Sip and Savor: Explore Mexico City's Top Bars and Restaurants
CDMX is an absolute culinary paradise! From authentic Mexican dishes, to fusion, to pizza, fine dining to street food, Mexico City truly has something for everyone.
Even after several visits to CDMX, I have only scratched the surface of this culinary (and cocktail) wonderland, but am looking forward to doing much, much more research in the upcoming year.
Here are some of my favorites (so far)
*Click images for more info, hours, and reservations
Mercado Roma
🗺️C. Querétaro 225, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🕰️Sun 10-7:30, M-W 10-10:30, Th 10-12:30, F-Sat 10-1
This ‘upscale’ food hall has something for everyone and I highly suggest going hungry! Great place to meet people, join a table, or play a game with friends (new or old), grab a quick bite, or some take away. There is also an awesome beer garden on the roof. Check the website ahead of time to streamline decisions, or just walk through and let the food speak to you.
BAD - Breakfast All Day
🗺️C. Dinamarca 50-Local H, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Mon-Fri 8a-3p, Sat-Sunday 9a-4p
💵$-$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
Two Words: Fluffy Pancakes.
Those in addition to a cute space, great service, and great coffee drinks, make BAD! a perfect breakfast, brunch or lunch spot. The menu is extensive and includes a huge selection of breakfast items, as well as sandwiches and other lunch fare.
Beer Garden Roma
🗺️Puebla 213, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Sun, Tues, Wed 3-11, Thurs-Sat 3p-2a
💵$$
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ friendly
A great place to watch a game, grab a bite, and have a beer of cocktail in a cool, green space in the Roma neighborhood. Beer Garden Roma is a little oasis that is great to meet up with friends or meet new ones.
Balmori Roofbar
🗺️Zacatecas 139 Segundo piso, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Sun 1:30-6, Tues-Sat 1:30-1:30, Closed Monday
💵$$
🏳️🌈LGBTQ Friendly
Delicious cocktails, mostly friendly service, beautiful setting. The food can be a bit hit and miss, but seems to have been elevated a bit since my previous visits. One thing I really like about this place is that on the few occasions I have been, it is the definition of a “mixed crowd” with everything from office dinners, couples, friend groups, solo folks. The low key, but slightly elevated vibe, makes this a great spot for anyone.
Licorería Limantour
🗺️Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700
🕰️M-Th 6p-12a, F-S 3p-2a, Sun 3p-12a
💵$$$
🏳️🌈LQBTQAI+ Friendly
Legendary cocktail bar turning out clever drinks & snacks in a chic, 2-story space with a terrace. Licoreria Limantour has been on the World’s 50 Best Bars list since 2014, which accurately describes it as; the type of bar that gets everything right: packed every day of the week, with efficient service, on-point drinks and an intoxicating atmosphere.
Xuni Mezcalería
🗺️Londres 178, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
🕰️Sunclos-ed, M-W 4p-12a, Th-Sat 5p-2:30a
💵$$
🏳️🌈LGBTQAI Friendly
Things I love: Mezcal, a menu full of curated cocktails, great service, a lowkey, drink specials, inviting atmosphere that turns in to a turn-up after dark. Things that Xuni Mezcaleria offers: all of the above.
Tlecan Mezcalería
🗺️Av. Álvaro Obregón 228-Local 2, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX
🕰️6p-2a daily
💵$$
🚺Woman owned
“Tlecan is a mezcaleria specialized in curating and selling artisanal Mezcal from small producers in Mexico”, it is also just really cool. From the lavender being perfumed in to the air at the entrance, to the beautiful design, to the amazing service, Tlecan is an overall incredible experience not to be missed.
Rayo
🗺️C. Salamanca 85, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Tues-Sat 6p-2a, closed Sun & Mon
💵$$-$$$
🏳️🌈 LGBTQAI+ Friendly
A friend and I went to Rayo after she saw someone post it on IG while she was in CDMX with me. We decided to go check it out after dinner and were so glad we did! Tasty and visually beautiful cocktails, impeccable service, sleek and sexy (without being pretentious) setting. **The winding stairway on the way down at closing time can be a task (I heard).
Fónico
🗺️C. Salamanca 85, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️M-T 1:30p-12a, W-Sat 1:30p-2am, Sun 1:30-6p
💵$$$$
I can’t speak to the food at Fonico, though it seems to get some pretty good reviews, but the space, service, cocktails and bar are great. The restaurant/bar is located downstairs from Rayo, so my friend and I had drink here before heading upstairs and I would definitely return for the food (“Seafood dishes with a modern twist”) and gorgeous space.
Fifty Mils
🗺️Inside Four Seasons Hotel, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Sun 6p-1a, M-Sat 12p-1a
💵$$$
Living in NYC, cocktails at the Four Seasons are generally not in my budget, nor is it set in a beautiful garden. The cocktails here are stunning, the service is next level without being pretentious and the people watching is top notch. Only had appetizers here (and delicious bar snack mix) and they were almost as good as the cocktails (which says a lot).
