Guide to
Mexico City
by Bunna and Ashlea
-
Azul (Condessa & Historical Center) Mexican cuisine in a beautiful, bright fine dining atmosphere
Amaya - Modern Mexican dishes & regional wines offered in a rustic-hip dining room with vibrant artwork.
Tacos Orinoco (multiple locations) Hip, local, no frills taco spot. Long lines will be worth the wait as they boast the best tacos in the world.
El Bosforo (Centro Historico) cozy restaurant with a modern take on traditional Mexican dishes. Good food stop during your visit to the Centro.
El Taqueria El Califa (multiple locations) casual local chain for a quick and easy taco fix
Paramo (Roma) delicious Mexican cuisine in a cozy, fun, romantic atmosphere, great for couples and small groups. Great for dinner and cocktails.
Don Emi’s Tamales - possibly the world’s best tamales. Try sweet or savory flavors Order to-go. Limited seating
Meroma - serving contemporary Mexican and global fare, this restaurant boasts several magazine features and accolades
-
Contramar (Roma)- enjoy some of the best seafood in the city with the option to dine on the open air-patio. Ask for the Aguachile, one of our favorite Mexican dishes. Ample space for medium sized groups.
La Baritta Cocina del Mar - (Juarez) couples or small groups can sit at this cozy open air bar serving gourmet seafood dishes
-
-
Bao Bao Taiwanese Eatery - casual restaurant serving tasty and authentic Taiwanese dishes as well as some Mexican/Taiwanese fusion
Loose Blues (Juarez)- serving Japanese-inspired dishes, enter this super hip restaurant through the trendy clothing boutique that sits downstairs. Check their Instagram for Djs, special events and menu items. No brainer for dinner, cocktails, music, and cool.
Kiin Thai-Viet Eatery (Roma)- delicious fusion menu; hip and chic; great ambiance, music, and decor
Ling Ling - (Juarez) located atop the Ritz Carlton, exclusive fine dining serving one of the best views, sushi, and Asian style cuisine in a sophisticatedly designed interior.
Mukyu Ramen (Cuauhtemoc)- some of the best ramen in the city;
You can also find a casual Asian restaurants in Juarez/Zona Rosa neighborhood along the streets of Londres and Hamburgo. Just north from there in Cuauhtemoc neighborhood, more upscale options are sprinkled throughout.
-
La Boheme (Roma) - cute French bakery and cafe serving typical European coffee, pastries, and bread
Petit Roquefort (Juarez)- breakfast/brunch favorites served on a beautiful selfie-worthy patio; Bonus: check out the multilevel adjacent with artisanal, vintage, and sustainable local shopping
Lalo (Roma) - casual, colorful, and trendy spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch
La Rifa (Juarez)- Chill, sip, and converse like a local at this authentic Mexican hot chocolate spot situated on one of the cutest intersections in the city.
Panaderia Rosetta (Roma) - French/European style bakery serving some of the cities best croissants, coffee, bread, and pastries
W Reposteria (Roma) - Stop in for a homemade slice of cake or dessert.
-
Plantasia - (Roma) plant-based, Asian inspired cuisine in a beautiful and modern setting. The interior is a must-see!
Semillero (Juarez) - delicious bowls and healthful eats in a bright, modern casual cafe.
Happy as Larry (Juarez) - juices, bowls, salads, and smoothies created with the freshest local ingredients; best for pick-up/to-go
La Pitahaya Vegana - vegan twist on local and classic Mexican fare served with housemade tortillas in a cute and quaint setting.
Por Siempre Vegana - your delicious local taco stand, but vegan
Dining
-
Avenida Francisco I. Madero & 5 De Mayo (Centro Historico)- very lively pedestrian streets stretching between two of the cities main attractions, Bellas Artes and the Zocalo
Bellas Artes - monument, museum, and architectural wonder adorning the city center. Great place to take an iconic photo and to visit the nearby outdoor shopping area at
Bosque de Chapultepec - adjacent to the Anthropologie Museum, this sprawling 1600 acre park is the second largest city park in Latin America.
Casa Estudio Luis Barragán - former residence and museum of Mexico’s own famed architect, Luis Barragán. Art & design connoisseurs will delight
Chinatown- also known as “Barrio Chino” located in the historical center with restaurants, shops, and decorated streets
Coyoacan - known for its cobbled streets, art galleries, colorful buildings, artisan markets, and the Frida Kahlo Musuem, this historical neighborhood is a great place to spend a family friendly day away from the main parts of the city.
Frida Kahlo Museum - discover the life and works of one of Mexico’s most celebrated artists. This colorful museum is just a few blocks north of the center of Coyoacan, so these two points of interest can be visited together!
Museum of Anthropologie - Mexico City has over 150 museums, but if you’ve only got time to visit one, this is it! It houses the archaeological and anthropological testimonies forged by multiple cultural groups over hundreds of years and the intangible heritage and a legacy that belongs to all humanity.
Reforma - the city’s most famed boulevard features its most Iconic monuments like the Angel of Independence. On Sundays, rent a bike and join the ‘Ciclovia.’ The street is car-free from 8a-2p, to allow for bikes, pedestrians, skaters, and scooters.
Soumaya Museum - private museum offering a collection of world class art including the second largest collection of Rodin
Teotihucan - built over 2 thousand years ago, the breathtaking pyramids are a must visit at less than a one hour bus ride from the city. Plan at least a half day to visit this site.
TuriBus- the Double Decker Bus tour is the express way to see all of the highlights of the city in a short amount of time or those for whom it’s unfeasible to walk
Zócalo - must-visit main cathedral grounds of located in the Historical Center of the city
-
Avenida Presidente Masaryk (Polanco) - for a luxury experience, visit this shopping strip, giving Parisian Champs Elysee vibes, located in Polanco, the “Beverley Hills” of Mexico City
Antara (Polanco) - chic indoor shopping mall featuring international brands (similar to Lenox in ATL)
Bazar Fusion (Juarez)- 3 levels of unique, local shops in a picturesque colonial building. (Grab brunch at Petit Roquefort!)
El Bazar Sábado (San Angel)- this Saturday only market offers more elevated and luxury artisanal gifts, art, home goods, jewelry, etc in indoor and outdoor markets
Mercado Ciudadela (Centro Historico)- this indoor market is a one-stop shop for those seeking inexpensive authentic or traditional Mexican souvenirs and handicrafts
Roma Norte & Condessa- in the Roma neighborhood, you’ll find several local designers, vintage clothing shops, and trendy boutiques.
-
Casa Franca - (Roma) for those who love jazz and live music, this is a must-visit. Serving delicious cocktails and tapas
Departamento Studio Bar - (Roma) hip and intimate setting to enjoy cocktails, dance and sample the latest music from international DJs making their way across the globe. A local favorite!
Handshake (Juarez) - boasts several awards for best cocktails and best bar in Mexico and in North America
Parker & Lenox (Juarez) chic with vintage vibes, this speakeasy features jazz and live music, cocktails, and food. Pro Tip: go through the diner to the back (it’s a real speakeasy!)
La Que Manda (Centro Historico)- for an authentic Mexican nightlife experience, go see a live, brass “Banda Mexicana” Mexican band in the historical center.
La Xampa (Condesa)- swanky champagne and cocktail bar serving a fusion of entrees and light bites. Great for a night out with friends.
Zinco (Centro Historico) - jazz, live music, and cocktails with a retro art deco vibe
Zona Rosa - lgbtq-friendly neighborhood with plenty of parties, bars, and clubs
Essential Reading
The Design Lover’s Guide to Mexico City
Departures Magazine
Mexico City Destination Guide
Conde Nast Traveler