P.F. Chang's China Patio Universidad

The chain. P.F. Chang's is an American chain of Asian cooking — Chinese, Japanese and south-east Asian — in a white-tablecloth format, with dishes built to be shared in the middle of the table. In Mexico it operates in shopping centres and office districts at above-average prices with full table service. It is not authentic Chinese cooking: it is Asian food adapted to a Western palate, and it is worth knowing that before booking.

This branch. In the Patio Universidad shopping centre, on Popocatépetl in colonia Xoco — a mall of around sixty units with ample parking, serving the Universidad corridor.

What is next door. The Cineteca Nacional, a few streets away in the same neighbourhood: the national film archive, several screens, a programme that changes every week, free screenings in its plaza and tickets at a fraction of European prices. It is the single best reason to be in Xoco.

Practical notes. Av. Popocatépetl #546. Metro Coyoacán, line 3, is a short walk. Mall parking is ample and cheap by the standards of this city. Cards accepted; book for Friday and Saturday evenings.