TL;DR Rosetta is Elena Reygadas’s celebrated Roma restaurant that blends Mexican ingredients with Italian techniques, famed for its bread and pastas, seasonal menu, and leafy townhouse setting. In 2025 it remains a must-visit: expect shareable, ingredient-driven plates, an on‑site bakery, a one‑star Michelin pedigree, and a lively lunch or romantic dinner vibe. Below I give a practical plan to book, order, and get the most out of a visit, plus honest tips from my own meals and aggregated reviews.
Restaurante Rosetta Mexico City: An Insider’s Guide to Culinary Delights in 2025
Why Rosetta still matters in 2025
I first walked into Rosetta more than a decade after it opened and immediately understood why it has endured: chef-owner Elena Reygadas has created a restaurant that feels both intimate and ambitious. Established in 2010, Rosetta helped define Roma as one of Mexico City’s most interesting dining neighborhoods (Wikipedia). Over the years it has become known for marrying Mexican ingredients with Mediterranean and especially Italian techniques—think house-made pastas and a persistent obsession with bread.
The restaurant’s reputation is not just local chatter. Rosetta holds high-level recognition: a Michelin listing (one star for quality cooking in the MICHELIN Guide) and repeated placements on international lists such as The World’s 50 Best (No.46 in the 2025 list for Discovery) reflect consistent acclaim (MICHELIN Guide; The World’s 50 Best). Those awards matter to regulars and visitors alike because they underscore a long-term commitment to technique, seasonality, and sourcing.
First‑hand impressions: what I actually ate and loved
I return to Rosetta because it rewards attention to detail. The breads arrive early—focaccia, sourdoughs from the connected bakery, and sometimes rye sourdough—each with a clear crust, tender crumb, and thoughtful salt (reviews and the on‑site bakery note this emphasis). The bread alone signals the kitchen’s priorities.
For mains, the menu leans Italian in structure but is unabashedly Mexican in flavor choices. I’ve had pillowy ricotta-stuffed ravioli in a lemon cream sauce and tagliatelle brightened with chile de árbol—both dishes that critics and diners single out when describing Rosetta’s pasta focus (The Infatuation; Wikipedia). I’ve also enjoyed small‑plate experiments such as cabbage “tacos” with pistachio purée and the restaurant’s twists on mole and seafood dishes—these reflect the creative, shareable approach that Michelin praised.
On the drinks side, Rosetta balances classic wine pairings with playful cocktails. A jasmine‑and‑habanero cocktail I tried punctuated the meal with floral heat, and the service allowed a thoughtful wine taste before committing—small touches reviewers have highlighted as well (Hungry Soles).
What to order: signature items I recommend (and why)
- Bakery bread: order a selection or ask for the day’s specialties. The sourdoughs are a recurring highlight across reviews and my visits (Panaderia Rosetta / 50 Best).
- Pasta—ricotta ravioli or tagliatelle: these showcase the kitchen’s Italian technique with Mexican flavors; they’re reliably excellent (Infatuation).
- Cabbage tacos (if available): simple, clever, and a great example of how Rosetta reimagines local ingredients (MICHELIN Guide).
- Sea bass or seasonal fish dishes: the plates often feature delicate treatments with herbs/sea greens—cookery that respects the ingredient.
- Try a cocktail with floral and spicy balance (e.g., jasmine + habanero) or a carefully curated glass of wine.
The room, service, and vibe
Rosetta sits inside a converted townhouse in Colonia Roma, which gives it several small rooms and a leafy, conservatory-like feel. The space reads romantic at dinner and luminous at lunch when sunlight floods the dining room (The Infatuation; Hungry Soles). Service tends to be warm and helpful; staff commonly speak English and are used to international guests (Eternal Spring noted English menus and staff).
Expect an approachable formality: not stiff fine dining, but a polished experience. The seating is cozy—large parties may find the layout tighter than modern open-plan venues, and during busy nights the place buzzes.
Bakery: why the on-site panadería is important
Rosetta’s bakery (Panadería Rosetta) is not a side note—it’s central to the restaurant’s identity. The bakery produces sourdoughs, focaccias, and pastry items that feed both diners and the wider city. TripAdvisor and 50 Best both call attention to the bakery, and you can expect to see staff bringing freshly baked loaves to the dining room.
If you love bread, arrive early or plan to visit the bakery separately (it has a distinct address nearby). Buying a loaf to take home is a tangible way to extend the Rosetta experience beyond the meal.
How Rosetta compares to other dining options in Roma (quick table)
Feature | Rosetta | Typical Roma bistro |
---|---|---|
Cuisine focus | Mexican‑Italian fusion, seasonal | Local Mexican or international bistro |
Price level (estimate) | Moderate–upper (about $40 pp average reported) | Lower–moderate |
Awards | Michelin‑starred; on 50 Best lists | Varies; fewer international awards |
Best time to go | Lunch for light, airy room; dinner for romantic mood | Any; often casual |
Must-try | House breads, pastas, seasonal share plates | Neighborhood specialties or comfort dishes |
Practical Guide
Below I give the specific steps I follow when planning a visit to Rosetta. These reduce stress and increase the odds you leave satisfied.
1) Book early
Reservations are strongly advised. Rosetta is popular with locals, expats, and tourists (Eternal Spring, Infatuation), and the dining room fills quickly—especially for weekend dinner and sunny weekend lunch. If you prefer a specific table (outdoor-ish or a quieter corner), mention it when booking.
