About
Welcome to Sala Gastronomica, a culinary sanctuary nestled within the vibrant Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Polanco, Mexico City. This exceptional dining destination harmoniously bridges the gap between Mexican heritage and contemporary gastronomy. Here, each plate serves as a canvas, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors from various regions across the country. As a food reviewer for Menu Buzz, I am excited to guide you through the delectable offerings and the warm atmosphere that make Sala Gastronomica a must-visit culinary destination.
Stepping into Sala Gastronomica is akin to embarking on a flavorful journey through Mexico’s diverse cuisine. The menu is a celebration of traditional recipes and modern twists, from expertly grilled octopus known as pulpo sarandeado to refreshingly zesty aguachiles. Patrons rave about the carefully curated dishes that strike a perfect balance of taste and texture, with a commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. Eduardo Flores highlights how the octopus dish he savored was not just seasoned with mastery but was presented as a testament to the chef's skill. It's easy to see why this culinary gem has captured the hearts of so many.
Guests have the opportunity to engage in unique experiences, such as the popular tasting menu called "Besame y luego te explico", which pairs traditional flavors with seven distinct varieties of mezcal. Moises Cruz described this pairing as transformative, offering not just a meal but an immersive experience into Mexico’s culinary soul. The harmonious blend of flavors speaks volumes about the restaurant's philosophy: food is not only sustenance but also an exploration of culture and history.
Excellent service complements the delightful dishes. The warmth and attentiveness of the staff, particularly the highly praised Claudia, ensure that every guest feels welcomed. As noted by both Elizabeth Hocker and Moises Cruz, the attentive service combined with the vibrant atmosphere creates a dining experience that is memorable. Such a personalized touch heightens the enjoyment of exploring the diverse offerings on the menu.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of the museum, Sala Gastronomica is indeed worth more than just a casual visit. Whether you're wandering through the museum or looking to savor a remarkable meal, the restaurant invites you to deepen your appreciation for Mexican culture and cuisine. Each dish is a reflection of heritage, crafted with care and passion.
In summary, Sala Gastronomica is an enriching culinary destination that beautifully showcases the essence of Mexico’s flavors and traditions. It’s not merely a dining spot; it's a celebration of the country’s richness, where each bite tells a story. So if you're eager to indulge in unforgettable flavors and share in the narrative of Mexican culinary art, make sure to pay this exquisite restaurant a visit on your next trip to Mexico City.
“ What an experience! We were able to try a variety of foods from all over the country, and everything was delicious. Claudia, our server, was so helpful and friendly! I would definitely come again! ”
“ We had a wonderful lunch with Mr Rafael Ramos; truly one of the best nights of our stay. We participated in “My soulmate is Mezcal.” This was a phenomenal choice for a culinary experience, but also a beautiful way to understand tradition and regional expressions. You will cherish your memory, we will never forget ours! ”
“ My recent visit to Sala Gastronomica was nothing short of exceptional. Located conveniently near the museum, this restaurant delivers an outstanding dining experience from start to finish. The Pulpo Sarandeado - a masterfully prepared octopus dish with the perfect balance of saltiness and flavor. The tender texture and bold seasoning created a truly memorable plate that I cannot recommend highly enough. Our meal also included quesadillas, aguachiles, and asada tacos - each dish prepared with obvious care and attention to detail. The aguachiles offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the other dishes, while the asada tacos featured perfectly seasoned meat. What elevated the experience even further was the impeccable service. Our server, Claudia, was exceptionally attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her friendly demeanor made us feel immediately welcome. The manager also personally stopped by our table to greet us and ensure everything was to our satisfaction - a thoughtful touch that demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to hospitality. The staff's dedication to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere matches the quality of their cuisine. If you find yourself visiting the museum nearby, Sala Gastronomica is absolutely worth making time for. I simply can't speak highly enough about the entire experience. ”
“ This restaurant inside the Museo de Antropologia has excellent mexican food, You can eat here when you visit the museum or even if you are not making a visit , you are allowed to enter only the restaurant. The menu includes dishes from different parts of the country. Absolutely recommended ! ”
“ Sala Gastronomica at the Museo de Antropologia is a true culinary gem that complements the museum’s rich cultural heritage with an equally remarkable gastronomic experience. I was glad we made a reservation in advance, as the restaurant was bustling during lunch, with a waiting time of about 40 minutes. In a city as vast and vibrant as Mexico City, reserving a table is not just practical—it’s essential. We opted for the seven-course tasting menu, “Besame y luego te explico,” featuring traditional recipes reimagined with a modern, upscale twist and perfectly paired with seven varieties of mezcal from Amaras. Each pairing was thoughtfully explained, from the origin of the recipes to the reasoning behind the flavor combinations. This attention to detail elevated the experience, turning it into a journey through Mexico’s diverse culinary traditions. Claudia, our server, provided exceptional care, sharing her 30 years of experience working at the restaurant and her passion for welcoming visitors from around the world. Her enthusiasm added a personal touch to the meal, and her kindness to our youngest guest ensured everyone felt included. Standout dishes included the platano macho filled with Oaxaca cheese, served over a rich mole and bean sauce, and the pink mole from Guerrero, which paired beautifully with mezcal, highlighting the spices in the dish. Even my mother-in-law, a seasoned Mexican cook with her own cherished family recipes, was thoroughly impressed—a rare accomplishment! While the restaurant does not have a dedicated kids’ menu, they are more than happy to accommodate younger diners, making it an excellent choice for families. Overall, Sala Gastronomica offers more than just a meal—it’s an immersive exploration of Mexican culture and flavor, perfectly aligning with the museum’s mission to showcase the nation’s heritage. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine in an unforgettable setting. A true treasure in Mexico City. ”
“ Queso Asada - Crickets were lovely. Ants not so much. Cheese was fresh. Guacamole De La Casa - as good as I have ever had. Tacos AL Pastor - fresh, flavorful and wonderfully dressed. Cokes were cool (we didn't trust the ice) our server, Christopher was prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. ”
“ First, this restaurant is inside the museum even though Google tries to take you near the street. So you need to first enter the museum and then you can go to the restaurant. We went here for lunch on a Sunday. There was a 20-minute wait time. Service was good and prompt. We tried Sopa de Tortilla, Quessadilla, and Tacos. Everything was fresh and tasted really good. Definitely recommend it if you need to rest your legs and are hungry while inside the museum. ”
“ What an amazing experience in food. It was well presented and very VERY GOOD. They offer food from different regions of Mexico and at great prices. The mole is highly recommended. The service was excellent, but watch out for the servers trying to upsell you on ridiculously expensive items. I unfortunately got conned into buying water that was 3x more expensive because they were "sold out" of regular bottled water. It was my own fault for not asking for the menu back to choose something else. As I was leaving I noticed another table had the regular bottled water so yeah.....all I can do is caution others. ”