Mexico City: The Top Spots for Eating and Drinking

Mexico City has rapidly become one of the hottest travel destinations around. The safer it becomes, the more people are flocking to the city to experience the addictive blend of culture, design, and food.

Between the awesome decor of restaurants, access to unique ingredients, and affordability of food, Mexico City is the perfect destination for every gastronome.

From street food to fine dining, this city has it all. One thing is for certain – you won’t go hungry in Mexico’s vibrant capital.

It’s a great place to be gastronomically adventurous.

While the local flavors and cuisine are some of the best in the world, the dining options in CDMX are endless. You can have all types of global cuisine here. It is an international city after all.

Top tip for visiting Mexico City? Don’t be afraid of the street food! It really is incredible. Look for places with long lines and head there.

If you’re intimidated, start by getting a breakfast torta at La Guera Tortas de Chilaquiles. It’s always packed for a reason.

Red or green chilaquiles are stuffed into a soft roll with sour cream and cheese. You can add crispy chicken (milanesa) too.

They’re absolutely delicious and a good way to dip your toe into street food.

Also, there are plenty of taco tours and food tours in the city. Join one if that feels more comfortable.

This guide highlights some of the awesome places to eat in Mexico City. It’s a versatile list – so pick what sounds good to you!

At the end of the article you’ll find a map that you can save on your phone to use as a guide while in the city.

¡Buen provecho!

Places to Eat

1A Burger

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a burger. In CDMX, A Burger is the spot! Some items have a Mexican twist, but the regular cheeseburger is just solid.

2Amaya

Made famous by ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ and numerous other publications, Amaya is where to go for good food and rare wines. Think elevated Mexican cuisine with a laid-back style.

3Beatricita

Homestyle Mexican cooking is what you’ll get at Beatricita. Come for breakfast or lunch and you’ll get a taste of traditional foods. It’s not fancy, it’s just good, simple food.

4Bottega Sartoria

Bottega Sartoria is a true taste of Italy in CDMX. Stop in for a glass or two of wine and you’ll be tempted to get an antipasti as well. Mingle by the bar and enjoy!

5Chetito

Chetito offers unique takes on tacos. Some might say they’re “hipster tacos”, but let’s just say they’re not your average tacos, full of not-so-average flavor.

6Churrería “El Moro”

With multiple outlets throughout the city, El Moro is THE place for churros. Most people dip them in chocolate, but I like the condensed milk. They also make churro ice cream sandwiches.

7Contramar

Contramar is one of the most popular restaurants in Mexico. It’s a must for a fun, seafood lunch. The tuna tostadas and pescado a la Contramar are famous for good reason. Make a reservation!

8El Auténtico Pato Manila

It’s tacos with a twist at this little shop. They specialize in duck so that’s the only protein you’ll find here. The Tacos Kim are a Mexican take on Peking Duck and they’re awesome.

9El Greco

Honoring the Arab roots of the beloved al pastor, El Greco is where you’ll get it with middle eastern flavors. Try the Taco Doneraky with pan Arabe for the full experience.

10El Sella

It’s a Spanish spot popular for business lunches. It has an old-school vibe and delicious food. Get the chamorro and chorizo a la sidra.

11El Turix

If you’re looking to try cochinita pibil, this is where to try it. Service is lacking, but the tacos are incredible.

12Klein’s

Klein’s is where Mexican-Jewish dreams come true. It’s a New York style diner with Mexican flavors. The chilaquiles with salami and silver dollar pancakes never disappoint.

13La Corriente Cevicheria Nais

Specializing in all things ceviche, La Corriente is where to go for your fresh fish fix. The ceviches are tasty and so are the tuna tostadas.

14La Güera Tortas de Chilaquiles

This corner street stall has a cult following for good reason. They make killer tortas (sandwiches) stuffed with chilaquiles. Try the red version with chicken for the ultimate carb-loaded breakfast.

15Loncheria La Rambla

Step back in time at this turkey-centric diner. If you’re in need of some feel-good food, the turkey tortas and consommé are sure to satisfy. Pro Tip: Get the turkey chicharron and add it to your torta. It’s like adding potato chips to a sandwich only better.

16Masala y Maíz

Impeccable flavors are what you’ll get here. It’s Mexican-Indian fusion with an affinity for natural wines. It oozes trendiness and almost feels more London than CDMX.

17Molino El Pujol

A tortilleria by Enrique Olvera where simplicity is the star. Don’t miss the tamales and enmoladas for breakfast and the avocado taco and elote for lunch.