Ladina Bar
🗺️Colima 333, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️M-Tue 4p-12a, W-Sun 4p-2a
💵$$
🏳️🌈LQBTQ+ Friendly/Transgender safe space
🚺Female owned
Ladina is just… cool. The whole feel of this bar is just really cool, with a unique and beautiful cocktail menu and interesting food options. The bartenders were kind and attentive and I had a great solo experience here, but would love to take a date or friends here.
Felina
💵$$
🗺️C. Ometusco 87, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Sun 9a-10p, T-W 9a-1a, Th-Sat 9a-2a, Mon Closed
Perfectly described as “Cocktails & highballs, plus cheese plates & croquettes, in a hip, low-lit lounge with a retro vibe”, Felina is the perfect spot for a solo sip, grabbing a drink with a friend, or a lowkey date night.
La Hija Aquella
Currently closed
🗺️Av. Baja California 178-Loc. B, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, 06760 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️daily 8a-8p, closed Sunday
💵$$
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ friendly
Great for breakfast and lunch (but also recommended for a casual dinner). Very chill and cozy spot, with a welcoming and happy vibe. Great spot to meet up with friends and have a chat over some delicious bites and/or coffee.
Péshé
🗺️Gral. Salvador Alvarado 8, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06170 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Mon, Wed-Fri 8:30a-9p, Sat-Sun 8:30a-7p, Tues-closed
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Péshé is a super cute cafe with delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options. A light and fresh menu with great service on a quiet street away from the busyness of the city, Péshé is the perfect spot for a solo bite or enjoying a meal with friends.
Ojo de Agua
🗺️CONDESA HIPODROME 23C, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, Mexiconce
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ friendly
🥬Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Amazing breakfast and possibly the best acai bowls… anywhere. Everything is fresh and wonderfully prepared and the whole place just has a really happy, chill vibe. Great for a quick, healthy, breakfast or lunch. This is technically a chain restaurant, but each location has a very local and unique feel.
As an added bonus, and happenstance, there were numerous other solo female diners on the two occasions I went for lunch.
El Pez Azul
💵$-$$
🗺️Citlaltépetl 40-A, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100
🕰️11:30a-8:30p daily
Compact seafood restaurant with a terrace offering soups, tacos, ceviche & empanadas. What is amazing about El Pez Azul? Everything. Even as I was enjoying every bite that was in front of me, I was still longingly looking at every plate that passed me to land at another table.
Yemanyá
💵$$-$$$
🗺️Orizaba 154, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️M-W 12p-10p, Th-Sat 12p-11p, Sun 12p-6p
Our experience at Yemanyá was actual perfection. We went on a rainy night so the restaurant was nearly empty and we were treated like absolute royalty. We were given “the best seat in the house” in the front window and the service was incredible. The food and drinks were as delicious as they were beautiful. Luxe look with a warm and friendly feel.
Restaurante Sonia
💵$$$
🗺️Oxford 23, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️M-Tue 1p-11p, W-Th 1p-12a, F-Sat 9a-12a, Sun 9a-7p
🚺Female Chef
Everything about Restaurante Sonia was just beautiful, from the décor to the food, the service to the drinks. Absolutely one of the best meals I have had in CDMX (and I have had a few), Restaurante Sonia deliviers above and beyond service, amazing food, and great cocktails in a beautiful setting. On my first visit, I only had an app and beer, but returned with a friend and ordered the entire starter menu. We were not disappointed in a single bite.
Mari Gold
🗺️Calle Gob.Protasio Tagle 66A, San Miguel Chapultepec II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11850 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Wed-Sunday 9a-5:30p, Mon-Tues closed
💵$$-$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈 LQBTQ+ Friendly
Mari Gold is the new restaurant of Chefs Norma Listman & Saqib Keval of Grupo Masala & Maíz in Mexico City. Here you will find in a more casual way the culinary intersections between India and Mexico for which they have been known before.
Indian/Mexican fusion seems an… interesting… mix, but at Mari Gold, it just really works. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this chic and simple space is the perfect place for a feast of small plates packed with unique flavors and textures.
Highly recommend reservations… and the wings.
Cafe De Tacuba
💵$$-$$$
🗺️Tacuba 28, Col. Centro Historico, Deleg, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️8a-11:30p daily
This restaurant is an entire experience, and not one to miss. Set in a centuries old building that was once a hospital (which is the inspiration for the waitress’s … unique… uniforms), Cafe De Tacuba offers an authentic (and absolutely delicious) menu, as well as live mariachi bands. The manager may just come join your table to make recommendations and give the history, complete with photo album, of the building. Absolutely worth a visit.
Cancino Havre
💵$$
🗺️Havre 64, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Juárez, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️1p-12a daily
Elevated pizzas & cocktails in a rustic-chic, subterranean space with a leafy terrace. The atmosphere and setting are cozy and inviting and the service has been spot on each time I have been. The sangria is very tasty! Great lowkey date night spot, or delivery on a night in.
