A Culinary Guide and More to Mexico City

I was born and raised in Mexico City, but I have been living in Miami for two decades. Each visit to the city amazes me with the incredible variety of food it offers, from street food and trendy new restaurants to iconic places with a lot of history. Mexico City, a melting pot of cultures, offers a unique culinary experience where traditional flavors and modern interpretations blend perfectly. From lively historic markets to high-end restaurants that are revolutionizing gastronomy, the city's culinary offerings reflect Mexico's rich cultural diversity.

Mexico City, aside from all the culinary offerings, provides a wide range of activities and different areas to explore. Museums and archaeological sites include the National Museum of Anthropology, Templo Mayor Museum, Casa Azul Frida Kahlo Museum, Soumaya Museum, Palace of Fine Arts Museum, National Art Museum, Anahuacalli Museum, and Papalote Children's Museum.

There are also many parks and forests, such as the Chapultepec area, which includes a forest, a park with a lake, a zoo, and the National Museum of Anthropology—one of the largest anthropology museums in the world. Each area of the city offers unique experiences.

It also has numerous shopping centers that house high-end stores, ensuring options for every taste. The ones I recommend visiting are:

• Centro Santa Fe: The largest shopping center in Mexico, it houses more than 400 stores, entertainment areas, and major department stores.

• Antara: An exclusive open-air shopping center in Polanco. It stands out for its designer brands, gourmet restaurants, and modern ambiance.

• Presidente Masaryk Avenue: Located in the heart of Polanco, this avenue is home to many of the city's highest-end luxury boutiques.

The view of Mexico City from my room at Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Some of the most popular areas of the city that I recommend visiting are:

Historic Center

The Zócalo: The main square, home to the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral.

Palace of Fine Arts: A white marble architectural icon that captivates visitors.

Torre Latinoamericana: Go up to the observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city.

Roma and Condesa

Atmosphere: Tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Activities: Stroll through charming Parque México and explore local art galleries.

Nightlife: Discover some of the city's best cocktail bars and specialty coffee shops.

Coyoacán

Style: A charming colonial neighborhood nestled within the bustling metropolis.

Frida Kahlo Museum: Visit the famous "Blue House" (buy tickets weeks in advance).

Coyoacán Market: Savor delicious tostadas and shop for unique handicrafts.

Polanco (Chapultepec Forest and Lomas de Chapultepec)

National Museum of Anthropology: A world-class museum essential to understanding Mexico's rich history.

Chapultepec Castle: The only royal castle in Latin America, offering a glimpse into the past.

Masaryk Avenue: Explore luxury shops and exclusive restaurants in one of the city's premier neighborhoods.

Santa Fe

Business district: One of the most important financial and commercial districts in Mexico City, known for its avant-garde architecture and impressive skyscrapers.

Centro Santa Fe: One of the largest shopping malls in Latin America, featuring luxury stores, restaurants, and an ice-skating rink.

Parque La Mexicana: A large urban green space, ideal for exercising, walking, or enjoying outdoor recreational areas.

Polanco

My favorite area of the city is Polanco, and this is the area where I recommend staying because here you can find several of the best hotels, such as Hyatt Regency Mexico, JW Marriott Mexico City, W Hotel, and soon Park Hyatt, as well as various boutique hotels scattered throughout the area. This is where, in my opinion, the greatest variety of culinary options can be found, from street taco and quesadilla stands and small family diners to the best internationally recognized restaurants.

Strategic location and connectivity: Polanco enjoys a privileged location that connects it perfectly with the rest of the city.

World-class museums: National Museum of Anthropology. Located in the heart of Chapultepec Forest, this museum houses the most important collection of pre-Hispanic art in the world.

Chapultepec Forest: Being in Polanco means having immediate access to the city’s most important green lung.
One of the main advantages of being in Polanco is the level of safety. With constant private surveillance and reinforced police presence, visitors enjoy 24-hour peace of mind.

