We had gone to this restaurant a few years ago for another birthday and were blown away both by the service and the quality of the food. It was one of my favorite Michelin experiences in the city, so I was anxious to return for another birthday celebration. Unfortunately despite the food still being phenomenal, our experience was just not Michelin worthy. when we arrive, the restaurant could not locate our reservation immediately, making us feel like we were crazy for showing up. They did eventually locate it, and said this happens all the time which was a bit strange for a small restaurant. The lounge area where they give you a few bites and you wait was oddly cold and they did not offer to take our coats. When it was time for the actual meal, there were six courses on the menu. All the bites were really pretty wonderful, but the restaurant was taking 20+ minutes if not more. Our reservation was For 6:30 PM and we arrived relatively on time. It was 9 o’clock and we still had two courses to go in a babysitter waiting at home. Between the courses no one had come by to ask us how the food was, only once did someone offer to give us more drinks, and we were generally ignored. I don’t think this was unique to us as many of the other tables also seemed to wait a very long time between courses. At 9 PM we finally said we needed to get moving, and they asked us what we wanted to do and then rushed out those last two courses at the same time. Needless to say this is not at all the experience you would expect at a Michelin starred restaurant. They did not apologize or act at all like there was an issue. I have been to several other experiences like this with multiple courses and never once that I feel like I was just sitting around, waiting for nothing at all, or had a meal still be 30% not finished 2.5 hours after sitting down. I am not sure if they had an off night but from reading a couple other reviews it sounds like this does happen there. There is just no excuse for guests sitting around for 20+ minutes over and over again with no one checking on them at a place that charges this much.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Andrew Warner
Lovely dinner. Wells appreciated the chef coming out to greet us and to talk about the meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anika Schmidt
I was looking for a cozy dinner place nearby and came across this restaurant. The atmosphere was welcoming, with soft music and a clean setup. I ordered the pasta and it tasted fresh, with just the right balance of flavors. Service was attentive without being pushy. I left satisfied and will recommend it to friends.”
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Seitz
Our time at Topolobampo was memorable, well coordinated, and fun. We opted for the tequila or mezcal tasting and very much enjoyed the variety of options we were introduced to.
The menu was based of some of the art work they had and the experience began in a lounge and moved into the dining room.
Every dish was a knockout - well thought out and meticulously executed. Service was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about what was being served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natalie Benitah
A great spot for Mexican and if you like Michelin star restaurants, this one is unique. Only reason I gave it a 4 was that although the food and service were excellent, I have had better 1 star Michelin. Definitely worth a try
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Dare Doc
It's a nice place. Food was good quality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Ceciletravelinfo
Rick Bayless’s upscale Mexican spot that dazzles without excess.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anne N
I treated our small team of health care professionals to a private dinner in the Library… a much deserved 50 year celebration! The dinner was pre-arranged with menu recommended before hand and plans for a festive evening were made! Luke beautifully managed our coming together, acted as an excellent wine narrator of the pairings, and explained the dishes one by one in exquisite detail. Chef Jesus also explained some unique features of his preparation and Assistant Otto also served the courses masterfully. I asked for a special Mexican wine pairing which was expertly managed with Paralelo Wines, Colina and Arenal, from the valle Guadeloupe from the vineyard of renowned wine maker Hugo daCosta. Health care policy is not nearly as complicated as the diverse culturally- driven regional flavors and foods of the magnificent states of Mexico. Salut and gracias to the Rick Balis team. We are grateful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave Berk
Absolutely incredible meal from start to finish. We enjoyed every dish, and felt that the experience was worth every penny.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lalla T. Pierce
Absolutely loved our experience. Perfect and really appreciated the attention to detail.
Topolobampo, Rick Bayless’ fine-dining Mexican establishment, offers an upscale take on traditional flavors, and my recent visit to experience their “Taco Craft” was a mix of refinement and restraint.
There’s no doubt that Topolobampo delivers on the elements expected of a high-end restaurant: thoughtful plating, polished presentation, and attentive, knowledgeable service. The ambiance is refined yet warm, with a sophisticated charm that sets the tone for a curated dining experience.
