EM was one of my favourite restaurants in Mexico City and, in my opinion, is underrated at only one Michelin star. Chef Lucho Martínez has quietly built one of the city’s most exciting dining destinations, earning a devoted local following with his thoughtful, design-driven cuisine that blends contemporary Mexican flavours with refined Japanese influences.
The dining room is intimate, seating only about 27 guests, and is the very definition of understated elegance. The minimalist space serves as a blank canvas, allowing the drama to unfold on the plate. Beige travertine tables, black stone floors, sleek black chairs, soft taupe fabrics and flowing beige curtains create a sophisticated setting without distraction. The staff, dressed entirely in black, move through the room with quiet precision. Every detail has been considered, from the beautiful glassware and handcrafted plates to the elegant steak knives. Even the music deserves mention because it remained exactly where it should be—in the background—adding to the atmosphere without ever competing with the conversation.
The service was exemplary and among the best we experienced in Mexico City. This is a restaurant that notices everything. Rather than simply refolding your napkin when you leave the table, they replace it with a fresh one. My husband managed to drop his napkin twice, and although there wasn’t a staff member visible in the dining room, someone appeared almost instantly each time with a fresh replacement. It was as though the room was being quietly watched from behind the scenes. It was seamless, polished hospitality at its finest.
One of the things I appreciated most is that diners can choose between an à la carte menu or a tasting menu, making EM just as appealing for a casual dinner as for a special occasion. We opted for the eight-course tasting menu, which leaned heavily toward seafood and beautifully showcased Chef Martínez’s style. His cooking is his own interpretation of Mexico, filtered through a Japanese lens. The presentations are artistic without feeling contrived, and every dish reflects precision, restraint and creativity. The menu changes frequently with the seasons, ensuring every visit offers something new.
Our meal began with a clever herb broth served in a sculptural vessel that invited you to sip directly from it, followed by a striking geometric cylinder filled with sweet crab and crowned with caviar. It was an unforgettable opening and immediately set the tone for the evening. Two different tuna preparations followed, each highlighting a completely different texture and flavour profile. The house-made bread deserves special mention, served warm with an indulgent cheese and caviar spread that was impossible to resist. One of the fish courses was quite simply one of the finest seafood dishes I have ever eaten—perfectly cooked, beautifully balanced and deeply memorable.
The tasting menu continued with two excellent meat courses, featuring duck and beautifully marbled Wagyu, before moving into desserts that proved to be far more than an afterthought. Every sweet course was thoughtful, balanced and beautifully executed. I especially loved how the kitchen presented exotic fruits such as mamey and soursop before incorporating them into the desserts, allowing guests to better appreciate the unique flavours and ingredients behind each creation.
The beverage program is equally impressive. Guests can choose from thoughtfully curated wine pairings, non-alcoholic pairings, or order by the glass or bottle from a well-rounded list featuring wines from Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Greece and beyond. There is also an extensive selection of premium tequilas and mezcals.
Unlike some of the city’s better-known fine dining destinations, EM felt refreshingly local. There were very few tourists, and many of the tables were filled with Mexican diners—a testament to the respect Chef Martínez has earned in his own city.
EM delivers everything I look for in a great restaurant: exceptional cooking, flawless service, refined design and genuine hospitality. It is sophisticated without pretension, creative without excess, and memorable from beginning to end. It was one of the highlights of our time in Mexico City, and I would return in a heartbeat.
I was truly impressed by every aspect of the experience. From the beautiful room and impeccable service to Chef Lucho Martínez’s refined, thoughtful cooking, EM exceeded every expectation. If you’re looking for one of Mexico City’s most exciting and innovative dining experiences, don’t overlook this hidden gem. It deserves every accolade it has received, and in my opinion, even more.
Highly recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
7/18/2026
