This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. There I was. Making the crucial decision of where to dine during my one night in Mexico City. Funnily enough, it would be my third, brief visit to CDMX. Each time, I make sure to visit a new foodie spot, even if it’s simply a cafe for breakfast. Listen, I have my priorities, straight. After painstakingly deliberating between Pujol and Quintonil, I made a decision. I’ll be going to Limosneros, instead. Why? Because, I genuinely could not decide between Pujol and Quintonil. Limosneros was also quite close to where I was staying and the Limosneros menu sounded mouth watering. Also, despite my curiosity to experience both of those restaurants myself, there is already so much buzz about them both. Limosneros isn’t as well known, but definitely seemed like it had all the ingredients for an extraordinary culinary experience (heh, see what I did there?). Let’s dig in. Limosneros, one of Mexico City’s hidden culinary gems is located in the heart of downtown Mexico City in the plush Polanco neighborhood. It’s considered a prestigious neighborhood in CDMX- one where the street is lined with swanky Spanish colonial revival manors, upmarket shopping and luxury apartments. Limosneros is owned by Juan Pablo Ballesteros whose family has been in the restaurant business for over a 100 years. The Ballesteros family opened neighboring Café de Tacuba in 1912. Juan Pablo says Limosneros is often thought of as “Café de Tacuba’s rebellious son.” Limosneros menu aim’s to “fulfill Mexican pallette’s and foreign palettes as well,” according to Juan Pablo. I kind of wondered why I was so drawn to the place visually. Come to find out, the restaurant is housed in a structure that is hundreds of years old. Historical nuance? Check. Limosneros is the Spanish word for Beggar So, why is a lavish and sophisticated fine dining restaurant like Limosneros named Beggar? Because, you certainly will not find any vagrants dining at Limosneros. Nor will the Limosneros menu accommodate a beggars pocket. Well, as the story goes, the origins of the building that Limosneros is housed in is how the name of the restaurant came about. Juan Pablo actually says, the reason for the name of the restaurant, Limosneros, “I got it from the walls.” Apparently, the church asked for donations in the form of stone, volcanic rock and more that was used to actually build the very walls of the building. From the fourth generation restauranteur himself, Juan Pablo Ballesteros says Limosneros’s menu prides itself on not being too expansive. Rather, they make food where every single ingredient is traditional Mexican components put together in the most creative way to procure contemporary Mexican cuisine. There is a decent selection, if you wish to order a la’ carte. On my “will try next time I’m in town” list is Limosneros taco tasting experience, which is comprised of six savory artisanal tacos and one sweet. But, for my first visit to Limosneros, I knew I had to experience their iconic “10 Years Tasting Menu.” You can view the full Limosneros menu : here. Some of the dishes in the “10 years” tasting menu are familiar and nostalgic, whereas others pushed me way out of my culinary comfort zone. Take, for example, Escamol. This was my first experience trying this Mexican delicacy. As my server sat the plate gently in front of me, he explained in detail about Escamol. Which, resulted in him revealing that it’s… Ant Larvae. Essentially, many, many little grubs on a tortilla. He immediately could tell I was a bit uneasy. In truth, this was far beyond my usual food wheelhouse, as adventurous as it typically is. I ate the entire thing. It didn’t have a really distinct taste, particularly not with the salsa drenched on the taco. In fact, depending on the season, you can find many different types of insects on the menu at Limosneros. Many, a part of the heritage of Mexico’s culinary story. According to Juan Pablo, the suppliers they source their insects from have been farming and catching the insects they sell for centuries. The tasting menu is an absolute symphony. The 21 day duck was simply glorious. It was served with molasses, white chocolate, pickled onions and some other delights. It was outstanding. Pleasure on a plate. The desert course was also divine – a playful “sweet taco” with house made candies served alongside it. If you ever partake in spirits, I highly recommend opting in for the drink pairing as it complimented each dish so perfectly. Tip: very important to note, that