The “Taco Craft” tasting menu showcased a variety of tacos that clearly emphasized quality ingredients and careful preparation. Each taco was well-composed, with balanced textures and an eye for detail. However, while everything tasted good and was executed with skill, it fell short of creating that “wow” moment that one might hope for at a restaurant of this caliber. The flavors didn’t venture far beyond what you’d find in other high-quality Mexican spots, and none of the tacos truly stood out as unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jacob Ryder
Topolobampo is a culinary gem, absolutely worthy of a Michelin star! 🌟 Rick Bayless’ creativity is pure magic, transforming Mexican cuisine into vibrant, innovative masterpieces. 🌮✨ From zesty ceviches to rich, mole-drenched entrees, every dish showcases his genius, blending tradition with bold, modern twists. 😍 The service is warm, attentive, and flawless, creating a cozy yet elegant vibe. 🥂 Pair that with expertly crafted cocktails, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s pure bliss! 🥳 Bayless’ brilliance makes Topolobampo a must-visit for foodies. 🍽️🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Piggly Wiggly
Starting off, the Aguachile de Pulpo y Camaron, an appetizer with octopus, avocado, sashimi-grade shrimp, and cucumber, was a refreshing palate opener. This was followed by a decent Tortilla de Maiz Nuevo Relleno. The complimentary dish, although a bit too salty for my liking, was a nice gesture.
The Mone de Pescado was wrapped in banana leaves, but it had a slightly fishy cod. However, the Hornedo de Cochinta was a standout with pork and foie gras. This dish might not be traditionally Mexican, but it was irresistible.
For dessert, the Regalo de Platano Macho and Cacao were served. The former, a dried banana slice with a brownie-like cake, was overly sweet for me. However, the latter, a chocolate cheese cake with ice cream, was delightful.
Overall, a hearty 4.5/5 for the unique experience and a great variety of food. While some of the dishes were a hit-and-miss for me, the restaurant's willingness to experiment and their generous portions made the visit worthwhile. Would recommend giving Topolobampo a try, even if you're not typically a fan of Mexican cuisine. And don't miss out on XOCO next door, it's another gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
K E
You don’t expect to have stomach issues after dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant—but unfortunately, both of us did the very next morning, and there’s no doubt this meal was the cause. We reached out to the restaurant by phone and email but received no response. At $400 per person, that level of silence is incredibly disappointing.
To make things even spicier (not literally, unfortunately), the cost—paid up front and supposedly all-inclusive at the time of reservation—didn’t actually include everything. Upon arrival, we were informed of a “surprise” pre-dinner appetizer course (no cost). It came out with a menu of drink options… all of which were cocktails we had to pay extra for after we had already paid extra for a full wine pairing experience at the time of booking. Imagine shelling out four hundred dollars per person and still getting the upsell before you even sit down. As another reviewer mentioned, they also asked during our meal if we wanted to add foie gras, which also would have incurred a charge. To make matters worse they clearly had us confused with someone else as they offered us congratulations for a special event.
Even setting aside the aftermath, the dining experience itself was surprisingly underwhelming. The dishes felt conceptually muddled, and the execution rarely landed. One of the early courses—a tuna tartare called “the piñata”—was a particularly odd miss: visually confusing, and the flavors didn’t come together in any meaningful way. The rest of the menu followed a similar pattern. The only real standout was the tortilla soup served as an appetizer, which was warm, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable. Everything else left something to be desired.
The pork belly was a masterclass in contradiction: tough, yet fatty, like it had beef with the laws of cooking. The game hen was aggressively fine, which feels criminal at this price point. The mole sauce was the culinary equivalent of shrugging.
The wine pairings were fine but not particularly memorable, and the service struggled to elevate the experience. The person presenting the dishes seemed unsure at times and was difficult to understand at others, which only added to the confusion around the food itself.
Ultimately, the flavors lacked cohesion, the service lacked polish, and the experience lacked the wow factor you'd expect at this level of dining. It's one thing to be disappointed by the menu—it’s another to feel ill afterward and be met with radio silence. Absolutely not worth the cost or the risk.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Christina
I gave them the most complicated list of food, allergies, I got served completely alternative courses that looked as amazing as everyone. Wonderful staff .
