Mexico City is a culinary Disney World with endless options to choose from. Not only is the city known for its Michelin-starred restaurants such as Quintonil, which won third place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, but it is also known for its delicious street food. Whether it’s a fine dining experience or a taco on the street, your palate will never be bored in Mexico City.
Taco spot in CDMX. Matthew Stephenson. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Local Tacos and Street Food:
CDMX is known for having some of the best taquerias in the world. Here, you can expect to taste some of the best fresh tortillas, homemade salsa verde, and, of course, tasty carnitas. While there are many taquerias around the city, we'll list some of the most popular spots for both locals and tourists:
El Remolkito del Sirloin: They are best known for their rotisserie-style tacos and amazing micheladas (beer-based drinks). Make sure to arrive with time to spare, as the wait is known to be quite long. You’ll find multiple locations, such as in La Roma and Pedregal.
Tacos La Once Mil: Although it’s a bit more expensive than your average taco stand, the quality makes it worthwhile. They use meats like ribeye, picanha, and sirloin, cooked on the trompo, blending casual and fine dining. This restaurant is located in the luxurious Lomas de Chapultepec. Please note that you may need to wait in line if you visit during rush hour, as this is a popular spot in the city.
El Califa de Leon: This taquería is best known for its gaonera taco, which features thin slices of beef loin served on handmade tortillas. The menu also offers bistec, rib, and pork chop tacos. In 2024, El Califa de León became the first taquería in Mexico to earn a Michelin star. This stand is situated near the city’s historical center, making it the perfect spot after a long day of museum visits.
Tacos Selene: This is the go-to late-night spot in Polanco. The al pastor is seasoned just right. Enjoy it in a taco, or try other al pastor dishes such as torta (soft roll sandwich), a volcán (crunchy tortilla with melted cheese), or a gringa (flour-tortilla quesadilla style)
Tacos Al Pastor from el Tizoncito. Daniel Roy. C BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Recommended Local Cafes and Panaderias :
Mexico City boasts some of the finest pan dulce (Mexican pastries) you could ever imagine. One of their most famous Pastries and Coffee shops, “Panadería Rosetta,” located in the heart of La Roma, is a classic among locals and has recently gone viral on TikTok for their delicious concha de chocolate and café con leche. We recommend trying their guava and cardamom pastries. This bakery is also situated right next to its savory counterpart, “Rosetta”, a Michelin-star Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, which is definitely worth trying.
Another excellent option for coffee lovers is Tierra Garat, a Mexican coffee franchise that specializes in endemic coffee and cacao. If you go, you must try their coffee with a cacao drink named criollo, a Mexican take on the classic mocha.
Other local cafes and panaderías to try:
Niddo Cafe Polanco: Incredible pastries, diverse coffee roasts, and mellow ambience.
El Moro, Churrería: The best churros and hot chocolate you can find in Mexico City.
Amïn: They have amazing cinnamon rolls and pastries, as well as other non-caffeinated drinks and a brunch menu.
Recommended restaurants:
If you're craving some delicious Mexican food, Azul Condesa is definitely worth checking out. Their signature cocktails and homemade tortillas are incredible. Meal prices range from US$7 to US$23. Another must-visit is the San Angel Inn Restaurant, as it represents Mexico City like no other. It’s a very traditional restaurant situated in a Hacienda that will delight your palate and eyes with excellent food and gorgeous views. Rosa Negra is a great option if you are looking for a delicious restaurant with an incredibly lively ambiance. Their empanadas and filet tacos are simply amazing. Lastly, if you are visiting Mexico City, you can’t miss trying out El Cardenal, a traditional Mexican restaurant best known for its delicious soups and its famous Chile Relleno.
Even though Mexico City is a fantastic place to eat Mexican food to your heart’s desire, it also has some of the most delicious cuisines from all around the world. For example, Rosetta, located right by the famous panaderia, is an Italian-Mexican fusion restaurant that is based on the “Mexican Ingredient”. It has a changing menu which depends on the ingredients that are in season and honors Mexico's vast array of regional produce. Contramar is another favorite as it blends Mexican cooking with seafood, adding a twist to the traditional cuisine. Fresh ingredients and a variety of cuisines make the menu at this site appealing to both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for a more casual spot, Cancino is a tremendous and trendy pizzeria with a variety of options. It is also open until 12 am in case of any late-night cravings.
If you plan on enjoying street food, which can be an amazing culinary experience, there are a few things to watch for. Choose stalls that are busy with locals, use hygienic food practices, and avoid those that appear to be left out in the sun.
When in CDMX, avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
