Eating Your Way Through Mexico City

Tacos

Taco stands are everywhere in Mexico City, but knowing where to go and what they specialize in will help you maximize your experience and reward you with the best tacos in your entire life.

• Los Cayucos: excellent taco stand nearby the Museo Franz Mayer and Palacio de Bellas Artes, also great as an appetizer if you want to go to nearby Cafe de Tacuba, an century old institution with live mariachi and traditional decor.

• El Turix: Located in posh Polanco - this no-frills spot is known for its cochinita pibil tacos.

• El Venadito: unassuming family run spot that's close to the Frida Kahlo Museum.

• Tacos don Juan: great spot in Condesa and the Quesabirria is a special on Saturdays/Sunday.

• Jenni’s Street Quesadillas: Jenni, the famed quesadilla lady of Roma Norte, posts up on the corner of Colima and Merida every morning around 11 a.m. The locals flock to her in droves for quesadillas, tlacoyos, and pambazos, which are either filled with meat (chicharon and tinga) or vegetables, like quelites (long-cooked wild greens), hongos (mushrooms), and flor de calabaza (squash flowers).

• La Polar: bustling place known for its birria and if you’re lucky, live mariachi music.

• Tacos Hola el Güero: stewed style tacos, go early or else a lot of tacos will sell out.

• La Tonina: Northern-style tacos with the best flour tortillas, the chilorio is a must.

• Tamales Dona Emi: renowned walkup shop with sidewalk seating for the best tamales in town. They sell out quickly!

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Restaurants

The restaurant scene is constantly evolving, but here are some of my favorites for a well-rounded experience across trendy new concepts, fine dining, breakfast spots, casual cafes and wine bars.

• Masala Y Maiz: Great natural wine list and mix of Mexican, Indian and African influences.

• Pujol: This is worth it just for the vibe and overall experience, as a fine dining institution, the prices are much more approachable than in other parts of the world.

• Expendio de Maiz sin Nombre: This cult favorite for breakfast and lunch is no frills. There’s just a handful of seats and no menu, but it serves traditional mexican small plates until you tell them to stop. Go right when they open to avoid a long wait.

• Quintonil: My favorite of all of the fine dining restaurants, and I’m not really a “fine dining” person, the tasting menu is worth it.

• Mari Gold: A great breakfast/brunch place on the outskirts of Condesa. Reserve in advance!

• Lardo: My favorite breakfast spot in Condesa, the pastries are incredible - get the guava pan dulce, then don’t be surprised if you want to go back the next day and get it again.

• Huset: Great outdoor terrace featuring a seasonal menu of fresh ingredients.

• Loup Bar: Natural wine and small plates down the block from your hotel.

• Meroma: Trendy, upscale restaurant featuring meat and seafood with a cool cocktail bar in the basement and beautiful rooftop terrace.

• Taverna: Housed in a restored hacienda from 1905, this romantic Juarez spot serves delicious small plates.

• Maque: Another great breakfast spot with a leafy patio.

• Sarde: New restaurant with a seafood based menu with a great vibe and great music.

• Mi Compa Chava: a casual new hot spot for Sinaloa-style seafood.