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Mexico: Animal Masaryk (4.9/5) (Restaurant)

Price

US$30.00

Animal Masaryk is part of Grupo Rosa Negra, known for creating vibrant, high-energy dining concepts across Latin America. This restaurant blends a modern international menu with gourmet Mexican touches, offering a dynamic and trendy experience in one of Mexico City’s most fashionable districts: Avenida Presidente Masaryk in Polanco.

 

 

 

Website/Reservation: Link

 

Address: C. Calderón de la Barca 108, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Ciudad de

México, CDMX 📍Google Map

 

Hours: 13:00 to 01:00/02:00

 

Phone: +52 55 3378 1264

 

Dress Code: Trendy / smart casual (polished but relaxed).

 

Price Range: Mid-to-high (approx. 800–1,200 MXN per person with drinks).

 

Ambience: Chic, modern, social, with upbeat music and a lounge vibe.

 

Best Time to Visit: November to May for dry, sunny weather.

 

Entrance: No entry fee to the island; activities vary in cost.

 

Transport: Rent a golf cart, scooter, or bicycle for easy island exploration

 

 

 

🥘 10 Must-Eat Items

1. Spicy Tuna Roll

This signature sushi roll is a delightful blend of fresh tuna wrapped perfectly to create a mouthwatering sushi experience. The freshness of the fish combined with the perfect amount of heat makes this one of the most praised items on the menu. The roll showcases Animal's expertise in Japanese cuisine, with the tuna practically melting in your mouth while the spicy elements add just the right kick without overpowering the delicate fish flavor.

 

2. Filet la Pimienta (Pepper Filet)

This dish delivers on flavor with every bite—its seasoning elevating it to must-order status. This pepper-crusted filet steak is cooked using Animal's signature Josper oven technique, which locks in the flavors through intense heat. The result is a perfectly charred exterior with a succulent, juicy interior. The peppercorn crust adds a sophisticated spiciness that enhances rather than masks the premium quality of the beef.

 

3. Trompo Tacos

Multiple reviewers highly recommend trying the trompo tacos, which feature exceptionally tender meats including pork belly, rib-eye, and arrachera, each seared to perfection and imbued with a bold depth of flavor that pays homage to traditional Mexican cuisine. These tacos represent the perfect marriage of Animal's upscale approach with street food tradition, offering three types of premium meat in one spectacular dish.

 

4. Short Rib Barbacoa

The short rib barbacoa has a spectacular smoky flavor that has earned it rave reviews. This dish takes traditional Mexican barbacoa to new heights with slow-cooked short ribs that fall apart at the touch of a fork. The smoking process infuses deep, complex flavors into the tender meat, creating a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. Short rib dumplings are also featured among the restaurant's standout dishes.

 

5. Bone Marrow and Chorizo Tacos

These bone marrow tacos are deftly prepared and beautifully presented, combining satisfyingly luxurious textures and bold, robust flavors. The marrow, with its profoundly sumptuous and buttery essence, blends harmoniously with the smoky, formidable rib eye flavor. This is one of Animal's most indulgent offerings, where the rich, creamy bone marrow creates an unforgettable taco experience that pushes culinary boundaries.

 

6. Pulpo al Pastor (Octopus Pastor-Style)

Their signature "Pulpo al Pastor" features tender octopus marinated in traditional pastor spices. The pulpo comes with guacamole and fresh tortillas. This innovative dish reimagines the classic tacos al pastor by substituting pork with perfectly cooked octopus, resulting in a seafood dish with the beloved flavors of Mexico's iconic street food. The octopus remains tender while absorbing the complex pastor marinade.

 

7. Lobster Fettuccine

Creamy and decadent, this pasta captures attention with succulent lobster pieces that please seafood enthusiasts. This Italian-inspired dish fits seamlessly into Animal's fusion concept, with generous portions of fresh lobster nestled in rich, velvety pasta. The cream sauce is perfectly balanced, allowing the sweet lobster flavor to shine through while adding luxurious texture to every bite.

 

8. Nigiri and Sashimi Selection

Order nicely cooked tuna, nigiri and sashimi at this place. Reviewers praise the great flavors in nigiris and makis. The sushi bar at Animal showcases the restaurant's commitment to Japanese cuisine with pristine cuts of fish prepared by skilled chefs. Each piece highlights the quality and freshness of the seafood, with the rice perfectly seasoned and the fish cut to ideal thickness.

