28 Best Restaurants in Mexico City, Mexico (+ Cafes, Bars)
These are the best restaurants in Mexico City, from a Mexico travel expert.
Mexico City hardly needs an introduction, but I’ll give it one anyway. A sprawling, electric metropolis that feels like the beating heart of Latin America, it’s a place where history and modernity collide on every corner. And when it comes to food? Let’s just say I’ve never once needed coaxing to book a table—or more often, three—in this city. Mexico City is genuinely one of the best foodie cities in the world right now.
As a travel writer who heads back to Mexico each year, I’ve lost count of the weekends (and, truthfully, plenty of weekdays) I’ve spent eating my way across the capital. From taco stands that locals guard like family secrets to cutting-edge fine dining temples shaping global culinary conversations, I’ve made it my mission to taste it all—and then go back for seconds.
These are the Mexico City restaurants I return to time and again, whether for a long, mezcal-soaked lunch in a leafy courtyard, a sleek dinner that stretches into the early hours, or a casual bite that reminds me why Mexico City’s street food is world-famous.
Whatever you’re craving—smoky moles, inventive tasting menus, or tacos that will ruin you for life—I’ve got you covered. So come hungry. Here are the best restaurants in Mexico City—personally vetted, endlessly revisited, and absolutely worth a spot on your CDMX itinerary.
Top Tip: The dining scene here is at full throttle, and locals are just as eager as visitors to snag a table. Book ahead for pretty much everywhere—especially the headline names and anything on the weekend.
25 Best Restaurants in Mexico City (My favorites)
1. Quintonil
Quintonil is modern Mexican cuisine at its most expressive, and this is Mexico City’s top fine dining restaurant experience.
Chef Jorge Vallejo reworks local flavors—mole, quelites, charred avocado—into dishes that are innovative yet unmistakably rooted in Mexico’s traditions.
The tasting menu unfolds like a narrative, each course building on the last, while the atmosphere strikes that rare balance of polished and approachable.
It’s no surprise Quintonil is consistently ranked among the world’s best, but accolades aside, it’s simply a place you’ll want to linger—and then return to as soon as possible. If there’s one splurge you make it to during your time in the city, make it this one.
Top Tip: Reservations open a month in advance and vanish quickly, so set a reminder and even try to book a table here as soon as you book your flights.
Address: Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco
2. Pujol
Pujol is the restaurant that put Mexico City firmly on the global dining map—and it remains one of the best restaurants in Mexico City today. Under chef Enrique Olvera, it has become a temple to contemporary Mexican cuisine (with a deep focus on Oaxaca), where every detail—from the corn in the tortillas to the herbs in the moles—feels meticulously considered.
The famed “Mole Madre,” aged for years and served alongside a fresh mole of the day, is worth the hype alone, but the whole tasting menu is a masterclass in elegance and restraint.
Sleek, minimalist interiors keep the focus squarely on the food, which manages to feel both wildly innovative and comfortingly familiar.
Top Tip: Book well in advance—this is one of the hardest tables in town.
Address: Tennyson 133, Polanco
3. Mi Compra Chava
Mi Compra Chava is one of those neighborhood spots that wins you over instantly. The menu is all about Mexican seafood with a Sinaloa twist. You’ll find a menu full of tostadas, seafood cocktails, and aguachiles as well as a good selection of beers and micheladas.
It’s lively without being overhyped, stylish but still unpretentious—the kind of place locals treat like a second living room. Once you’ve been, you’ll understand why it’s become such a go-to in the city. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait (I waited for 45 minutes in the lunchtime rush).
Address: Zacatecas 172, Roma, and another location at Venustiano Carranza 109, Coyoacán
4. Esquina Común
If there’s one spot that feels like the pulse of Mexico City’s dining scene right now, it’s Esquina Común. Led by chef Sofia Cortina, the menu is fresh, playful, and rooted in seasonality, with plates that celebrate vegetables and local produce in ways that feel genuinely new.
It’s casual in spirit—think shared plates, natural wines, and a laid-back crowd—but the food has a precision and creativity that puts it in a league of its own.
This is the city’s freshest and most exciting place to eat, the kind of restaurant that makes you want to cancel all other plans and just stay for one more round.
Address: Fernando Montes de Oca 86, Condesa
5. Contramar
Lunch at Contramar is practically a Mexico City rite of passage. By midday, the dining room is buzzing—tables filled with friends, families, and power-lunchers all tucking into towers of tostadas and platters of grilled fish.
The famous tuna tostadas and the butterflied pescado a la talla, painted half red with chili and half green with parsley sauce, are non-negotiables.
But beyond the more famous dishes, what makes Contramar special is the atmosphere: light, airy, and effortlessly social, it’s a place where a “quick lunch” easily turns into a languid afternoon. This isn’t fine dining in Mexico City as such—it’s something far better: an institution that defines how Mexico City eats.
