35 Best Mexico City Restaurants Worth Drooling Over

Mexico City is one of the culinary capitals of the world! It’s known for its high-end dining, street food, and international cuisine. I’ve spent a lot of time in CDMX and ate out nearly every single day, so I have lots of recs for every taste bud. Here’s my list of the best Mexico City restaurants according to my culinary adventures.

Mexico City (aka CDMX) is one of my favorite places in the world for food. With the US dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate, you can dine at some of the best places to eat in the world for a fraction of what it costs to dine in the United States.

For example, my street taco orders cost 50 cents – one dollar (ie. 3 for $2) and dining at the fanciest, high-end Mexico City restaurants pushed around 50 USD per person. There is truly something for every budget.

Taquería Orinoco

Av. Insurgentes Sur 253, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Taqueria Orinoco is a popular stop with several branches all over Mexico, and their CDMX location stays super busy! They’re known for their chicharron tacos and other norteño-style tacos.

Taquería La Hortaliza

Cto. Interior Mtro. José Vasconcelos 48, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc 06140

Check out this humble taqueria that’s popular with locals. They’re known for their tacos de lengua, though that’s not my thing! The whole place is small and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you – the tacos here are yummy.

Las Costillas De La Condesa

Eje 2 Sur, Calle Juan Escutia 104, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc 06140

Transport back into time with a checkered taco experience by Las Costillas De La Condesa. This Mexico City restaurant has good street-style tacos, but their homemade salsa, aguas frescas, and beans steal the spotlight!

Birria Colorado

C. Río Lerma 218, Cuauhtémoc 06500

I first had a Birria taco in Playa del Carmen and it blew. my. mind. So now we always look for it when in a taco destination! You can visit Birria Colorado for creative takes on classic Birria tacos. Try fun originals like birriamen (ramen in consommé) or birria pizza! Just be prepared for the long lines and fast-paced ordering that’s typical for the city.

Taquería El Califa

• Av. Paseo de la Reforma 382, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600
• Altata 22, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc 06170

Tourists and locals alike love Taquería El Califa. It’s a successful chain with 2 Mexico City restaurant locations. You’ll love the open, clean setting. Plus, they have menus in both Spanish and English.

Taquería Arandas

Av. 5 de Mayo 46, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro Cuauhtémoc 06000

The next Mexico City restaurant on my list is Taquería Arandas. Here you’ll dine with beautiful views of the Centro Histórico. Their menu has a little bit of everything, from pozole and Birria and tripe tacos. I found this spot while on a free walking tour in the city, and it came highly recommended by my local guide.

Taqueria Los Cocuyos

Calle de Bolívar 57, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro Cuauhtémoc 06000

Open 24-hours a day, Taqueria Los Cocuyos always has a line! Try Tabasco-style tacos made of brains, hearts, cheek, tripe, and more – I’m just a regular taco girl so not as adventurous but there are plenty of options. Eat on the sidewalk or take your tacos next door to the bar to enjoy with a beer.

El Auténtico Pato Manila

Colima 159, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

For a fresh take on tacos, try Chinese and Mexican fusion! Out of all the Mexico City restaurants, El Auténtico Pato Manila had a unique, all-white interior design with a tiny diner feel that was such a different approach. It had a basement-level entrance too! The duck tacos with plum sauce are the show-stoppers at this restaurant. This is supposed to be a really popular spot but we were the only ones there – not sure why!

Tacos El Huequito

Ayuntamiento 21, Colonia Centro, Centro Cuauhtémoc 06050

The best Mexico City tacos al pastor can arguably be found at Tacos El Huequito. There are locations at several Mexico City restaurants throughout the city, but their original location is near El Mercado San Juan in the Historic Center. It’s been in this spot for over 60 years! Keep your eyes peeled for the narrow food stall with a tall table on the sidewalk for diners.

