Miyako Perisur

What it is. The Japanese restaurant inside the Perisur shopping centre, in the south of the city. Its distinguishing feature is that most dishes are prepared in front of the diner, at the bar or on the teppan.

Why that matters. Eating at the bar changes the experience: you watch the fish being cut and each piece assembled, and you can ask questions and order off-menu. If you are travelling with children, the teppan — the hotplate where the cook works in front of the table — doubles as a show and buys you patience.

When to go. Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 22:00, Sundays until 20:00. At weekends, with Perisur full, book ahead or arrive before 14:00.

Getting there. Periférico Sur #4690, inside Perisur, in Jardines del Pedregal. There is no Metro nearby — Universidad, line 3, is the closest — so car or taxi is the practical option, with the mall's own parking.