Side note: If you’re in Polanco, Entremar is Contramar’s sister restaurant, which is just as good.
Address: Durango 200, Roma Nte.
Read more: Where to Stay in Mexico City: Top Neighborhoods & Hotels
6. Ticuchi
Step into Ticuchi and you’re immediately wrapped in shadows—the cave-like interior sets the stage for one of Polanco’s most intriguing dining experiences. It’s moody, it’s stylish, and it hums with the energy of a late-night haunt where mezcal flows and the playlist matters almost as much as the food.
The menu is playful and unexpected, with small plates that nod to Oaxacan flavors while staying firmly in the realm of contemporary Mexico City cool.
This isn’t the white-tablecloth Polanco you might be expecting; Ticuchi is about atmosphere as much as flavor. Come here for a dinner that feels like a night out, and don’t rush—it’s the kind of place best enjoyed slowly, mezcal in hand.
Address: Petrarca 254, Polanco
7. Rosetta
Rosetta is the grande dame of Mexico City dining, and for good reason. Set inside a leafy Roma townhouse, its candlelit rooms and creaky wooden floors make every meal feel like a special occasion.
The menu is rooted in Mexican ingredients but interpreted with a refined, almost timeless elegance—where a simple hoja santa tamale or a guava pastry can stop you mid-conversation.
Unlike the newer darlings of the scene, Rosetta isn’t chasing trends. It’s confident, enduring, and always worth dressing up for. Eating here feels less like ticking a box and more like joining the city’s culinary history in motion.
Top Tip: Book as early as you can—Rosetta has held “must-visit” status for over a decade, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Address: Colima 166, Roma Nte,
8. Hugo
Hugo may call itself a wine bar, but it’s far more than just a place to sip. The wine list is sharp and adventurous, heavy on natural and small producers, and designed for lingering over.
To go with it, there’s a menu of seasonal small plates that riff on Mexican flavors with a contemporary edge—think bright, vegetable-forward dishes, clever seafood bites, and plenty meant for sharing.
The atmosphere is stylish yet unpretentious, the kind of spot where Condesa locals slide in for a glass that turns into a full evening. It’s not aiming to be a grand institution, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing: Hugo is chic, current, and quietly setting the tone for how Mexico City likes to eat and drink right now.
Address: Av. Veracruz 38, Roma Nte
9. Máximo
Máximo by chef Eduardo Garcia is the definition of a Mexico City classic that never stands still. What started as a small neighborhood spot has grown into a polished, light-filled space, but the heart of it remains the same: a menu driven by what’s fresh at the market that morning.
Expect refined yet approachable dishes where Mexican ingredients and French technique meet in ways that feel effortless rather than showy.
There’s a reason locals and travelers alike keep this one on their short list—it’s elegant without being pretentious, the kind of restaurant that feels just as right for a celebratory dinner as it does for a lingering weekday lunch.
Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 65 Bis, Roma Nte
10. Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre
There’s no menu at Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre—just trust, tortillas, and the kind of culinary improvisation that makes every visit feel like an adventure.
You sit down, order a drink, and then watch as a series of dishes arrive from the open kitchen, each one built around heirloom corn and whatever else is freshest that day. The tortillas alone, earthy and fragrant, are reason enough to come.
It’s unpolished, communal, and unlike anywhere else in Mexico City—a place that treats dining as both ritual and experiment. You don’t come here to order your favorites; you come to be surprised.
Address: Av. Yucatán 84, Roma Nte
11. Masala y Maíz
Masala y Maíz is where borders blur in the best possible way. The cooking here fuses Mexican, Indian, and East African traditions into dishes that feel both comfortingly familiar and completely new.
One moment you’re scooping up tamales with chutney, the next you’re tasting pozole laced with spices that transport you halfway around the world. It’s bold, colorful cooking that tells a bigger story about migration, memory, and shared flavors.
The space is casual and welcoming, but the food is anything but ordinary—this is one of Mexico City’s most original dining experiences, and it delivers every time.
Address: C. Artículo 123 116, Centro
12. Lardo
Morning, noon, or night, Lardo always seems to be humming. By day, it’s a go-to for breakfast—strong coffee, just-baked pastries, and wood-fired eggs that arrive still bubbling.
By lunch, the space shifts to a breezy, see-and-be-seen hangout where salads, pizzas, and pastas hit the table alongside crisp glasses of wine. Come evening, the mood softens; candlelight bounces off tiled walls, and the menu leans into heartier, Mediterranean-inspired plates.
What makes Lardo special isn’t just the food (though it’s consistently excellent), but its versatility—it’s a rare restaurant that works just as well for a solo morning stop as it does for a long dinner with friends.