Taco Street Carts

Mexico City street tacos are one of the best ways to fall in love with this city. You can find taco stalls on every street corner, so just take your pick! There’s nothing better than a warm $0.50 taco and cerveza or agua fresca.

Quintonil

Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo 11560

Quintonil is an award-winning spot with beautiful plates. They present gastronomical interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine. Enjoy seasonal tasting menus and a la carte dishes in a stunning modern setting.

Pujol

Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo 11570

Pujol is all about atmosphere and a refined farm-to-table experience. Choose between a tasting menu or omakase (chef’s choice). The staff is wonderfully attentive and the sommelier is top-notch.

Raíz

Schiller 331, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo 11560

Raíz has a cozy ambiance in a contemporary setting that you’ll love. Enjoy a variety of local, organic ingredients in truly inventive, elevated Mexican dishes.

Amaya

Calle Gral. Prim 95, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Located in the hip Juárez area, Amaya is on the higher end of mid-range Mexico City restaurants. Come here for a casual setting with specialty wines and fresh plant-based dishes that feel like California meets Mexico. We came here for orange wine.

Carmela y Sal

Torre Virreyes, Calle Pedregal N.24, Del Miguel Hidalgo 11040

Chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo presents gourmet flavors native to Tabasco at Carmela y Sal. Her cooking highlights ingredients like taro, mango, yuca, coconut, and more. The restaurant is decorated in a sleek, timeless design with organic details.

Blanco Colima

Colima 168, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Nothing is cooler than an evening at Blanco Colima. The upscale bistro is inside a stunning home built in 1907. Enjoy food and drinks with casual seating, an eclectic art collection, live DJs, and rooms filled with vining plants.

Contramar

Calle de Durango 200, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Another quality eatery in the culinary neighborhood of Roma Norte is Contramar. This bright and airy seafood restaurant offers dishes like ceviche, tacos, and more alongside a solid wine menu.

Madre Café

Orizaba 131, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Come for brunch and sit on sun-filled garden terraces at the gorgeous Madre Café. Known for their coffee and pastries, they offer a variety of dishes, from eggs benedict to chilaquiles. For dinner, there is a wide selection of cuisines and we particularly enjoyed their meat and rice dishes.

Meroma

Colima 150, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

One of the best restaurants in Mexico City is the chic Meroma. They believe in sustainable and ethical food practices and only work with local ingredients. The restaurant features eclectic cuisine and both creative and classic drinks.

Azul Condesa

Av Nuevo León 68, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc 06100

Head to Azul Condesa for high-end takes on traditional Mexican dishes. Enjoy your meal in the bright dining room that opens onto a garden setting for a calm ambiance all the way through.

Restaurante Rosetta

Colima 166, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Moving next door, Restaurante Rosetta offers a very different but equally lovely dining experience. The century-old villa is full of breathtaking architecture, cascading plants, and antique woods. Enjoy a mix of Italian and Mexican flavors with local, seasonal ingredients.

SUD 777

Blvrd de la Luz 777, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro Obregón 01900

SUD 777 is one of the top restaurants in Mexico City’s Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood. Savor seasonal haute cuisine in a luxurious, moody setting with rustic elements.

Santo Hand Roll Bar

Colima 161, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

If you are like me and need some variety beyond tacos, Santo meets the challenge. This hip sushi bar lights up at night with house music from live DJs. You can enjoy Japanese sushi and sashimi rolls with a Mexican flair. Their cocktails are also delicious, so I hear, though I didn’t drink while there.

Café Toscano

Orizaba 42, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

For good coffee, Italian fare, and European ambiance, check out Café Toscano. You can sit on the patio with quiet views of the lush La Plaza Río de Janeiro. I stumbled upon this place while shopping in Roma Norte and thought was delicious.

Cancino

Cancino is a chain of quality Italian restaurants in Mexico City. Each location is unique, but all feature cool interior design and quality Italian food. This is the place for rustic wood oven pizza, huge hearty salads, and authentic pasta dishes. As an expert pizza eater, I highly recommend it!