Fresh tortillas for tacos at La Bonvi

Food & drink

Mexico City is a paradise for food lovers, with an impressive culinary offering on every corner.

Must-try food in the city:

• Tacos al pastor: Marinated pork with pineapple (ask for them "con todo")

• Churros at El Moro: Pure tradition accompanied by hot chocolate.

• Street food: Quesadilla stands. Note: Here they come without cheese by default.

• Fine dining: Pujol or Quintonil and many more. Reservations months in advance are required.

During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to try several restaurants. Here are some that I highly recommend for your next adventure in CDMX.

La Oncemil

Location: Roma Norte, Colima & Orizaba, Lomas de Chapultepec (Open daily from 12–11:30 p.m.)

Concept: La Oncemil stands out as the only Michelin-starred taquería in the world, representing the pinnacle of Mexican gastronomy. Its culinary concept combines haute cuisine techniques with traditional Mexican flavors, offering an intimate and modern atmosphere.

Highlight dishes:

• Japanese A5 Wagyu Taco (the house's most exclusive dish)

• Prime Arrachera taco, wood-fired (served with a lemon pepper crust and potatoes)

• Suckling pig and pork belly taco

• Robalito / Ovalito al Pastor (fish al pastor taco with pineapple pico)

• Charcoal-grilled asada taco with bacon (Tijuana-style)

• Black angus prime / picanha trompo

La Bonvi

Location: Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec

Concept: This establishment offers a casual-chic ambiance with contemporary décor, ideal for a relaxed dining experience. Its main focus is preparing classic cut tacos with gourmet precision.

Signature dishes:

• Picanha "Cachetada": This flagship dish consists of thin slices of picanha (premium beef cut) with melted cheese and slightly crispy edges.

• Prime Arrachera Tacos: Made with premium arrachera beef, seasoned with lemon pepper and crispy fried onions.

• Shrimp a la Talla Taco: Shrimp a la talla served with refried beans and pineapple pico de gallo.

• Prime Filet Taco a la Chemita: Premium beef filet topped with French fries.

• Baja-Style Fish Tacos: A classic crispy seafood option.

The best tacos at La Bonvi

El Remolkito

Location: Various locations throughout Mexico City.

Concept: A sirloin temple, perfect for meat lovers, recognized for its vertical trompos emitting irresistible grilled aromas.

Signature dish: Sirloin trompo tacos with caramelized pineapple, a harmonious combination of sweet and savory flavors with smoky notes.

Tacos Monterregios

Location: Condesa

Concept: Authentic Monterrey flavor in CDMX with its famous morning tacos. Enjoy freshly made tortillas, traditional stews like beef barbacoa, northern chicharrón, machacado con huevo, pork asado, and more. Each taco is prepared to order, preserving Monterrey's essence in every bite.

Signature dish: From flour tortillas to beef barbacoa and pork asado, each taco is pure northern flavor and Monterrey tradition.

Tacos Paris

Location: Roma Norte

Concept: This gourmet taquería by Chef Robe Grill and Emberwood features a premium menu of elevated street tacos. The menu includes high-quality cuts of meat, special sauces, and unique toppings such as truffle fries and frijoles puercos.

Signature dishes:

• Taco Paris: The house specialty featuring thinly sliced rib-eye topped with a smooth avocado emulsion and charred black habanero sauce.

• Taco Royale: Prime veal steak drizzled with French-inspired entrecôte sauce, finished with truffle fries, Parmesan, and chives.

• Taco Dirty ("Dirty Boy"): Co-created with music star Maluma. Layered rib-eye with savory frijoles puercos (pork-infused beans), a melted cheese crust, rich peanut sauce, and crispy fries.

• Taco con Caramelo: Grilled tripe over diezmillo steak, loaded with fresh guacamole and a fermented red serrano pepper sauce.

• Taco Güero "El Hermosillo" ($150 MXN): Tender rib-eye served with frijoles puercos and roasted yellow güero chiles.

