Seemor
Ciudad de México › Polanco › Carmela y Sal
Carmela y SalA-Worth Trying
Torre Virreyes, Pedregal 24, Lomas - Virreyes, Molino del Rey, Miguel Hidalgo, 11040 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2951 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative, chef-driven Contemporary Mexican with standout service and inventive plates; excellent for celebratory dinners but flavors skew sweet/salty for some and prices are premium.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Carmela y Sal delivers exceptional food quality with inventive Contemporary Mexican dishes and outstanding service attentiveness that guides diners thoughtfully through the menu. However, inconsistent execution—including occasional seasoning imbalances and scattered food safety reports—prevents grade A territory. The elegant tower setting and Michelin recognition position it as a solid destination, but reliability gaps keep it at A-grade level.
Restaurant Summary
Set inside a sleek tower, the room feels elegant and polished rather than flashy, with staff who are warm and attentive from the first greeting. Diners describe service as “thoughtful and unhurried,” with servers guiding choices and fixing missteps when they happen. A few nights run bumpier, but most report a professional, guest-first attitude that shapes the experience. The cooking leans Contemporary Mexican with playful twists: octopus tostadas bright with citrus, a comforting braised short rib in smoky chirmol, and the hibiscus-tinged pink mole that fans rave about. Expect inventive flavor pairings and modern technique more than strict tradition; when it clicks, plates feel layered and memorable. Some palates find certain dishes skew sweet or salty, so adventurous eaters who enjoy bold seasoning will be happiest here. Families do come, though the menu runs sophisticated. Kids who like seafood or simple proteins may enjoy the sea bass with risotto, plain tortillas, or shared sides; desserts like the mango and coconut or chocolate cake are easy wins. There is no explicit kids menu, so conservative eaters might prefer simpler picks or be ready to share.
At a Glance
- Attentive, knowledgeable service that guides the menu
- Creative Contemporary Mexican with memorable signatures
- Seasoning balance can skew sweet/salty for some diners
- Scattered reports of foodborne illness and billing mismatches
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- inventive_pink_mole
- contemporary_mexican_fusion
- tower_setting_polish
What People Love
- Layered, creative flavors on signature dishes
- Warm, professional servers who personalize recommendations
- Elegant room that feels special
- Desserts like mango with coconut that finish strong
Points of Concern
- Seasoning runs bold; several diners reported dishes too sweet or salty
- A few fish and steak refire issues (temperature/availability) on busy nights
- Isolated food poisoning and stomach-ache reports across years
- Review patterns are mostly organic, but a handful of terse 1-star rants reduce clarity
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (premium proteins and cocktails) which may surprise casual diners
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostMXN 1,200-1,700 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If you dislike sweetness, ask to moderate sweetness on Mole rosa or choose savory-forward mains like Poc chuc or short rib.
- Seafood fans should try robalo preparations or octopus tostadas for consistent execution.
Perfect For
- Celebration dinner with cocktails and tasting menu
- Date night seeking inventive Mexican flavors
- Business meal in a polished setting
- Food-focused travelers exploring modern Mexican cuisine
Location Insights
Area: Upscale business district near parks and embassies; sleek office tower crowd by day, destination dining at night.
Safety: Well-patrolled, high foot traffic at peak hours; generally safe and well-lit surroundings.
Nearby: Near Bosque de Chapultepec, museums, and corporate offices; mix of business diners and visitors.
Lomas - VirreyesLomas - Virreyes is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood characterized by luxury high-rises, corporate offices, and fine dining establishments. The dining scene here caters to sophisticated palates with contemporary and international cuisine, attracting well-heeled locals and business visitors.
Molino del ReyMolino del Rey is a micro-neighborhood within Lomas - Virreyes known for its modern office towers and luxury residential buildings, offering a quiet yet upscale environment with select high-end dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–23:00
Tuesday13:00–23:00
Wednesday13:00–23:00
Thursday13:00–23:00
Friday13:00–23:00
Saturday13:00–23:00
Sunday13:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →