Lázaro Comedor & Bar

My first meal in Mexico City was at this excellent new Mexican restaurant. I got a lucky recommendation from my taxi driver only to discover that this gem of a restaurant had only been open two weeks. From further research online, it appears this was just the soft opening.
The restaurant and bar are very chic with gorgeously executed design choices. Since I had been traveling in Mexico for a week and was a little scruffy, I wasn’t sure if I would be underdressed. However, the light crowd was very relaxed and the staff very welcoming.
Lázaro has a creative cocktail menu. I tried the Bandido wine cocktail which was essentially a better sangria, with lemon balm, fresh raspberries, and other fruits and fresh herbs. It was so delicious that I wanted to try more drinks even if I was a little under the weather at the time. The bartender was friendly and talkative despite my poor Spanish.
While I was deciding what to order, the usual totopos were provided. There are a variety of salsas and relishes at the table — I wasn’t really sure if they were meant to go with the chips, but I tried them all anyway. They were all interesting and good.
Wanting a light meal, I ordered the tirados de pulpo. The thinly sliced octopus dish was beautiful. It was a simple preparation of a wonderful olive oil, fresh cracked pepper, cherry tomatoes and a small salad of red cabbage, accompanied by some nice toasted bread.
It’s a shame I didn’t have the opportunity to eat and drink more. Had I known how good this place is, I would have ordered a larger main dish. Although a little bit more expensive than your usual restaurant in Mexico, it was most definitely still very affordable and totally worth the price given the amazing quality. I think I spent about $ 240 (pesos, about $ 14 US) for my meal and drink.
I’m definitely returning here next time I’m in the area. If the neighborhood can sustain this place, I have a suspicion that this restaurant may become quite popular.