18Nevería Roxy

An old-school ice cream parlor with a variety of tasty flavors. It’s a bit icier than ice cream from the US, but it’s super refreshing on a hot day.

19Orinoco

The chicharron taco from Orinoco is a must-try. Possibly one of the best tacos in CDMX. The trompo and res are great too, so order all 3 and they’ll come served with a few crispy potatoes.

20Panadería Rosetta

It’s arguably the most famous bakery in CDMX and it’s delicious. Great breads, sandwiches, and pastries. The guava roll is a must-try, but you really can’t go wrong.

21Pasillo de Humo

Focusing on Oaxacan cuisine, Pasillo de Humo uses unique ingredients and goes hard on flavor. Try the escamoles tostadas and one of their moles – the one with tongue is especially delicious.

22Pastelería Ideal

To experience a Mexican bakery in all its glory, pay Pastelería Ideal a visit. Grab a tray and choose your goodies. There’s tons to choose from – don’t be shy!

24Proveedor de Carnes y Carnitas Meche y Rafael

It’s a butcher shop inside Mercado Medellín. You can go get tacos M-F, but the real prize comes on Saturday when they make their famous carnitas – some of the best in the city!

25Pujol

#9 restaurant in the world and #1 in North America. Yup, it’s a must. Make reservations well in advance and choose between their tasting menu or their Omakase Taco Bar.

27Quintonil

Landing at #24 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Quintonil is incredible. The tasting menu will give you a new appreciation for Mexican flavors and ingredients. Reservations are required.

29Ricos Tacos Toluca

The owner comes from the charcuterie capital of Mexico, so you’ll find unique and tasty meats here. Order the green chorizo and cecina campechana. Or the queso de puerco if you’re feeling adventurous.

30Tacos de Canasta Chucho

If you want to try tacos de canasta, here’s the place to do it. It’s a tiny shop selling a variety of tacos de canasta and juices. The mole verde is particularly good.

31Taquería El Califa

With multiple shops throughout the city, El Califa is a solid choice for high quality meats. Try the costras – it’s what they’re well-known for.

32Taquería Los Parados

The tacos here are amazing and a bit different. Between the arrachera pastor (a take on pastor using hanger steak) and the poblano con queso (a veggie taco with fire roasted peppers and cheese) you really can’t go wrong.

33Taquería Selene

Taquería Selene makes some of the best al pastor in the city. Bold statement, I know. It’s really that good though. The pastor tacos and the torta de pastor are both awesome.

Places to Drink

1Bizarro Café

It’s called Bizarro for a reason, I suppose. There’s something about the eclectic nature of this place I find endearing. If you like divey spots, stop in for a beer or mezcal. If you don’t, this probably isn’t the spot for you.

2FELINA

Living room vibes, a solid DJ, and great cocktails. Sit at the bar to get the bartender’s recommendations. My advice? Get anything mezcal or even try their Mexican gin.

3Gin Gin

Gin-lovers and plant-lovers unite! Cool decor that’s full of plants and a great selection of gin (& other spirits). Try the Mezcal Gin – botanicals of gin combined with the smokiness of mezcal.

4Le Tachinomi Desu

I must admit we never actually came here at night, but during the day it’s our fave place for coffee (check out Enomoto below). They focus on Japanese whiskey, craft beer, sake, and natural wines – I wish we made it!

5Licorería Limantour

With two locations in the city, this spot is rated as the #10 bar in the world. They use Mexican inspired ingredients to make some really great cocktails.

Places for Coffee

1Blend Station

For my fellow nomads needing to work on the road, Blend Station is a great spot to make your office. Good Wi-Fi, lots of plugs, and a good selection of coffee, tea, and food.

2Chiquitito Café

With locations in three neighborhoods, Chiquitito makes it easy for your caffeine fix. It’s a cute spot that’s great for breakfast or coffee.

3Enomoto Coffee

In my humble opinion, this is the best coffee you’ll get in Mexico. They’re meticulous about their craft making coffee, tea, and sandwiches. Plus, it’s just damn good. It’s a coffeeshop by day, and Japanese bar at night.

Places to Visit

1Mercado Medellín

Take a walk through to experience the market vibe. Stop by Meche y Rafael (above) to get some tacos – ideally on a Saturday to get some of their famous carnitas!

2Mercado Roma

It’s a hipster take on a market with a variety of eateries to choose from. Don’t forget to make your way to the top floor for a drink at the outdoor beer garden.