As you can imagine, there is so much to see and eat in Mexico City. From the Zocalo, which is the plaza where the country’s first constitution was proclaimed in 1813, to the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, which is the most historically significant Aztec structure, to the stunning cathedrals, museums, and parks around the city, you could spend weeks exploring the city and never run out of things to marvel at. When I go to Mexico City however, the sites play second fiddle to what I am really in town for… the food! Mexico City is full of tacos galore, tempting street snacks, and fine dining options. Come hungry, because you are not going to want to stop stuffing your face.
Where to Stay
Before I discuss where to eat in Mexico City, let’s discuss where we stayed.
La Valise: This stunning bed and breakfast is located in Colonia Roma, one of Mexico City’s most exciting neighborhoods. Full of art galleries, cafes, and bars, you can wander the streets all day and night. The hotel itself is one of my favorites in the world; it only has three rooms, the best of which is La Terraza, the rooftop room. The bedroom is massive and includes a bed that can be rolled out onto the terrace so that you can sleep under the stars! The bathroom is massive, complete with a soaking tub and separate shower, and the main room itself has a sitting area, mini bar, and a cozy outdoor table on the patio where you can enjoy your breakfast.
Where to Eat
The Street Food Tours
Eat Like a Local Mexico City: The three-and-a-half hour Street Food at Night and Hidden Neighborhoods tour is an opportunity to explore the best in street food. It also gives you an intro of where to eat in Mexico City. Tastes include crema-drenched street corn, tortas, tacos, and more tacos, enchiladas, and churro stuffed with caramel. I couldn’t stop eating the street corn, which comes on a stick, so you can eat while you can walk. The kernels literally melt in your mouth. Mushroom tacos are meaty and dense, and a potato torta, where veggies and cheese come sandwich enrobed in fried potato patties, is uber hearty.
Rich, dark mole enchiladas, served with tequila, are close your eyes and eat good, but be sure to save room for the churros, which can be stuffed with your choice of chocolate, caramel, or condensed milk. I, of course, chose caramel, which was sweet and luscious. This is also a food tour you can feel good about embarking on. Part of the proceeds goes to local social programs, one of which aims to empower and educate less privileged children in Mexico City.
Eat Mexico Culinary Tours: This daytime three-hour tour takes you through the city with opportunities to try local favorites like squash blossom quesadillas, homemade tamales, tlacoyos, which are griddled corn patties stuffed with fava beans, and even burritos. Fresh fruit sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice was one of my favorite items, as were the cheesy quesadillas.
Fine Dining
Pujol: This restaurant has been on various best restaurants in the world lists for years. Chef Enrique Olvera, featured on Chef’s Table, is nothing short of a culinary genius. His tasting menu at Pujol is my favorite in the world. From tylundas to huitlocoche served with warm, fragrant tortillas to the best mole I have ever had in my life, dining at Pujol is an experience no one ever forgets.
I will never forget the layers of flavor in the mole, which is made with dozens of authentic Mexican ingredients and developed over the course of years. The freshly fried churro is the ultimate closing of a meal, a buttery, crispy wheel of cinnamon and sugar that will drive you to your happy place. It definitely tops the list of “my places to eat in Mexico City” list!
Quintonil: Opened by one of Pujol’s former chefs, Quintonil is as much of a delight as Pujol. The dishes showcase classic Mexican ingredients like avocado, huitlacoche, hoja de santa and local cheese. Dishes like avocado tartare, creamy rice, and mushrooms served with mole are rich and decadent, with each morsel melting on your tongue. Dishes change with the season, but you will revel in the flavors no matter what is featured. Don’t skip dessert, the sweets are as creative as the savory items.
The Verdict
This list just scratches the surface of the many places to eat in Mexico City, but I hope it is a good introduction for those visiting for the first time. If you want somewhere fun, interesting, and delicious to visit, Mexico City should be next on your list.
