Best Mexico City Restaurants
When exploring a new city, one of the most delightful experiences is discovering the best restaurants and hidden culinary gems that reflect the local flavors and culture. Mexico City’s restaurant scene changes so fast and so furious that it can be hard to keep up, which is why I continually update this list of old favorites and new obsessions, in hopes you might find it helpful.
These are best Mexico City restaurants, not listed in any particular order of preference, but I love them all for their food. Which means it’s a wide range of vibes, price range, and styles, but for me, every one of these place serves excellent food. If you want a list for drinking, this is not it, go to the best cocktail bars or craft beer posts for that. If you think there’s something missing, let me know!
Centro
El Cardenal – Even though this place is super popular and can be touristy, I LOVE the conchas and nata (a type of sweet bread and clotted cream) and the Mexican hot chocolate as well as many other items on their massive menu. My favorite location is on Plaza Tolsa next to the MUNAL. Open Mondays, only breakfast and lunch
Bosforo – Tucked down Luis Moya street off the Alameda is a tiny mezcal bar that is undoubtedly too hipster-divey cool for me, but I love it anyways. Get there early for a seat, there aren’t many.
Makan – If I had to choose just one of the best Mexico City restaurants, this just might be it. Makan is a fusion of Asian cuisines with a touch of Mexican magic and I have never had a dish there I didn’t think was delicious.
La Texcocana – In a tiny storefront on Avenida Independencia is my favorite torta shop, mostly because the tortas are also tiny and if you are so inclined you can try several in one sitting. The bacalao (salted cod) is my favorite. Open Mondays
Casa de Espa̱a РWhite-coated waiters serve classic Spanish cuisine under the mile-high ceilings of the Casino Espa̱ol de M̩xico, a stunning piece of 20th-century architecture in the heart of downtown. The food is very good, but the ambiance is unbeatable. Open Mondays
Azul Historico – Yucatan Peninsula-inspired food from one of Mexico’s most lauded chefs in an enchanting setting on the main patio of the Downtown hotel. Try the tostados de salpicón. Open Mondays
Torre Latinoamericana Restaurant– Totally overpriced, underwhelming, and poor service, but the view is so magical you won’t even notice. Make sure to go to the restaurant, the new bar, a level down no longer has a great view. You will have to order something to eat in order to hang out. Open Mondays
Lismoneros – A long-time favorite which has been overshadowed by newer, hipper locales, Lismoneros continues to serve deeply-rooted Mexican flavors in contemporary presentations that focus on local, sustainable produce — what more could you ask for? Open Mondays
Condesa
Azul Condesa – See above, same guy, same great food. Open Mondays
El Greco – A little taco shop with phenomenal tacos arabes, a Condesa traditional. Open Mondays, lunch and dinner
Milou – A tiny French bistro. I like their breakfast egg dishes, the coffee and the fact that they have international newspapers for customers to read. Open Mondays
NIV – An extensive wine list from around the world and a concise menu of small plates to tempt you into lingering a little longer.
El Jamil – For almost 20 years this restaurant has been serving some of the freshest, most authentic Lebanese food in the city, run by the extremely affable Mohamed and his family. This is the best Lebanese we have and they have a killer location right on Amsterdam and are opening a B&B upstairs in 2026. Open Mondays, only lunch & dinner.
Gamil – Gamil’s Mediterranean lounge ambiance is just enough to set it aside from the other speakeasy-like cocktail joints that have sprung up all over the city. The cocktails are really inventive and the menu, though small, packs a punch in the flavor department, get the stuffed olives and the chicken tajÃn.
Specia – a Polish restaurant right on Amsterdam with a killer view and a lovely borscht. Open Mondays
Esquina Comun – The recent winner of a Michelin star, I am very much on board with all the attention that Ana Hernandez and her restaurant are getting these days. The menu is rooted in Mexico but surprising and innovative and I haven’t had anything I didn’t like.
Mendl – A classic Jewish deli, they make their own rye bread, pastrami, bagels, and lots more delicious little treats that I miss from home. Open Mondays
Merotoro – Excellent causal fine dining. These guys are one of the old school nice restaurants on Amsterdam that opened before Mexico City totally blew up as a food destination, so it’s not a tourist-packed dining room and a mad dash to get a reservation. They have the most extensive list of Mexican wine I have seen in the city. Open Mondays
Baldio – Mexico City’s first zero waste restaurant, you can read my whole review here. The setting is casual and the food is getting better and better every time I go. The cocktails are underwhelming, order from the wine list instead. Open Mondays
Bar Nino – New in 2025 and still under-the-radar, La Esquina is an Italian corner bistro with the classic white tablecloths and a single flower in a vase. The sardines are phenomenal, the cocktails expertly made, and the ambiance is charming.
