The first thing any visitor to the Mexican capital will take in — probably while staring out the window in awe as their airplane descends over the intense, urbanity-on-steroids sprawl — is the sheer size of this town, 573 square miles in total. It’s densely populated and patchworked with distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culinary identity. It would take several lifetimes to get to know all of the street stands, neighborhood favorites, and high-end destinations in this city. After a decade and a half covering the food scene, I’m still finding new meals to love.
Expectations for 2025 are high. Last year, Northern Mexico-style cuisine hit Mexico City like never before; chefs like Shary Romo and Alex Chávez at Propio and the taco joint LA 89 have helped construct a culinary pathway that starts in Tijuana and ends in Mexico City. At the same time, Er Rre Un Bistro and Saint-Jacques Bistrot offer new options for French-inspired cooking in Polanco, while Baldío sets the bar high with its zero-waste operation and organic ingredients from Arca Tierra. Finally, Travieso Travieso and Salón Palomilla are among the best places in town right now for a lively night out.
This list — 38 restaurants, dishes, and culinary experiences that define Mexico City’s gastronomic identity — offers a comprehensive starting point for any visitor who wants to understand the city’s cuisine and eat like a local. It includes the obvious spots and the hidden gems. It covers longtime buzzing neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, as well as newer destination districts like San Miguel Chapultepec and Juarez. There are tacos, tortas, tasting menus, and tamales. There are enough sweets to satisfy the most dedicated concha enthusiast and some old-school breakfasts for the nostalgists. Whatever the type of place, every spot on this list provides standout food and a taste of something visitors can’t get back home.
In this latest refresh, we’ve revamped our write-ups to include even more relevant info for diners, including a rough range of pricing for each destination — ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10 (or the equivalent in pesos), to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.
Eater updates this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Mexico City dining scene.
Natalia de la Rosa is a Mexican food and travel writer, mezcal collector, and culinary guide based in Mexico City. For over 15 years, she has covered the restaurant industry for leading Mexican publications and international outlets, including Eater since 2016.
Additional reporting by Daniela Galarza.
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