25 Best Restaurants in Mexico City (Where to Eat in 2024)

A guacamole tostada served in Azul Historico, one of the restaurants in Mexico City

Finding the best restaurants in Mexico City, Mexico can be a bit of a hunt. After all, there are around 15,000 places to eat in the area, each serving up fare from international dishes to traditional Mexican cuisine. 

Luckily, you won’t have to go searching much farther! I lived in Mexico City for over six months. I perused the local food scene and ate at lots of different places. Now, I’m passing on my list of the best Mexico City restaurants to you. 

In this article, I break down 25 awesome restaurants including each establishment’s price range, location, cuisine type, and vibe. And while you’re here, be sure to bookmark my guide to where to stay in Mexico City.

Let’s get into it!

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25 Best Mexico City Restaurants

Madre Cafe

Traditional Cafe Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 614 12847

A Taro and Bonbon Carajillos on a table in Madre Cafe
Madre Cafe’s Taro and Bonbon Carajillos

Located in Roma Norte, Madre Cafe provides everything that a patron could want in one of the most chic cafes in Mexico City. It’s the perfect spot to grab brunch after a night of discovering Mexico City’s nightlife, but it’s also open until 12 AM, so you can pop in mid-party too!

Madre Cafe has a few standout dishes. Like the french toast and fluffy pancakes that can be filled with things like red fruit and mascarpone butter or Nutella and banana compote. 

Another popular item is their variety of carajillos, a coffee drink made with liquor. I’d recommend trying out the taro carajillo because it’s both delicious and beautifully made.

Churrería El Moro

Dessert Cuisine/Churros | ($$) | Website | 📍Google Maps

View of people enjoying their meal in Churrería El Moro

Every tourist should try churros when visiting Mexico City. In fact, it even makes our list of the best stuff to do in CDMX. The best place to get them is from Churrería El Moro.

El Moro is famous around Mexico City for its incredible churros and different kinds of hot chocolate. There are seven different El Moro locations across the city, so you’re never too far from these amazing churros. 

Because it’s such a popular spot, El Moro gets extremely busy – especially if you visit the Centro Historico location. You’ll have to wait in a decently long line, but it’s 100% worth the wait. 

👉 Pro Tip: It’s all good if you don’t want the full in-person experience of waiting in a massive line at El Moro. Their churros and hot chocolate are available for delivery on Rappi until 10 PM.

Huset

International Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 551 16767

View of a pizza with avocado on it

Huset has artfully created international dishes and mixed drinks. But the thing that really makes it special is its ambiance. It’s unbeatable.  

Located in the Roma neighborhood, Huset is covered in these little details that make you think, “Wow, now this is fine dining!”. From a patio rooftop covered in green vines and twinkly lights to the clever chess-board floor in the dining room. 

Make sure to order the avocado pizza and chocolate cake for dessert if it’s available when you visit. The menu changes at Huset according to what seasonal ingredients are around. 

👉 Pro Tip: Many restaurants in Mexico City have incredible outdoor dining areas, but it’s hard to enjoy them if it’s raining. That’s why it’s important to research Mexico City’s seasons. For more information, check out my guide to the best time to visit Mexico.  

Restaurante Rosetta

High-End Local Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps  | 📞 +52 55 553 37804

View of a dish in Restaurante Rosetta

Restaurante Rosetta is known around Latin America for taking traditional Mexican cuisine to the next level.

The restaurant’s chef, Elena Reygadas, achieves the perfect balance of food being both visually stunning and delicious. If that doesn’t qualify them as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, then I don’t know what does. 

The restaurant is located in a restored Cuauhtémoc villa and definitely leans into Mexico City’s love of plants. The whole place is filled with accents of luscious green flora. 

My top recommendations are the beef carpaccio al pastor and the braised beef rib with polenta. But you can’t go wrong with just about anything that chef Elena Reygadas makes. 

Café Nin

Eclectic Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 915 54805 

A sandwich cut in half on a plate in Café Nin
My Roasted Broccoli, Avocado, and Gruyere Sandwich

You’ll come to find that Mexico City is home to many chic cafés, such as Café Nin. 