We had gone to this restaurant a few years ago for another birthday and were blown away both by the service and the quality of the food. It was one of my favorite Michelin experiences in the city, so I was anxious to return for another birthday celebration. Unfortunately despite the food still being phenomenal, our experience was just not Michelin worthy. when we arrive, the restaurant could not locate our reservation immediately, making us feel like we were crazy for showing up. They did eventually locate it, and said this happens all the time which was a bit strange for a small restaurant. The lounge area where they give you a few bites and you wait was oddly cold and they did not offer to take our coats. When it was time for the actual meal, there were six courses on the menu. All the bites were really pretty wonderful, but the restaurant was taking 20+ minutes if not more. Our reservation was For 6:30 PM and we arrived relatively on time. It was 9 o’clock and we still had two courses to go in a babysitter waiting at home. Between the courses no one had come by to ask us how the food was, only once did someone offer to give us more drinks, and we were generally ignored. I don’t think this was unique to us as many of the other tables also seemed to wait a very long time between courses. At 9 PM we finally said we needed to get moving, and they asked us what we wanted to do and then rushed out those last two courses at the same time. Needless to say this is not at all the experience you would expect at a Michelin starred restaurant. They did not apologize or act at all like there was an issue. I have been to several other experiences like this with multiple courses and never once that I feel like I was just sitting around, waiting for nothing at all, or had a meal still be 30% not finished 2.5 hours after sitting down. I am not sure if they had an off night but from reading a couple other reviews it sounds like this does happen there. There is just no excuse for guests sitting around for 20+ minutes over and over again with no one checking on them at a place that charges this much.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Lovely dinner. Wells appreciated the chef coming out to greet us and to talk about the meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was looking for a cozy dinner place nearby and came across this restaurant. The atmosphere was welcoming, with soft music and a clean setup. I ordered the pasta and it tasted fresh, with just the right balance of flavors. Service was attentive without being pushy. I left satisfied and will recommend it to friends.”
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our time at Topolobampo was memorable, well coordinated, and fun. We opted for the tequila or mezcal tasting and very much enjoyed the variety of options we were introduced to.
The menu was based of some of the art work they had and the experience began in a lounge and moved into the dining room.
Every dish was a knockout - well thought out and meticulously executed. Service was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about what was being served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great spot for Mexican and if you like Michelin star restaurants, this one is unique. Only reason I gave it a 4 was that although the food and service were excellent, I have had better 1 star Michelin. Definitely worth a try
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
It's a nice place. Food was good quality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rick Bayless’s upscale Mexican spot that dazzles without excess.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I treated our small team of health care professionals to a private dinner in the Library… a much deserved 50 year celebration! The dinner was pre-arranged with menu recommended before hand and plans for a festive evening were made! Luke beautifully managed our coming together, acted as an excellent wine narrator of the pairings, and explained the dishes one by one in exquisite detail. Chef Jesus also explained some unique features of his preparation and Assistant Otto also served the courses masterfully. I asked for a special Mexican wine pairing which was expertly managed with Paralelo Wines, Colina and Arenal, from the valle Guadeloupe from the vineyard of renowned wine maker Hugo daCosta. Health care policy is not nearly as complicated as the diverse culturally- driven regional flavors and foods of the magnificent states of Mexico. Salut and gracias to the Rick Balis team. We are grateful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely incredible meal from start to finish. We enjoyed every dish, and felt that the experience was worth every penny.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely loved our experience. Perfect and really appreciated the attention to detail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Topolobampo, Rick Bayless’ fine-dining Mexican establishment, offers an upscale take on traditional flavors, and my recent visit to experience their “Taco Craft” was a mix of refinement and restraint.
There’s no doubt that Topolobampo delivers on the elements expected of a high-end restaurant: thoughtful plating, polished presentation, and attentive, knowledgeable service. The ambiance is refined yet warm, with a sophisticated charm that sets the tone for a curated dining experience.
