Getting a reservation at Pujol can be quite challenging due to its popularity and limited seating. It’s recommended to book well in advance, and sometimes last-minute cancellations can open up slots. The quality of the cuisine is exceptional, with Pujol earning two Michelin stars for its outstanding culinary experience. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality, local ingredients and innovative techniques ensures a memorable dining experience.
The Lunch Tasting Menu & Pricing
On the day we dined there, the Lunch Tasting menu started at $3,495 MXN with 16% included (or about $180 US per person). This price did NOT include alcohol or additional “off menu” items.
THE LUNCH COURSE
Beverage Selection: Casahuin Blanco Tequila
First up, we went with the recommended selection of Casahuin Blanco Tequila, a premium blanco tequila known for its smooth and rich flavor profile.
Crafted from 100% blue agave grown in the Lowland region of Mexico, this tequila is brick oven roasted and distilled in a steel and copper alembic still. The aroma is a delightful mix of cooked agave, green vegetation, white pepper, and vanilla. On the palate, it offered a smooth sip, with prominent agave sweetness and earthy notes. We opted to sip it neat.
Overall, it was a solid selection (although I have had better).
Snack Selections:
Baby Corn with Chicatana Ants: This was a common selection at Pujol for a reason, it was amazing.
Salad: The salad arrived (to our surprise), deconstructed. It featured leafy greens atop blue maize chips, drizzled with a full-bodied vinaigrette. It was surprisingly excellent.
Off-Menu Soup: I believe this was a mushroom-based variation on miso soup (don’t quote me on that).
Main Course Selections:
Amberjack Ceviche: The amberjack ceviche was a vibrant dish, featuring finely sliced fish marinated in citrus juices. It was a delicious, light and refreshing dish with a bite. This was one of my favorites.
Shrimp Taco: The shrimp taco is a well-executed dish served in a fried, rolled tortilla.
Mahi Mahi: The mahi mahi is a well-cooked dish that highlights the natural flavors of the fish. This dish was simple and subtle, which made it divine.
Cabbage: Pujol’s cabbage dish featured grilled octopus in a simple yet flavorful preparation. Another favorite dish of mine.
Mole Madre 3257: Mole Madre is a signature dish at Pujol, known for its complex and rich flavors. The sauce is carefully aged and crafted, providing a deep, nuanced taste that pairs well with various proteins.
As a non-mole lover, even I could understand this dish’s appeal.
Lobster: The lobster dish was an “off-menu” luxury offering. It was of course very good, although not particularly memorable. 
Dessert Selection
Off-Menu Tart
The Bottom-Line Review: Lunch At Pujol (Mexico City)
Ahh, Pujol. I can finally check you off my list.
Overall, my group and I were very impressed with the Lunch menu at Pujol. We all left the restaurant completely [and grotesquely] stuffed, which was surprising considering the small size of most the dishes and the fact that we kept wondering aloud if lunch was going to be enough food throughout the meal service.
Yes, the meal was one of the best we ever had. Was every dish amazing? No, we could have done without the lobster. But each dish was art to be sure – weaving between simple, complex, lite, rich, fresh, and aged. It was an overall amazing experience and I’m glad we got to try it for lunch.
Knowing what I know now about Pujol- I’ll definitely be back for the dinner experience (one day).