On the outside, Café Nin is adorned with plant life. Then, in the dining room, you’re immediately transported to a high-end bistro with exposed brick and chandeliers. The entire restaurant gets a lot of natural light and has such a great ambiance.

Even better than Café Nin’s atmosphere is its breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. Think quiche in the morning, tuna tostadas at lunch, and quail with baby corn at night.

If you have a hankering for some baked goods, you can also find those at Café Nin – I recommend the rosemary and sugar bun or the cardamom roll. 

Maximo

Brunch & Local Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps  | 📞 +52 55 526 44291

View of a grilled fish on a plate with spices

Maximo is located in the trendy Roma neighborhood and it definitely lives up to the hype of being in one of the coolest areas of Mexico City.

Maximo’s menu is fairly extensive, with options ranging from grilled bass with artichoke to BBQ fried chicken made with local ingredients.  

If it’s your first time at Maximo and you’ll looking to treat yourself a little bit, then you should indulge in Maximo’s tasting menu for 3,200 pesos (158 USD).

The tasting menu includes six fine dining delicacies such as banana bread with caviar, escamotes accompanied by Comté cheese, wagyu beef steak, and s’mores with guava and sweet goat’s milk toffee. 

Pasteleria Ideal

Baked Goods | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 551 22522

View of customers in Pasteleria Ideal
Customers Walking Around and Choosing their Baked Goods

Bakeries (aka Pastelerias) are a big thing in Mexico City, and there are a lot of choices for them all over the city. Out of the many possibilities, my top recommendation has to be for Pasterleria Ideal.

As a foreigner, going to Pasteleria Ideal will be a new experience in itself. Customers walk around a showroom, choose the baked goods they want, and then bring up their silver platter of goodies to be bagged up.

There are so many great pastry choices at Pasteleria Ideal that there’s bound to be something for everyone. 

Blanco Colima

Upscale Cuisine | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 551 17527

Blanco Colima is known for its stylish vibe, high-end food, and extensive drink menu. Most people agree that Blanco Colima is one of Mexico City’s top eateries for its standout dishes. 

If you’re in the mood for some expertly-crafted and creative cocktails, then you definitely need to stop by Blanco Colima, but be aware that it has menu changes according to the season.

While you’re there and if they have it on offer, then I have to recommend giving the Whispering Angel drink a try.

📚 Visiting Valladolid? Just like Mexico City, there are so many different kinds of restaurants in Valladolid. To learn more, head over to Nate’s ​​list of the 22 best restaurants in Valladolid.  

La Docena

Seafood Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 520 80833

View of octopus tentacles with black rice and lemon on a plate

Even though Mexico City is far from the coast, you can still find scrumptious seafood at places like La Docena. But not only does La Docena have tasty seafood and excellent drinks, but they also provide a laidback atmosphere to sit back and enjoy your feast. 

La Docena is known for its incredible oysters, but you should also try out the grilled octopus (puplo a las brasas) or the tuna tostadas (tostadas de atun). 

👉 Pro Tip: Local menus are often written in Spanish. If you aren’t fluent, you may need to have a translator on hand at dinner. 

Páramo

Mexican Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 594 15125 

People having fun in Páramo at night

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, I’m betting that you’re hoping to eat a boatload of Mexican food, and Páramo is a great place to start.

Páramo does a fantastic job sticking to traditional cuisine. It’s a great place to check off many of the foods on my list of the best dishes in Mexico City.

Páramo serves a variety of Mexican comfort food, like tacos and chalupas, but they definitely throw a unique twist on these classics dishes. Like with their Costa Azul tuna loin taco – it’s unique and out of this world.

Páramo’s gorgeous dining room is something worth seeing in itself. The thing that gives them that “wow” factor is their completely transparent rooftop that allows patrons to dine right under the night sky. 

