At the Table: The Restaurants of Mexico City
While Alfonso worked at Em, we spent a year living in Mexico City and eating our way across one of the world’s great culinary capitals. With experience in Relais & Châteaux kitchens and fine dining across Mexico, he came to cook in a city where tradition, innovation, and cultural depth intersect. Mexico City was never a trend for us. It was a deliberate move.
During our year in the city, we ate across the spectrum, from family-run taquerías and neighborhood cafés to Michelin-recognized tasting menus and rooftop restaurants. These are the places we returned to, recommended to friends, or saved for next time.
If you’re looking to experience Mexico City through its food, this is where I’d start.
Fine Dining
Em
Located in the heart of Roma, Em reimagines Mexican ingredients through a modern, meticulous lens. Chef Lucho Martínez balances elegance and restraint, creating one of the city’s most memorable dining experiences.
Aleli
A rooftop restaurant above Roma serving fire-grilled dishes, thoughtful cocktails, and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Ling Ling
Perched high above Paseo de la Reforma, Ling Ling delivers panoramic views alongside contemporary Asian cuisine. You’re paying as much for the atmosphere as the food, and that’s part of the appeal.
Elly’s[Now closed]
A beloved Roma Norte restaurant known for modern Mediterranean-inspired cooking, seasonal ingredients, and one of the neighborhood’s warmest dining rooms.
Local Favorites
These are the restaurants that felt woven into everyday life in Mexico City, places worth seeking out whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for months.
Asadero María Conesa
A historic family-run grill near San Cosme, known for its arrachera and traditional approach to charcoal cooking.
El Borrego Viudo
One of Mexico City’s classic late-night taquerías, where customers order directly from their cars while waiters weave through the parking lot carrying plates of tacos.
Taquería Orinoco
A polished take on the neighborhood taquería. Fast, energetic, and a reliable late-night stop.
Street Tacos
No restaurant guide to Mexico City would be complete without mentioning the countless taco carts found throughout the city. The best advice is simple: go where the locals are.
Cafés & Casual Dining
Panadería Rosetta
The bakery that helped define Roma Norte. Go for the guava pastry, stay for the bread.
Maque
A longtime neighborhood café overlooking Parque México. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or simply watching the city go by.
Amin Coffee
A minimalist café for excellent coffee and a prosciutto croissant.
Chilpa
One of the best places in the city for chilaquiles, with classic preparations alongside more creative combinations.
Café Don Porfirio
Located on the eighth floor of the historic Sears building, Café Don Porfirio offers one of the best views of Palacio de Bellas Artes. The coffee is secondary. The view is the reason to come.
International
Goguinara
One of the better Korean barbecue restaurants we found in the city. Traditional grilling, generous banchan, and an experience that feels remarkably close to Seoul.
Next on My List
No list is ever complete. These are the restaurants still on my list for next time.
Tigre Silencioso
Máximo
Esplendor de Maíz
Sud 777
Animal Masaryk
Azul Histórico
Lalo
One Notable Omission
Many people expect to see Pujol on lists like this.
We consciously chose not to eat there. Years spent working in fine dining have taught us that awards and rankings tell only part of the story. Some of our favorite meals have come from restaurants that never appear on those lists.
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