21 Unique Places to Eat in Mexico City

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Mexico City is a foodie paradise, bursting with vibrant flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. Known for its legendary street tacos and traditional dishes like mole and tamales, the city also surprises with its upscale fusion spots and creative eateries. Imagine dining in a historic hacienda, enjoying rooftop views with gourmet small plates, or savoring churros dipped in velvety chocolate at a charming café. From buzzing food markets to avant-garde fine dining, Mexico City offers a rich tapestry of flavors that showcase its culinary heritage and modern flair. These 21 unique places to eat capture the heart of the city’s dynamic food scene, blending tradition with innovation in every bite. Come hungry and get ready to explore the delicious side of CDMX!

👉 Pro Tip: Indulge in Mexico City’s culinary treasures with the Polanco Food Tour! This guided adventure takes you through one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods to sample authentic Mexican flavors like tacos, tamales, and artisanal sweets. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, learn about local food traditions, and explore Polanco’s vibrant culture. Perfect for food lovers, this tour combines delicious eats with fascinating insights into one of Mexico City’s most iconic districts. Come hungry and prepare for a flavorful journey through Polanco!

Unique Restaurants in Mexico City

Ready to discover the coolest eateries in Mexico City? This vibrant metropolis is brimming with amazing eateries, from high-end dining experiences to charming, quirky cafes. Join me as we explore the best places to eat in Mexico City.

Are you in the mood for a fairy tale-themed cafe or perhaps tacos that are a local legend? Mexico City has it all. Whether you’re seeking a magical dining experience or the best street food around, this city delivers. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most unique restaurants in Mexico City. Get set for a journey where every meal is an adventure!

1. Doncella Café

• 📍 Location: Coyoacán
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Magical Themed Cafe / Coffee, Pastries & Light Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: Witchy/magical retail shop (trinkets, crafts, clothing!), cozy cafe space, specialty themed drinks/coffee, magical tomes to read, tarot readings often available.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fantasy lovers, unique cafe experiences, tarot enthusiasts, magical gift shoppers, and cozy Coyoacán explorations.

Brew up some magic at Doncella Café in charming Coyoacán! This spot is more than a coffee shop; it’s an enchanting haven blending a store full of magical trinkets with a cozy cafe corner. Peruse mystical books or get a tarot reading!

The friendly staff serve food and drinks described as “absolutely magical.” Sip on a dreamy Moon Light Frappe or rich chocolate caliente. Trying their tasty wraps or the absolute must-try lavender cake is a good plan. Doncella Café truly casts a spell.

2. Máximo

If there’s one spot in the Roma neighborhood that keeps locals coming back, it’s Máximo. Picture a bustling open kitchen, wood tables, and chalkboard menus loaded with seasonal Mexican-French fusion. Chef Eduardo García is a legend for a reason. The duck with tamarind sauce is always on point, but if you’re there for breakfast, don’t miss the poached eggs with huitlacoche sauce (trust me). 

The vibe is elegant but not stuffy, with soft indie music humming in the background and pockets of greenery around the patio. Hot tip: Book ahead for dinner. Afterward, a walk through Plaza Río de Janeiro is a must – it’s just steps away. The first time I sank into the bread basket here, I started planning my next visit before I’d finished the main course.

3. Pujol

• 📍 Location: Polanco
• 💲 Price range: $250 – $400+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Mexican Haute Cuisine
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Enrique Olvera’s flagship, stunning minimalist design, Omakase Taco Bar.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate culinary splurges, serious food connoisseurs, celebrating major milestones, experiencing modern Mexican gastronomy, and bucket list dining.

Prepare for culinary transcendence at Pujol, Enrique Olvera’s world-famous temple to modern Mexican cuisine in Polanco. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a pilgrimage for global food lovers, redefining Mexican ingredients with breathtaking artistry and depth.

The multi-course tasting menus are legendary. The complex, ever-evolving Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo (a mole aged for thousands of days!) is a signature. The Taco Omakase experience, or delicate seasonal seafood preparations, also showcase groundbreaking flavors.

