This French bistro, helmed by the Máximo team, strikes the perfect balance between old-school charm and modern style, transporting you on a Concorde-like escape from Mexico to Paris. Plenty of candlelight, along with intimate corner tables and booths surrounded by period molding, set the scene for a lingering dinner. Go for their fresh oysters with mignonette or the baked ones smothered in comté, then share the fish of the day à la meunière that’s always done by the book.

Galea is quietly stunning, without even trying. Although the frutti di mare panzerotti are incredible, as is the rest of the Italian-ish menu, it’s not packed (yet), so you might just snag a quiet table just walking in most of the time. The space feels airy and uncluttered with wooden benches and plants all over, making it the perfect setting for a well-executed, no-pressure dinner. And if things don’t go as planned, your credit card won’t be feeling the burn either.

Taverna is a dark, mysterious restaurant, located in a restored Juárez hacienda that’s almost entirely lit by candlelight. You’ll dine on mostly Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are roasted in a wood-burning oven, like standout dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in jamon serrano, fried sardines with a sardine aioli, and a beet carpaccio with a pistachio dressing that should be bottled and sold everywhere. Settle into one of several corners that are ideal for flirting without an audience.

Sartoria is upscale enough to feel special without being stuffy. They’re all about impeccably homemade pastas served in a space that feels like a cave thanks to arched ceilings and very dim lighting. Everyone knows there’s something about Italian wine on a date—a reminder of love, maybe—and this place has plenty of it. Don’t be surprised when you wind up sharing a strand of cacio e pepe like you’re in a movie.

Rosetta is easily one of the most attractive restaurants in CDMX. Plant-themed frescos and a menu that’s predominantly Italian with a Mexican twist make a meal here feel more like a scene out of La Dolce Vita than a dinner. Make sure to book this spot at least two weeks in advance for a prime-time reservation.

This ultra-cool, mezcal-forward Mexican spot nails the lighting game—each table sits under a dim spotlight, making you (and your taco de pulpo with hummus and curry) look incredible. Right at the entrance, you’ll find a selection of vinyl playing all night long, anything from reggae to soul to marimba. Plus, date night here is way more wallet-friendly than booking a table at Pujol, its need-no-introduction sibling—all while holding onto that relentless drive to be at an Enrique Olvera hotspot.

Cana has the charm of a European bistro, but the Mexican music playing inside the airy dining room brings you right back to CDMX. They serve up one of the best caesar salads in the city, loaded with parmesan and decadent medium-rare steak frites. You can also exchange platitudes at the bar, over at least one dirty martini or a glass of something red.

Botánico is a not-so-secret French-Mexican restaurant that somehow still feels like a hidden jungle, pond included. There are tons of lush plants, lights illuminating all that vegetation, and a large yet still cozy outdoor space. Trade bites of fresh tuna carpaccio, creamy mushroom rice with Chiapas cheese, a juicy rib-eye served with guacamole, and a rather spicy pico de gallo.

There are a ton of Italian restaurants in CDMX, but if you’re looking for one with palpable energy, head to Darosa. The white tablecloths and bare-bones decor might make you think it’s been around for a while, but this chic spot on a central corner of Juárez only opened in 2023. Low lights are ideal for taking turns sopping up whatever pomodoro sauce is left on your shared plate of spaghetti. It can be tough to snag a table, so if you don’t see a reservation, show up early and try to walk in.