The “Taco Craft” tasting menu showcased a variety of tacos that clearly emphasized quality ingredients and careful preparation. Each taco was well-composed, with balanced textures and an eye for detail. However, while everything tasted good and was executed with skill, it fell short of creating that “wow” moment that one might hope for at a restaurant of this caliber. The flavors didn’t venture far beyond what you’d find in other high-quality Mexican spots, and none of the tacos truly stood out as unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Topolobampo is a culinary gem, absolutely worthy of a Michelin star! 🌟 Rick Bayless’ creativity is pure magic, transforming Mexican cuisine into vibrant, innovative masterpieces. 🌮✨ From zesty ceviches to rich, mole-drenched entrees, every dish showcases his genius, blending tradition with bold, modern twists. 😍 The service is warm, attentive, and flawless, creating a cozy yet elegant vibe. 🥂 Pair that with expertly crafted cocktails, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s pure bliss! 🥳 Bayless’ brilliance makes Topolobampo a must-visit for foodies. 🍽️🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Starting off, the Aguachile de Pulpo y Camaron, an appetizer with octopus, avocado, sashimi-grade shrimp, and cucumber, was a refreshing palate opener. This was followed by a decent Tortilla de Maiz Nuevo Relleno. The complimentary dish, although a bit too salty for my liking, was a nice gesture.
The Mone de Pescado was wrapped in banana leaves, but it had a slightly fishy cod. However, the Hornedo de Cochinta was a standout with pork and foie gras. This dish might not be traditionally Mexican, but it was irresistible.
For dessert, the Regalo de Platano Macho and Cacao were served. The former, a dried banana slice with a brownie-like cake, was overly sweet for me. However, the latter, a chocolate cheese cake with ice cream, was delightful.
Overall, a hearty 4.5/5 for the unique experience and a great variety of food. While some of the dishes were a hit-and-miss for me, the restaurant's willingness to experiment and their generous portions made the visit worthwhile. Would recommend giving Topolobampo a try, even if you're not typically a fan of Mexican cuisine. And don't miss out on XOCO next door, it's another gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You don’t expect to have stomach issues after dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant—but unfortunately, both of us did the very next morning, and there’s no doubt this meal was the cause. We reached out to the restaurant by phone and email but received no response. At $400 per person, that level of silence is incredibly disappointing.
To make things even spicier (not literally, unfortunately), the cost—paid up front and supposedly all-inclusive at the time of reservation—didn’t actually include everything. Upon arrival, we were informed of a “surprise” pre-dinner appetizer course (no cost). It came out with a menu of drink options… all of which were cocktails we had to pay extra for after we had already paid extra for a full wine pairing experience at the time of booking. Imagine shelling out four hundred dollars per person and still getting the upsell before you even sit down. As another reviewer mentioned, they also asked during our meal if we wanted to add foie gras, which also would have incurred a charge. To make matters worse they clearly had us confused with someone else as they offered us congratulations for a special event.
Even setting aside the aftermath, the dining experience itself was surprisingly underwhelming. The dishes felt conceptually muddled, and the execution rarely landed. One of the early courses—a tuna tartare called “the piñata”—was a particularly odd miss: visually confusing, and the flavors didn’t come together in any meaningful way.
The rest of the menu followed a similar pattern. The only real standout was the tortilla soup served as an appetizer, which was warm, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable. Everything else left something to be desired.
The pork belly was a masterclass in contradiction: tough, yet fatty, like it had beef with the laws of cooking. The game hen was aggressively fine, which feels criminal at this price point. The mole sauce was the culinary equivalent of shrugging.
The wine pairings were fine but not particularly memorable, and the service struggled to elevate the experience. The person presenting the dishes seemed unsure at times and was difficult to understand at others, which only added to the confusion around the food itself.
Ultimately, the flavors lacked cohesion, the service lacked polish, and the experience lacked the wow factor you'd expect at this level of dining. It's one thing to be disappointed by the menu—it’s another to feel ill afterward and be met with radio silence. Absolutely not worth the cost or the risk.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I gave them the most complicated list of food, allergies, I got served completely alternative courses that looked as amazing as everyone. Wonderful staff .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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