4. Licorería Limantour

Let’s be real – this isn’t just one of the best bars in Mexico City. It ranks in lists of top cocktail bars in the whole world. Licorería Limantour is polished but fun, with neon signs, mirrored ceilings, and a playlist that matches the energetic crowd. They’re known for experimental cocktails. 

Don’t even think about leaving without trying the Margarita Al Pastor, which somehow captures the flavors of the iconic taco in drink form (yes, seriously). The Spritz Limantour is photogenic and packs a punch. It can get packed, especially after 8pm, but there’s great people-watching up at the bar. Grab tacos at El Califa around the corner if you need a snack. The first time I tried their gin-based drinks, I realized how next-level a cocktail can be – no exaggeration.

5. El Mesón de los 3 Magos

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $45 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Themed Restaurant / International Comfort Food & Drinks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Immersive wizarding/fantasy theme decor, themed cocktails/potions, costumed staff sometimes, fun photo ops.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Harry Potter/fantasy fans, themed dining lovers, fun group outings, families seeking magic, and novelty dining experiences.

Accio Fun! Step through the doors of El Mesón de los 3 Magos in Roma Norte and enter a world brimming with wizarding charm. Decked out like a magical tavern or castle hall, this spot offers an immersive escape for fantasy lovers.

While the food is straightforward international comfort fare like burgers or pasta, the real magic lies in the atmosphere and drinks. Sip on colourful, smoking Potions (cocktails and mocktails like a “Felix Felicis”), or try themed dishes like “Dragon’s Breath Chili.”

6. Cicatriz

Cicatriz isn’t the kind of place you stumble into by accident – it’s a destination. Set in a glass-wrapped, light-filled corner of Juárez, it draws a creative crowd with its artsy, industrial-chic look. Expect natural wines, strong cold brew, and unexpectedly stellar salads (the roast chicken salad is a sleeper hit). 

For brunch, the sourdough toast with labneh and seasonal stuff on top is addictive. The vibe? Chill but buzzy, like a Brooklyn coffee shop met a European wine bar. You’ll see laptops out by day, date nights in the evening. Bring a book and linger on the bench seating. I love coming here for people-watching and then strolling to the nearby Parque Pushkin to decompress.

7. Mesón del Cid

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $35 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Spanish (Castilian)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic Spanish medieval castle theme, famous for roast Cochinillo (suckling pig), live Tuna musical groups (traditional Spanish folk music), Paella Sundays.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Spanish cuisine purists, fans of medieval themes, group celebrations/feasts, live traditional music lovers, and trying authentic suckling pig.

Hear ye, hear ye! Journey back to medieval Spain at Mesón del Cid, a Roma Norte institution famed for its Castilian feasts and historic castle ambiance. This place is all about traditional Spanish grandeur, complete with armour, flags, and live Tuna music.

The star is the magnificent Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig), roasted to crispy-skinned perfection. Authentic Paella Valenciana (especially on Sundays), or hearty Fabada Asturiana (bean and sausage stew), are also highlights.

8. Comedor Jacinta

Head to Polanco to find Comedor Jacinta, where Chef Edgar Núñez reimagines grandma’s recipes with a modern touch. It’s streamlined, stylish, but totally unfussy – wood paneling, leather chairs, just enough greenery. Their mole de olla is a warming hug of a soup, and the chicken in pipián verde is straight-up unforgettable. 

For a quirky treat, try the upside-down mango tart for dessert. People come here for business lunch and linger when the conversation gets good. Walk down Mazaryk Avenue for designer shopping or hit Soumaya Museum, just a few blocks away. I always come here for the homestyle comfort food, but leave craving the inventive desserts.

9. Salem Witch Store & Coffee

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $6 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffee Shop / Light Snacks & Pastries
• 🔥 Standout Features: Occult/witchcraft themed store + coffee shop combo, unique magical merchandise, specialty coffee blends, cozy/dark academic vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Witchcraft/occult enthusiasts, alternative culture seekers, unique coffee shop experiences, browsing magical supplies, and finding spooky souvenirs.

Embrace your inner witch at Salem Witch Store & Coffee in Roma Norte. More than just a cafe, it’s a haven for the magically inclined, blending a curated occult shop with a cozy coffee corner. Browse shelves packed with crystals, tarot decks, and herbs.

