5 restaurants open during Holy Week on Insurgentes Sur
Holy Week in the city can be a delicious break if you know where to go. While many people head out of town, Insurgentes Sur becomes a calm, easygoing area that’s perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace. The best part is that several restaurants along this iconic avenue stay open, ready to welcome those who choose to stay in the city—or simply didn’t travel—but still want to enjoy great food. Whether you’re looking for a family brunch, a casual meal with friends, or a special dinner, there are options for every taste and mood.
In this article, we’ll share the five restaurants that keep their doors open during Holy Week and are absolutely worth a visit. From seafood and Japanese cuisine to Italian spots with terraces and rooftops with a view, this list has a little bit of everything. So if you’re in the area or craving a food-focused escape without leaving the city, here’s a ready-made plan for you. Because staying in Mexico City during Holy Week can be a real treat—especially when you know exactly where to eat.
1. Restaurante Santana Insurgentes
Located on the busy Insurgentes Sur avenue, Restaurante Santana Insurgentes is a vibrant, modern option for anyone looking to enjoy a great time during Holy Week without leaving the city. This restaurant blends the best of Mexican cuisine with a festive yet laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for a fun dinner with friends or a night out as a couple. From live DJ music to warm, attentive service, everything is designed to make each visit feel like a celebration. The average price ranges from 350 to 450 Mexican pesos per person, and while the vibe is open and social, the restaurant is not pet-friendly.
During Lent and on Good Friday, Santana adapts its menu with options that skip red meat but keep all the flavor. You’ll find dishes like nachos, vegetarian tacos, fresh salads, and, depending on the chef’s availability, seafood options as well. The cocktail bar is another big draw—drinks like the “Marea Azul” or the “Mezquila” are perfect for pairing with a lighter yet satisfying dinner. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, laugh, toast, and enjoy a no-fuss meal.
One of Santana’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere. With dim lighting, great music, and a comfortable terrace, it’s the type of spot where you stop by for a quick bite and end up staying all night. Screens showing sports, lounge-style seating, and its central location make it a go-to place to wrap up the week with something different. It’s perfect for kicking off the weekend or enjoying the slower pace of Holy Week with a little extra flair.
In short, if you’re staying in the city this Holy Week and looking for a place that’s open, has a lively vibe, and offers good food without red meat, Santana Insurgentes is a solid choice. Here, you don’t just eat well—you have a great time, which is something especially appreciated during these dates. It’s one of those spots that saves the day when everything else seems closed, surprising you with an atmosphere that feels like a mini getaway. Whether you drop in on a whim or plan a different kind of night without leaving your neighborhood, this restaurant delivers the energy and flavor to make it special.
2. Restaurante Carnal Insurgentes
Located in the heart of Insurgentes Sur, Restaurante Carnal Insurgentes offers a sophisticated dining experience that goes far beyond premium cuts of meat. While meat is its specialty, during Holy Week the restaurant reinvents itself with red-meat-free options that are perfect for those observing tradition without giving up great food. It’s an ideal spot for an elegant dinner for two, featuring an intimate, modern atmosphere with industrial touches that give it plenty of character. The average price ranges from 500 to 800 Mexican pesos per person, and due to its concept and style, the restaurant is not pet-friendly.
During this special season, Carnal presents dishes such as its exquisite sesame-crusted seared tuna, a variety of carpaccios, and gourmet salads that elevate flavors from both sea and land through technique and creativity. Its mixology program is also a standout, with cocktails designed to complement and enhance each dish. Every plate is carefully presented, making the experience just as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Here, Lent is enjoyed with style and bold flavor, without losing the identity that defines the restaurant.
The restaurant features a cozy terrace, dim lighting, and an immersive atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city. It’s perfect for long conversations, unhurried dinners, and special moments. The staff’s service is professional and discreet, yet always attentive, helping every visit feel thoughtful and well cared for. It’s a place where design and flavor come together seamlessly—ideal for those looking for something beyond the ordinary.
During Holy Week, Carnal Insurgentes becomes a surprising and refreshing option for diners who want to eat well without breaking tradition. This isn’t just about avoiding red meat—it’s about rediscovering flavors from the sea and the garden through a modern, elegant, and intentional approach. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple dinner into a memorable gastronomic experience. Perfect for a date night, an intimate celebration, or simply treating yourself, Carnal strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and flavor.
3. El Japonez Manacar
Located inside the Manacar shopping center on the busy Insurgentes Sur avenue, El Japonez Manacar is a luxury option for enjoying a refined culinary experience during Holy Week. Ideal for a special dinner for two, this restaurant blends the elegance of Japanese cuisine with Mexican touches in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and modern. The décor is sophisticated, with soft lighting, wood accents, and a terrace that draws you in with its calm, serene vibe. The average price ranges from 700 to 900 Mexican pesos per person, and due to its concept, the restaurant is not pet-friendly.
During this season, the menu becomes a true oasis for those looking to avoid red meat without giving up the pleasure of great food. Standout Lent-friendly dishes include the Black Cod, cooked with a technique that keeps it tender and full of flavor; the Kuro Serrano Sashimi, an exquisite blend of Japanese tradition and Mexican heat; and the Broccolis Otro Mundo, which truly live up to their name. The drink menu also shines, featuring original cocktails like the Coralito or the Saku Mezcalita, which pair perfectly with the seafood-forward flavors.
