The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Mexico City

Maximo Bistrot is an example of what Mexico City chefs do best. Fresh local ingredients paired in unexpected combinations always leave you wanting more. Whatever you choose from the ever-changing menu, leave some room for the goat cheese ice cream with olive oil at the end.

I might be biased (I am), but Quintonil is hands down my favorite restaurant in the city. Chef Jorge Vallejo creates elevated versions of traditional Mexican dishes like escamoles (ant larvae) and uchepos. Try the tasting menu, wear your stretchy pants, make a reservation month in advance, and (if possible) sit at the kitchen bar for a view of the magic happening in the kitchen.

It might not look like much from the outside, but Casa Elefante is a gem that shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re seeking Indian food. With an extensive menu, you can stick with a basic favorite or explore a little. It might sound basic, but I can’t say enough about their samosas. Both the vegetable and meat versions hit the right notes.

A casual chain restaurant, La Casa de Toño might not stand out as a place to try, but it comes highly recommended by people from the city. One taste of their pozole, tells you that the recommendations are not wrong. If comfort food is calling you, pop into a location and grab a bowl that’s sure to satisfy. While legend has it that pozole was historically made from the flesh of human prisoners, La Casa de Toño makes theirs with pork or chicken.

Looking for a casual brunch location with generous portions of breakfast staples? Motin is your place. This is a popular restaurant, so you may face a wait, but it’s definitely worth it.  Expect decadent and loaded French toast, Japanese cheesecakes, and local conchas. If it’s sweet and you can eat it for breakfast, come find it here.

Kiin Thai Viet promises the street food of Thailand and Vietnam, and they deliver delicious dishes at every turn. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find done exceptionally well on their menu. The dishes offered can keep both vegans and carnivores happy, and the organic wine list is broad enough to match their wide array of dishes. Try the moo grob prik khing with pork belly.

With an extensive menu of international foods and menu items ranging from roasted cabbage steak to chicken in poblano sauce, Catamundi is designed to please. Don’t leave Catamundi without visiting the retail store to pick up local wines, cheese, and delicious baked goods for the next day. Reservations are recommended.

Like most major cities, Mexico City has a handful of amazing sushi spots and a fair number of terrible ones. Kai is definitely on the list of the former. Sit inside and watch the knife work of the chefs while enjoying omakase and crafted cocktails.

Street tacos in Mexico City are some of the best you’ll find around the world, but they also require a level of Spanish and discernment that a lot of visitors don’t have. If you don’t want to eat a cow uterus taco (been there, done that), there is some benefit to taking it off the street and getting your tacos from a place with a written (and limited) menu. Taqueria Orinoco is one of the popular taco establishments that will give you a basic, tasty taco without requiring much work on your part. However, if you’re feeling daring, know that very little parts of the animal are wasted at local taco stands, and take your adventurous spirit to the streets.

Trendy, and happening up your alley? Make your way to La Unica in Polanco on a Saturday night for great steaks, strong drinks, and a place to see and be seen. La Unica is on a popular strip for restaurants and bars, so it’s a perfect launching spot for a night on the town. For dessert, check out the Cordelion, a decadent, gluten-free chocolate sponge cake.

One of the best-known spots for seafood in the city, Contramar provides dishes you won’t find everywhere.  Known for the pescado a la talla, with one half slathered in a red chili adobo rub and the other in a parsley rub, the menu is full of hits. While Contramar can frequently be hard to get into, their sister restaurant Entremar serves the same menu and can be easier to get into.

Without a doubt, Joe Gelato has the best gelato in the city. Mezcal & Tamarind, Chocolate & Tequila, Vietnamese Coffee, Gorgonzola—on any given day, Joe Gelato is guaranteed to have a flavor combination that you haven’t tried before. Best of all, these flavors are guaranteed to be some of the smoothest, creamiest gelatos you’ve ever tried. But you don’t have to be in an extremely adventurous mood to find pleasure here; the cacao and olive oil flavors are regular highlights on the menu.

Add Lalo! to your list of breakfast spots in the city. Another creation of Chef Eduardo Garcia (of Maximo Bistrot), Lalo! is a sure thing for creative breakfast and lunch options. Not sure what to pick from the menu? Try the scrambled eggs with house-made chorizo or the buttermilk pancakes; you’ll love them. Like a lot of restaurants in Mexico City, Lalo! is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Want to check street food off your list? Take a tour from Eat Like A Local, Mexico, where every food tour they offer is a hit. Self-described as “culinary safaris for conscious travelers,” these are the food tours for those who want more than just a good bite. If you want to support women entrepreneurs, learn city history, and access generally inaccessible locations—this is the place to look. A favorite of their offerings is the Tepito and Lagunilla Brunch tour. While some consider Tepito dangerous, it’s more accurate to describe the market as overwhelming, crowded, and confusing, making it the perfect place to go with a tour guide and an empty stomach.

Get your surf and turf at La Docena. With multiple locations, La Docena is a great spot for fresh oysters, grilled octopus, and steaks. Try the blue crab tostada with habanero pepper foam if you’re ready for a little heat. For a city far away from any significant bodies of water, Mexico City does seafood amazingly well, and La Docena is a prime example of that excellent food in a relaxing environment.