As someone who relishes in good food and adventurous travel, I went down to Mexico City to discover what the excitement was over two restaurants, Pujol and Quintonil. The two tasting menus took my palette on an exceptional journey, luxuriating in combinations and blends of competing ingredients.
Quintonil and Pujol are both highly regarded restaurants in Mexico City, but differ in terms of their style, approach, and cuisine. They have both received numerous accolades in the culinary world. However, Pujol has been ranked higher in various “best restaurants” lists, including being named the 5th best restaurant in the world by ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022’, while Quintonil ranked 8th. I went to the competing restaurants in 2021 and Quintonil placed above Pujol on my personal list.
The cuisine at Quintonil is focused on modern Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The chef, Jorge Vallejo, draws inspiration from traditional Mexican dishes and techniques but puts his own unique spin on them. His dishes are an incredible emulsion of flavor. Pujol, on the other hand, is known for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine, with Chef Enrique Olvera experimenting with both traditional and contemporary techniques to create a distinctive and often surprising culinary experience.
Quintonil dish consisting of sider crab in a green “pipián” sauce, made with sunflower seeds, kaffir lime, and Thai basil.
Both restaurants place a strong emphasis on high-quality ingredients, but they differ in their sourcing and approach. At Quintonil, Chef Vallejo and his team prioritize fresh and locally sourced ingredients, with many of the herbs and vegetables coming from their own garden. Pujol, places a greater emphasis on rare and hard-to-find ingredients, with Chef Olvera sourcing many of his ingredients from small producers and farmers across Mexico.
The ambience of the two restaurants is also quite different. Quintonil has a more casual and laid-back atmosphere, with an open kitchen and an emphasis on natural light and greenery. Pujol, is more formal and elegant, with a refined interior design that emphasizes understated luxury. Pujol is located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, which is known for its high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife. Quintonil, is situated in the more residential and laid-back neighborhood of Lomas de Chapultepec.
Pujol dish consisting of scallop tostada, kimchi, tomatoes
Both restaurants offer tasting menus that showcase the chef’s skills and creativity, but they differ in their approach. At Quintonil, the tasting menu is designed to be a journey through different Mexican flavors and ingredients, with each dish building on the previous one. Pujol’s tasting menu, is designed to be a more immersive and theatrical experience, with dishes that often incorporate unexpected textures and flavors. The price point is different at these two restaurants, the tasting menu at Pujol is $130 USD per person, while Quintonil’s tasting menu is priced at around $225 USD per person. Both restaurants also offer a la carte options, which can be less expensive than the tasting menu. The service at Pujol is known for being particularly attentive and personalized, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and a focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Quintonil, while still providing excellent service, has a more laid-back and casual vibe.
Quintonil and Pujol are highly acclaimed restaurants in Mexico City, offering different dining experiences; while Quintonil and Pujol share a focus on celebrating Mexican cuisine, they have distinct differences in their approach to ingredients, philosophy, service, Ultimately, both restaurants offer unique and exceptional dining experiences for those looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine.
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