 

9. Tuna Rice Cakes

The Tuna Rice Cakes feature multiple golden rice cakes, perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy within, served with a mini bowl filled with a creamy tuna dip. The contrast between the warm, slightly sweet rice cakes and the cool, savory tuna dip is truly delicious. This interactive dish adds a playful element to the dining experience.

 

10. Monkey Banana Cake (Pastel Campechano de Pistache)

The Pastel Campechano de Pistache is a dessert standout noted for its outstanding flavor profile—every slice more indulgent than the last. As a recommendation, the dessert was a Monkey banana cake and it is truly a delight. This signature dessert combines banana and pistachio elements in a creative presentation that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, providing the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

🌍 Why Visit?

1. Fusion Cuisine: A creative blend of Mexican ingredients with global techniques and inspirations.

2. Trendy Atmosphere: Modern décor, music-driven vibe, and stylish crowd.

3. Prime Location: Situated on Masaryk, often called Mexico City’s equivalent of “Rodeo Drive.”

4. Diverse Menu: Something for everyone, from sushi to tacos to wood-fired meats.

5. Cocktail Program: Innovative mixology with top-shelf spirits.

6. Perfect for Groups/Night Out: The ambience is lively, making it ideal for friends or celebrations.

🌇 Suggested Day Plan

🏛️ 9:00 AM — Museo Soumaya

Kick off the morning at Museo Soumaya — one of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks. Its futuristic silver exterior, made of 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles, is breathtaking before you even step inside. Best of all — entry is completely free!
🖼️ Inside, explore 60,000+ works spanning 30 centuries, including pieces by Rodin, Dalí, Van Gogh, and Diego Rivera.

 

🎨 11:00 AM — Museo Jumex

Just next door, Museo Jumex is Mexico City's premier contemporary art space — a concrete cube designed by architect David Chipperfield hosting exhibitions from artists like Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol.
✨ Entry is also free — easily combine both museums in one cultural morning!

 

🌳 1:00 PM — Parque Lincoln & the Aviary

Take a breather at Parque Lincoln, a beautiful, leafy green park in the heart of Polanco. Step inside the tiny aviary for just 7 pesos and discover an explosion of colorful parrots, cardinals, and peacocks.
📸 A great spot for photos and people-watching before the afternoon begins.

 

🛍️ 2:30 PM — Stroll Avenida Presidente Masaryk

Often called the Champs-Élysées of Mexico, Avenida Presidente Masaryk is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the country — lined with top Mexican and international luxury brands. Window shop, browse local designer boutiques, or pick up a souvenir.
💡 The avenue is at its best in the afternoon when it's lively but not yet crowded for evening.

 

🪞 5:30 PM — Get Ready for Animal Masaryk

Animal Masaryk has a smart casual vibe — stylish but comfortable. Think a great outfit that matches the restaurant's chic jungle-meets-urban aesthetic.
✨ Head back to freshen up before your reservation!

 

🍽️ 7:00 PM — Dinner at Animal Masaryk

📍 C. Calderón de la Barca 108, Polanco III Secc (corner of Presidente Masaryk)
⭐ 4.9/5 | Ranked #21 of 5,537 restaurants in Mexico City

Animal Masaryk is an award-winning restaurant in the heart of Polanco, holding the prestigious Six Star Diamond Award and blending international flavors, premium steaks, and Japanese cuisine in a stunning jungle-themed interior.

The menu is centered around an Asian-Steakhouse fusion concept — from exotic nigiri, sashimi, and a full sushi bar to Josper-grilled steaks with a perfect char and juicy interior, plus signature tacos with pork belly, rib-eye, and arrachera.

Must-tries: the Tiradito de cerdo, short rib, Animal Roll, and the legendary toro with truffle nigiri. Wash it all down with one of their creatively crafted cocktails.

🥂 Reserve ahead — it's one of Polanco's hottest tables!

 

🍹 After Dinner — Polanco Nightlife

Bar-hop along Avenida Presidente Masaryk — when the sun sets, Polanco comes alive with everything from speakeasies to mezcal bars. Try Ticuhi, a dimly-lit mezcal bar on a side street with a stunning round skylight — feel like you're in a space station sipping artisanal mezcal. 🎶

 

🚇 Tip: Polanco is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Mexico City — you can easily cover most of this itinerary on foot. Take an Uber or the metro for longer stretches!

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