• Taco Habibi ($140 MXN): Middle Eastern-inspired taco with seasoned pork, soft jocoque (Mexican sour cream), a cheese crust, and smoked ancho chili sauce served in pita bread.

• Taco Planchao ($130 MXN): Pressed, slow-cooked picanha barbecue topped with bright jalapeño sauce.

• Taco de Lengua ($140 MXN): Tender veal tongue dressed with hand-ground piquín chili molcajete sauce, charred spring onions, and fresh cilantro.

Mantequilla Social Club

Location: Lomas de Chapultepec

Concept: An exclusive and trendy restaurant in Mexico City. This unique gastronomic concept offers seating for only 15 guests at a time, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The menu, although short, focuses on perfectly executed urban comfort food classics.

Signature dishes:

• French Dip: A spectacular meat sandwich served with its own consommé for dipping.

• Cheeseburger: Considered one of the undisputed stars of the menu.

• Grilled cheese: A toasted cheese sandwich with an ideal balance of sweet and savory.

• Peeled shrimp: An excellent appetizer to start your meal.

Máximo

Location: Roma Norte

Concept: A renowned fine-dining restaurant in Roma Norte, recognized for its innovative integration of French culinary techniques with fresh, sustainable Mexican ingredients.

Signature dishes: The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability and market freshness.

• Tasting menu: A carefully curated multi-course gastronomic experience (available with optional wine pairing) showcasing the restaurant's highest level of culinary creativity.

• À la carte: Standout dishes include Kampachi sashimi with white soy and ginger, meat juice tagliatelle, and premium entrées ranging from suckling pig to Wagyu rib-eye.

• Diet-friendly: A wide range of vegetarian and vegan options is available.

ONA

Location: Polanco

Concept: An elegant café and restaurant surrounded by greenery, located across from Lincoln Park. It is known for its inviting terrace, sophisticated all-day brunch, and seasonal American-inspired dishes served with natural wines.

Signature dishes: Breakfast & brunch

• ONA Pancakes

• Salmon toast

• Green chilaquiles

• Eggs with cecina

• Berry french toast

Lunch & dinner

• Chimichurri tacos

• Thousand-leaf salad

• Roasted beets

• Mushroom omelette

Nostos

Locations: Lomas de Chapultepec, Artz Pedregal

Concept: A luxury Greek and Mediterranean seafood restaurant with two standout locations in Mexico City. The kitchen specializes in seafood caught daily from Mexican waters and prepared using traditional Greek techniques.

Signature dishes:

• Table-side salt-crusted sea bass

• Grilled octopus

• Fried calamari

• Traditional skordalia

• Baklava

Fresh seafood delivered daily at restaurant Nostos

Trastevere

Location: Lomas de Chapultepec

This elegant Italian restaurant, located in Mexico City's exclusive Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood, is inspired by its historic Roman namesake. Owned by Grupo Hunan, it features Mediterranean-inspired design, a cigar room, and a popular outdoor terrace.

Signature dishes:

• Carciofo al Tartufo

• Carpaccio di Manzo

• Rigatoni Carbone

• Risotto al Nero di Seppia

• Cristina Pizza

• Tartufo White Pizza

• House-made pistachio ice cream

• Classic tiramisu

Pronti Spaccata Romana

Location: Roma Norte

Concept: A notable Italian delicatessen and restaurant famous for introducing the spaccata romana concept—a sandwich made with freshly baked crunchy pizza bread and filled with premium Italian cured meats and cheeses.

Signature dish: Mortadella sandwich with stracciatella, mozzarella, arugula, homemade pesto, and toasted pistachios. They also serve supplì (Roman rice croquettes) and house-made tiramisu.

Zeru

Location: Lomas de Chapultepec

Concept: A top-tier Basque-inspired restaurant led by Chef Israel Aretxiga, known for fresh seafood, Mediterranean rice dishes, and wood-fired cooking in a sophisticated setting.