🎁 Is Your Loved One Going to Mexico? Get them a going-away present that they can actually use by reading Taylor’s guide to the 26 Mexico Travel Gifts

Merotoro

Upscale Baja Californian Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 556 47799

When your server brings out your meal at Merotoro, you’ll be sure to have that little gasp of awe when you see just how beautiful your plate looks – the dishes are truly a work of art. 

Merotoro’s menu is organized by courses. This makes it really easy to craft your own little tasting menu at dinner. Personally, I’d go for nopal stew toast for the first course and lamb sausage with bean stew for course two. Then, I’d get braised eggplant as my main, and the almond cake with chocolate ice cream for dessert. 

Miralto

International Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 551 81710

Overlooking view of Mexico City from La Torre Latino Americano
Views over Mexico City from La Torre Latino Americano, where Miralto is

Miralto is an international food restaurant situated in one of the tallest buildings in the country, La Torre Latino Americano. You’ll have absolutely incredible views of Mexico City at dinner. 

Beyond that, Miralto has top-notch international food. It’s the perfect place for people who’ve had their fill of tacos and need to mix it up. Even if you’re not hungry, you can always grab a margarita and enjoy the expansive view at Miralto. 

Los Callejeros

Tacos and Mexican Cuisine | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps

A woman preparing tacos in Mexico City

You’re bound to eat at a lot of taco spots when visiting Mexico City, but make sure at least one of them is from Los Callejeros.

Los Callejeros is located in the Historic Center and while they serve a variety of meat dishes, they’re most known for their many different kinds of tacos. 

While they’ve got all the meat taco classics, like chicken and pork, they also have many vegetarian options. For veggie lovers, I’d recommend the chile Rellenos de queso taco.

Plus, Los Callejeros is super affordable – their tacos are each less than 20 pesos (1 USD), so it’s perfect for budget travelers trying to do Mexico City on the cheap.

👉 Don’t Miss: Los Callejeros is located near the Zocalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the Historic Center. If you stop in for lunch, be sure to check out these famous Mexico City sites afterward! 

Broka

Bistro Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 443 74285

Broka offers a combination of tasty eats, superb cocktails, and an overall romantic aura. I think it’s one of the best restaurants in the whole city for a date night. It just has that dreamy feel. 

Broka regularly switches up its menu for special events or when the season changes. Sometimes they even offer a variety of samples with a tasting menu. Definitely check out Broka’s website before you visit to see what their menu options look like.

Limosneros

Creative Mexican Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 552 15576 

Limonsneros is different from every other one of Mexico City’s best restaurants because of just how creative their plates are. Limonsneros puts a bold spin on the classic dishes of Mexico City with local ingredients from Mexico’s nearby regions. 

Not only is their food presentation out of this world, but also the interior design of the restaurant itself is just incredible. It looks distinct from any other restaurant I’ve ever dined at before with its rock walls and rope ceiling. 

If you decide to try out Limosneros, be sure to try the milpa sour cocktail and their taco tasting menu if it’s available during your trip. 

Azul Historico

Mexican Cuisine | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 551 01316

A hand holding a Guacamole tostada with grasshoppers in Azul Historico
Guacamole tostada with grasshoppers, a Mexican specialty

If you’re a tourist trying to find places to eat in Mexico City, then you’ve probably read about Azul Historico a few times.

Azul Historico has gained infamy throughout the area. That notoriety is warranted. They have delicious dishes with a Mexican twist and straight-up traditional recipes. 

However, my favorite thing about Azul Historico is the magical atmosphere they’ve created in their restaurant. The dining room is filled with trees that sparkle with lights when night falls. It really feels like dining in the forest. 

📚 Related Reading: Azul Historico is located in Centro Historico, and there is a lot of pickpocketing in this area. Consider coming equipped with excellent travel insurance. To learn more, read Nate’s guide to travel insurance for Mexico.  

La Esquina Del Chilaquil

Street Food Cuisine | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 754 44723

View of a sandwich on a plate

La Esquina Del Chilaquil is one of the best places to eat in CDMX for a taste of deliciously carby street food. 

