Amaral Redefines High-End Dining in Polanco as Spanish Culinary Excellence Takes Over Mexico City: Know More About it

Published on December 5, 2025

In recent years, Spanish cuisine has taken Mexico City by storm, and the capital’s food scene has been forever transformed. No longer is it just about tacos or traditional Mexican dishes. The upscale restaurants of Polanco, a high-end district in Mexico City, are embracing Spanish culinary trends with renewed vigour. Among the key players driving this shift is Amaral, an elegant restaurant that has become the centrepiece of this Spanish food renaissance.

Let’s explore how this powerful wave of Spanish gastronomy is reshaping Mexico City’s dining culture and why Amaral is at the forefront of this exciting movement.

Spain’s Culinary Influence in Mexico City

The influence of Spain on global cuisine is undeniable. As a country known for its bold flavours, rich traditions, and emphasis on quality ingredients, Spain has long been a cornerstone of culinary excellence. In 2024, Spain cemented its position as a gastronomic powerhouse when three out of the five best restaurants in the world, according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, were located in Spain. This remarkable achievement showcases Spain’s global dominance in the culinary world and serves as an inspiration for restaurants worldwide.

This renewed global interest in Spanish cuisine has not gone unnoticed in Mexico City. In fact, it has sparked a wave of high-end Spanish restaurants opening in Polanco, one of the city’s most prestigious districts. These restaurants are no longer just about maintaining tradition; they are innovating, fusing Spanish flavours with local Mexican ingredients, creating a new dining experience that excites even the most discerning palates.

Amaral: A Culinary Beacon in Polanco

Among the many new Spanish-inspired restaurants in Polanco, Amaral stands out as a leader in bringing Spain’s gastronomic influence to Mexico. Amaral, which opened its doors in 2024, quickly established itself as a symbol of sophistication and culinary excellence. This restaurant has successfully fused Mediterranean-inspired flavours with a modern touch, offering an experience that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking in its approach.

At Amaral, the emphasis is not just on food, but on creating an unforgettable experience. The restaurant’s elegant design, exceptional service, and, of course, its expertly crafted dishes make it a destination for food lovers. Amaral offers much more than just a meal – it presents an experience that involves all the senses.

A Perfect Balance of Tradition and Innovation

What makes Amaral stand out from the rest is its ability to balance tradition with innovation. The restaurant’s menu showcases the best of Spain’s culinary heritage, but it also embraces modern techniques and ingredients that elevate the dishes to a whole new level. It respects the time-honoured Spanish cooking techniques while also exploring new flavours and combinations. This combination of tradition and innovation is what keeps Amaral ahead of the curve in a crowded and competitive culinary market.

At Amaral, diners can enjoy classic Spanish dishes, such as succulent seafood, paella, and expertly grilled meats. However, these dishes are given a contemporary twist, making them feel fresh and exciting. The result is a menu that celebrates Spain’s culinary legacy while also embracing Mexico’s rich local flavours.

A World-Class Wine Experience

One of the key aspects that sets Amaral apart is its dedication to offering a world-class wine experience. The restaurant’s wine list has recently earned the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, a recognition given only to restaurants that offer exceptional wine selections and pairings. Amaral’s wine list features an array of Spanish wines, expertly chosen to complement the dishes and enhance the overall dining experience.

This prestigious award is a testament to Amaral’s commitment to providing a seamless and sophisticated dining experience. Wine and food pairings are an essential part of Spanish gastronomy, and Amaral takes this aspect seriously. Each dish is carefully crafted to work in harmony with the wines on offer, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

The Elegant Atmosphere of Amaral

Beyond the food and wine, Amaral also excels in creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and contemporary. The restaurant’s interior design is sophisticated yet welcoming. The main dining area features high ceilings, soft lighting, and modern fixtures, creating an ambience that is both chic and comfortable. The neutral tones of the decor are accentuated by metallic accents, which add a touch of glamour without overwhelming the space.

The layout of the restaurant is thoughtfully designed to cater to different dining preferences. The central area is a spacious, open space, ideal for larger groups or those who enjoy a more lively atmosphere. In contrast, the more intimate corners of the restaurant offer a quieter, more private setting for those looking for a more personal dining experience.

The staff at Amaral are highly trained and dedicated to providing impeccable service. Sommeliers guide diners through the wine list, making recommendations that perfectly complement the flavours of the dishes. The attention to detail in both service and environment ensures that every guest has an exceptional experience from the moment they walk through the door.

The Rice Revolution: A Spanish Tradition Reimagined

One of the most exciting culinary trends at Amaral is its collaboration with Los Arroces de St. James, a renowned Spanish restaurant known for its mastery of rice dishes. Amaral’s new partnership with Los Arroces has led to the creation of an exclusive rice menu that is offered in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu.

Spanish rice dishes, such as paella, are a hallmark of the country’s culinary tradition. However, Amaral takes these classic dishes and reimagines them with a contemporary twist. For example, the restaurant serves a traditional arroz negro (black rice with squid) and a meloso con bogavante (rice with lobster) – dishes that are not only traditional but also expertly paired with seafood from the Mexican Pacific, creating a fusion of Spanish tradition and local Mexican ingredients.

This rice revolution is not just about innovation for the sake of innovation. It is a reflection of a broader trend in Spanish cuisine, where chefs are looking back to their culinary roots and bringing new life to classic dishes. Amaral’s rice menu is a perfect example of this trend, as it honours the origins of Spanish cuisine while also engaging with Mexico’s rich culinary landscape.

Why Amaral and Polanco Are the Perfect Match

The rise of Spanish cuisine in Polanco is not a coincidence. The neighbourhood is known for its high-end dining options and its reputation as the heart of Mexico City’s gastronomic scene. Polanco’s luxurious atmosphere, combined with its cosmopolitan vibe, makes it the ideal location for restaurants like Amaral, which offer a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.

Polanco is home to a number of upscale international restaurants, and the addition of Amaral has only elevated the district’s reputation as a culinary hotspot. The district’s residents and visitors are hungry for new and exciting dining options, and Amaral’s blend of Spanish culinary tradition and modern innovation has made it a standout in this competitive market.

The Future of Spanish Cuisine in Mexico City

Amaral’s success is a clear indication that Spanish cuisine is here to stay in Mexico City. As more and more people embrace the flavours and techniques of Spain, restaurants like Amaral are leading the charge, shaping the future of high-end dining in the city.

The combination of Spain’s rich culinary heritage with Mexico’s diverse and vibrant food culture has created a unique fusion that is capturing the attention of food lovers across the world. Amaral’s commitment to quality, innovation, and service has positioned it as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, and its success will likely inspire many others to follow in its footsteps.

A New Era of Culinary Excellence in Polanco

Amaral is at the forefront of a gastronomic revolution in Mexico City, bringing the flavours and techniques of Spain to one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Through its innovative menu, world-class wine list, and exceptional service, Amaral has quickly become a must-visit destination for food lovers.

As Spanish cuisine continues to thrive in Mexico City, Amaral will undoubtedly remain one of its shining stars. The restaurant’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, honouring the best of Spanish gastronomy while embracing local flavours, has made it a leader in this exciting new culinary wave. Polanco is the perfect place to celebrate this culinary renaissance, and Amaral is leading the charge, one dish at a time.