it’s the restaurants policy for your entire party to receive the same menu if you are going to partake in any tasting menu. It also can’t be divided or shared. From the moment I stepped through Limosneros doors, I was met with a cordial welcome. Immediately, I was whisked away by the posh but warm atmosphere. Our server was phenomenal and in general, the service was on par with any Michelin rated restaurant in the states. Our drinks were always full, we were very cared for and each dish was explained in detail with passion and prowess. The 10 Years Tasting Menu is $1,950 Mexican pesos which comes out to about $114.25 USD. The wine and Mexican spirits pairing is $1,200 Mexican pesos or about $70.30 USD. Tip: Don’t forget to factor in tax and tip. The tipping system seems to be similar to the states in the sense that you can leave more or less of a tip depending on how you felt about the service. 10% appears to be the benchmark, with 15% appropriate for large groups. We left a 20% gratuity. Having dined at Limosneros during a week night, the place was full but not packed. It was the perfect amount of atmosphere without it being frenetic, crowded or busy to the point of slowing down service. While you could likely be accommodated if you tried to walk in, you’d be better off making a reservation. I made mine on open table, which I highly recommend because then you also get Open Table dining rewards points. However, if you wish, you can also make a reservation directly on their website (check out Limosneros menu, while you’re there!). Have any questions about dining at Limosneros? Drop them in the comments, below! Check these out: Want to know how I travel so frequently? By booking jaw-dropping flight deals that are often so low you’d have to see ’em to believe it. The best part? They’re sent right to my inbox. You can try it out for free: here. I exclusively use this site to book all my stays. I get 20% off on all my stays plus additional perks from their loyalty program. Check it out! Get reliable travel medical insurance for your trip, for just $2 a day – here Looking for a flight on a specific date? Use this search engine and start earning rewards! Need to book your excursions and tours? This company is my favorite. This is another marketplace for tours, that is especially great for Europe. Renting a car for your adventure? Discover the right car for your journey: here. Do you love train travel as much as I do? Get your train tickets here! Want to travel in comfort and have lounge access around the world? Get that right here. You know what I love to do when I visit a new city? This!I experienced Limosneros Menu: a Remarkable Treasure in Mexico City
A little bit about Limosneros
Limosneros Menu, Food & Flavors
“First Decade Tasting Menu” – 10 Years Tasting Menu
Limosneros Menu – Adventurous and Rousing
Service, Atmosphere and Cost
Know Before You Go
Headed to Mexico City?
You’ll Love your Stay at Casa Emilia Mexico City
Travel resources for YOU to plan an epic trip!
This is the first time I’ve heard of this restaurant! Bookmarked it for my return 😀
It isn’t as well known, but it’s certainly a gem worth your time! So happy to hear, Petra.
That 21 day duck looks soooo good!! Adding Limosneros to my must visit restaurants!
IT WAS INCREDIBLE! Definitely visit…
Wonderful post about a great restaurant. I enjoyed reading about Limosneros, its history, its name and various dishes which are offered. If I go to Mexico City, I already know which restaurant I will have dinner at. Thanks a lot for the thoughtful recommendations.
Thank you so much, Valerie. It’s truly my pleasure!
My first time hearing of Limosneros Restaurant, but it sounds delicious! I heard about Escamol before, but I never thought it would be served in a restaurant like Limosneros. Would like to eat here when I’m in Mexico city.
I definitely recommend Limosneros – the service and atmosphere is also top tier!
My husband and I both love tasting menus! It’s such a good way to try different flavors. The tasting menu price of $70-$113 USD is a bargain for all that you get. Compared to what I’m used to out here in Los Angeles, CA, I’m adding this restaurant to my list with a note to visit during the week.
Hi Christy! I’m actually from Los Angeles originally 🙂 I couldn’t agree more – the value was definitely there for the price.
My sister visits Mexico City often so I’ll pass this on to her! It’s really expensive but maybe she’d like it for a special meal 🙂
Definitely a great option to keep in mind for a splurge!