Mexico City, or D.F, is a culinary wonderland. Some of the best cuisine worldwide can be found in Mexico, and D.F, attracts the best chefs in the country who open up their kitchens to Mexico City residents and visitors alike. The restaurant scene in Mexico City has transformed into a cutting-edge dining experience in every corner. Mexico City spans a whopping 573 miles (922 kilometers), making it one of the biggest cities in the world in both population and land area – so while trying every eatery in town may not be feasible – for those looking to indulge in the best of Mexico City’s cuisine, try out these 10 Mexican favorites.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Cocina Conchita
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cocina Conchita, or “Conchita” as it’s known by Mexico City locals is D.F’s newest hotspot for ceviche, tostadas, seafood and drinks. Conchita was started by renowned Mexican chef, Diego Hernández Baquedano, in efforts to bring the best of Baja California cuisine to landlocked Mexico City. For seafood outside of the coasts of Mexico, locals will tell you this is your go-to restaurant.
Cocina Conchita
Website: Cocina Conchita
2. Guzina Oaxaca
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The state of Oaxaca is known worldwide as an epicenter of delicious Mexican food. From their traditional cooking methods to their farm-to-table culinary lifestyle, Oaxaca is truly a food paradise. Though quite a way from Oaxaca, Guzina Oaxaca brings the delicious food of this Mexican State to D.F for the people of the city to enjoy. Always fresh and full of flavor, for an authentic Mexican meal in the city, Guzina Oaxaca in Polanco never disappoints.
Guzina Oaxaca
Website: Guzina Oaxaca
3. El Hidalguense
Owner Moises Rodriguez ensures that his Hidalgo-style barbacoa is the best in all of Mexico City. How? By only serving meat from his own farm. Open weekends only, the meat at El Hidalguense is roasted for 12 hours over mesquite oak in an underground pit, then served in charred agave leaves. One order of the barbacoa comes with all of the ingredients to make the most exquisite tacos you’ll have the pleasure of eating in your lifetime.
El Hidalguense
Facebook: El Hidalguense
4. Dulce Patria
Fine dining intersects with traditional Mexican cuisine at Dulce Patria, named one of Latin America’s best restaurants. The food is as vibrant as the ambiance – with upscale and contemporary takes on traditional Mexican dishes, from tostadas and ceviches to Mexican pastelitos, the restaurant’s extensive menu gives visitors a daring palate with plenty to choose from. The restaurant boasts an indoor and outdoor terrace, and is the perfect place to dine on a clear, beautiful night in the city.
Dulce Patria
Website: Dulce Patria
5. La Casa De Toño
Whether you’re hungry for brunch or a 4 am dinner, this 24/7 restaurant is a favorite of Mexico City locals. From college students to businessmen, Mexico City comes together at La Casa De Toño to enjoy delicious quesadillas, flautas and of course, the restaurant’s specialty, pozole.
La Casa De Toño
Website: La Casa De Toño
6. Mercado Roma
While not a traditional restaurant, some of the best street food in all of the city can be found at Mercado Roma. This public market features a gourmet food hall which offers organic produce and spices for sale, but for foodies, it also offers some of the most incredible food stands which feature a variety of cuisines, Mexican or otherwise. Here, visitors can fill their stomachs with endless tacos, tapas and authentic Mexican chocolates.
Mercado Roma
Website: Mercado Roma
7. Cantina El Sella
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
No stop to Mexico City is complete without visiting a traditional Mexican cantina. Though you’ll have to venture off the beaten path and go to the Hospital General metro stop, this cantina is worth the excursion. Inexpensive and delicious, travelers can enjoy a hearty, family style meal for 300 pesos, around 15 USD. El Sella is so loved by Mexico City locals not only for its absolutely delicious food, but for its neighborly atmosphere that is felt from the moment you walk through the doors. This is a place for family and food, and visitors to this small cantina will inevitably feel what it means to enjoy a meal in Mexico.
8. Romita Comedor
Tucked away in the bohemian neighborhood of Roma Norte is a cocktail bar and Mexican restaurant that has built up quite a name with the residents of Mexico City. Whether it’s the unique layout of the restaurant, built to look like a bird-cage, the nightly live music, the variety of unique and delicious contemporary Mexican dishes, or the absolutely unbeatable cocktails – Romita Comedor, though fairly unknown to tourists, has become famous within Roma Norte. Whether it’s after a long day exploring Centro Historico or a lazy day on the canals of Xochimilco, dinner and drinks at the Romita Comedor is the perfect way to end a day well spent in Mexico City.
Romita Comedor
Website: Romita Comedor
9. Restaurante Nicos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Una #tostadadeldía recién salida dela barra.
Posted by Nicos on Monday, July 4, 2022
Unlike others on this list, Restaurante Nicos is not a hole in the wall, or an undiscovered gem that has yet to be spoiled from mass tourism – but that doesn’t make it any less deserving of all of its accolades. This renowned restaurant has been visited by foodies from all over the world, including famous foodie and TV show host Anthony Bourdain. Though it was founded nearly 70 years ago, the restaurant has managed to keep up with the times, evolving into a destination for traditional, yet progressive Mexican food. The recipes still have fresh ingredients and are made with traditional cooking methods, but the presentation and innovation of the dishes are what keep them contemporary. In a way, the philosophy of this restaurant mimics that of Mexico City as a whole, traditional in many ways, but completely modern in others.
Restaurante Nicos
Website: Restaurante Nicos
10. La Capital
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Iniciamos la primera semana de #Agosto con una #superpromoción En tus pedidos para llevar te regalamos una botella de...
Posted by La Capital on Sunday, August 2, 2020
Tucked in between the popular neighborhoods of La Condesa and Hipodromo is one of Mexico City’s most beloved restaurants by locals and tourists alike. If you ask someone for one sole recommendation for an upscale meal in Mexico City, they are likely to tell you to go to La Capital. Like many other incredible restaurants on this list, La Capital plays on the popular restaurant theme of “cantina chic” that has been spreading around Mexico. La Capital may seem like a traditional Mexican restaurant, but its gourmet dishes are far from classic Mexican fare. This is the perfect place for those venturing out of their comfort zone, to try dishes like chili-encrusted tuna or duck enchiladas – when in Mexico, right?
La Capital
Website: La Capital
Travel for taste
While many foodies look to cities like LA, NYC, London, and Paris for their food fixes, Mexico City is not to be missed for anyone who is looking to travel for taste. While there are plenty of food tours for purchase in the city, creating your own can be just as fun! Follow Instagram accounts like @mexicanfoodporn, @thecuriousmexican, and @gastrogrammx for more foodie inspiration in this spicy country!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