La Esquina Del Chilaquil is a street food operation that’s gained worldwide notoriety and is best known for its Torta de Chilaquil. Marrying two famous Mexican dishes, this is essentially a sandwich stuffed with red or green chilaquiles (tortilla chips with red or green sauce). 

It sounds simple, but oh man, it is something special. 

La Esquina is only open from 8 AM to 12 PM. Also, be aware that La Esquina Del Chilaquil is extremely popular and you’ll probably have to wait in a long line to get your torta, but it’s worth it.

📚 Traveling the Whole Country? If you’re planning on traveling beyond Mexico City’s boundaries, make sure you check out these 23 travel tips for Mexico

El Vilsito

Tacos and Mexican Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 553 63636

When I first heard about the concept of El Vilsito, I thought it was one of the coolest things I’d ever heard. 

During the day, El Vilsito is a regular mechanic shop, but throughout the night, it transforms into one of the city’s best restaurants for tacos. It’s the ultimate hipster taqueria, and people swear by their flavorful al pastor tacos. 

El Vilsito restaurant is open until 5 AM on the weekends and 3 AM on the weekdays, which makes it a popular spot for a late-night snack after a night out on the town.

Pujol 

Mexican Cuisine | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 554 54111

When you start searching for the best restaurants around Mexico City, Pujol will likely be one of the first places you discover. It’s Mexico City’s closest thing to a Michelin star restaurant.

Pujol is loved by visitors for its creative use of traditional ingredients to create stunning dishes. Seriously, every single plate screams five-star restaurant. 

Pujol has a world-class wine list with choices from around North America and several different tasting menus. I’d recommend trying out their taco omakase tasting menu inspired by Japanese tradition. 

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget that menus in Mexico City will be priced in pesos. An expensive restaurant like Pujol might have dishes listed for $2,000, but it’s actually $100 USD. 

Taqueria Miranda 

Street Food Tacos | ($) | 📍 Google Maps

View of people buying tacos in  Taqueria Miranda

If someone were to ask me, “where can I get a top-notch street food taco?” I’d point them in the direction of Taqueria Miranda. 

I discovered Taqueria Miranda by accident while walking my dog because they set up shop right around the corner from me. You’ll know it when you see it because there is always a crowd of locals eating tacos around the stand. 

Taqueria Miranda has handmade fresh tortillas, many different types of meat to choose from, and a huge toppings bar. My favorite is their classic Al Pastor tacos in a corn tortilla with a touch of salsa verde, pickled red onion, and lime juice. 

🌮 Scared of Street Food? Many people worry that the street food in Mexico will make them sick, but it’s some of the tastiest stuff around as long as you use good judgment. To learn more about staying safe on your trip, check out my guide to safety in Mexico City.  

La Pitahaya Vegana

Vegan Mexican Cuisine | ($$$) | Website  | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 3902 7792

A vegetarian Mexican food on a plate

Mexico City is a surprisingly vegan-friendly city for a place that loves meat so much, and one of the best places for vegan food is La Pitahaya Vegana.

Even if you’re not vegan, many people get tired of eating Mexico’s meat-heavy dishes day after day. It’s nice to have a little break with some vegan treats featuring animal-free ingredients like black beans and coconut milk. 

The thing I really like about La Pitahaya is that they take all the traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and mole and make vegan versions. They do it so well that even people who aren’t vegan enjoy La Pitahaya’s food. I’d recommend their enfrijoladas and the papas al curry taco. 

📚Looking for Other Things to Do in CDMX? Even though eating is a big part of any traveler’s agenda, you probably want to partake in some other activities too. Be sure to read Nate’s guide to 33 fun things to do in Mexico City if you’re in need of activities.  

Pasillo de Humo

Oaxacan Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 521 17263

A plate of mole enchiladas in Pasillo de Humo

If you don’t have time to visit Oaxaca but still want to try some of the region’s world-renowned food, then reserve an evening at Pasillo de Humo. It’s as close as you’ll get to traditional Oaxacan food without leaving Mexico City. 

Pasillo de Humo offers a taste of authentic Oaxacan cuisine with local ingredients. While there are quite a few choices on the menu, I’d order one of their amazing moles with a chepiche mezcal to drink. 

