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Mexico City is one of the most exciting cities in the world when it comes to food. From street tacos to fine dining, you’ll find everything here. During my week in the city, I ate at so many incredible places, and still didn’t get to try everything I wanted. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Mexico City restaurants for lunch and dinner. These are all spots I personally visited and can highly recommend. Looking for great places for breakfast or coffee? Check out my posts on breakfast spots and my tips for bakeries and coffee.
Restaurante Rosetta
I kicked off my first day with lunch at Rosetta, a Michelin-starred restaurant recently ranked number 46 on the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants.
Reservations are a good idea, as this place is just as popular as their bakery, Panadería Rosetta. Chef Elena Reygadas combines local Mexican ingredients with Mediterranean (mainly Italian) techniques and flavors. So don’t be surprised to see tacos and pasta on the menu, along with freshly baked sourdough served with Chicatana ant butter which is a regional delicacy.
Dishes are made for sharing, but the friendly staff let me know that many options are also available in half portions, which is great if you want to try a bit more. Don’t skip dessert, especially the one with hoja santa, a peppery Mexican herb.
Address: Colima 166, Roma Norte, Mexico City
Campobaja
If you’re in the mood for amazing seafood in Mexico City, Campobaja is the place to go. The restaurant is a bit hidden on the first floor above a busy street, with a cool industrial vibe and both indoor and outdoor seating.
This is the kind of place where you order a few dishes, take your time, and just enjoy. I ended up having three tostadas with different types of fish: tuna, octopus, and shrimp. The raw shrimp tostada (one of their specialties) was super unique, and the octopus was my personal favorite.
Address: Colima 124-E, Roma Norte, Mexico City
Contramar
Seafood restaurant Contramar (Bib Gourmand) is somewhat of an institution when it comes to Mexico City restaurants, and I couldn’t leave without trying it. So I went for lunch on my very last day.
The QR code menu felt a bit basic, but that’s the only downside. The food and especially the service were fantastic. The staff, mostly men in white aprons and black vests, move smoothly between the many white tablecloth-covered tables.
Even though I wasn’t super hungry (thanks to a late breakfast at Lardo), my waiter kept convincing me to try just one more thing. The portions are flexible, so you can sample several dishes. Four oysters? Sure. No dessert? How about just one fish taco pastor? Why not!
I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but the tuna tostada was a clear standout.
I spoke to several people who now consider Campobaja the seafood spot in the city, and I get it. It’s trendier and more innovative. But honestly, why choose? If you have the time and love seafood, go to both and decide for yourself.
Address: Durango 200, Roma Norte, Mexico City
Masala y Maíz
A Michelin star, a Netflix Chef’s Table episode, and only open for lunch? Good luck getting a table at Masala y Maiz! I managed to snag a late lunch spot on a weekday, and I took it.
The food here blends global influences that somehow come together perfectly. A bit messy to eat at times (you’ll be using your hands), but the flavors are incredible. The prawns were especially unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a quiet lunch, this isn’t your spot. The acoustics are rough and the music is sometimes loud. But if you’re up for bold flavors, creative dishes, and don’t mind getting a little messy, don’t miss it.
Address: C. Artículo 123 116, Historic City Centre, Mexico City
Comal Oculto
A bit off the tourist trail, Comal Oculto is a favorite among locals and chefs. Here, you’ll find authentic regional dishes with a modern twist, all cooked on a traditional comal (Mexican griddle). It’s also a Bib Gourmand spot.
The restaurant is small and narrow, with a modern feel and long tables where everyone sits together.
I went for dinner and enjoyed my enmoladas with mole sauce. But if you go, I’d actually recommend lunch. The most popular dishes (like the Gordita Especial, flautas ahogadas/divorciadas, and enfrijoladas) are only on the lunch menu.
Address: Calle Gob.Protasio Tagle 66A, San Miguel Chapultepec, Mexico City
Taverna
For a romantic, candlelit dinner in a gorgeous setting, head to Taverna. In terms of decor, this was one of my favorite places to eat in Mexico City.
Set inside a beautifully restored 1905 hacienda, this restaurant has multiple dining rooms with a rustic yet chic vibe. The space is full of natural textures and the background music sets just the right mood.
The menu features interesting dishes with Mediterranean influences. The crispy mussels were amazing, and the grilled octopus tasted just as good as it looked. Everything came out fairly quickly, which is great if you’re hungry, but a bit less ideal if you’re trying to linger. Still, great atmosphere, great food, highly recommend.
Address: Calle Gral. Prim 34, Juárez, Mexico City
Fugaz
Fugaz is a tiny, popular restaurant in Roma Norte, open only Thursday through Sunday. It’s located on a busy street corner which is not where you’d expect to find a little gem like this. With the windows open, I worried traffic noise would take over, but with the nice music inside this wasn’t an issue at all.
The menu is refreshingly simple. Just a few dishes (three starters, three cold plates, four hot plates), and changes weekly. Everything was fresh, light, and tasty. Nothing overly surprising, but perfect for a quick, affordable lunch. Want to make a reservation? Use the link on their Instagram account.
Address: C. Orizaba 3-3 B, Roma Norte, Mexico City
Maizajo
At Maizajo, you can choose between two experiences: the formal restaurant (bookings accepted), or the taqueria (walk-ins only) where you stand at a pink-tiled bar and enjoy some of the best tacos I had all week. I went for the taqueria.
I really loved the casual, communal feel. You watch your food being prepared right in front of you and end up chatting with the people next to you. If only to ask what they just ordered so you can try the same. The quesabirria taco (not on the menu, but recommended by the staff) was my favourite: greasy, messy, and full of flavour.
It’s a popular place. I got a spot right away, but by the time I left (on a Monday afternoon), a line had formed outside.
Address: Fernando Montes de Oca 113, Condesa, Mexico City
Street Food at Night Food Tour
To taste some of the best food in Mexico City, you don’t just need to go to cool restaurants, you also need to hit the streets. I joined the “Street Food at Night” tour by Eat Like a Local and tried some of the most delicious dishes I’d had all week.
They take you to neighborhoods like San Rafael and Santa Maria, giving you a glimpse of parts of the city you might not visit otherwise. And the food is phenomenal. A really fun and tasty experience.
Planning a trip to Mexico City soon? I hope you’ll find something you love among my favorite Mexico City restaurants. Let me know if you have any tips or if you try one of these places!
Looking for more Mexico City travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Mexico City guide.
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