Address: Agustín Melgar 6, Condesa
13. Baldio
Baldío is unlike any other spot on this list—it’s the city’s first true zero-waste restaurant, and it wears that ethos proudly. Everything here is thought through, from the way ingredients are sourced and preserved to how offcuts are reimagined into entirely new dishes.
The result isn’t austere or preachy, though—plates are vibrant, clever, and full of flavor, proving that sustainability and indulgence can absolutely coexist.
For diners looking to experience one of the best restaurants in Mexico City right now, Baldío isn’t just a meal; it’s a preview of where the city’s dining culture is headed.
Address: Antonio Sola 26, Condesa
14. CIENA
If you’re looking for something more European in Mexico City, CIENA is the answer. Tucked into a bright, minimalist space, it feels more Parisian café or Madrid bistro than traditional Mexican comedor.
The menu skews continental—think delicate pastas, charcuterie, perfectly roasted meats—while still weaving in seasonal Mexican ingredients that keep it grounded in place.
It’s the kind of restaurant that’s equally suited to a leisurely lunch with a glass of wine or a polished dinner that stretches into the night. For those craving a break from the city’s taco-to-tasting-menu rhythm, CIENA offers a refined detour that still belongs on any list of the best restaurants in Mexico City.
Address: Alfonso Reyes 101, Condesa
15. Molino ‘El Pujol’
More than a tortillería, Molino “El Pujol” is Enrique Olvera’s ode to maize in all its forms. By day, locals queue for warm tortillas made from heirloom corn, still steaming from the press, or tamales that taste like the essence of comfort.
There are inventive bites too—like the cult-favorite corn husk meringue—that show just how far a humble grain can be pushed.
The space itself is simple and pared back, but that’s the point: this is about corn, heritage, and the flavors that have shaped Mexico for millennia.
Address: Gral. Benjamín Hill 146, Condesa
16. Café De Tacuba
Few places capture old-school Mexico City like Café de Tacuba. Open since 1912, it’s a living institution where vaulted ceilings, tiled walls, and portraits of revolutionaries set the scene for hearty, traditional plates.
The menu is pure comfort—enchiladas swimming in sauce, tamales wrapped tight, café de olla served piping hot—and while the food is straightforward, it’s the history and atmosphere that make it unforgettable.
Dining here feels like stepping into another era, when cafés were grand meeting places and meals stretched for hours. It’s not cutting-edge, but it doesn’t need to be—Café de Tacuba is all about nostalgia, ritual, and the pleasure of sitting down in a space that has seen more than a century of Mexico City life.
Address: C. de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México
17. Taqueria Los Gueros
Not every great meal in Mexico City requires a white tablecloth, and Taquería Los Güeros is proof. This no-frills spot serves up some of the best tacos in Mexico City—juicy al pastor carved straight off the trompo, bistec sizzling on the plancha, and salsa so good you’ll be tempted to eat it by the spoonful.
It’s fast, unfussy, and exactly what a taquería should be. Late night is prime time—this is the kind of taquería that tastes even better after a few mezcals.
Address: Lorenzo Boturini 4354, Aeronáutica Militar, Venustiano Carranza
18. Oxa
Down in leafy San Ángel, Oxa brings a breath of fresh air to the neighborhood’s dining scene. The focus here is on Oaxacan flavors, but with a lighter, contemporary touch—think moles that feel intricate without being heavy, tlayudas crisped just so, and mezcal cocktails that match the food’s earthy depth.
The setting is elegant yet relaxed, a place where you can linger over lunch in a sun-dappled courtyard before wandering the cobblestone streets nearby.
It’s a bit of a destination, but that’s part of the charm—Oxa makes the trip to San Ángel feel entirely worth it, but you might want to combine it with a trip to Coyoacán or Luis Barragán’s Casa Pedregal.
19. Taquería Orinoco
Taquería Orinoco has become a late-night legend in Mexico City. What started in Monterrey has fully taken root here, with lines of hungry diners snaking out the door for their signature trompo, chicharrón, and bistec tacos.
Each order comes piled high with salsas and accoutrements, making the experience messy in the best way possible.
The vibe is fast, bright, and a little chaotic—red plastic trays, neon signs, and the unmistakable buzz of a place that feeds half the city after midnight. It’s not about finesse; it’s about satisfaction. And Orinoco delivers, every single time.
Address: A few various locations around the city, but my favorite is at Av. Álvaro Obregón 100, Roma Nte
Best Cafes, Bars, Bakeries & Street Food
20. Panadería Rosetta
Panadería Rosetta may be the city’s most famous bakery, and the hype is justified. The guava pastry is already the stuff of legend—flaky, fragrant, and impossibly buttery—but the case is always filled with other temptations, from ricotta-filled rolls to seasonal fruit tarts.