2) Time your visit
If you want natural light and a more relaxed pace, aim for lunch; if you want romance and a slightly more theatrical menu rhythm, book dinner (Infatuation). Weekdays are generally less hectic than Friday or Saturday evenings.
3) Arrive with an open palate
Rosetta’s menu is seasonal and changes frequently (Wikipedia; 50 Best), so don’t expect a rigid “greatest hits” checklist. Allow the server to suggest dishes for sharing; the kitchen prefers plates meant to be sampled together.
4) Prioritize bread and pasta
Start with a bread selection—ask for what’s freshest. Then choose one pasta and a couple of share plates. Portions are designed to combine rather than be single‑course meals.
5) Mention dietary needs early
The team is familiar with vegetarian and pescatarian requests (Eternal Spring flagged vegetarian-friendly options), but gluten-free diners should ask about cross-contamination—Rosetta bakes and works heavily with doughs, so be explicit.
6) Visit the bakery
If timing allows, stop by Panadería Rosetta (nearby address on Calle Colima) either before or after your meal. Takeaway sourdough is a wonderful souvenir and a practical way to enjoy Rosetta at home (Panaderia Rosetta listing).
7) Budget and payment
Expect a moderate-to-upper price point. A 50 Best entry lists an average price per person around $40 (50 Best Discovery). Check current menus online and carry a card—Rosetta accepts common payment methods but it’s smart to confirm their policy in case of cash-only specials.
8) Tipping and etiquette
Service in CDMX typically includes the expectation of tipping; 10–15% for good service is common. Be courteous if staff make recommendations or bring extra items like bread or taste pours—they are part of the curated experience.
What I wish I’d known before my first visit
- Menus change: favorites may rotate seasonally—ask about signature or regularly recurring dishes.
- Pacing: courses arrive at a considerate pace geared to sharing—don’t rush ordering everything at once.
- Noise: the charming compact rooms can become lively—if you want quiet, aim for an early week lunch.
- Bakery demand: popular baked goods can sell out—arrive early or phone the bakery for reservations.
Real‑world caveats and things I’m not 100% sure about
I’ve synthesized my own visits with recent reviews and guide listings, but a few operational details can shift quickly: exact opening hours, holiday closures, and the day’s specific menu items. Sources note Rosetta is typically open Monday–Saturday for lunch and dinner, but I recommend checking the restaurant’s official site or calling ahead for current hours and reservation options (50 Best; MICHELIN Guide). If you need a private dining request or are planning a large group, call well in advance—I can’t guarantee current private‑room availability.
Local context: Roma and why the neighborhood matters
Colonia Roma is one of Mexico City’s most walkable, design-conscious neighborhoods. Rosetta sits on Colima street and benefits from the area’s lively cafe culture, galleries, and boutique hotels. Its townhouse setting contributes to the restaurant’s homey, layered aesthetic—plant-filled rooms and small tables that feel personal rather than institutional (Hungry Soles; Infatuation).
FAQs
Is Rosetta worth a splurge?
Yes, if you value creative, ingredient-driven food in a polished but intimate setting. The Michelin star and international accolades reflect a level of consistency and technique that justify the cost for many diners.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes—reserve in advance to secure peak times. Walk-ins are riskier, especially on weekends and evenings (Eternal Spring; MICHELIN Guide).
Does Rosetta have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian and pescatarian diets regularly; vegans should notify the staff in advance so the chef can suggest appropriate dishes given the bakery and pasta focus.
Can I buy bread to take home?
Absolutely. Panadería Rosetta is a separate but connected operation selling sourdoughs and pastries. It’s worth a stop for fresh loaves; popular items may sell out, so earlier visits are best (Panaderia Rosetta listing).
Is the menu kid-friendly?
Rosetta is more adult-oriented in atmosphere and menu composition, but families can dine comfortably. Portions are often shared; if you need simple pasta or milder dishes for children, communicate that when ordering.
Is parking available?
Street parking in Roma can be limited. I recommend using a rideshare or a short walk from a nearby paid lot. If you must drive, allow extra time for parking and consider calling ahead for suggestions.
How does Rosetta handle dietary restrictions like gluten-free?
Be explicit when booking and upon arrival. Because the bakery and pasta are central to the restaurant, cross-contamination is a real concern; staff will advise on safe options, but those with severe celiac disease should inquire carefully.
Final thoughts and my recommended tasting order
Rosetta rewards curiosity. My ideal meal order: arrive at lunch for lightness or at dusk for atmosphere; start with a shared bread selection from the bakery; pick one standout pasta; add two share plates that showcase seasonal produce and a protein or fish; finish with a simple dessert and either coffee or a digestif. Pairings are thoughtful—ask the staff for a wine or cocktail that complements citrusy pastas or richer mole variations.
In short: Rosetta remains one of Mexico City’s most articulate restaurants in 2025 because it combines a strong point of view (bread and pasta), a commitment to seasonal Mexican ingredients, and a dining room that feels both special and accessible. Check hours before you go, reserve a table, and leave room for the bread.
Martin Weidemann is a digital transformation expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading fintech and innovation projects. As a LinkedIn Top Voice in Digital Transformation and contributor to outlets like Forbes, he now brings that same expertise to travel and mobility in Mexico City through Mexico-City-Private-Driver.com. His focus: trustworthy service, local insights, and peace of mind for travelers.