The Best Restaurants, Bars, Cafes And Taco Places In Mexico City

Mexico City‘s vibrant gastronomical landscape is, hands down, one of the most exciting in the world. An abundant stage for experimentation that is rooted in authentic Mexican cuisine with a mix of European and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, the city offers endless choices from the world’s top chefs and restaurants, casual eateries, bars, cafes, and street food. Rest assured; you will eat — and drink — very, very well!

And to make your foodie life easier, we pinned everything all on a super user-friendly CDMX map you can save directly to your devices (along with shops, clubs, markets, museums, and much more!)

The best restaurants

From fine dining to casual flair, from award-winning to unexpected finds, these restaurants are destinations worth planning your itinerary around them.

LA DOCENA

Ideated by our friend and one-of-a-kind creative Claudio Javelli, the New Orleans-inspired oyster bar and grill is a hip and happening place — and excellent for fun, big groups. La Docena made it to the list of Best Latin American Restaurants and is helmed by chef Tomás Bermudez,  who serves simple, fresh, and lip smacking seafood and other meat specialties. The team is agile and the overall restaurant buzz is as delicious as the food.

São Paulo 1491, Providencia, Guadalajara, 44630, Mexico
Visit Website

ROSETTA

A blend of Mexican and Italian cuisine where the house-made pasta is a work of art, plus the interiors and the whole experience make it just about worth it. Located inside an old townhouse, Rosetta is one of prominent chef Elena Reygadas’s three restaurants in Mexico City. She’s one of very few female chefs rocking it worldwide, another reason why we celebrate Rosetta Restaurant, Rosetta Bakery and everything she does.

166 Colima, Roma
Visit Website

MÁXIMO BISTROT

Chef Eduardo García handpicks the freshest ingredients for his creations at Máximo Bistrot. It is a fancy French affair where you get the technique, the elegance, the flavor, the quiet — all of the Haute delivered to your table.

65 Av. Álvaro Obregón, Roma
Visit Website

CONTRAMAR

From grilled fish to legendary tuna tostadas, Contramar has quite a few dishes that have gained fame in their own right. Chef and owner Gabriela Camara’s creativity attracts glamourous locals and internationals alike. Reservations are highly recommended.

200 Calle de Durango, Roma
Visit Website

PUJOL

A cult classic, Pujol’s reputation is a result of over 15 years of being the quintessential fine dining experience in Mexico City, helmed by award-winning chef Enrique Olvera. A fusion of contemporary and traditional Mexican cuisine is translated into an outstanding Pre-Columbian six-course tasting menu ranging from street food to a thousand-day-aged mother mole. A must.

133 Tennyson, Polanco IV Sec
Visit Website

EL PARNITA

Serving small plates of Mexican street food, El Parnita is an open-air affair in Colonia Roma. Known for its variety of tacos and a killer habanero salsa, it’s a relaxed, vibey place to end up in for lunch.

Av. Yucatán, No. 84, local “E2” Mexico, Colonia Roma Norte
Visit Website

MEROTORO

Following his success in Baja California, chef Jair Téllez brought the coastal dining scene to the capital. Merotoro, hidden away in Condesa, celebrates the surf and turf while being innovative and skillful in its approach. 

Amsterdam 204, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100, Mexico City, Mexico
Visit Website

AMAYA

Spanish-inspired fare in a laidback industrial setting, Amaya is a favorite for hearty plates, natural wines, and innovative cocktails. Lots of delicious vegan and vegetarian options make the restaurant an easy pick for a guaranteed good meal.

Calle Gral. Prim 95 Col. Juarez 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX Mexico
Visit Website

EL HIDALGUENSE

Specializing in traditional Mexican cooking from the state of Hidalgo, go to El Hidalguense for the barbacoa — slow-cooked meat, typically shredded for taco fillings. The crowd keeps the place lively, but note that it is only open Friday through Sunday each week. 

Campeche 155, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, 06760 Ciudad de México, CDMX Mexico
Visit Website

CASA VIRGINIA

Located in a beautiful townhouse in Colonia Roma, dating back to the time the neighborhood itself was established, Casa Virginia maximizes Mexico’s culinary diversity. Chef Monica Patiño keeps the menu fresh and seasonal and brings family-style meals meant to be shared to white tablecloth dining.

Av. Monterrey 116, corner Av. Alvaro Obregón, Colonia Roma, CP 06700, Mexico City
Visit Website

MALIX

At Malix, chef Alonso Madrigal embraces the Mayan name, which translates to “without race or pedigree” — a word commonly used to reference stray dogs in Yucatan. Elevating the meaning to dining, he explores a mix of culinary styles, techniques, and cultures to create unique plates that celebrate global oneness. 

