Quesabirria at a popular Tijuana-style taqueria, soft shell crab and short rib from Quintonil chef Jorge Vallejo, Reubens at a hotspot in Condesa’s growing Jewish deli scene, and more of Mexico City’s best food
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, holes in the wall, neighborhood favorites, and high-end destinations in this city.
Yet this list — 38 restaurants, dishes, and culinary experiences that define Mexico City’s gastronomic identity — should offer a comprehensive starting point for any visitor. It includes the obvious and the overexposed; it also includes 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, it provides standout food and a taste of something visitors can’t get back home.
Updated, December 2023:
As Mexico City closes out 2023, many new restaurants are reproducing the year’s winning formula: bistro-inspired menus, packed natural wine lists, and (sometimes over-hyped) vinyl sound systems. Especially in desirable neighborhoods with a heavy influx of international visitors, this style has mostly ensured smooth sailing in an increasingly competitive market.
Among the most notable new additions to the essential lineup, Maizajo has been an excellent addition to Condesa, delivering quality food at reasonable prices in two formats: a taco menu served over the counter and a sit-down experience. Given Chilangos’ current obsession with Norteño culture, Northern-style tacos are having a moment at places like Tijuana-inspired El Compita Tacos and Barbacoa Gonzalitos, which reopened after a few months due to a long-overdue relocation. Finally, after a decade focusing on fine dining restaurant Quintonil, chef Jorge Vallejo ventured into the casual arena alongside chef Fernando Torres at Aúna, a project that created a solid fanbase in Polanco in just a few months.
We update this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Mexico City dining scene.
Natalia de la Rosa is a Mexican food writer, mezcal collector, and culinary guide based in Mexico City.
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