Mexico City, often perceived as just a layover destination, holds surprising gems, especially for the kosher traveler. Polanco, a vibrant neighborhood within this sprawling metropolis, unexpectedly boasts a thriving Jewish community complete with kosher restaurants and synagogues. Forget any preconceived notions – Polanco is a must-visit for anyone seeking kosher culinary delights in Mexico City. Let’s dive into the best kosher spots this neighborhood has to offer.
Av. Homero 1443, Polanco,
Polanco II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo,
11540 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Our Polanco kosher food adventure began at Sinai Deli & Bakery, a versatile spot offering a meat and dairy cafe, a small grocery section, and a meat takeout counter. This makes it a convenient stop for various needs, whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, grocery items, or takeaway options.
For our meal, we sampled a Caprese Panini, the Pasta Rosa, a refreshing lemonana, and a frappachino. Everything we ordered was flavorful and reasonably priced. The Pasta Rosa, while delicious, came in a smaller portion, so consider ordering an additional dish if you have a hearty appetite. Sinai Deli provides a solid and accessible kosher dining option right in Polanco.
Sinai Deli & Bakery menu snippets showcasing kosher food options
Close-up of Sinai Deli & Bakery menu with kosher dishes listed
Another menu section at Sinai Deli & Bakery with kosher food choices
Sinai Deli & Bakery menu highlighting various kosher meals
Display of kosher meat takeout options at Sinai Deli & Bakery
Selection of kosher grocery items available at Sinai Deli & Bakery
Must order: Don’t miss the Temini Soup from the meat section. It stood out with its rich flavor and overall satisfying taste, making it a highly recommended item at Sinai Deli.
Pecorino Kosher – Dairy Restaurant
Jaime balmes 11 local 39 esquina ejercito nacional y lagrange,
11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Pecorino Kosher is a dairy restaurant that left a lasting impression. Venturing into a new country for food can be unpredictable, with varied experiences in taste and quality. However, stumbling upon a truly spectacular dish makes all the difference.
The Mushroom Alfredo fettuccine at Pecorino was an absolute standout. The Alfredo sauce achieved a perfect harmony of flavor, creaminess, and lightness, creating a dish that was exceptionally well-balanced and satisfying. It’s a must-try for pasta lovers visiting Polanco.
We also sampled an individual margarita pizza. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of the Mushroom Alfredo, the tomatoes were perfectly cooked, offering a delightful sweet and zesty flavor. The pizza felt like it was slightly missing a component, but the crust was undeniably perfect.
For an appetizer, we chose a fried tortilla topped with spicy mayo, cooked tuna, and a slice of avocado. The tortilla’s crispiness was excellent. The tuna was a bit overcooked for our liking, but we learned that this is common in Mexican cuisine. If you prefer your fish cooked differently, it’s advisable to specify your preference when ordering fish in Mexico.
Must order: The Mushroom Alfredo Fettuccine is an absolute must-try at Pecorino Kosher.
Av. Paseo de las Palmas 340, Lomas – Virreyes,
Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Auguri Kosher Trattoria is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. We visited twice to fully appreciate its diverse menus. Owned by a Venezuelan-Turkish individual inspired by Italian vibrancy, Auguri embodies the elegance of a high-end Italian dining establishment. Intriguingly, the kitchen features not one, but three menus: Italian, Chinese, and sushi, offering an impressive range of kosher culinary options.
Our evenings at Auguri began with their signature drinks. The drink service itself is a spectacle, with staff bringing a miniature bar cart to your table and involving you in the cocktail-making process. Choosing a favorite drink is difficult – each was exceptional. If you’re with a group, ordering a variety to share is highly recommended! However, if you must choose one, the Lychee Gin comes highly praised.
Bartender preparing drinks tableside at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Close-up of cocktail preparation at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Selection of colorful cocktails at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
On our first night, we explored the Italian menu. We started with an exquisite artichoke appetizer and a beautifully plated ceviche. Presentation was clearly a priority at Auguri, as every dish was visually appealing. For our main course, we opted for the imported tomahawk steak, a massive cut accompanied by four sides. While the sides and overall flavor profile of the steak weren’t our favorites, this could be a matter of cultural taste preferences.
Artichoke appetizer at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Beautifully plated ceviche dish at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Massive Tomahawk steak entree at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Our second visit was dedicated to the Bamboo menu (Chinese). If you only have one opportunity to dine at Auguri, the Chinese menu is the clear winner! We started with salmon carpaccio and grilled peppers, both excellent starters. Then came the Chicken Dynamite, which was simply outstanding. The chicken achieved the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, coated in a light, creamy mustard sauce with a subtle spicy kick – truly perfection.
Salmon Carpaccio appetizer from the Bamboo menu at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Grilled Peppers appetizer at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Highly recommended Chicken Dynamite dish at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
As if that wasn’t enough, we sampled four different entrees from the Bamboo Menu. The Low Mein was reminiscent of dishes from Thai or Chinese kitchens, but the flavors were exceptional – truly delightful! After enjoying the sweet and sour chicken and orange chicken, we were left with a bowl of seemingly plain rice.