Av. Isaac Newton 104, Entrance on Heraclitus, 11560 Mexico City, CDMX
Visit Website

BOTANICO

A newcomer, trendy Botanico sits in an atypical garden of cacti and other greens in a restored Art Deco mansion in Condesa. A modern bistro with an evolving menu of shareable plates, wine, and cocktails served in a lush courtyard as the perfect backdrop. Chef Alejandra Navarro‘s first solo project has quickly become a favorite. 

Alfonso Reyes 217, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

TAVERNA

For something sexy, head downtown to Taverna. This restaurant and bar recreates the flavors of the Mediterranean using local ingredients combined with odd yet tasty pairings of wine and spirits. 

Calle Gral. Prim 34, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

QUINTONIL 

Consistency in delivering exceptional food over the past then years awarded Quintonil the 9th position in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Helmed by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo, the fine dining restaurant aims to present Mexican flavors with a personal touch and is already one of Mexico City’s mandatory classics.

Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico
Visit Website

The best breakfast and brunch

In a city known for its non-stop nightlife, it’s easy for breakfast to go unnoticed. But whether you decide to party all night, keep fifty alarms, or camp right outside — do what you have to do to get to these.

FONDA MARGARITA

Fonda Margarita is not one to be missed. Open from 5.30 to 11.30 am Tuesday through Sunday; it serves soulful, homely takes on classic Mexican fare, perfected to the level of dreams. 

Adolfo Prieto 1364 B, Tlacoquemecatl del Valle, Benito Juárez, 03100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

LALO!

If one thing gets you up bright and early in Mexico City, it has to be breakfast at Lalo! Not only does it have the usual continental fare — the eggs, the toast, the granola, but elevated — it also spins on Mexican staples and sweet baked goods. 

173 Zacatecas, Roma Sur
Visit Website

LARDO

Chef Elena Reygadas channels her bakery expertise at Lardo, an Italian-Mediterranean-inspired café delivering a simple fare whipped up from top-quality ingredients for breakfast and lunch.

6 Agustín Melgar, Condesa
Visit Website

EL CARDENAL

Another breakfast spot popular with the locals for a more buttoned-up affair, El Cardenal has been in service since the ‘80s. The extensive menu has a range of freshly baked pastries. The superstar? Authentic hot chocolate. The restaurant is also open for brunch, lunch, and dinner with traditional Mexican dishes, from whole roasted fish to enchiladas. They have many branches across the city.

C. de la Palma 23, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

And if you’re looking for tacos… (Who isn’t?)

From modern twists to down and dirty, here are some of our favorites.

Nuevo León and Campeche street, Condesa
Go here on Fridays.
Av. Nuevo León, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Filadelfia Street
Located in Napoles, it comes alive for tacos every Sunday.
Calle Filadelfia, Napoles, CDMX, Mexico

Por Siempre Vegana
For veggies and meat substitutes.
Coahuila 169, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Auténtico Pato Manila
Small eatery serving Philipino-inspired tacos.
Culiacan 91, código 2, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

El Rey del Pastor
A straightforward affair in Guerrero.
06300, Eje 1 Nte. 184, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Taco & Etiqueta
A one-shutter stop for cuerito.
Ricardo Castro 77, Guadalupe Inn, Álvaro Obregón, 01020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

El Pozole de Moctezuma
A casual restaurant serving tacos and mezcal. Classic.
Moctezuma 12, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Los Cocuyos
Head here for those late-night cravings.
Simón Bolívar 59, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Tripolandia
Looks, feels, and tastes local. Yum!
Historic center of Mexico City, Centro, 06090 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

El Califa de León
Tortilla made as your meat cooks — as fresh as it gets.
Av. Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, 06470 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Taquería Orinoco
Northern-style tacos in a trendy setting.
Avenida Insurgentes Sur 25306700 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico

Tacos El Betin
A small joint in Rafael, serving tacos bursting with flavor.
Guillermo Prieto 36, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, 06470 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

 La Casa de Los Tacos Coyoacán
Traditional tacos with a side of unusual delicacies. Stop after visiting Frida’s house, it is a kilometer or so away.
Felipe Carrillo Puerto 16, Coyoacán TNT, Coyoacán, 04000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Páramo
Classic tacos in a hip, green setting. We hear it’s a great place to warm up for a night out.
Av. Yucatan 84, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Markets
And no Mexican food guide would be complete without its incredible mercados. Check out our guide on the best places to shop in CDMX, and make sure to complete your culinary journey by visiting a market — or many.

The best bars and cafes 

Go for the drinks, stay for the bites. Some of our favorites serve coffee in the daytime and turn into wine and cocktail bars at night. And most serve delicious food too. 

BOSFORO 

Possibly one of Mexico City’s best-kept secrets, Bosforo is first and foremost mezcal central. Intimate and without pretense, it opens at 5 pm. Don’t forget to try the quesadilla!

