Mexico City’s culinary landscape went through a very big and interesting change ever since lockdown happened and brought with it an enormous wave of immigrants.
During this odd phase the town was a bit scrambled, and at some point felt like it was losing its own identity; almost as if we were mimicking a random European city.
But in late 2024, a few spots started popping up that steered away from the trend. Finally, a new focus on Mexican ingredients and techniques arrived, without ever falling into the “traditional food” category; and it made my meals so much happier.
Now, is the he big wave of bistros, trattorias and pizzerias behind us?
Only time will tell, but what we are completely sure of is that we’ll always have the fondas, market stalls, street vendors, taqueros and old-school institutions to share their dishes with us and make our days feel complete with -I wouldn’t even dare to say authentic- but with the most comforting, honest meals the city has to offer.
My Favorites list is an effort to showcase those restaurants and spots that are still true to their own concept, but are somehow focusing on local ingredients, traditions and/or flavors.
Here on the website you’ll find a few spots that might better your visit to the city, but if you want the full guide which includes descriptions and a google maps so you can carry around all the info the link to buy it is right here!
I know you most likely have a thousand other lists your friends gave you, but if you need yet another option here’s the list I helped put together (with a bunch of food enthusiasts) for The New York Times: 25 Essential Dishes in Mexico City
Please do let me know if you end up going to some of these!
Casual & Very Casual Eating
- Voraz
- El Tigrillo
- Fonda Margarita
- Expendio de Maíz
- Tierra Adentro Cocina
Tacos & Street Food
- Caldos de Gallina Don Luis
- La Tonina
- Tizne Tacomotora
- El Betín
- La 89
Coffee, Breakfast & Sweets
- Delfino Cafe
- Totte para todos
- Costra
- Joe Gelato
- La Especial de Paris
Non-Mexican Spots
- Jametaro
- Gin Chan
- Ojo Rojo Diner
- Somsaa
- Choza
Wine, Cocktails & Beer
- Bar Mauro
- Orbita
- Tlecan
- Manada
- Natas Wines
Shop Foods, Utensils & Libations
- Bodega Fantasma
- Mis Mezcales
- Expendio Doméstico
For full access to the Guide & Map: Click here
Need help planning your food-focused trip to Mexico City, Oaxaca, Baja, or Querétaro? We’re a team of devoted diners crafting itineraries for those who plan their travels around their next meal. Visit our Culinary Concierge page or email us at concierge@thecuriousmexican.com
And if you are up for a food tour by the hand of an expert who’s a part of the food scene head to the Devoured website, we’d be more than happy to take you around.