Coffee is strong, the pace is brisk, and the narrow Roma shopfront buzzes from morning to afternoon with regulars and first-timers alike.
It’s not the kind of place you linger for hours—space is tight—but it’s essential for a morning stop, especially if you want to taste how a simple pastry can become a citywide obsession.
Address: Colima 179, Roma Nte
21. Jenni’s Quesadillas
Tucked into a corner of Colima & Merida, Jenni’s Quesadillas is a local institution that proves simple street food can be unforgettable. The setup is humble—just a griddle, a steady hand, and a dizzying array of fillings from squash blossoms to huitlacoche—but the results are pure magic.
Each quesadilla is made to order, hot, cheesy, and folded into a fresh tortilla that tastes like comfort itself.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need hype or polish; word of mouth has kept Jenni busy for years. Pull up a plastic stool, order a couple, and you’ll see why.
Address: Merida 83, Roma Nte
22. Handshake Speakeasy
Behind an unmarked door in Juárez, Handshake Speakeasy serves some of the city’s most inventive cocktails. The menu reads like a playground for mixologists—classics reimagined with unexpected twists, playful presentations, and flavors that surprise without trying too hard. The coconut Negroni, for example, is one of my firm favorites.
The room is small, dimly lit, and always buzzing, making it feel like you’ve slipped into a secret.
It’s consistently ranked among the world’s top bars, but the experience stays refreshingly fun rather than formal. Go for one drink, stay for three.
Space is limited, so make sure to book ahead.
Address: C. Amberes 65, Juárez
23. El Minutito
El Minutito is small in size but huge in reputation—often called out for having some of the best coffee in Mexico City. Tucked away and easy to miss, this little café draws a loyal crowd who come for expertly pulled espresso, silky cappuccinos, and beans sourced from across Mexico’s coffee-growing regions.
The space is cozy, unfussy, and all about the coffee itself.
Address: Londres 28, Juárez
24. Cicatriz
Around the corner from El Minutito, you’ll find Cicatriz, one of those cafés that helped redefine what daytime dining in Mexico City could be. Set on a leafy plaza in Juárez, it’s part coffee shop, part all-day hangout, with a menu that’s as thoughtful as the espresso.
You’ll find seasonal salads, hearty sandwiches, and natural wines alongside excellent coffee, all served in a space that feels equal parts Brooklyn loft and Mexico City neighborhood joint.
It’s casual, creative, and always buzzing—a place where laptops and long lunches happily coexist.
Address: C. Dinamarca 44, Cuauhtémoc
25. Mätre
In Lomas de Chapultepec, Mätre has become a go-to for anyone serious about bread and pastry. The bakery turns out everything from crusty sourdough loaves to delicate viennoiserie, all with a level of craft that’s hard to beat.
The space itself is sleek and design-forward, perfectly in tune with the neighborhood’s growing reputation as one of the city’s most exciting new hubs for food and style.
If you’re staying in Lomas—or just exploring this up-and-coming design district—Mätre is the place to start your morning.
26. Cafe Trucha
Café Trucha has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s most stylish little cafes. The space is tiny but thoughtfully designed, all clean lines and warm light, with a menu that keeps the focus on excellent beans and expert preparation.
Expect pour-overs, flat whites, and espresso drinks done with precision, plus a menu full of lunch classics like sandwiches, salads, and cakes.
It’s not about frills here—it’s about great coffee and food in a space that feels calm and contemporary. A perfect pit stop between gallery hopping and neighborhood strolls.
Address: Plaza Río de Janeiro 53-Local 2, Roma Nte
27. Licorería Limantour
Licorería Limantour is the cocktail bar that set the standard for Mexico City’s modern drinking scene. Sleek but unpretentious, it’s consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, and the drinks more than live up to the reputation.
Classics are reworked with clever twists—think mezcal, tequila, and fresh local ingredients used in ways that surprise without being gimmicky.
The crowd is a mix of locals and travelers, the atmosphere buzzy but not overwhelming, and the service sharp enough to guide you through the menu if you’re unsure where to start. It’s the kind of bar you’ll want to revisit, because one round is never enough.
Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte
28. Vigneron
Vigneron is a wine bar with a serious love for natural and small-production bottles. Tucked into Roma, it has the feel of a neighborhood spot but with the kind of list that makes oenophiles light up—French, Italian, Mexican, and beyond, always changing and always interesting.
The food leans toward the wine-bar classic playbook: small plates, charcuterie, and seasonal bites that let the bottles do the talking.
It’s cozy, low-lit, and ideal for a slow evening of discovery. Whether you’re deep into natural wine or just curious, Vigneron is the kind of place where you’ll want to hand the list back and say, “Just pour me something good.”
Address: Jalapa 181, Roma Nte
So, which of these best restaurants in Mexico City will you be heading to? Let me know your questions and comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
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