Roma
Pizza Franca – Argentine pizza place with nicely priced, good wine. Seating is only really outside, so maybe not a good choice if we are having one of our famous rainy afternoons. Open Mondays
Sesame – Asian-street-food-fusion-delicious-explosion. Samosas and Pad Thai.
Expendio de Maiz – There’s no menu at Expendio, just the expectation that it will be good. Rounds of small plates come out, usually with a corn base (tortilla/sope/huarache), a blend of fresh local greens, traditional spices, and meat or non-meat protein on top. Everything is interesting and representative of traditional, local cuisine.
Fonda Fina – I have gone back and forth on Fonda Fina, but in the end, I think that it’s a great place to try some very traditional Mexican food in a slightly more upscale setting. Open Mondays
Maximo – One of Roma’s finest and fanciest, but truly, the food is delicious and worth the pesos for a special occasion (or every day if you’ve got money to blow). Open Mondays
Mi Compa Chava – I hardly ever go anymore because of the ridiculous wait, but it is one of my favorite casual seafood joints, with aguachiles that will blow your mind and clear your sinuses as well as wild micheladas, good ceviche, and a handful of other fishy delicacies.
Rosetta– The bakery has great bread and sweet rolls, and the Italian/Mexican restaurant has great pasta and wine. I honestly like everything she does. Try the bone marrow appetizer or the raviolis. Open Mondays
Contramar – There’s a lot of hype around this restaurant, but it’s all pretty much true, Contramar is absolutely delicious seafood and has a warm, family-and-friends vibe that I love. Open Mondays
Delirio – I still love it after all these years. The full med-mex menu, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and delicious fancy deli shit. The maracuya cheesecake is one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. Open Mondays
Fideo Gordo – The chef is the grandson of the guy who invented cacahuates Japoneses, and he is crafting some delicious Mexican-Japanese dishes like his Birria udon dish with lamb or the seafood udon with miso and ancho chile sauce. Open Mondays
Fugaz – An understated restaurant on the edge of Roma, Fugaz has a small but delicious menu of seafood in some unexpected preparations (think raw amberjack fish is dusted with burnt cumin served with crisp, sweet melon or fresh charales with fermented pickles and a sweet tomato and masala sauce).
Sartoria – One of the city’s best Italian restaurants with housemade pasta, delicious antipasti, and a hearty list of Italian wines to choose from. Open Mondays
Bolero Cafe – The best pizza in the city by far, they also serve craft beer, classic cocktails, and a smattering of Colombian food to a vinyl-laced soundtrack in a casual, unpretentious setting. Open Mondays
Chicama – Opened in 2024, this is the best Peruvian ceviche I have yet to eat in the city. The anticucho has just a tiny touch of that organ meat flavor, but I love its texture and the marinade on it. They even have vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, but go for the fish you can. Open Mondays
Choza – A dark kitchen that popped up during the pandemic, their menu is a blend of Asian cuisines, all flavor-packed and punchy. The vibe is pretty hipster pretentious, but the food is worth it. Only Weekends
Paramo – One of my long-time favs for gourmet tacos, good cocktails, and Mexican craft beer, all in a lively bar tucked up into one of Roma’s old houses. They also stay open late. Open Mondays
Lina – A newish spot in Roma Sur with some seriously good cocktails and a fresh, contemporary menu that is based on seasonality and the whims of the chef — who was in the first generation to come out of Enrique Olvera’s kitchens.
Voraz – A new contemporary fine dining spot in an old vacuum cleaner repair shop. Highlights a range of regional Mexican cuisine ingredients in updated presentations. I love the lunch crowd here and the cocktails are great. Open Mondays, lunch only.
Bagels Lepu – This bagel shop and restaurant is the brainchild of a British/Colombian couple and they serve some delicious combos like the lox or the whitefish salad, as well as pastries and coffee drinks.