Grab an expertly brewed specialty coffee blend, named after a magical concept, like the “Black Phillip Latte.” A comforting tea alongside a sweet pastry or a vegan cookie are also good choices. The atmosphere is dark academic/modern witch aesthetic.

10. niddo

At niddo, breakfast is an all-day celebration. Tucked in Cuauhtémoc, this cozy spot feels like a hug: sunny tiles, vintage posters, and plates big enough to share. Their challah French toast is arguably the best in Mexico City, and the eggs shakshuka has just the right kick. 

There’s a tiny patio out front for lazy people-watching on weekday mornings. Don’t skip the bakery counter inside for fresh pastries. The American Embassy and Reforma avenue are both within two blocks, but the real treat is snagging a window seat and watching the city stroll by. Every time I catch the smell of their fresh bread, I end up wanting to buy a loaf… or three.

11. Churrería El Moro

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (Iconic original in Historic Center)
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $10 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Churros & Hot Chocolate
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary CDMX institution (since 1935!), fresh hot churros made constantly, different styles of rich dipping chocolate, iconic blue/white tile decor, open 24/7 (some locations).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Churro lovers, chocolate fanatics, late-night snack attacks, experiencing a CDMX classic, and budget-friendly sweet treats.

No trip to Mexico City is complete without Churrería El Moro! This iconic institution has been serving heavenly, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside churros since 1935. Forget fancy desserts; this is pure, simple, sugary perfection!

Order a plate of fresh, hot churros dusted with sugar. Choose your dipping chocolate – the thick Chocolate Español is classic. The lighter Mexicano (with cinnamon) or a creamy cajeta (caramel) are also delicious. A Consuelo (churro ice cream sandwich) is also a treat.

12. Meroma

If you’re looking for a date night that impresses, head to Meroma. This modern spot fuses ultra-local ingredients with European technique, all inside a two-level Roma townhouse packed with jungle plants and geometric tiles. They serve a rotating menu, but the lamb barbacoa ravioli and the fresh oyster starters are things of beauty. 

If you need vegetarian options, this is your place. Candlelit tables and a swoon-worthy spiral staircase set the mood, while the patio is shaded and lush. After dinner, wander down Colima street to poke into art galleries and boutiques. The first time I had dessert here, I nearly licked the plate. No shame.

13. Down The Rabbit Hole

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Creative Bar Food / Brunch / Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, imaginative cocktails (“Drink Me”), eclectic decor, hosts events/DJs, lively bar atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Themed bar enthusiasts, creative cocktail seekers, fun nights out with friends, Instagrammable spots, and fans of Lewis Carroll’s world.

Tumble into a world of whimsy at Down The Rabbit Hole! This Roma Norte bar brings the magic and madness of Alice in Wonderland to life with its eclectic decor, imaginative drinks, and playful atmosphere. It’s always tea time (or cocktail time) here!

Sip on fantastical concoctions from their cocktail menu. A Mad Hatter creation with gin and unusual botanicals is a good choice. Something labelled Drink Me (a colorful layered shot) or their popular brunch items like Queen of Hearts French Toast are also fun.

14. Rosetta

For real-deal Italian in the heart of Mexico City, Rosetta feels old-school and totally chic, wrapped in vintage lighting and climbing ivy. The focaccia starter is a must-order (ask for more olive oil) and the squid ink pasta is packed with flavor. 

Walk past the open kitchen and peek at the pastry counter – you’ll want to grab some to go. The scene is lively but not rowdy, with jazz music popping up in the background and couples sharing carafes of wine. Rosetta sits right on Colima, near leafy Plaza Río de Janeiro. If you want to treat yourself, grab a table outside for prime people-watching. I never leave here without a pastry box in hand.

15. El Turix

• 📍 Location: Polanco
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $10 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Yucatecan Street Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hole-in-the-wall legendary taqueria, Cochinita Pibil, super authentic/simple, standing room only, incredibly flavorful.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cochinita Pibil fanatics, authentic taqueria hunters, quick/delicious cheap eats, experiencing local Polanco flavor, and street food adventurers.

