CULTURE | Mexico City: Where DF to eat and drink!

To fully experience Mexico City you must eat and drink like a local. The dining scene in DF is second to none; hands down some of the best if not best food in the world.   Produce is fresh, flavors are intense, service is impeccable, and for some of you design buffs, Mexicans go all out on design. If you know us, you know we live for food. To choose a favorite Mexican meal is like choosing between children. Here is a list of our favorites by area and in some cases by speciality. Make sure you bring an appetite, and don’t forget to tip! Waiters are known to chase you down the street if you don’t!

RESTAURANTS

Best for Breakfast

CASA DE LOS AZULEJOS – The original Mexican department store Sanborn’s first location, it’s a converted 18th century palace covered in typical Mexican tiles Azulejos. serving classic great breakfast. Any egg dish and the churros is a dreamy start to any day. Start here prior to any sightseeing or cultural visits in the Centro
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150800-d801570-Reviews-Sanborns_de_los_Azulejos-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html
Francisco I. Madero 4, Colonia Centro –
+52 55 5512 1331

CONDESA DF – Best for breakfast (and open early) the airy patio offers a fresh varied buffet and continental dishes.
 http://www.condesadf.com
Veracruz 102, Colonia Condesa
+52 55 5241 2600

“Tacos for Breakfast”
EL GRAN GUS – A special kind of Taco only served till 3 PM, the “Taco de Guisado” is the ideal cure for any hangover.
 http://www.grangus.com
 Ometusco 56, Colonia Condesa
+52 55 5271 6090

Lunch and Dinner –

COLONIA ROMA

CONTRAMAR – A Mexico City modern-day staple, this is a place to go more than once, only lunch is served. Reservations recommended, waiting outside with a tequila is also an option. This is Ashton’s most favorite place to eat in the city. Make sure you order the Tostadas de Atun. Leave room for dessert and a carajillo
http://www.contramar.com.mx
Durango 200, Colonia Roma
 +52 55 5514 3169

MAXIMO BISTRO – The most popular restaurant of the moment, serving fresh delicious market fare. Reservations are mandatory (more than two days in advance) for lunch or dinner.
http://maximobistrot.com.mx 
Calle Tonalá 133, Colonia Roma Norte –
+52 55 5264 4291

ROSETTA – Italian fare in a classic colonial house re-invited into a chic breakfast, lunch, or dinner establishment. Trendy. Make sure you order dessert.  They also have a bakery attached for fresh goods.
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ROSETTA/312027142012                  
Colima 166, Colonia Roma Norte
+52 55  5533 7804

BELMONDO – A local’s spot ideal for a casual easy lunch in the Colonia Roma if you’re feeling the need for a big salad or sandwich. Their Ruben is to die for… This is a good option for brunch on a weekend
Tabasco 109, Colonia Roma Norte
+52 55 6273 2079

MAISON ARTEMISIA – With 30 seats in a house from the Portfiriato era serving seasonal fare using French techniques. ** Closed Sunday and Monday
 http://www.maisonartemisia.com                   
 Tonala 23, Colonia Roma Norte
+52 55  9627 6609

COLONIA CONDESA

AZUL CONDESA – Chef Ricardo Munoz is a leader in understanding Mexican gastronomy. For great seasonal Mexican dishes in a chic well-located setting
 http://www.azulcondesa.com           
Nuevo León 68, Colonia Hipódromo Condesa
+52 55 5510 1316

MEROTORO –
A meat and fish based restaurant with a stellar wine list and fresh ingrideinets. http://www.merotoro.mx
Amsterdam 204, Colonia Condesa
+52 55 5564 7799

EL CALIFA -The most famous tacos in the Condesa, open till 4 AM. A must visit. Try the Gaona and frijoles de la olla.
http://www.elcalifa.com.mx
Altata 22, Colonia Hipódromo Condesa
+52 55 5276 2498

EL TIZONCITO – Ashton grew up on their Tacos al Pastor.  I dare you to eat only… 4? Everyone has an opinion on where the best Taqueria is – this is our pick! http://www.eltizoncito.com.mx
Campeche 362, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa
+52 55 5211 5139                  

POLANCO

PUJOL The Number 1 restaurant in Mexico, number 17 in Latin America and number 49 in the world. Chef Enrique Olvera doesn’t re- invent the wheel, he refines it. We recommend booking before your trip to Mexico, and let us know if and when you’re going; we may even join you! http://www.pujol.com.mx
Francisco Petrarca 254, Colonia Polanco
+52 55 5545 3507

DULCE PATRIA – Directed by talented Chef Martha Ortiz , this a high energy venue that has redefined the Mexican dining experience. The menu is comprised of traditional plates reinterpreted in a modern context; set in a lively, stylish and urban environment. The restaurant boasts two terraces that give the inside of the restaurant a serene spacious and outdoor feel. Make sure you order Margaritas
http://www.dulcepatriamexico.com
Anatole France 100, Colonia Polanco,
+52 55 3300 3999

ANATOL – This is a seasonal, consciously sourced ingredient driven restaurant. The menu consists of composed small plates, presented in a social and casual environment. Renowned Chef Justin Ermini has assembled a menu gives our guests a laid back, food driven dining experience. Great dishes with a touch of Italian influence are served in contemporary and fresh environment.
 www.anatolkitchen.com
Presidente Masaryk 390, Colonia Polanco
+52 55 3300 3950

