My girlfriend and I decided we needed to get out of the city for a weekend recently, and our choice landed on Tepoztlan, a small mountain town about an hour and a half north of CDMX. The Place After the quick bus ride and a short taxi ride, we arrived at our hotel, the Hotel Las Puertas de Tepoztlan. Our room was very large and spacious, and we had our own balcony.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that impresses the Instagram crowd, this is it. Set inside the Amomoxtli hotel, the elegant decor, the open kitchen, the beautiful gardens all help create the illusion you are in a separate world. Plenty of opportunities for interesting photos. The food, however, leaves a little to be desired, especially considering the price. We had the arroz primavera and the mushroom pozole. Both were underseasoned and while the pozole provided a generous portion, I found myself wanting for more after the rice.

I would describe the food here as elevated modern Mexican cuisine. The meal started with a handmade salsa prepared tableside. I loved the inclusion of roasted baby onions in there, it gave it a really interesting flavor. Next, we shared the esquites as appetizer. The flavor combination was novel, it had an earthy taste. It was not my favorite dish of the day, but I always appreciate it when chefs explore new twists on old classics.

This is a really interesting restaurant, tucked out of the way in a side street and completely hidden from view. You would never know it is there just from walking in the street, as there are no signs. Just look for the three palm trees and the staircase to the yellow tower and you’ll find it. (make sure to make a reservation via Instagram or WhatsApp beforehand as they don’t accept walk-ins)

Pánuco 36, a recently opened restaurant nestled at the end of a charming courtyard, offers a welcome respite from Mexico City’s hustle and bustle. Attached to the Mariane Ibrahim Art Gallery and the associated bookstore, the whole space feels like a tranquil oasis. I would highly recommend combining your visit to the restaurant with a visit to the gallery (or vice-versa) for a fun afternoon experience. The menu boasts a fusion of elevated Mexican fare with Mediterranean influences, with a strong focus on vegetable-forward dishes.