Mexico City - TRAVEL GUIDE
Mexico City Travel Guide
Chef Michael’s picks for the best food, drinks, and activities for foodies traveling to the capital city of Mexico.
As one of my favorites cities in the world, I’m here to show you just how special this amazing city is. Beyond the vast size of the city, the sheer amount of amazing food in this city is hard to fathom. And for someone interested in visiting Mexico City, it can seem overwhelmed to decide where to go and what to see. So this guide is here to help you plan your next trip.
QUICK LINKS:
Chef Michael’s Favorite Spots!
Read below for a few of Michael’s picks for the best of Mexico City! From street food, to world-class restaurants, to the best roof-top cocktails, this list has you covered.
TACOS + STREET FOOD:
Taqueria Las Rejas - In my opinion, the best “al pastor” in town and a relatively unknown secret with some of the best food in town. Get the al pastor torta. Your life will change forever! This is perhaps my favorite bite of food in Mexico City. Cash only.
Tako Capital - A must-try local’s spot for cheap eats. Do not miss the “Cochinita Pibil Chilaquiles Verde”. But they’re also famous for their traditional-style carnitas and gorditas.
El Pescadito - Mind-blowing seafood tacos. Make sure to get the fried Marlin tacos (with all the toppings) and a “Queso-toto” (a fried jalapeno popper + shrimp taco).
Birria Los Gueros de Juanacatlan - Truly authentic street-food stall serving Birria. Order “quesabirria” or simply a bowl of birria (meat stew). Cash only.
Ricas Tortas Caliente - A 24-hour street cart serving phenomenal Milanesa Tortas (fried chicken sandwiches). They have amazing combinations of fried chicken along with pork, ham, and cheese. Yum! Cash only.
Taqueria Orinoco or Taqueria Alvaro Obregon - Both with several locations, both open late (usually ‘til 4 or 5 am), these spots are great for the late-night drunk munchies wherever you are after a night out on the town. At Obregon, you can even get their famous “envueltos”, or cheese-shell tacos filled with al pastor right off the “trompo”.
BARS:
Balmori Rooftop - Rooftop gastropub with great cocktails, food, and live DJ.
Supra Roma - Chic rooftop bar with hidden entrance through a parking garage - Make a reservation ahead of time!
La Clandestina & La Lavanderia (next to each other) - Cute neighborhood bars for cocktails.
Baltra Bar - Cool Darwin-themed cocktail bar.
Casa Franca - French-inspired jazz bar in a bustling party area. Go early to beat the crowd.
Balcon del Zocalo - Stunning rooftop bar overlooking the cathedral, serving fabulous drinks and snacks. Get a reservation or go in the daytime.
Gin Gin (Polanco) - Fabulous cocktail bar, with great food as well, and fun decor. There are several locations, but I personally love the Polanco or Condesa locations.
Paramo - Casual spot for cocktails and snacks in a pretty space.
UPSCALE RESTAURANTS:
Pujol - #9 best restaurant in the world, make a reservation months ahead for a truly world-class chef’s tasting. This culinary experience is reason enough to come to Mexico City.
Quintonil - Ranked #27 best restaurant in the world. Go for the chef’s tasting. This restaurant is surprisingly comfy, and not “stiff” or too fancy inside, considering you get some truly inspiring cuisine. Make sure to get a reservation ahead.
Masala Y Maiz - Fabulous Indian+Mexican fusion restaurant for creative eats. Note, only open during the daytime (12-6pm).
Contramar - Modern seafood restaurant. Reservation recommended.
Maximo Bistrot - Contemporary Mexican cuisine by a famous chef. Reservation recommended.
Merotoro - Baja-style Modern Mexican cuisine. Reservation recommended.
BRUNCH + LUNCH:
Lardo - Great locals spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and brick oven pizzas.
Chilakillers - Cute “dia de los muertos” themed spot for chilaquiles.
Chilpa - Famous breakfast spot that just serves fabulous chilaquiles.
El Cardenal (two locations) - Famous classic Mexican restaurant. Great for breakfast or Lunch. Try the Mexican hot chocolate and classic Mexican dishes.
Yakumanka - Amazing Peruvian restaurant with fabulous ceviche! Get the cebiche amarillo (yellow ceviche with calamari on top).