Forget fancy tables, grab a napkin! El Turix in Polanco is a legendary, no-frills taqueria singularly devoted to the Yucatecan masterpiece: Cochinita Pibil. This tiny, perpetually busy spot serves slow-roasted, achiote-marinated pork that’s mind-blowingly tender.

Order it piled onto tacos or stuffed into panuchos (refried bean-stuffed tortillas), topped with pickled red onions. That’s basically the menu, and it’s all you need. Devour your tacos standing up alongside locals and in-the-know foodies.

16. Panadería Rosetta

This place is a local legend – especially for breakfast. Panadería Rosetta puts most bakeries to shame with their guava rolls, croissants, and those gooey cardamom buns. Tiny tables spill out onto the sidewalk, perfect for lazy mornings and reading. 

The vibe is low-key, set against white tiles and rustic wooden shelves stacked with bread. The coffee’s seriously good (try the flat white) and the almond croissant sells out early. That scent of fresh bread should be bottled up! You’re steps from Roma’s colorful murals and Bellas Artes is a 15-minute stroll away. My first bite of guava pastry here was pure magic. Get two – trust me.

17. Páramo

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $45 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Mexican Cantina
• 🔥 Standout Features: Trendy cantina atmosphere, creative/upscale tacos, great mezcal/cocktail selection, lively vibe, popular late-night spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Trendy taco lovers, mezcal enthusiasts, stylish group dinners/dates, upscale cantina experiences, and late-night Roma Norte hangs.

Experience the buzzing energy of a modern Mexico City cantina at Páramo. Perched above another eatery in hip Roma Norte, this spot elevates traditional Mexican street food and cantina fare with creative twists and quality ingredients. Cool crowds convene here.

Expect inventive taco creations. Their soft-shell crab tacos are a standout. Duck carnitas tacos or flavorful short rib tacos are also excellent for sharing. The bar shines too, offering a great selection of Mezcal and well-crafted cocktails.

18. Lalo!

Lalo! is everyone’s favorite no-fuss, all-flavor breakfast joint, and there’s a good reason why. Think long communal tables, oversized murals of cats, and a playlist straight out of your best friend’s party. If you like your eggs with a side of fun, this is your spot. 

The French toast with berries and cream wins Instagram every time, but don’t miss their chorizo and potato pizza – sounds weird, but it works. Coffee is strong, service is smiley. Lalo sits right near Plaza Villa de Madrid, where you can wander after fueling up. I lost count of how many locals recommended this place – now I’m one of them.

19. Mercado Roma

• 📍 Location: Roma Norte
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $30+ per person (Varies by vendor)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: (Diverse stalls – Mexican, International, Sweets, Drinks)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-level gourmet food market, diverse high-quality vendors, communal seating, trendy Roma Norte hotspot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies wanting variety, casual group lunches/dinners, trying different cuisines, rooftop drinks lovers, and exploring gourmet market culture.

Can’t decide what to eat? Head to Mercado Roma! This multi-level gourmet food hall in Roma Norte brings together a curated selection of high-quality food stalls. It’s a vibrant culinary playground where you can sample the best of CDMX and beyond.

Graze your way through diverse offerings. Grab artisanal tacos al pastor from one vendor. Fresh oysters from another, or gourmet Mexican chocolates from Que Bo! are also great. Craft beer at the rooftop garden is a perfect pairing.

20. Taquería Orinoco

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (Popular spots in Roma Norte, Condesa)
• 💲 Price range: $6 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Northern Mexico Style Tacos
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cult-favorite taqueria, iconic red/white design, specializes in Trompo (Al Pastor), Chicharrón, Res tacos, distinctive salsas, open late.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night taco cravings, Al Pastor purists, fans of Northern style tacos, casual/quick delicious eats, and experiencing a CDMX taco phenomenon.

Join the late-night queues for CDMX’s most hyped tacos at Taquería Orinoco. Instantly recognizable by its bold red-and-white branding, this taqueria chain specializes in Northern Mexican-style tacos that have gained a massive following. Get ready for pure taco bliss!

Their claim to fame is the succulent trompo (similar to Al Pastor), shaved right off the vertical spit. Also essential are the crispy chicharrón (fried pork belly) tacos and the flavourful res (beef) tacos. Don’t forget their distinctive salsas.

