"La Condesa doesn’t just exceed expectations — it sidesteps them entirely with its unique take on Mexican fusion. The ribeye taco is a best seller and fresh seafood is well represented, from tiger prawns on a sweet-corn arepa to macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat and salsa verde. Some items are simply good snack food — like chicken wings or a steakburger layered with pork belly. There’s even an Italian influence in the Kobe beef ravioli and gnocchi mingling with chorizo and cilantro. La Condesa reflects the evolution of Wells Avenue, built from an old car repair shop with repurposed roll-up garage doors facing a patio courtyard. The hand-painted murals are more traditional for a Mexican restaurant, dominating the attention alongside posters of celebrity mug shots and a video screen playing current pop hits. The cocktails favor colorful ingredients while astutely balancing flavors without excessive sugary syrups. The guava margarita is a great example, allowing the natural taste of the fruit to shine without interference." - Rob Kachelriess