In the heart of Mexico City’s trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, a new dining destination is redefining the restaurant experience by placing gastronomy, interior design, and musical curation on equal footing. ISMO, which opened its doors recently, proposes a holistic evening out where the playlist matters as much as the plate, and the lighting design rivals the wine list.
A Name Rooted in Artistic Rebellion
The venue’s name is a deliberate nod to the isms that reshaped 20th-century art — surrealism, expressionism, futurism, and beyond. What united these movements was a shared determination to break with established conventions. That same spirit of refusal to be pigeonholed defines ISMO’s identity. Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic current, the space draws inspiration from design studios in Milan and London, blending warm materials, contemporary furniture lines, and striking details that command attention without overwhelming the senses.
Among the most talked-about design features is a central clock realized through projection mapping, conceived as a kinetic art piece that anchors the visual narrative of the dining room.
Italo-Swiss Cuisine, Reimagined for Sharing
The culinary direction takes its cues from the Alpine borderlands of Italy and Switzerland, filtered through a contemporary Mexican lens. At the center of the menu sits fondue — not as a novelty, but as a ceremonial anchor for communal dining. It is surrounded by a rotating selection of small plates built around seasonal ingredients, designed to encourage grazing, conversation, and extended evenings at the table.
Behind the stove is Ellas, a Mexican female collective specializing in gastronomic experiences. Their approach favors relaxed, unpretentious execution — food that invites lingering rather than performative plating. The format lends itself naturally to romantic dinners or gatherings of friends, with portions calibrated for sharing and a pacing that respects the rhythm of conversation.
ISMO Sonoro: Where the Bar Becomes a Listening Room
Behind a velvet curtain, the experience shifts register. ISMO Sonoro is not merely a bar with background music; it is a dedicated listening environment where sound takes center stage. The programming brings together guest DJs and musical curators who traverse jazz, soul, ambient, and house, with a pronounced emphasis on vinyl and analog formats.
The room is powered by a Margules audio system — a Mexican high-fidelity brand revered by audiophiles — calibrated for immersive, high-resolution playback. The result is a seamless transition: diners can finish dessert, draw back the curtain, and find themselves in a space where the music is the main course.
A Creative Engine Designed for Evolution
The project’s creative direction bears the signature of Abraham Aguilar, known professionally as Doctor Ab. A transdisciplinary artist and director of NOT AN AGENCY — a studio focused on hospitality and entertainment experiences — Aguilar woven together artistic, architectural, and sonic references into a cohesive whole where every element carries intention.
But ISMO is conceived as more than a static venue. The founders envision a rolling program of collaborations with chefs, visual artists, and emerging talents, building a cultural calendar that extends beyond the plate and the playlist. In a city where nightlife often forces a choice between a great meal and a great night out, ISMO bets that the most memorable evenings refuse to choose.
All images courtesy of ISMO.
Source: caras.com.mx