Kai Sushi Bar

Anatole France 79, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, Miguel Hidalgo 11550

The chic, minimalist interior of the Japanese Kai Sushi Bar lets their menu to shine. For a fun experience, sit at the sushi bar and enjoy an omakase with sake pairings! The sushi in Mexico City is surprisingly phenomenal.

Restaurante Sonia

Oxford 23, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Looking for restaurants in Mexico City with cute decor? Restaurante Sonia shines with their cozy ambiance and stylish interior design! They are known for preparing a menu with a wide range of European influences, as well as local favorites. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. They also have excellent coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks.

Wan Wan Sakaba

Londres 209, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

If you’re craving authentic Japanese food, go where the Japanese expats go, to Wan Wan Sakaba. This unassuming local spot has everything, from curry and ramen to sushi, poke, and more. It was across the street from my apartment so I stumbled upon it, and am so happy I did!

Café Nin

Havre 7, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Besides coffee, Cafe Nin offers tea, wine, and more. Choose from a daily assortment of delicious pastries, or peruse a menu full of egg dishes, salads, and sandwiches. The inside of this venue is a gorgeous vintage café filled with rustic wrought iron, black and white tile, golden chandeliers, and exposed brick. We sat outside enjoying the breeze at their bistro seating and had a sandwich, salad, and turnover.

Panadería Rosetta

Colima 179, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc 06700

Ask anyone about recommendations for Mexico City restaurants and you’ll definitely hear about this bakery…that’s why it is so crowded.

Walk into Panadería Rosetta and you’ll be met with platters, cake stands, and shelves filled to the brim with all kinds of fresh pastries, bread, and other baked goods! They also have delicious salads, pasta, sandwiches, and coffee. Enjoy a meal in a rustic, chic multi-level setting.

Fifty Mils

Inside Four Seasons Hotel, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Don’t miss out on Fifty Mils, a cocktail bar and lounge inside the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City. They mix all your classic drinks, along with fun and creative twists with cute names and lovely presentations. You can order a variety of luxurious bites to eat in a relaxed, cool setting.

Le Tachinomi Desu

Río Pánuco 132-1ª, Cuauhtémoc 06500

This unique Japanese bar and restaurant provides an intimate setting and a small menu of authentic dishes that change daily. Choose from a list of Japanese whisky, sake, beers, and natural wines, but don’t expect a drink menu! The bartender chooses the drink nightly and writes the night’s selection on the wall.

Xaman Bar

Copenhague 6, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Xaman Bar is the kind of place that you come to for the experience and stay for the drinks! It’s a really cool speakeasy-type basement dive. Come after 9 PM for dim lights, loud music, the aroma of incense, and fruity, herbal cocktails.

Handshake Speakeasy

C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

If you love The Great Gatsby, Art Deco, and speakeasies, check out Handshake Speakeasy. Dress up and check out this small cocktail bar that has knowledgeable, friendly mixologists. You’ll love the creative drink presentations and unique flavor profiles. Try the butter mushroom old-fashioned, or the Mexi-Thai with umami flavors! It is a “hidden” door and tight space – so many people miss it!

Cicatriz

C. Dinamarca 44, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc 06600

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this open-air café with views of the Juárez neighborhood. They offer a variety of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner items, but they’re known for their drinks. Relax with friends and enjoy coffee, quality cocktails, natural wine, or mezcal.

Mexico City is known for its culinary excellence. From tacos, Japanese cuisine and mouth-watering bread to cocktails and swanky venues, there’s a little bit of everything in this bustling city. If you are planning to visit some of the best places to eat in Mexico City, you may want to plan ahead for some.

Restaurants like Quintonil and Pujol are usually booked out, while others are walk-in only but build a line pretty quickly (like the famous Rosetta bakery). If all else fails, you could also take a food tour and get a taste of it all – or dive into street food culture and visit taco stand after taco stand. 

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