Signature dishes:

• Creamy seafood rice (Arroz Meloso de Mariscos)

• Suckling pig tacos

• Getaria-style fish

• Premium Rib-eye steak

• Croquettes

• Pan con tomate

Pujol

Location: Polanco

One of Mexico City's most famous restaurants, Pujol holds two Michelin stars. Founded by Chef Enrique Olvera, it is globally recognized for reinterpreting traditional Mexican cuisine through contemporary techniques.

Signature dish: Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo—a black mole sauce aged and reheated for thousands of days to create an ever-evolving depth of flavor.

The tasting menu typically includes street snacks, cold starters, hot starters, a main course, the signature Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo, and dessert.

The Taco Omakase Bar offers an approximately 10-course interactive experience centered around native corn and seasonal ingredients, concluding with the restaurant's signature mole tasting.

El Cardenal

El Cardenal is an iconic Mexico City restaurant recognized for its traditional Mexican cuisine. Founded in 1969 by Olivia Garizurieta and Jesús Briz, it has become a favorite destination for authentic Mexican breakfasts and classic regional dishes.

Locations: Palma (Historic Center), Alameda/Hilton, Marconi (Historic Center), San Ángel, Nápoles, and Lomas.

El Cardenal's hallmark is its commitment to artisanal quality. The restaurant produces its own nixtamal tortillas, operates its own ranch for fresh cheese and cream, and bakes its bread daily, ensuring an authentic and memorable dining experience.

Must-try dishes: Doña Oliva Hot Chocolate, whisked tableside with a molinillo; concha with fresh cream; Aporreado Cardenal-style; and seasonal specialties such as escamoles in spring and chiles en nogada from July through September.

Beyond restaurants

Additionally, the following culinary options are available.

Mexican desserts and sweets

• Dulcería Celaya: A traditional candy store in the Historic Center, where you can find delights like sweet potatoes, cocadas, and meringues that evoke childhood flavors.

• Churrería El Moro: A classic establishment since 1935, known for its crispy churros and thick hot chocolate, an unmissable sweet experience.

Mexico has the best pastries: Conchas de Chocolate

Unique gastronomic experiences

San Juan Market is a paradise for gastronomy lovers, known for its impressive variety of exotic meats, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet products.

Coyoacán Market represents an emblematic gastronomic meeting point, where visitors can enjoy traditional Mexican snacks such as tostadas, quesadillas, and aguas frescas in a lively, vibrant environment. Likewise, traditional cantinas offer a unique culinary experience, where tasting alcoholic beverages is complemented by snacks and a festive atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a night in Mexico’s capital.

Takeaways

For the culinary traveler seeking a complete gastronomy experience in Mexico City, I recommend:

• Exploring street food, from esquites to tlacoyos, is an essential part of the culinary experience in the metropolis.

• Booking in advance at fine-dining restaurants is highly recommended to secure a table.

• Exploring different neighborhoods, including Polanco, Roma, and Condesa, will allow you to discover a wide range of gastronomic options, suited to different tastes and preferences.

Lobby bar and Mexican restaurant Rulfo at Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Other possible options to add to a Mexico City trip

Aside from all the things to do, eat, and visit—which could make up a 5-day trip—if you have more time and plan a longer trip, there are several spectacular places I recommend visiting near the city, which are doable as day trips.

Desierto de los Leones National Park

It is one of Mexico City’s main green lungs, officially recognized in 1917 as the country’s first national park. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not an arid desert nor home to African lions; it is a lush coniferous forest with more than 1,500 protected hectares located in the Cuajimalpa and Álvaro Obregón boroughs. The park is one of the favorite destinations to escape urban life thanks to its historical and natural offerings.

• Ex-Convent of the Discalced Carmelites: Built in the early 17th century, this iconic monastery allows exploration of ancient courtyards, austere cells, and a mysterious system of underground tunnels. Don’t miss the Chapel of Secrets, architecturally designed for whispers to carry from corner to corner.

