Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero brings an Argentine steakhouse to the lagoon side of the Hotel Zone. It stands at kilometre 14.1 of Boulevard Kukulcán, facing the Nichupté lagoon, and belongs to a Mexican restaurant group with further branches in Mexico City, including Polanco, San Ángel and Mitikah, and in Miami. The menu blends Argentine and Mexican cooking, with prime grilled meats at its centre and plenty of fish and seafood for anyone not in the mood for steak.

Inside, the look is exposed brick with a Mediterranean feel, a visible grill and a wine cove stocked with Argentine-style reds such as malbec. Outside, tables look over the lagoon, where a resident crocodile is part of the entertainment; The Infatuation's reviewer recommends asking for an outdoor table and keeping an eye out for it.

The classic order starts with empanadas and a sizzling provoleta before moving on to a prime inside skirt or another of the grilled cuts with chimichurri. The puffed soufflé potatoes are the side dish nearly every table orders. Beyond the grill, look for the smoked marlin carpaccio, pasta and the seafood dishes, which include large lobster tails. The extensive wine list leans towards malbec and merlot, and there is a frozen mango margarita for those who prefer a cocktail. Desserts are made in house, so leave room for one if you can, and the restaurant also takes bookings for romantic dinners as well as larger celebrations.

This is a restaurant for special occasions. It works for couples, large groups and family celebrations, and it draws a mixed crowd that includes families and older diners. The restaurant runs set menus for corporate events, birthdays and festive dinners for groups of ten or more, including Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Book a table through the restaurant's website, and request the terrace when you do, as the lagoon view is the main reason to choose the outdoor seats. The Infatuation places it in its top price tier.

Puerto Madero is in the same stretch of the boulevard as several of the Hotel Zone's best-known lagoon-side restaurants, including Harry's and Porfirio's at kilometre 14.2, so it is easy to compare menus on foot before you decide.