Low Mein dish from the Bamboo menu at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Sweet and Sour Chicken entree at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Orange Chicken entree at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
The unassuming rice dish turned out to be a complete surprise. Its soft texture and perfect coconut flavor – not overpowering, not too sweet – made it possibly the best rice dish we’ve ever tasted. It’s worth noting that the bread served at Auguri was also exceptional.
Unexpectedly delicious Coconut Rice dish at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Fresh and delicious bread served at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
Variety of delicious breads at Auguri Kosher Trattoria
We concluded our meal with a decadent dessert: a chocolate lava cake paired with a scoop of ice cream coated in crumbs. It was the perfect sweet ending to an already outstanding dining experience.
In conclusion, Auguri Kosher Trattoria is likely to be one of, if not the, best dining experiences you’ll have in Polanco. The service is impeccable, the attention to detail is remarkable, and the Bamboo menu is exceptionally delicious. Even if you’re simply seeking a place for cocktails, Auguri is the top choice in town. The owner’s dedication to every aspect of the restaurant is evident, and his passion shines through in the entire dining experience. It’s safe to say that Auguri provided some of the best service we have ever encountered at any restaurant, kosher or not.
Temístocles 37, Polanco, Polanco V Secc,
Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Gaucho Grill, an Argentinean restaurant, immediately charms with its beautiful interior. The ambiance is inviting and sets the stage for a pleasant dining experience in Polanco.
We began our meal with a clericot, also known as sangria. We were also served complimentary bread and dips to start. The bread was notably fresh, warm, and wholesome, a promising start to the meal.
Clericot (Sangria) drink at Gaucho Grill Argentinean Restaurant
Fresh bread and dips served at Gaucho Grill
Interior decor of Gaucho Grill Argentinean Restaurant in Polanco
We also tried the meat soup, an empanada, and a house-made sausage. If you enjoy sausages, the flavorful house-made option is worth trying. The meat soup was a personal highlight, becoming my favorite item on the menu. The empanada was also a hit, adding to the positive aspects of the meal.
Meat Soup dish at Gaucho Grill Argentinean Restaurant
Empanada appetizer at Gaucho Grill
House-made sausage at Gaucho Grill Argentinean Restaurant
While meat in Mexico City, in general, can sometimes be underwhelming, Gaucho Grill did an excellent job with the parillada (mixed grill).
Overall, Gaucho Grill provided a satisfying meal. While not particularly innovative, the food is good, wholesome, and fairly priced. The entire bill, including tip, was under $100 USD, making it a reasonably priced kosher option in Polanco.
Quesadillas Ascencio
Av Moliere 340C, Polanco, Polanco II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Quesadillas Ascencio is a must-stop for anyone exploring Polanco’s kosher food scene, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and authentic experience. It’s a humble, “hole-in-the-wall” type of eatery, prioritizing flavor and affordability over fancy ambiance. The menu is limited to dairy Mexican food, but what they do, they do very well, and at incredibly low prices. Remember to bring cash, as they don’t accept cards. With just $10 USD, we were able to sample a variety of their offerings.
Quesadillas
We tried several quesadillas, each filled with different ingredients. My personal favorite was the mushroom (champignon), while my husband favored the bean (frijol) quesadilla. The fillings were flavorful, and the quesadillas were a perfect quick and tasty bite.
Mushroom (Champignon) Quesadilla at Quesadillas Ascencio
Bean (Frijol) Quesadilla at Quesadillas Ascencio
Variety of Quesadillas at Quesadillas Ascencio in Polanco
Tamales
Tamales, steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, were another interesting offering. This traditional Mexican dish provided a unique culinary experience.
Tamales steamed in corn husks at Quesadillas Ascencio
Close-up of Tamales at Quesadillas Ascencio
Different types of Tamales at Quesadillas Ascencio
Plantanos Asados
For dessert, we indulged in plantanos asados – grilled plantains drenched in caramel. This simple dessert was absolutely delicious and a perfect sweet ending to our incredibly affordable meal.
Plantanos Asados (Grilled Plantains with Caramel) at Quesadillas Ascencio
Close-up of Plantanos Asados dessert at Quesadillas Ascencio
All of the above for just $10 USD – an unbeatable value in Polanco!
Wendy’s Kosher Bakery
Av. Homero 1526, Polanco, Polanco II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Wendy’s Kosher Bakery is a small bakery and grocery store where we made a quick stop to sample their pastries.
We tried the halva rugguleh, and it was delicious! Wendy’s is a great place to grab a quick kosher pastry or browse a small selection of grocery items.
Emet Kosher Grocery Store
Av Moliere 331, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
For all your kosher grocery needs in Polanco, Emet Kosher Grocery Store is the place to go. They have multiple locations, but this one serves the Polanco area. Stock up on kosher essentials here.
That concludes our kosher food tour of Polanco for now! If you’re looking to explore further, Tecamachalco (“Teca” for short), located about 15-20 minutes from Polanco, also offers excellent kosher food options.
Read more about kosher food in Tecamachalco here: https://www.kosherfoodworld.com/post/kosher-food-in-tecamachalco-mexico-city
For easy access to all these kosher locations and more, check out this Google Maps list: https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/MiyZ0pkI9QxfNejS-MBOyZevezlw_Q
Plan your kosher culinary adventure in Polanco, Mexico City today!
