Now that my guide to living in the Roma is in its final stages of editing, I’ve had several people ask me…. “So what is the best ___ in the Roma?”
I have eaten in so many restaurants, gotten my hair cut at so many salons and meandered through so many boutiques that you might think that much of it became a blur after a while. You’d be right… but there were stand outs.
I thought I would give everyone out there a little preview to what they might find in my guide and talk about some of the “bests” that I’ve encountered. I’m starting with my favorite meal of the day: Breakfast.
Best Pastry – Fournier Rousseau or Forte
It’s so hard to decide on a best pastry. I like Fournier Rousseau because they have classic French pastries – the almond croissants are to die for. I like Forte because of their innovation with ingredients and techniques and the fact that almost every single thing they make has masa madre in it (even the tamales). Sometimes the Forte pastries are a little too dark for me, but other than that I love both these places equally.
Best Cup of Coffee – Mandarino Cafe, Cordoba 136
Their coffee comes from Pluma Hidalgo, Oaxaca, one of the country’s most premier location for growing this green gold. They offer coffee in all its variations, but without pretense, just good, well-made coffee along with a selection of sweet bread and breakfast sandwiches in a plant-filled airy cafe that’s adorable.
Best Chilaquiles – La Cadencia
I really love this place for breakfast — almost everything I have eaten there is delicious, they are pet-friendly, and there is lots of outdoor seating. My only complaint would be that in the am they are under a blanket of trees and the shade can make outside breakfast chilly. The red chilaquiles are a fireball, if you can’t do spicy get the green instead — they are both excellent.
Best expensive breakfast – Lalo, Zacatecas 173
While there were one too many waiters hovering over the community table for my liking, it didn’t ruin the food orgasm that was my croque madame. I also like that they fed me as much coffee as I wanted and let me linger over breakfast without being fussy, like some high-priced places can be.
Best cheap breakfast – Tlacoyo & gordita stand in front of Mercado Medellín
This stand is the one located right by the entrance of the non-food section, in front of the parking lot on the Monterrey side. These ladies have lots of rellenos for quesadillas, perfected condiment-ed tlacoyos, and searing hot salsas – the perfect breakfast for under 5 bucks.
Best Outdoor seating – Cachito Mio – Guanajuato 138
The bench that transforms into a picnic table, neatly tucked beneath a tree, the roving white dog, and the over-the-top friendly owners that make you feel like you’ve known them all your life, make Cachito my favorite place to sit outside for breakfast. The spinach quiche and organic juice don’t hurt either.
Busiest Breakfast stop – Rosetta Panaderia, Colima 166
Even though Rosetta did a massive expansion project during Covid and now has tons more seating, you will still likely have to wait in line (not too long) to order a pastry and coffee to go. There are fewer savory options to go than if you dine in, but the bright and tart lemon berlines is really all you need for a great breakfast. Come for the happening scene and stay for the sweet rolls and the aroma of fresh baked bread drifting from the kitchen.
Best fresh baked bread – Delirio, Monterrey 116
I like Delirio’s bread for its heft and its density, although you should go as early as you can during the day as the often run out of bread by the end (especially on weekends). They also have a new variety of salads to you pick-up to go and full Mediterranean buffet on the weekends. Also try the passionfruit cheesecake, you will fall in love.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Breakfast – Pan Comido, Tonala 99
Pan Comido is just on another level with their vegan and vegetarian breakfast burritos, but honestly the entire menu is delectable. I also like that you can order organic eggs for 5p extra and that I can end my breakfast with a warm vegan cookie from their bakery next door.
Best Healthy (and delicious) breakfast – Seven Buddhas
The Seven Buddhas has become an obsession when I am leaving my pilates class around the corner. They have heavenly coffee that is served piping hot (so important) as well these acai bowls with banana, honey, berries, and almond milk, that I can almost forget are good for me as I eat them. I also love their grill-flattened burritos (The Spinach with eggs, beans, spinach, and avocado!!!) These guys also have a bunch of vegan options and they sell fantastic smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
Best Tamales – Doña Emi, Jalapa 278
I know I am going to get lambasted for this since everyone has their favorite tamales, but Doña Emi really is the best in the city. There is always enough filling to balance out the overload of corn masa (combined with the atole for a corn-anary) Pork and olives are my favorite, with their mushroom tamal coming in a close second.
Best Weekend Breakfast – Barbacoa stand on Manzanillo and Campeche
Barbacoa is a delicacy in these parts and a stable Saturday and Sunday brunch food. I have eaten at a lot of stands in the neighborhoods, and while I have never hated a single one, this one is my number one. The broth and meat are subtle without too much gaminess and the atmosphere is lively all the time.
Best Neighborhood Vibe – Patisserie Dominique – Chiapas 155A
I like their pastries and the many other delicious little treats on the menu, but more than anything I love the vibe here. On your own in a corner with a book, or with an intimate group of friends, there always seems to be a salon-type atmosphere here led by the cafe’s French owners. They also have lots of great items to take home like preserves, organic eggs, and other things.
A few places I have found the food and coffee very underwhelming: Eno, Artemiga, Cafe de Raiz, Pendulo, Brown Caffeine Lab, La Pitahaya Vegana, and Los Bisquets de Alvaro Obregon
Have some breakfast suggestions? Click on the link at the top of this post and send me a message.
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