To eat your way through Mexico City is a foodie's dream, no matter whether you're looking for a cozy cafe or an upscale restaurant. From traditional Mexican cuisine to new and exciting dishes, there are plenty of delicious treats to enjoy. Notable chefs from around the globe have set up shop, offering unique takes on classic dishes and creating innovative flavors to tantalize your taste buds. With so many options, it's easy to find something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So, dive into a gastronomic feast at these top eateries during your Mexico City trip.
01 Pujol
Pujol is the pinnacle of modern Mexican gastronomy. Here, indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques combine to create a sophisticated yet authentic experience. With an iconic Mole Madre (that's aged for 2,500 days) on offer, alongside other inventive dishes, it's no wonder Pujol has earned its Michelin star. Under the direction of chef Jesus Duron and chef Enrique Olvera, this celebrated restaurant maintains a commitment to sustainability, offering two seven-course menus and an elaborate taco bar.
02 Quintonil
Your culinary journey through Mexico gets a huge boost when you choose Quintonil's nine-course tasting menu. Local ingredients from a garden nearby paired with different meats shine in delightful platters. Some savory classics include braised oxtail in black recado and chorizo over creamy, cheesy rice and crab tostada with habanero mayo. Every dish is crafted to perfection, ensuring a perfect balance between richness of flavor and digestive comfort. Can't commit to all nine courses? Choose your favorites à la carte!
03 Ticuchi
Ticuchi is a top-rated bar restaurant offering an authentic Mexican and Spanish dining experience mixed with a broody ambiance. Diners and food critics have praised this eatery for its unique concept and great food. The dark, moody, romantic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a date night. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes such as guacamole, tacos, enchiladas and Spanish specialties like paella and tapas. You'll also enjoy the mezcal cocktails while listening to bar music.
04 Restaurante Nicos
Nicos is a Mexico City staple, founded over 60 years ago. From tacos to burritos, Nicos offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican fare, locally and sustainably sourced. However, some of their entrees have foreign influences, like the French-based sopa seca de natas. The restaurant also features a signature mole sauce, queso fundido, and other specialties. With its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere, this is an excellent choice for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
05 Contramar
Contramar is located in Mexico City's Polanco neighborhood, renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Popular menu items include Tacos de Pescado Estilo Ensenada, Tacos Salteados de Camarón, and various ceviches. However, the tuna tostadas are Contramar's claim to fame, with delicious, marinated tuna, leeks, and avocado on a crispy, open tostada. Contramar's setting is also one to experience, housed in an elegantly renovated Spanish Revival-style mansion.
06 Churreria El Moro
A trip to Mexico City would only be complete with a visit to a churro shop, and Churreria El Moro is an obvious choice. Established in 1935, it has served delicious churros and creamy hot chocolate for generations. Located near the Angel of Independence, this iconic restaurant is known for its 24-hour party atmosphere and eight types of hot chocolate. Be prepared to wait in line as it's a trendy shop with rave reviews.
07 El Cardenal
With five locations across the city, El Cardenal is a convenient stop for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Visit the original restaurant in the Centro Historico for a filling meal before exploring the area. Try the ant egg omelet or fideo seco to delight the palate. You'll also enjoy soaking in the ambiance created by a lovely stained-glass window and colorful murals. Be sure to sample the sweet conchas and foamy hot chocolate no matter which site you visit.
08 Maximo Bistrot
With a menu that changes daily, Maximo Bistrot offers a unique farm-to-table experience, showcasing the best local produce and ingredients. The cuisine is a Mexican/French fusion. Favorite dishes include beef tartare with quail egg, roasted pork shoulder with mole negro, and grilled octopus with chorizo. An extensive wine list curated by sommelier Gabriela Lopez is an added perk. Treat yourself to Maximo's tasty menu to sample six delicious delicacies.
09 Restaurante Rosetta
Restaurante Rosetta delivers a subtle blend of Italian and Mexican flavors in the beautiful Colonia Roma neighborhood. The menu features seasonal dishes crafted by Chef Elena Reygadas, who was named Latin America's Best Female Chef in 2014. Guests can enjoy house-made plates of pasta, fresh seafood, and other delectable dishes. The setting is elegant yet casual, with eclectic décor of lush flora. It's the perfect romantic setting for couples in a refurbished Cuauhtémoc villa.
10 Café Nin
Dine at Café Nin for a relaxing meal in a chic café with a versatile menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Their specialty dishes include quiches, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The decor is cozy and inviting, with ample natural light. There's outdoor seating surrounded by plants, letting diners enjoy the beautiful weather in the Juarez neighborhood. Cafe Nin also serves up some of the best coffee in town.
11 Limosneros
Culinary creativity and distinctive decor are the top attractions at Limosneros in the Historic Center. Chef Atzin Santos merges modern cuisine and classic Mexican dishes, incorporating seasonal ingredients. From the lomito limosnero to the chiles en nogada, each dish is carefully crafted. The food presentation is stunning, and there's a stand-out six-course taco-tasting menu. A rustic rope ceiling, stone walls, and vintage chandeliers create a fun vibe for enjoyable dining.
12 Azul Historico
Azul Historico is one of chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita's restaurants. It's in the heart of Mexico City, featuring traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist. In the 17th-century Downtown Mexico Hotel, Azul Historico has an open-air courtyard with a charming atmosphere. The menu features dishes from all over Mexico, including exclusive plates and desserts. Some in-demand items include tacos al pastor, enchiladas suizas, pescado tikin xic, and chiles en nogada. The restaurant's vibrant colors and intricate details help create the feeling that you're stepping into the past.
13 La Pitahaya Vegana
Vegans and diners looking for light dishes should check out La Pitahaya Vegana. Lighter and healthier versions of traditional Mexican dishes are the main attraction. The tacos here are made with fresh seasonal ingredients bursting with flavor. La Pitahaya Vegana also has a variety of specialty dishes like their Tortillas Rosadas (pink tortillas) made from maize, and Queretaro 90. Additionally, vibrant artwork and vivid colors design a bright, inviting interior for joyful dining.
14 Meroma
Meroma is one of Mexico City's best-kept secrets. Located in the trendy La Condesa neighborhood, this restaurant offers an eclectic menu inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine blended with international flair. A focus on sustainability and local ingredients set Meroma apart. All their dishes are cooked with fresh and organic produce, making them delicious and healthy. The menu features delicious entrees like pork adobo, chile Relleno, and shrimp tacos. The interior of Meroma is bright and airy with a casual vibe. Try some original cocktails off their unique drinks menu for enhanced enjoyment while you dine.
15 El Turix
For the most authentic tacos in Mexico City, order from El Turix. Nestled in the posh Polanco neighborhood, this taqueria makes one thing; Cochinita Pibil. It's a Yucatan dish made from suckling pig with an achiote and citrus rub, slow-roasted underground. The meat is served on a fried tortilla with black beans and topped with pickled red onion. El Turix is the perfect spot to grab a scrumptious taco lunch to go.
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