You still can’t leave Mexico City without eating your body weight of tacos al pastor and crispy chicharrón. But CDMX is increasingly recognized for its innovative fine-dining.
Just across the street from Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s Museo Casa Estudio, begin your dining journey at San Ángel Inn, a former convent that has been a Mexico City institution since the early 1960s.
You’ll find mid-century classics like Lobster Thermidor and Shrimp Rockefeller still on the menu here, along with live music and a line out the door.
Grab a spot on the bougainvillea-laden patio and don’t skip the margaritas, chicken mole poblano, and escamoles (Mexican caviar, also known as ant larvae) with guac.
All roads inevitably lead to Roma, where trendy chilangos alternate in some of the city’s best eateries.
By lunchtime, the loyal diners swear by Contramar, whose seafood menu of Ahi Tuna Tostadas, whole grilled snapper, and homemade tortillas is still popular after all these years.
Nearby, Eduardo “Lalo” Garcia’s Máximo Bistrot’s life-affirming mole verde, handmade pastas, and seasonal tasting menu along with a solid local wine list are all served in an airy and Insta-famous setting.
For dinner, Chef Lucho Martinez’s recently opened Em is a gourmet fusion that combines the best of Mexican and Japanese ingredients with an out-of-this-world omakase menu.
After dinner, head straight upstairs to 686 Bar for some of the best cocktails in town and high-quality bar snacks.
At the newly opened Colonia, a cozy meadery from Juárez, it’s always mead. It offers 13 varieties on tap, along with raised bars to wash it all down.
Meanwhile, NIV in Condesa is the best place to enjoy some of Mexico’s best locally produced wines in a sexy speakeasy.
Before you leave, wrap it all up with a stroll through Chapultepec Park before stopping at Comal Oculto for homemade flautas, chicharrón gorditas, and crispy corn tortillas you’ll be dreaming about until your next visit.
