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Looking for the best places to eat in Mexico City? Look no further! My Mexico City food guide is your go-to guide for all of the best tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas that CDMX has to offer! I’ll be covering a range of finer dining, street tacos, desserts, and cocktails – quite simply the best places to eat in Mexico City!
Best Places to Eat in Mexico City: Upscale Restaurants
Contramar
I typically avoid fancier spots when I’m traveling but holy shit, this place is incredible! Like seriously one of the best places to eat in Mexico City, if not the best! Definitely call ahead to make a reservation! We took our chances showing up at 5pm on a Friday and we grabbed the last two seats in a huge restaurants. And then do yourself a favor and order the crab tostadas. Even though I was so full that I didn’t think that I could take another bite, we couldn’t resist ordering a second round!
Azul
We came here after it was recommended by a fellow travel blogger and it definitely did not disappoint. The decor and food presentation is perfect, not too mention the food itself is amazing! We showed up right when they open at 1pm and were able to snag a table, however I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
El Parnita
This was our first stop in Mexico City and it did not disappoint. This restaurant teeters on the border between upscale and casual, as it is sit down with slightly higher prices, but still definitely frequented by all of the locals. The shrimp ceviche is a must!
La Zaranda
This spot was recommended to us by our AirBnB host and it is truly one of the best places to eat in Mexico City. The food is delicious, the decor on point, and the atmosphere bustling on a Saturday night. It is also conveniently located by many of the bars and dancing spots, so a perfect dinner before a night out!
Best Places to Eat in Mexico City: Casual Restaurants
Taqueria Tlaquepaque
Quick, cheap, and filling AF! This taqueria is definitely not making the healthy eats list, but it is an awesome place to fill up in the historical center.
Taqueria el Greco
A whole in the wall taqueria located amongst the trendy Condesa spots. This covers all of the bases for prime location, cheap prices, and quick and delicious tacos and bites. I personally loved their quesadillas!
Quesadillas Local 13
Hands down the best quesadilla that I ate in Mexico City! After spending a few hours walking around the Frida Kahlo museum, this was the perfect lunch spot!
Tostadas Coyoacan
Located inside the Coyocan market, this busy stall is hard to miss! This is a great place to grab a quick, cheap bite after exploring the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Balderas Metro Station
Okay so I honestly have no idea what this stand was called but their tacos were cheap (approximately 50 cents each) and delicious with tons of vegetarian options like cauliflower and broccoli! A great stop after visiting the Museo de Arte Popular or La Ciudadela. The stand is located right next to the Balderas Metro Station so you shouldn’t have a problem finding it. Easily one of the best places to eat in Mexcio City, and one of the cheapest!
Churreria El Moro
To be honest I’m thankful this chain doesn’t exist in New York because I would gain SO much weight! This churros chain has locations all over CDMX and it is most definitely one of the best places to eat in Mexico City! I mean, what could be wrong about a bag of cinnamon coated churros for $1?!
Best Places to Eat in Mexico City: Breakfast
El Cardenal
El Cardenal makes the list for best places to eat in Mexico City because it is simply a classic! Unlike the trendy cafes that are popping up around the city, this breakfast joint is frequented by the older, more traditional CDMX locale.
There is just about always a line to get in so make sure to go inside and put your name on the list as soon as your arrive (rookie mistake on our part).
Once you’re seated a warm pasty and a cup of their traditional hot chocolate is an absolute must!
Rosetta
I read over and over again that this is one of the best bakeries in CDMX, and therefore one of the best places to eat in Mexico City in general. I had mixed feelings myself. Yes, the lemon scone was incredible, but I don’t know if I’d go as far as to say the best bakery in the city. That being said, if you’re in the area it is definitely worth a visit!
La Guera Tortas de Chilaquiles
This might have been the best damn sandwich that I have ever eaten! We showed up to this corner stand on a bit of a whim, after a quick search on google maps and let me say, it did not disappoint. La Guera Tortas de Chilaquiles is one of the BEST places to eat in Mexico City.
On a Saturday morning at 9:30 we waited in line for about 35 minutes, alongside only locals, anxious to see if the sandwich lived up to the hype. It did! Perfectly cooked chicken, cheese, cream, beans, and the most incredible chilaquiles sauce. I swear I would fly back to Mexico right now just to get another one.
Fonda Margarita
We showed up early on a weekday morning and locals were already lined up down the block – a good sign in my eyes! If you’re planning a trip to CDMX do not miss a breakfast at this epic spot. The eggs with beans and huevos rancheros were incredible! Plus everything is super reasonably priced and there is live music.. pretty much perfection!
Best Places to Drink in Mexico City
Cafe Toscano
Looking for a non-alcoholic pick me up? This adorable cafe in Condesa is the perfect stop for a fresh juice or coffee!
Temporal
Apparently the food here is amazing as well, but I can only speak for the incredible cocktails. Beautifully crafted cocktails for less than $5, that’s my kind of deal.
Gin Gin
I’m sure what I was expecting when I walked into Gin Gin but I was definitely surprised. Picture sleek, sophisticated, NYC bar with overpriced cocktails, but in a good way.. that is Gin Gin. Honestly we felt super cool just getting a table here. Drinks are definitely pricy by Mexico City standards at about $11 a cocktail, but so worth it for the atmosphere!
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