Mexico City completely exceeded our expectations. As one of the world’s greatest food capitals, the city effortlessly blends traditional street food with award-winning restaurants, beautiful bakeries and an incredible specialty coffee scene. We spent most of our time exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Roma, Condesa and Coyoacán, discovering everything from flaky pastries and perfectly brewed coffee to some of the best dinners of our trip. These are the places we’ve personally visited and genuinely recommend for your visit to Mexico City.
Best Restaurants in Mexico City
Every restaurant below offered something completely different, but they all had one thing in common: exceptional food. These are the places that made our evenings in Mexico City so memorable.
Baldío
If we could recommend just one restaurant in Mexico City, it would be Baldío. Known as “the restaurant without a bin”, almost every part of every ingredient is used, an approach that earned them a Michelin Green Star. The dishes are vegetable-forward, incredibly creative and packed with flavour. Don’t leave without ordering the corn focaccia—it’s unforgettable.
Pujol
One of the world’s most famous restaurants, and for good reason. Chef Enrique Olvera elevates traditional Mexican flavours to an entirely different level at Pujol. Their legendary Mole Madre, continuously aged and layered over many years, is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. It’s certainly a splurge, but one of those dining experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Axolao
A restaurant where Peruvian and Mexican cuisine meet beautifully. Think vibrant ceviches with Mexican chiles, tostadas with leche de tigre and bold flavours built around citrus, corn and spice. The menu of Axolao highlights the restaurant’s greatest dishes from recent years, but for us the dessert completely stole the show.
Imbiss
Imbiss is one of the coolest restaurants we visited in Mexico City. Seasonal ingredients, bold flavours and a menu that feels creative without trying too hard. We loved the beetroot butter, freshly baked bread and their signature bean-based “masabacha”. They also have an excellent wine list, which is still relatively uncommon in the city.
Best Coffee & Bakeries in Mexico City
Whether you’re looking for exceptional specialty coffee, freshly baked pastries or a memorable breakfast, Mexico City’s café scene won’t disappoint. These are the places we loved most.
Panadería Rosetta
Without a doubt our favourite breakfast spot in Mexico City. Panadería Rosetta is almost always busy, but for good reason. Their pastries and bread are among the best we’ve ever had, while the burnt aubergine sandwich is an absolute must-order. Pair it with one of their excellent coffees and you’ll understand why this place has become such an icon. If you’re looking for something more elaborate, their sister restaurant Rosetta is just around the corner.
Green Rhino
One of the city’s most exciting artisan bakeries. Founded by a British baker, Green Rhino focuses on naturally fermented sourdough and creative pastries made with Mexican ingredients. You can watch the bakers at work through the open kitchen while enjoying one of their incredible pastries—we’re still thinking about the black sesame and orange croissant.
Chiquitito Café
Small in size, but one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Mexico City. Chiquitito works with carefully sourced Mexican beans and serves beautifully balanced espresso drinks and pour-overs. With several locations across the city, it’s always a reliable stop for a great cup of coffee.
Kahwen Coffee
Hidden away in the charming neighbourhood of Coyoacán, Kahwen served one of the best flat whites we had during our stay. Watching the barista prepare every cup with so much precision almost felt like watching an artist at work. A quiet café where quality always comes first.
Bólido Café
Just a short walk from Coyoacán’s lively squares and artisan markets, you’ll find this minimalist neighbourhood café. Bólido may be small, but it’s clearly loved by locals. Expect excellent coffee, friendly baristas and a calm atmosphere away from the crowds.
Quiasmo
Quiasmo is one of the newer additions to Condesa’s coffee scene and one of the few cafés opening as early as 6:30 am. Their Café de Olla Latte, inspired by Mexico’s traditional spiced coffee, quickly became one of our favourites. A great place to grab your first coffee before exploring the city.
Quentin Café
Located on the beautiful Avenida Amsterdam, Quentin Café combines excellent coffee with one of the nicest locations in the city. After your coffee, take a stroll through nearby Parque México, one of the most beautiful parks we visited in Mexico City.
Cocktails & more
No food guide to Mexico City would be complete without a few places to end the evening.
Tlecan
One of the World’s 50 Best Bars, but don’t expect a quiet, classic cocktail bar. Tlecan is lively, energetic and centred around mezcal. People gather, dance and share drinks, creating an atmosphere that’s unmistakably Mexico City.
Maison Artemisia
Hidden away in Roma Norte, Maison Artemisia feels intimate and timeless. Founded by French and Mexican friends, Maison Artemisia is known for its impressive absinthe collection and beautifully balanced signature cocktails. One of our favourite places to end the evening.
Joe Gelato
Not every dessert has to come after dinner. Joe Gelato creates handcrafted ice cream using local ingredients and some wonderfully unexpected flavour combinations. Olive oil, black garlic, mezcal and sweet corn are just a few examples, with seasonal specials changing throughout the year. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the place to be.
Discover more of Mexico through food with our guides to Puebla, Oaxaca, Mérida, Valladolid and Tulum.