El Japonez stands out not only for its cuisine, but for the overall experience it delivers. From the moment you arrive, the service is attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready with thoughtful recommendations. The atmosphere adapts easily to different plans—it can be the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a relaxed meal with friends, or even an elegant business lunch. Everything flows seamlessly, from the soft background music to the well-timed arrival of each course.
During Holy Week, this restaurant stays open, offering an ideal escape from the city’s chaos without ever leaving it. If you’re looking for a dining experience that respects Lent traditions while elevating your culinary standards, El Japonez Manacar is a must-visit. Because there are moments when eating without meat isn’t just a necessity—it can be a true luxury.
4. San José Restaurante Insurgentes
With a concept that blends international cuisine, creative cocktails, and a versatile atmosphere, San José Restaurante Insurgentes is one of the most well-rounded spots to enjoy during Holy Week without leaving the city. Located in the San José Insurgentes area, it’s ideal for a casual meal or a long, laid-back afternoon with friends or family. Its warm vibe, modern design, and charming terrace make it the perfect place to unwind. The average price ranges from 400 to 500 Mexican pesos per person, and best of all, it’s pet-friendly—so your furry companion is more than welcome.
During Lent, the restaurant offers a wide variety of red-meat-free options, including salmon with fennel, vegetarian pizzas, and a generous selection of fresh salads and pastas. Everything is prepared with quality ingredients, hearty portions, and thoughtful presentation. The four-cheese pizza, for example, is creamy, perfectly golden, and ideal for sharing, while cocktails like the San José Martini and the Carajillo are perfect for pairing with an unhurried meal. They also run promotions like double drinks every day, which is a great bonus if you enjoy raising a glass.
One of its biggest draws is its flexible atmosphere. You can catch a game on the screens with great sound, enjoy a relaxed conversation on the terrace, or take in live music on weekends. It’s the kind of place where hours fly by without you noticing—good food, great drinks, and an inviting vibe do that. They even offer special perks if you book to celebrate your birthday, making it an even better option if you’re planning ahead.
San José Restaurante is the type of place that adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for—whether it’s a Good Friday meal, a family gathering, a long-overdue catch-up with friends, or a casual date with a great atmosphere. Versatility is one of its strongest qualities, and it shows both in the menu and in the service. Here, Lent is enjoyed without complications, with flavorful, well-served dishes and options for everyone—even if not everyone at the table is observing the tradition. Add its fresh concept and relaxed ambiance, and it’s a place that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
5. Rooftop Grupo Jama Insurgentes
Located on the sixth floor of the Elements by Marquis hotel, Rooftop Grupo Jama Insurgentes is one of those places that surprises you with its privacy, style, and laid-back atmosphere. Right in the middle of the city’s bustle, this rooftop feels like a small escape with a view—perfect for a relaxed dinner with your partner or friends. From the terrace, you get one of the best views of the southern part of the city, which makes it especially special at sunset. The average price ranges from 500 to 600 Mexican pesos per person, and due to its exclusive style and experience-driven concept, it is not pet-friendly.
During Holy Week, this spot not only stays open, but also becomes an excellent choice for those looking to avoid red meat without giving up great food. Its international menu includes options like citrus-crusted salmon, the famous roasted cauliflower—which has become a house favorite—and a variety of tapas and salads that balance freshness with creativity. Their refined mixology also stands out, with carajillos, margaritas, and signature cocktails that pair perfectly with a relaxed yet sophisticated dinner.
What truly wins people over at Rooftop Grupo Jama is the atmosphere. Soft music, personalized service, and a design that blends modern touches with a cozy feel make every visit a complete experience. Whether it’s a romantic date, an intimate celebration, or simply a different kind of night out in the city, this rooftop delivers on all fronts. Plus, being located inside a hotel, everything is designed with comfort in mind—from the moment you arrive to the last sip of your drink.
During a season like Lent, when many restaurants close or limit their menus, this place stands out for continuing to offer quality, attention to detail, and a versatile menu. Rooftop Grupo Jama is the kind of spot that makes you want to stay a little longer, toast to how good meat-free dining can be, and enjoy the city from a different perspective. If you’re on Insurgentes Sur and looking for something special for Good Friday or a calm evening, this rooftop is simply perfect.
The city is also meant to be savored
Staying in the city during Holy Week isn’t just more peaceful—it’s also a great opportunity to discover new spots and enjoy the city with a different energy. Insurgentes Sur, usually packed with traffic and nonstop movement, becomes much more friendly and walkable during these days, and with these five restaurants staying open, there’s really no excuse not to treat yourself. Whether you’re craving seafood, Japanese or Italian food, or a terrace with a great view and cocktails, there’s something here for every appetite—without leaving the city or breaking tradition.
So if you’re already making plans or simply want an easy option for going out to eat without overthinking it, this guide has you covered. And if you’re left wanting more, our blog is full of other food routes to keep enjoying Mexico City the right way—one bite at a time. From weekend brunches to hidden rooftops and pet-friendly spots, there’s something for every occasion. Take a look, save your favorites, and get ready to keep exploring. Because the city is also meant to be savored—especially during the low season.