Terraza Cha Cha Chá
🗺️De La República 157, Tabacalera, 06030 Cuauhtemoc, CDMX
🕰️M-F 1p-12a, Sat-Sun 10a-12a
💵$$$
The views from this 6th floor rooftop are absolutely stunning and worth the visit alone, but the beautiful and delicious cocktails take it to another level. Cha Cha Cha just has a cool, fun vibe that is elevated by the views and atmosphere. I had some light bites here and definitely recommend the squash blossom tacos and guacamole.
La Casa de las Sirenas
🗺️República de Guatemala 32, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México
🕰️M-Sat 11a-11p, Sun 11a-7p
💵$$$
This hidden gem is in the heart of the historic city center and offers unbeatable city views. I only had drinks (and the view) here an would absolutely go back for the food just based on what the folks next to me were eating. Wonderful service all around and the whole atmosphere makes La Casa de las Sirenas a “must go”.
Terraza Caterdal Bar
💵$$
🗺️Calle República de Guatemala 4, Cuauhtémoc City Hall
Historic Center
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
This rooftop bar, above Hostel Mundo Joven Caterdal was a very happy accident (minus the stairs we had to climb due to the broken elevator) as we were looking for another rooftop place close by and walked in to the wrong place. We had amazing afternoon cocktails from the most joyful and fun server, who encouraged us to come back later for the “the party”, which it certainly looks like this place turns into after dark (but we passed on).
Sweet (& Savory) Treats
Churrería El Moro
🗺️Frontera 122, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico (multiple locations)
💵$
Literally no description or “promoting” for Churreria El Moro. Just go. The setting and simplistic blue and white motif is just an added bonus to the churros. HIGHLY recommend getting the hot chocolate for dipping churros in to (then drinking as a sweet treat chaser).
There are multiple locations throughout Mexico City, I highly recommend trying all of them.
Pastelería Ideal
💵$
🗺️República de Uruguay 74, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Venustiano Carranza
This is the largest bakery in MX City (and maybe all of Mexico?) and has EVERYTHING you can imagine as far as sweet treats, baked goods, and jello-cakes (not the technical term). Walk in, grab a massive tray and pair of tongs and go nuts! Each item is around .50 USD so try them all!
* The bakery gets VERY busy on weekend mornings, so a weekday is ideal to be able to really experience Pasteleria Ideal and avoid the big crowds.
Panaderia Rosetta
💵 $$
🗺️Colima 179, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Sun-Tues 7a-9p, Mon-Fri 7a-10p
Yum. Just yum. From the beautiful espresso drinks and teas, to delicious breads and sweet treats, savory pastries and sandwiches, to jams, jellies and cured meats, Panderia Rosetta is a decadent-must.
Street Food
Los Machetes de la Guerrero
💵$
🗺️Lerdo 186, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
For some of the absolute best street food head to Los Machetes de la Guerrero and get a hearty (at almost 18” long!) machete. You won’t find amazing stuffed corn tortillas like these anywhere else. I highly recommend the huitlacoche (a vegetarian option).
Loncheria Mely
💵$-$$
🗺️C. Querétaro 185, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Mon-Fri 9a-5p, Sat 9a-2p, closed on Sunday
Though the menu changes daily, the flavors and quality remain consistently incredible. Authentic food made fresh daily. Though the daily menu is relatively small, there is certainly something for everyone.
Mercado Medellin
💵$-$$
🗺️Calle Campeche 101, Mexico City 06760 Mexico
With a little bit of everything, Mercado Medellin is several markets within a market. There is prepared street food with tables and chairs, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, and so much more, as well as piñatas, household goods, and even clothes. Whether you go for the food, the shopping, or just the sights, you won’t be disappointed.
Mercado de Coyoacán
💵$-$$
🗺️Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Known for a seemingly endless array of tostados (Tostadas Coyoacán), this market in Coyoacan is a great place to grab an authentic, and cheap, bite! In addition to it’s famous tostadas, Mercado de Coyoacan is known for street food, souvenirs, pinatas, and flowers.
La Cocina de mi Mamá Coyoacán
💵$-$$
🗺️Allende s/n interior mercado Coyoacán local 401, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 CDMX, Mexico
🕰️Daily 8:30a-5:30p
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Highly recommend a meal from here after visiting Mercado de Coyoacán. Think: Tostada appetizer then a plate at La Cocina de mi Mamá Coyoacán.
Barrio Chino (China Town)
Though most people don’t initially think of Chinese Cuisine when planning a trip to Mexico, Barrio Chino is not to be missed.
Barrio Chino is a neighborhood located in the downtown area of Mexico City, near the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The neighborhood is located on two blocks of Dolores Street and consists of a number of restaurants and businesses.
Even if you are not a fan of Chinese food, or want to stick with Mexican cuisine, Barrio Chino is well worth walking through to take in all the sights, sounds, and smells.
Hong King
🗺️Calle Dolores 25 Local A, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City Mexico
💵$-$$
Okay so, maybe skip 90% of the menu if you want “good” Chinese food, or order everything if you want “good bad” Chines food (my personal fave). But, DO have the dumblings… all the dumplings.
