No food lover visits Mexico City just once. Here in the D.F.—Distrito Federal, the Spanish term those in the know like to abbreviate—native ingredients and traditions blend with cosmopolitan style for a restaurant scene that’s reliably risk-tasking (ant larvae, anyone?). But the food in Mexico City is second only to the people, with their disarmingly warm hospitality that shines through anywhere, from street-food stalls to fine-dining temples to housewares stores and beyond. You’ll feel welcomed. And very full.
Mexico City
Photo by Jake Lindeman
The Hit List
Restaurants, Bars, and More
Cicatriz
Big salads (and a killer fried chicken sandwich) in a city where such things aren’t easy to find
La Casa de Toño
The 24-hour diner that always plays the hits.
Azul y Oro
Mexican history in a bowl at this breezy University City restaurant
La Clandestina
Why it’s too easy to spend all night at this cozy mezcalería in Condesa
Mesa B
Expect the unexpected (and lots of natural wine!) at chef Jair Téllez’s monthly dinner series
Utilitario Mexicano
Gorgeously minimal housewares from the Muji of Mexico
Baltra
Step out from Cuba libres and gin and tonics at this non-lame mixology bar
The Red Tree House
Charming house with charming hosts in a charming neighborhood
Fonda Margarita
Welcome to Mexico City’s breakfast club
Nicos
Meet the chef who turned his parents’ restaurant into a pioneer of Mexican “Slow Food”
Aguamiel
An unpretentious tlayudería that’s also one of the best Oaxacan restaurants in town
St. Regis Mexico City
Because sometimes you want a hotel that gives you the keys to the city
La Valise Hotel
A place that’ll feel like home—nice neighbors included
Las Duelistas
Looking for freshly fermented agave sap? We got you.
Churrería El Moro
Fried dough and 8 types of hot chocolate for 24-hour party people
Barra Vieja
Super fresh seafood tostadas, tacos, and ceviches on a roving food truck
Bar La Faena
Time moves slowly at this midcentury cantina that doubles as a bullfighting museum
Páramo
Hipster nightlife, minus the pretension
El Palenquito
Where true mezcal culture is brought—by hand, from rural mezcal distilleries—to a storefront in Roma Norte
Merkavá
Chef Daniel Ovadía brings the Israeli food craze to a packed house
Café Negro
Trendy coffee in Coyoacán, committed to serving Mexican beans
Tostadas Coyoacán
Not just Instagram-worthy but incredibly tasty, too
Mercado el 100
Prime people-watching while supporting local farmers and producers
El Mirador de Chapultepec
Families in the front, partiers in the rear, raw-beef ceviche throughout
Amaya
Star chef Jaír Telléz’s most recent opening, boasting the country’s first all-natural wine list
Rosetta / Panadería Rosetta
An Italian restaurant and sister bakery that are so good, you might forget about tacos for an hour
El Turix
Textbook cochinita pibil in a scrappy taquería in the heart of Mexico City’s Beverly Hills
Contramar
Grilled fish, palomas, and good vibes for any occasion
Nómada Heladería
A self-described ice cream “workshop” in an ice cream–loving city
Hotel Downtown México
Live (and eat) like a Count(ess) in the historic town center
More to Love About Mexico City
The Best Street Food in Mexico City, According to Photographers Who Love Shooting It
Dylan Ho and Jeni Afuso give the lowdown.
True Story: I’d Go Back to Mexico City Just to Take This Cooking Class Again
At Casa Jacaranda, a dreamy cooking class provides a intimate, hands-on look at the ins and outs of Mexican cuisine.
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A Local’s Guide to Falling in Love with Mexico City
The 10 restaurants that you'll want to plan your whole itinerary around
A Day With Chef Elena Reygadas
“She has become one of the main pillars of modern Mexican cuisine.”