Must-see restaurants in Mexico City

The true perla (pearl) at this superpopular family-style seafood restaurant is the mojarra frita (fried whole tilapia). The generously served dish comes…

Vegan food done right. Reporter-turned-chef Mariana Blanco cooks up something a little different each day for a daily changing menu inspired by Mexican…

Famous for its 'taco manolo' (finely chopped beef, bacon and onion on a corn tortilla), you can chow down these tasty treats at the restaurant or the…

This Condesa institution claims to be the creator of the taco al pastor (spit-roasted marinated pork). Whether it's true or not, it is certainly one of…

Thanks to its long hours and proximity to the clubs around the lively Fuente de Cibeles, this spacious taco restaurant is busiest around 3am, but the…

Blink an eye and you'll walk right past this nondescript carnitas joint. El Azul (real name Rubén) has been slinging tacos de carnitas (pork simmered in…

Mexico City loves a barbecue and the Texas-style grub here ranks among the city's best. The pork belly and short rib reign supreme and can be ordered in…

Weekends at this gourmet food hall resemble a red-carpet event of well-to-do families and the best dressed (it has featured in top fashion mags). It is…

Fondas are traditionally small, local restaurants where you can get a hearty breakfast or lunch throughout the week. At this upmarket Condesa-style 'fonda…

In a languid stretch of Polanco, the Mexican breakfasts and lunches at this modern bistro are more wonderful than the fair prices suggest. Try chicken…

Chef Ricardo Muñoz searches Mexico high and low for traditional recipes and reinvents them to perfection. Fruits of his labor include buñuelos rellenos de…

Vegans can join in the street-food action with soy and gluten taco versions of al pastor, loganiza (sausage) and chorizo. The late-night experience is…

Started in 1953 by boxer Raúl Salazar, this unpretentious establishment prepares Yucatecan fare just as it’s done in don Raúl’s hometown of Mérida. The…

Worth coming for the modern architecture alone, this library-sized cafe–bar–bookstore is built around a palm tree ascending over multiple well-stocked…

A line often swings around the corner in Colonia Álamos for these popular esquites (corn kernels in broth), the most coveted of which is served with…

Possibly the capital’s premier hangover-recovery spot, this humble eatery under a tin roof whips up batches of comfort food such as longaniza en salsa…

Known simply as the 'chilaquiles corner,' this street stand does a roaring trade in tortas de chilaquiles – bread rolls filled with chilaquiles (fried…

The attractive onsite restaurant at Museo Nacional de Antropología serves surprisingly good dishes, with a menu divided by region, providing a fast and…

Rokai takes Japanese food to a new level in Mexico City in the emerging 'Little Toyko' area. Opt for the 'omakase,' a changing tasting menu consisting of…

Healthy lunch along the plant-filled avenue outside this restaurant–organic grocery store is stylish and relaxed. A set menu includes a choice of sugar…