• Hiking and sports: It has a network of over 20 routes ranging from family trails like the Ex-Convent Trail to high mountain routes like Cerro San Miguel, exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude. It also has designated mountain biking routes.

• Local gastronomy: Near the ex-convent and main entrances, traditional food stalls offer quesadillas (or "quecas"), mushroom soup, pancita, and café de olla.

And if you have more days, you can take a 2-day trip to one of my favorite spots.

Valle de Bravo

A “Pueblo Mágico” in the State of Mexico, located 156 km southwest of Mexico City. Famous for its temperate climate, cobblestone streets, the large Miguel Alemán dam lake, and its forested surroundings. Here I lived the best adventures of my youth.

In Valle de Bravo there are many activities to do.

• Adventure sports: Internationally recognized for paragliding and hang gliding from Cerro de la Peña.

• Water activities: The artificial lake formed by the Miguel Alemán dam is the town’s heart, ideal for yachting, water skiing, and sailing.

• Ecotourism: Its beautiful waterfalls like Velo de Novia stand out.

• Historic center: Walk around Plaza Independencia, visit the imposing San Francisco Parish, and try its typical gastronomy.

Also, there are many culinary options.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Very close is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Monte Alto Sanctuary) during the winter season. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area located on the border of the State of Mexico and the state of Michoacán, about 100 kilometers from Mexico City. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this 56,259-hectare reserve protects the oyamel forests where millions of monarch butterflies hibernate after traveling over 4,000 kilometers from Canada and the United States.

Valle de Bravo has excellent hotels, and the ones I recommend the most are below.

• El Santuario Resort & Spa: A renowned holistic and luxury hotel located on the lake shores in Valle de Bravo. Built circularly on a million-year-old quartz mountain, this space designed by architect Michel Domit is conceived as a refuge of healing, peace, and spiritual reconnection.

• Hotel Rodavento: A highly rated boutique hotel and resort hidden in the forested mountains of Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Through a quiet wooded area, this luxury eco-resort features a private lake, standalone tent-style villas, and extensive outdoor activities.

• And if you want to play golf, there is El Hotel Avándaro, a golf and spa resort located in the exclusive Avándaro neighborhood of Valle de Bravo. It has 81 suites and luxury facilities to have an amazing time.

Bosque de Chapultepec view from pool deck at Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Safety and logistics tips

• Water: Never drink tap water; always consume bottled.

• Altitude: CDMX is at 2,240 meters; stay well-hydrated on the first day.

• Safe vs. risk areas: Boroughs such as Benito Juárez, Cuajimalpa, and Coyoacán have a lower perception of insecurity. Avoid walking alone at night on empty streets and be extremely cautious or avoid certain neighborhoods with higher robbery rates, such as Guerrera and Buenos Aires.

• Common sense: Be discreet with your phone and wallet while walking on the street or in crowded places.

Enjoying Mexico City requires common sense and strategic planning. Travel only via official transportation (Uber, Didi, site taxis) and group your activities by zones to avoid extreme traffic. Keep a low profile, store your valuables safely, and plan short transfers of 30-45 minutes maximum between points.

Logistics and mobility tips

• Avoid rush hours: Traffic is heavy. If driving, plan your trips outside school and work peak hours (7–10 a.m. and 6–8:30 p.m.).

• Metrobús and metro: These are fast and economical alternatives if you’re traveling along main avenues like Insurgentes or Reforma, especially if traveling light.

• Tourist areas: The Historic Center, Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are very walkable. If you visit more distant areas like Xochimilco, reserve a full day due to traffic and distances.

In Mexico City, large protests are quite common for various reasons. These gatherings often block the most important roads in the city, such as Reforma, making transportation between areas a nightmare. Therefore, it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Enjoying Mexico City requires common sense and strategic planning. Travel only via official transportation (Uber, Didi, site taxis) and group your activities by zones to avoid extreme traffic. Keep a low profile, store your valuables safely, and plan short transfers of 30-45 minutes maximum between points.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico City page.