Classic Spanish cooking in upscale Polanco with standout seafood and Iberian staples, solid ambiance, but inconsistent execution and service; prices align with the neighborhood.
Asturiano Polanco presents an attractive classic Spanish dining room in a prime location, but food quality shows mixed execution—croquettes and seafood shine while paella runs dry and fish oversalts inconsistently. Service varies from polished to dismissive, and quality consistency across visits remains unreliable, preventing a higher grade despite the elegant setting and traditional Spanish menu. Recent critical incidents suggest a slight downward trajectory that compounds these concerns.
In polished Polanco, Asturiano sets a classic scene with white shirts, framed art, and a dining room that feels warm and elegant. Guests talk about croquettes that crackle and octopus with paprika warmth, but also mention uneven pacing and the room getting a bit too lively. One diner summed it up: "Beautiful space, service looked sharp, results varied by dish." However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans traditional Spanish with ingredient-driven plates: paella, fabada, rabo de toro, salt-baked fish, and Manchego-laced comfort. When execution hits, it is soulful and satisfying; when it misses, rice runs dry or seasoning skews salty. Prices track the postcode more than the pantry, so come expecting Polanco-level pricing rather than bargains. Families can do well here: tortilla española, croquettes, simple pastas, grilled fish, and breakfast dishes are kid-friendly options. There is no explicit kids menu in reviews, but the menu has plenty of mild, familiar choices; just steer younger diners away from the more assertive stews and salt-crusted fish.
Area vibe: Upscale commercial-residential district with luxury boutiques and business diners; polished venues and business lunches common.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled and busy; valet operations common though some complaints about pricing.
What's nearby: Near high-end shops on Presidente Masaryk, hotels, offices, and galleries; strong lunch and dinner demand.