Luis Moya 31-local 2, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

CHOZA

Thai-influenced gastropub, Choza prioritizes all the good things in life — music, flavorful food, and eating with your hands. Open Saturday through Monday, it is walk-ins only.

Monterrey 194 (Av. San Luis Potosi), 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

BAR LAS BRUJAS

A female-led cocktail bar, Brujas gets its name from the building it sits in, translating to House of Witches. Basing their drinks on Mexican herbalism, the dimly lit bar is an homage to the land, the natives, and Latin American writers and activists.

La Casa de Las Brujas, Calle Rio de Janeiro 56 Local B Col, Roma Nte., 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

LA RIFA CHOCOLATERIA

There is nothing special about a cafe specializing in chocolate — except La Rifa Chocolateria has the best chocolate in all of Mexico City. We love it even more because of its conscious curation: All chocolate comes exclusively from small, ethical producers in Chiapas and Tabasco in Mexico, and other ingredients have transparent and traceable supply chains and are traceable, from honey to unrefined sugar. Apart from traditional chocolate, they also experiment with flavors and colors, so it’s a treat for your tastebuds and eyes! For some guilt-free indulgence, you know where to head.

C. Dinamarca 47, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico
Visit Website

HUGO 

An exquisite wine list and a selection of small French-inspired plates — along with must-try schnitzel — make Hugo is a hit. With outdoor seating, it is perfect for enjoying some lovely CDMX weather.

Av. Veracruz 38, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

LICORERÍA LIMANTOUR

Named the best bar in North America for the past two years, Licorería Limantour is rightfully an institution. Renowned for its innovative cocktails — most infused with a touch of Mexico — the two-story bar has been a trailblazer in Mexico City’s mixology scene and continues to be the OG while the world around it picks up. The food is equally tasty.

Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Mexico City
Visit Website

CAFÉ TACOBAR

Fun, innovative and timeless (just like tacos), Café Tacobar does more than just the humble tortilla. A little rough-around-the-edges but with an impressive cocktail program, it doubles as a coffee shop in the morning and transforms into a lively lounge as the sun goes down.

Av Oaxaca 12, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

CICATRIZ

Located on a gorgeous tree-lined street, food and drink are equally stunning at Cicatriz. The menu is vegetable-forward, and the easy, breezy coffee-serving café turns to drinks as the day passes by.

Dinamarca 44, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

ELLY’S

In a two-story Bauhaus house from the 1930s, Elly’s is multifaceted in all aspects. With one of the owners from Mexico and the other from New York, it is where the two cultures collide. Serving what can loosely be classified as Mediterranean food, the restaurant also has a wine bar, cocktail bar, and private dining room. 

Hamburgo 310, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Juárez, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

BAR LOUP

Intimate natural wine bar with perfectly paired small plates to go along, Bar Loup focuses on sustainably sourced produce, be it in bottles or food ingredients. 

Tonalá 23, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

CAFE OCAMPO

A little slice of Italy in Mexico City, Cafe Ocampo is open all day, as a coffee shop in the morning and turning into a bar in the evening. It is tucked away in Cuauhtémoc and is worth a visit, especially if you fancy an aperitivo or an elegant espresso martini. 

Pl. Melchor Ocampo 14, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

LA TACHINOMI DESU

A standing-room-only bar, La Tachinomi Desu serves Japanese natural wines and sake. Though crowded and, at times, chaotic, it is a favorite among locals. Try the rare, only Mexican variety of Sake in existence if you make it there.

Río Pánuco 132-1a, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

TOKYO MUSIC BAR

Rich speakeasy setting, premium cocktails, Hi-Fi analog sound system, and a vast vinyl collection — save Tokyo Music Bar for a lux drinking experience. Located in Little Tokyo, the bar is entry by invitation only, so it is recommended to call ahead.

Río Pánuco 132, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06500
Visit Website

IMBISS

Known for its fine selection of natural wines, craft beers, and cocktails, IMBISS evokes a European restaurant tucked away in a back alley. The menu reads like it was paired to go with the drink selection and has a broad spread, influenced from Japan to Portugal. 

Oslo 8, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Visit Website

Where to go next? Dancing, claro! Being real good friends, we rounded up the best nightclubs and salons in the city. From techno to cumbia, we got you covered with a guide to the best places to dance in Mexico City.

And if you need a place to stay, the options abound: check out our guide to the best hotels and guest houses in Mexico City.

And don’t forget to save our Mexico City map! Have the best of CDMX at your fingertips on all your devices, easily navigating all our handpicked restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, shops, museums, and much more.

Have you signed up for our newsletter yet? Never spammy, always bringing you the best and coolest hotels in the world and global lifestyle culture, all through the eyes of industry insiders and local tastemakers. Sign up here!