The Lamb – A British restaurant being on this list might seem strange, but I had an amazing fish pie and fried gizzards there, along with some lovely classic cocktails. Open Mondays
Axolao – A fusion Peruvian-Mexican restaurant that I think has some incredible combinations on its very concise and limited menu.
Juarez
Imbiss – One of my culinary favorites, Imbiss has delectable house-crafted cocktails, and a menu that makes my mouth water just thinking about it — the fried chicken! the roasted cauliflower with satay sauce! — I could go on and on. Open Mondays, dinner only
Cana – A well-crafted wine list and delightful service, the Baja oysters with shallot chardonnay vinegar are to die for and the duck with salty blue cheese was a standout. Casual enough to go alone, classy enough to take a date. Open Mondays
Cafe Nin – Another option from Rosetta chef Elena Reygadas, with great light lunches and breakfast and pastries from one of her bakery locations next door (which is just as cute and beckoning as Cafe Nin). Open Mondays
Taller Xilotl – One of my favorite spots in the city — gourmet seafood tacos with obviously thoughtful recipes and excellent craft cocktails in smallest bistrot-cool dining room you have ever sat in.
Pat Patz – A casual spot for incredible Mediterranean and Middle Eastern bites. I love the Israeli salad, the babaganoush and the falafel. Open Mondays
L.B. Dining – Delicious Asian fusion in the upper level of the hipster interiors store Loose Blues. They also have Mexican craft beer.
Cicatriz – Right next door from Loose Blues in the plaza Washington. A limited, but delicious menu, salads, sandwiches, coffee and baked goods. Short-rib sandwich with tomato jam, roasted carrots in tahini yogurt and macha sauce. Open Mondays
Parker and Lenox – This trendy speakeasy’s interior design makes it feel oh-so-1920s. You have to call ahead for a reservation, don’t even try to do it online. Here is the number to reserve: 55 78 93 3140.
Niddo – A Canadian/Jewish/Mexican menu in a delightful and casual cafe setting. The burrata brava is delicious, and make sure to grab a pastry at their coffeeshop around the corner. Open Mondays, Breakfast & Lunch only
Maza Bistro – Modern Indian with little hints of French influence, owners Rohan and Caroline did a lot of culinary research going into their project, and for me it’s probably the best classic Indian food in the city. Open Mondays
Other Hoods, Other places
Masala y Maiz – Stunning Mexican-Indian fusion brought to you by a team which is taking on the dominant restaurant culture and its various abuses. Try the butter chicken, it is heaven. Open Mondays
Las Tlayudas – Great Tlayudas, mezcal and Mexican craft beer. It’s a tiny place with a really mellow, friendly vibe. Breakfasts here are stellar and they sell Oaxacan products like chocolate and coffee. Open Mondays
Nicos – One of the pioneers of fine dining in Mexico City, Nicos not only serves excellent traditional Mexican dishes — try the fideo seco or the rabbit in mole — it also has that neighborhood-chicness that brings families, businessmen, hipsters, and rich kids all to the same place for lunch. Open Mondays
Casa Portuguesa – I recently went for the first time when I was updating the Louis Vuitton guide to Mexico City and I think it’s absolutely delightful. Classic, traditional Portuguese cuisine with delicious vinho verde, and old school wait service in front of Lincoln Parque in Polanco. Open Mondays
Fonda Margarita – One of the best traditional breakfast places you will find in the city. They serve a variety of different guisados (a meat and sauce generally), with tortillas and sticky sweet cafe de olla.
Los Danzantes РFor Oaxacan food they remain one of the top spots in the city. The location is also charming, right on the main plaza of the Coyoacan park. I love their hoja santa stuffed with quesillo and goat cheese and the sopes de tu̩tano. Open Mondays
La Polar – Some of the best birria that I have tried in Mexico City and the portion sizes will help you soak up the inevitable copious amounts alcohol that you will consume. It’s really a massive cantina, with bad mariachi singers, lovers, and drunks, you will love it. Open Mondays
Malix – One of the best meals I had in 2025. They have a menu that break boundaries for food with everything extremely thoughtful, using seasonal and local ingredients in a cozy setting. Open Mondays
Au Pied de Cochon – A classic French bistro this place has been around FOREVER and has perfectly executed French dishes and an monstrous wine list. Plus the ambiance is just so old-money Mexico meets Parisian chic, it’s a total vibe. Open 24 hours a day