BROSS -You could be sitting at a gentleman’s club in London… Try the Oyster shots and the perfect roast beef.
http://bross.mx
Lope de Vega 226, Polanco
+52 55  5250 1325

JALEO– Tapas bar created by Chef Pedro Marin. Try the sauteed Jamon Iberico. http://www.jaleo.mx
Emilio Castelar 121, Polanco
+52 55  5281 8970

JASO – A young superstar Chef leads the kitchen of this respected and trendy newcomer. A solid favorite in Polanco.
 http://www.jaso.com.mx
Newton 88, Polanco
+52 55 5545 7476

EL JAPONEZ- You can’t leave Mexico without trying MexiJap. Not for the purists, but Mexican sushi is awesome! Tableside tepanaki , marinated sashimi and vertical gardens.
http://www.eljaponez.com.mx/
Emilio Castelar 135  Polanco
+52 55 4434 4053

CENTRO

EL CARDENAL – Opened over 100 years ago this white-table cloth classic is the heart of Mexican Gastronomy in the Centro. Perfect for lunch after sightseeing. Also recommended for breakfast. Their sweet bread and hot chocolate are unrivaled.
http://www.restauranteelcardenal.com
Palma 23, Centro
+52 55 5521 8817

AZUL HISTORICO – The downtown version of the Condesa restaurant, located on a terrace in the middle of a luxury shopping development in the Centro neighborhood. Also the home to the Downtown Hotel, a must visit on a trip to the Centro.
http://azulhistorico.com
Isabel la Católica  30, Centro Historico
+52 55 5510 1316

SANTA FE

CENTRAL/CENTRAL- Amazing setting, great terrace and design.  Best to come and order a few things for the table while enjoying a glass of wine. Make sure you order crab legs.
http://www.centralcentral.com.mx/cc/index.htm
Park Plaza Av. Javier Barros Sierra 540 Santa Fe
+52 55 5292-3106 

Drinks

Home of Tequila, Mescal, Pulquerias and a growing cocktail scene below are suggestions for where to drink and be drunken.

Daytime drinking

LA CASA DE LAS SIRENAS –  On a beautiful terrace, overlooking the Zocalo, this is the place to take it all in, and rest your feet while sipping a well served tequila or mezcal and having some guacamole.
http://www.lacasadelassirenas.com.mx
República de Guatemala 32, Centro –
+52 55  5704 3345

SAN ANGEL INN – Old school establishment still considered a benchmark for Mexican cuisine, probably the best Margarita in Mexico City. Also featuring a mariachi band on the weekends. A fantastic option for a cheeky sharpener if you’re going to Frida Kahlo’s house and/or the Bazar del Sabado
 http://www.sanangelinn.com
Diego Rivera 50, San Angel Inn –
+52 55 56161402

Cocktails Before or After Dinner

MAISON ARTEMISIA – The most complete cocktail bar in the city, with imported Absinthes in an intimate setting.
 http://www.maisonartemisia.com
Tonala 23, Colonia Roma Norte
+52 55 9627 6609

LIMANTOUR
A cocktail focused menu on a prime location on Alvaro Obregon, the main street of the Roma neighborhood.
 http://limantour.tv
Álvaro Obregón 106 Colonia Roma Norte
+52 55 5264 4122

ZINCO– A jazz bar located in the basement in the old Banco de Mexico. A fantastic “different kind of experience” for any given night in Mexico. Make sure to check the schedule on the website www.zincojazz.com
 Motolinia 20, Colonia Centro
+52 55 5512 3369

The Kitsch and Special
** Please ensure you’re extra careful here. Don’t be flashy, don’t be vulgar and keep your eyes open

SALON TENAMPA – One would expect this classic Mariachi bar to be filled with tourists but it has maintained its optimism and true self. A special evening, its all an experience. Mariachi Heaven!
http://salontenampa.com
Plaza Garibaldi 12, Centro
+52 55 5526 6176

LA PERLA – A kitsch institution open since 1946 La Perla is a cabaret open to all. A special unique treat best experienced in a group. Just around the corner from Tenampa, so can be done on the same night. Cash only.
 República de Cuba 44, Centro Historico
+52 55 1997-7695

MARRAKECH SALON – Party bar attracts a fun young crowd, mixing drinkers, tourists, strippers, transvestites, and everyone else, “La Marra” as she is called by her nickname always provides something new. Everyone at Marrakech is there to have a blast, and if that means staying out til sunrise, so be it. It’s an energetic crowd, so rest up.
Republica de Cuba 18, Centro Historico
 www.mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/3210-marrakech-salon

LA OPERA – Old school bar in the Centro where there is still a bullet hole of Pancho Villa. Like drinking in a museum. Have respect and take it all in.
http://www.barlaopera.com 
5 de Mayo 10, Centro
+52 55  5512 8959

Nightclubs and Dancing

MAMA RUMBA – THE place to dance salsa for the last  20 years, Thursdays are the best night to spin swing and sweat to Cuban musica. Queretaro 230, Colonia Roma Mexico City 5564 6920

LEONOR – Mexico City’s version of Beatrice Inn, more casual and easily accessible.                                                      Nuevo León 163, Colonia Condesa
Mexico City
+52 55 5212 1018

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