Mexico City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that has long been a top destination for “foodies” and travelers, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. From taquerías to fine dining restaurants, there's a wide variety of local restaurants to choose from in this culinary capital. Whether you're a food lover or simply looking for more unique and memorable dining experiences, Mexico City won’t disappoint.
Street Food: The Heartbeat of Mexico City
While Mexico City is home to many high-end, delicious restaurants, street food, and street food stalls are what fuel most of the population and are what make the city beyond special. One could say that street food is an integral part of Mexican society and also a great way to get to know the culture in CDMX. And we aren’t just talking about tacos. The city and its populace run on a plethora of options. The flavors, aromas, and sounds of the street food scene are not to be missed. Loosen your belt, wander around the city and you’re bound to run into stands peddling tacos, tlacoyos, gorditas, elotes, tortas, sweets, and local fruits. A visit to Mexico City is simply incomplete without indulging in street food.
Taquerías: A Staple
Taquerías are a must-try for any foodie visiting Mexico City. These small, informal eateries are seemingly on every street in CDMX, serving what most consider the staple of Mexican cuisine. Taquerías often serve a variety of different types of tacos (mostly corn tortillas), including tacos al pastor (tacos filled with spit-roasted pork), suadero (a cut of beef brisket essentially slow cooked in its own fat and juices in a comal, and considered 100% Chilango, or from Mexico City), guisado (different kinds of homemade stews), canasta (steamed in baskets), carnitas (shredded pork), barbacoa (sheep), and tacos de pescado (tacos filled with fish, usually fried). There are so many more types of tacos too - it’s tempting to keep listing them all. The sheer variety of tacos available in taquerías is a testament to the city's diverse and vibrant food culture, pulling from every state in Mexico. Don’t forget to sample the many different salsas that will accompany your tacos.
Cantinas: The Best Combination of Booze and Food
Cantinas are another popular type of local restaurant-bar in Mexico City that should appeal to anyone spending time in CDMX. These casual, informal, and no-frills bars serve beers and cups of mezcal, and tequila, as well as a variety of snacks. Many also offer traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and chile rellenos. Cantinas are a great place to grab a casual bite or a night out drinking with friends. The lively atmosphere and friendly locals make cantinas a unique and fun dining experience. Chances are, you’ll run into a roving mariachi band entertaining cantina-goers. Pull up a seat, rub elbows with the locals, and see where the day (or night) goes!
Fine Dining: A Culinary Adventure
For those seeking a more formal and world-class dining experience, Mexico City has no shortage of fine dining restaurants that serve high-end Mexican or international cuisine. These restaurants have their offering on point. If you’re looking for elegant décor, excellent service, and a wide selection of innovative and classic dishes made with both local and international ingredients, you’re only a stone's throw away from some of the best restaurants in the Americas, if not the world. Some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Mexico City for foodies include Pujol, Quintonil, and Maximo Bistrot but there are countless others with amazing food and with more casual atmospheres. Be sure to snag a reservation to one of these coveted restaurants way ahead of your trip.
Mexico City cannot be considered anything less than a food lover's paradise, with an endless variety of amazing restaurants and street food vendors to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick and casual bite from a street vendor or a more formal dining experience, there's so much food diversity in CDMX. This blog post doesn’t even begin to cover the kinds of food you can find in Mexico City. So, come and immerse yourself in the colorful and flavorful world of Mexican cuisine in Mexico City. Just be sure to bring your stretchy pants.