Mexico City, with its immense diversity and rich culinary heritage, is distinguished not only for its everyday food that you can find in local or street stalls, but also for its emblematic restaurants. Among them, some have endured over the years as true symbols of the city, offering a fusion of history, tradition and gastronomic excellence. Below, we highlight some of the must visits that you should know or recognize on your next visit.
Located in an old colonial mansion, Hacienda Los Morales has been one of the pillars of traditional Mexican cuisine since 1967. Famous for its elegant ambiance and extensive menu that celebrates national flavors, it is the ideal place to try a good mole poblano, grilled meats or a cochinita pibil. Its architecture and hacienda atmosphere transport diners back in time, making it an essential visit to learn about Mexico’s culinary history.
Once the School of Architecture, Design and Art History of the Universidad Iberoamericana, this restaurant is famous for its Rib Eye Tacos architecture and lush garden. San Ángel Inn, inaugurated in 1963, is renowned for its Mexican cuisine and its charming ambiance, which honors the elegance of its history. Its emblematic dishes such as chile en nogada and barbacoa are ideal for immersing yourself in Mexican tradition, while enjoying a unique atmosphere in one of the oldest areas of the city.
Located in the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, Les
Moustaches is a French cuisine restaurant that
has conquered generations of diners for its refined
ambiance and exquisite gastronomic offerings.
Founded in 1974, its menu includes French classics
such as escargots, coq au vin and tarte tatin, in
a cozy atmosphere that makes diners feel like in
a Parisian bistro. It is the perfect place for those
seeking a European dining experience in the heart
of Mexico City.
This restaurant, one of the most famous in the
capital, stands out for its authentic Mexican
food, especially its chilaquiles and tamales for
breakfast. Since its opening in 1969, El Cardenal
has been a popular place to enjoy quality food,
with a menu that celebrates the traditional
flavors of Mexico. Its simplicity and the quality
of its dishes have made it a favorite of locals and
tourists alike.
Famous for being a pioneer in the introduction
of Chinese cuisine in Mexico, Hunan is a
reference for lovers of oriental gastronomy.
Opened in 1993, this restaurant has managed
to combine the tradition of Chinese cuisine
with local flavors and ingredients. Its dishes,
such as smoked duck slices, sautéed with rice
wine, ginger and chives, or its beef dumplings,
are an excellent example of how international
flavors can be adapted to Mexican tastes..
In the south of the city, Hacienda de
Tlalpan offers a traditional atmosphere
with a focus on high quality Mexican
cuisine. Its cuisine, based on ancestral
recipes from various regions of Mexico,
is famous for its meats and sauces. This
restaurant, with more than 50 years of
history, has a rustic and cozy air that makes
it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with family
or friends, in an environment full of history.
One of the most emblematic
restaurants in the city, La Ópera is
known as much for its gastronomic
offerings as for its history and
impressive architecture. Located
in the Historic Center, its décor
has witnessed crucial moments in
Mexico’s history, such as the Mexican
Revolution - ask for Pancho Villa’s
bullet - and its menu, with typical
Mexican dishes and international
options, is complemented by its
classic and elegant ambiance. Order
their Gin tonic and beef tartar.
Specializing in Japanese cuisine,
Suntory is a restaurant that has
left an important mark on Mexican
gastronomy, introducing sushi and
other Japanese dishes to the local
palate since 1970. With its high
quality ingredients and sophisticated
ambiance, Suntory is the perfect
place for those who wish to enjoy an
authentic Japanese experience in
the city.
This restaurant opened its doors in 1936 and is one of the great references of European cuisine in Mexico City. Danubio offers a menu based on traditional European dishes, with specialties such as onion soup, Wellington steak and pavlova. Its sophisticated style and impeccable service have made Danubio a reference point for lovers of European haute cuisine.
Recognized as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, Nicos specializes in the reinterpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine. Founded by María Elena Lugo and her husband in 1957, her son, Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo, focused on the excellence of ingredients and innovation in Mexican cuisine. With a menu that includes dishes such as shrimp tacos and bean soup, Nicos has managed to put Mexican cuisine at the center of the international culinary scene. Not to be missed are their Chiles en Nogada.
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