Top 5 Places to Eat in Mexico City

Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
30/07/2025
Stunning aerial view of Mexico City's skyline with skyscrapers and vibrant sunset colors.
Victor Armas, Pexels

Mexico City presents a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, attracting a wide array of diners, from dedicated food enthusiasts seeking innovative fine dining to families and couples exploring traditional flavors and lively street food. The city's gastronomic scene is deeply rooted in rich cultural heritage, offering an impressive range of experiences across various price points.

1. Pujol

Cuisine: Modern Mexican, tasting menu

Pujol stands as a benchmark in Mexican gastronomy, offering an extraordinary journey through indigenous ingredients and refined techniques. My experience here centered around a meticulous tasting menu that beautifully balanced tradition with creative flair. The legendary 'Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo' is a highlight, a rich mole sauce continuously aged, served alongside a fresh mole of the day. The ambiance is elegant yet serene, and the service is exceptionally smooth. Reservations are essential, often needing to be made months in advance.

Price: High-end tasting menu (expect $150-$250+ USD per person, excluding drinks)

Getting There: Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood. While not typically walking distance from central tourist areas, ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available and affordable for transport.

2. Rosetta

Cuisine: Italian-Mexican fusion, homemade pasta and pastries

Stepping into Rosetta felt like a romantic evening in a beautifully restored mansion. Chef Elena Reygadas, recognized globally for her talent, skillfully blends Italian sensibilities with authentic Mexican ingredients. The homemade pastas are a must-try, often featuring local herbs like hoja santa. Do not leave without experiencing their famous guava and ricotta pastry, which is simply divine. The rustic-chic space, with its climbing vines and candlelit tables, creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Price: Mid-to-high range (expect $40-$80+ USD per person for a main course and drinks)

Getting There: Situated in the lively Roma Norte neighborhood, which is highly walkable. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also convenient options from other parts of the city.

3. Contramar

Cuisine: Seafood

Contramar is an iconic seafood institution, offering a lively and convivial atmosphere that makes it perfect for a long brunch or a vibrant lunch. The freshness of their seafood is remarkable. My visit was defined by the exquisite Tuna Tostadas and the perfectly cooked Fish a la Talla, both house specialties that truly embody coastal Mexican flavors. The blue-and-white adorned dining room hums with energy, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

Price: Mid-to-high range (expect $30-$70+ USD per person for a main course and drinks)

Getting There: Located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, it is easily accessible by walking if you are staying in Roma or Condesa. Otherwise, taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient.

4. El Vilsito

Cuisine: Tacos al Pastor

Experiencing El Vilsito is a quintessential Mexico City street food adventure. By day, it functions as an auto repair shop, but as evening falls, it transforms into a bustling taco paradise. The star here is the tacos al pastor, with thinly sliced marinated pork expertly carved from a vertical spit (trompo) and topped with a slice of pineapple. The efficiency of the service and the sheer deliciousness of the tacos make this a memorable, authentic late-night meal.

Price: Cheap eats (approximately 40-50 MXN / $2.50-$3.00 USD per taco)

Getting There: Located in Colonia Narvarte. While not in the immediate tourist center, it is easily reachable by a short and affordable taxi or ride-sharing trip from most central neighborhoods.

5. La Esquina Del Chilaquil

Cuisine: Chilaquiles and Tortas

For an authentic and incredibly satisfying breakfast or brunch, La Esquina Del Chilaquil is a must-visit street food stand. Despite its modest appearance, the long lines of locals and tourists speak volumes. Their specialty is the torta de chilaquiles – a hearty Mexican sandwich filled with fried chicken cutlets or other meats, chilaquiles (fried tortilla pieces smothered in green or red salsa), cotija cheese, crema, and onions, all tucked into a crusty bread roll. It is a flavor-packed, substantial meal. Remember to bring cash, as cards are not accepted here.

Price: Very cheap eats (approximately 50-80 MXN / $3.00-$5.00 USD per torta)

Getting There: Found in Condesa at Alfonso Reyes 139. It's best reached by walking if you're in the Condesa or Roma area, or via a short ride-sharing trip from nearby neighborhoods.

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