My Mexico City Recs
This has absolutely nothing to do with the world of work or trust! “And here’s what it taught me about talent…” is not incoming.
But I want a spot to share this list in the future. And when you have your own website, you can put whatever you want on it!
So, allow me to present my top spots in Mexico City that you won’t find on the big Top 10 lists (yet).
These are in no particular order:
MUX (Roma)
What it is: Mexican food with a deep explanation of the regional cuisines and a respect for ingredients. This spot caters a bit more to locals so the service is a bit more casual. We loved the cocktails (spicy mezcal old fashioned, please), the chorizo tacos (both kinds) and the tomatoes in honor of salt.
Choza (Roma)
What it is: Part Thai. Part Mexican. Part listening lounge. Part rooftop bar. No reservations, no sign. Get in the line at the corner of Monterrey & San Luis Potosi. They have an Instagram so it’s not like a total secret. Plan to hang out in the bar floor for awhile before you get upstairs. There are snacks.
Entonces Entonces (Roma)
What it is: Japanese (no sushi - think ramen, gyoza). 4 tables. Very causal. Exceptional food and very lovely service.
La Vista (Roma Norte)
What it is: Cocktail bar. Order the elote cocktail. Kindly dismiss their warnings about how spicy it is. Enjoy 2+. Then go back again. Favorite drink of my life.
Temezcal (get Maria’s What’sApp from me to book - they offer English and Spanish sessions and pick you up in Condesa)
What it is: Curative ceremony. Engage with nature and then confront your fears and yourself in a hot handmade cavern with an expert guide. If you have 2 days in CDMX, this might not be for you because you will sweat. And if you’re like me, you will cry. This will also be the FIRST thing I re-book when we return next year.
Hule (Condesa)
What it is: The coffee here is good. The music here is great. They have a record player and an ideal vibe blend of cool meets comfy if you’re working remotely. There are too many great coffee shops to list in full but honorable mentions also go to: Buna (Condesa spot) and Quasimo (Condesa) - one of the few with estados unidos hours opening at 6:30 am. Most start 8ish. And say 8 but mean maybe 8:15 am.
Castizo (Condesa):
What it is: Spanish food. The Spanish influences in Mexico are (of course) strong and this food was end to end stellar. 10/10 charcuterie. The beef tenderloin will be high on my try to recreate at home list.
Em (Roma Norte):
What is it: Given that it has a Michelin star, this can’t be called a hidden gem. But you also cannot come to Mexico City and miss their world class fine dining. The food at Em (Mexican) is phenomenal but the wine/cocktail pairings are next level. They also scooted our group out so stunningly by offering a picture in the kitchen. Was a total move and we loved it. Kids would call it riz maybe. Honorable mention to Pargot (French/Mexican) with 4 tables outside of half of a taco shop. Very unique and also not really a hidden gem given their Michelin recognition. Rosetta was beautiful too. I have been to Pujol (the heavy hitter who put fine dining in Mexico City on the map) and it was lovely … but I would go back to Em first.
Huerto Roma Verde (Roma):
What is it: A community garden made out of what was previously garbage. Very cool to just walk around in there but if you head there on a Saturday - a lil mercado will treat you to mezcal samples, beautiful jewelry and other goods.
Casa Franca (Roma Norte):
What is it: Jazz/Bar Club. We got in without reservations but it was a close call and required a bit of a wait. Enjoy amazing drinks in different rooms and make your way to the core room with a lovely jazz band playing. Get the Paper Plane cocktail. Paper Plane + Jazz = heaven.
Cayetana Panadería (Condesa):
What is it: The bread in Mexico City is (…searches for word beyond incredible/amazing/great that I’ve already overused in this…) indescribable. Hit any panadería and it will be enjoyable. We were actively sad on Monday/Tuesdays when Cayetana wasn’t open and that says something in a city of incredible bakeries.
Coyocan Mercado (Coyocan):
What is it: This one isn’t quite a hidden gem either but deserves a call out. Pretty sure Vogue has been there. But this a true mercado in a lovely neighborhood worth exploring if you’re sick of sleek coffee shops and high end cocktails in Roma Norte/Condesa. Look for other cultural events in Coyocan while you’re in town. We caught a cirdo del Dia de Los Muertos that was a delight. If you’re short on time, Mercado Medellin is closer to the Roma options above and also fun to explore!
FAQ:
Why aren’t there street food options listed here?
Candidly, most are great and very similar. Look for a line of locals. Look for tortillas azul (blue but look almost black sometimes). If you see either of those things, stop and eat. Bring pesos for that. Do not skip the salsa verde. Ever. The corner of Obregon & Insurgentes in Roma Norte offers a fun lil section of options. The alley serving tacos next to 240 Calle Queretaro is a delight.
What about things that are all over the major lists? Would you skip those?
There are incredible things that just happen to be well known.
Those include:
Masala y Maiz (and their lesser known sister restaurant Mari Gold) - both are worth every ounce of hype. Get the watermelon salad and pollotito (lil chicken). At Mari Gold don’t skip dessert.
Contramar - yep, yummy.
Hot air balloon ride over the pyramids - loved this peaceful experience and the break from the city.
Zocalo/Templo Mayor - this is stunning and worth a wander.
Frida Kahlo Museum - well preserved and busy. Get tickets in advance.
Chapultapec Castle & Park - stunning and huge. Contemporary and modern art museums are exceptional if you’re into that & the castle shows you such a rich view of the city and its history
Take a cooking class. Homemade tortillas incoming for life.
What about online reviews?
Any food under a 4.5 in CDMX is a pass. The bar here is SO HIGH. Will a 4 be terrible? Probably not. But will you wander into a better spot within a block or two? Yes. CAVEAT: read the low reviews! Sometimes it’s just tourists complaining about the wait or something else obnoxious. Time moves at its own pace here and that’s something to be embraced.
What else about dining in Mexico City?
The food is exceptional and the reputation is well deserved.
Two key notes on what to expect:
If you order street food or at a cafe para aquí (for here), you will eat first and pay after. In the US, you’d typically order + pay then eat. Here you eat standing at the stand then pay unless you specify para llevar (to go).
It would be considered highly rude here for them to bring you the check prior to your request for it. So, you need to explicitly ask for the check when you’re ready for it.
Anyhoo, is my love of Mexico City clear yet?
Love, love, love.