21. La Gruta

• 📍 Location: San Juan Teotihuacán
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Mexican / Pre-Hispanic / Experiential
• 🔥 Standout Features: Natural cave setting, located near pyramids, folkloric dancers, candlelit.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pyramid visitors, bucket-list diners, and dramatic photo ops.

This isn’t just dinner; it’s a journey to the center of the earth. You walk down stone stairs into a massive, jaw-dropping underground cave. La Gruta is lit by hundreds of candles, and the air is cool, smelling of damp earth and cooking smoke. The scale is immense, with colorful chairs dotting the cavern floor under the massive stone ceiling.

The food is as theatrical as the setting. You’re here for a true taste of pre-Hispanic Mexico. For the truly adventurous, trying the escamoles (ant egg “caviar”) is an absolute must. For something more familiar but just as delicious, the slow-cooked barbacoa de carnero or the classic sopa de tortilla are fantastic choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Mexico City

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Mexico City? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Mexico City’s unique restaurants.

What food is famous in Mexico City?

Mexico City is renowned for its street food, especially tacos. You’ll find tacos everywhere, filled with a variety of meats, including al pastor (marinated pork), carne asada (grilled beef), and even exotic fillings like chapulines (grasshoppers). Another famous dish is chilaquiles – tortilla chips mixed with green or red salsa, often topped with chicken, cream, and cheese. It’s a breakfast favorite but great any time of day.

Is it expensive to eat in Mexico City?

The great thing about Mexico City is its range of dining options to suit all budgets. Street food and local markets offer delicious meals for just a few pesos. Mid-range restaurants are also affordable. However, if you’re looking for fine dining in CDMX, especially in upscale areas like Polanco, prices can be on par with high-end restaurants in the US or Europe. My tip: mix it up! Try some street food for a cheap, authentic experience and splurge once or twice at fancier spots.

Does Mexico City have street food?

Absolutely! Street food is a huge part of the city’s food culture. You’ll find street food vendors on almost every corner. Tacos, tamales, quesadillas, and elotes (grilled corn) are just a few of the staples. Don’t miss trying the tamales and atole for a traditional breakfast. Street food in Mexico City is not only delicious but also an integral part of the city’s charm.

What do most people eat for breakfast in Mexico City?

In Mexico City, breakfast often includes dishes like chilaquiles, tamales, or molletes (open-faced sandwiches with beans, cheese, and salsa). Many locals also enjoy a quick, light breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, or pan dulce (sweet bread) with coffee. On weekends, it’s common to have a more substantial breakfast, such as huevos rancheros or barbacoa (slow-cooked meat).

What are 5 popular foods in Mexico?

Here are five of Mexico’s most popular foods:

1. Tacos: The ultimate Mexican street food, available in countless varieties.
2. Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, or sweets, wrapped in corn husks.
3. Enchiladas: Rolled tortillas filled with meat or cheese, covered in chili sauce.
4. Pozole: A hearty soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and garnished with lettuce, radish, onion, lime, and chili.
5. Guacamole: A dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and chili peppers, often served with tortilla chips.

Unique Restaurants in Mexico City: Recap

Exploring Mexico City’s unique restaurants is an absolute blast! Each place is a new discovery, a chance to taste something extraordinary and embrace the Mexican charm. From the enchanting Doncella Cafe to the spicy delights of El Turix, every meal is an adventure.

If you ask me for my top pick, it’s got to be Pujol. Dining there isn’t just eating. It’s a celebration of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. And for a late-night taco treat, Taqueria Orinoco is unbeatable. Those tacos are legendary!

What’s awesome about eating in Mexico City is how it fits every budget. You’ve got delicious street food that’s easy on the wallet and fancy spots for those special nights out. And the street food scene? It’s a world of flavor waiting to be explored, surrounded by the backdrop of Mexico City’s beautiful places.

In a nutshell, fly to Mexico City where its unique restaurants are a food lover’s dream. They’re fun, they’re flavorful, and they’re full of surprises. So, get ready to eat your way through the city and fall in love with every bite. Mexico City is waiting to wow you with its culinary wonders!