Tostadas Coyoacán

Street Food Cuisine | ($) | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 565 98774 

Different foods displayed in Tostadas Coyoacán

Tostadas are another food staple of Mexico, and one of my go-to places for this delicious dish is Tostadas Coyoacán. It’s a little bit of a journey from the central areas of Mexico City, but it’s worth the trip.

The street food stand is located inside Mercado de Coyoacán, the neighborhood’s massive marketplace that’s been running for over 100 years. So, you can get an incredible tostada and then wander one of the best markets in Mexico City. That’s my type of afternoon. 

🎒 Packing for Mexico? Many people arrive in Mexico and realize they’ve forgotten something crucial. To avoid that situation, check out Taylor’s Mexico packing list.  

Meroma

Fine Dining Cuisine | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 592 02654

A plate of pok chop steak with vegetable in Meroma

Meroma features an upscale variety of local and international cuisine. Their menu has something that could appeal to just about anyone’s tastes.

For dinner, you should definitely try the slow-cooked grilled jerk-spiced pork chop, and for dessert, there’s nothing quite like Meroma’s condensed goat milk tart.

Meroma also totes a very original cocktail menu that veers away from the classic drinks you usually find around Mexico. I’d recommend the molito berry cocktail with red fruit, pineapples, and bitters made from Oaxacan mole. 

👉 Need a Hotel? If you want to be close to all these amazing places to eat and more, you need to book a high-quality hotel in a good area. To find your perfect accommodation, check out Nate’s list of the 13 best hotels in Mexico City.

El Cardenal 

Mexican Cuisine | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 55 552 13080

View of chilaquiles on a plate

El Cardenal has three different locations throughout Mexico City, but the original location is in Centro Historico. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. It’s a huge restaurant that serves Mexican breakfast, lunch, and dinner classics like chile en nogada, huevos al gusto, and mole poblano.  

Even though the restaurant is pretty large, it still fills up with hungry people very quickly. Making a reservation ahead of time is recommended if you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to wait for a table. 

El Cardenal is open until 6:30 pm every day, but I’d recommend stopping in earlier because it is one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Mexico City.

FAQs About Mexico City Restaurants

Where is the best food in Mexico City?

The best food in Mexico City is located in the Roma, Centro Historico, Zona Rosa, and Condesa neighborhoods. These areas have hundreds of restaurants between them; each serving different types of foods, from classic Mexican dishes to global cuisine. 

What types of restaurants are in Mexico City?

You can find just about any type of restaurant in Mexico City. Mexico City has a mix of traditional Mexican restaurants and international establishments. Visitors can also find specialties from other Mexican regions here. Like any big city, CDMX has a lot of options. 

Is the street food in Mexico City safe?

The street food in Mexico City is safe, delicious, and highly recommended for every visitor. But it’s still best practice to pay attention to how the products are taken care of and avoid places that are lacking in local patrons.

What is the most popular restaurant in Mexico City?

The most popular restaurant in Mexico City is Pujol, which is also one of the most famous restaurants in all of Latin America. Pujol attracts thousands of regular customers and food critics every year to try their delicious local dishes. 

Some other extremely popular restaurants in Mexico City are El Cardenal, Restaurante Rosetta and Páramo

Does Mexico City have Michelin Star restaurants?

Mexico City does not have any Michelin Star restaurants. However, many of Mexico City’s top dining establishments are believed to achieve the quality of a Michelin Star restaurant and they’re still likely to appeal to even the most refined of taste buds. 

🍽️ More Restaurant Guides: Nashville restaurants, Chicago restaurants, San Juan restaurants

***

That’s the end of my guide to the best places to eat in Mexico City. Hopefully, this has helped you curate a whole list of restaurants to visit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

If you’ll be exploring more of the Mexican capital, then read Nate’s list of 33 Things to Do in Mexico.

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One Comment

  1. Thanks this is a great guide, we are visiting in 3 weeks but we are not looking to only eat tacos. We have selected a couple of fine dining to celebrate!

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