One of the elements to take into account when visiting a city is gastronomy, so it is important to know in advance which are the best restaurants to live the best experiences and thus keep excellent memories of each trip.
Here we will introduce you to the best restaurants in the historic center of Mexico City.
1. Almsmen
If you want to taste a sample of traditional Mexican food, this is the place to come.
In a cozy atmosphere where you will feel at home, you will taste the delicious dishes prepared by chefs Marcos Fulcheri and Carlos Meléndez, who use traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques, giving them a contemporary touch.
The menu is varied and exquisite. In it you will find entries such as Tatemados Chiles or Oaxacan Croquettes; soups, such as Sopa de Tortilla; Main dishes such as Lobster with Tequesquite or Organic Chicken in mole de rosa.
Of course, the inevitable tacos could not be left out, of which there is a great variety. Among the desserts, Mexican artisan ice creams stand out. The selection of drinks is exceptional.
Eating here is expensive, however, according to the opinion of those who have come, the price-quality ratio is excellent.
Direction: Ignacio Allende Avenue # 3. Historic center of Mexico City
2. Cafe Tacuba
Founded in 1912, this restaurant should be part of your itinerary when you visit the Mexican capital.
With a traditional setting, on its walls you can see samples of Mexican art.
Their menu is full of original and authentic recipes. Among the restaurant's specialties you can taste: Chiles stuffed with cheese, Beef tongue vinaigrette, Cecina marinated from Oaxaca and Chalupas a la poblana.
In relation to starters, main dishes and desserts, the menu is quite varied, appreciating in it the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.
In the restaurant, it is made clear to diners that, due to the originality of each recipe and the fact that each dish is prepared at the moment, there is a waiting time of about 20–30 minutes. However, according to the opinions of those who have eaten there, the wait is worth it.
This establishment is expensive, but the atmosphere, the attention and the food that you will taste is worth it.
Direction: Tacuba Street # 28. Historic center of Mexico City
3. Historic Blue
This restaurant is an option for you, if you are adventurous, since many of its dishes are prepared with unusual ingredients. The restaurant specializes in typical Mexican food with a twist.
The atmosphere is very nice. The restaurant is located on an open-air terrace, where the tables are under a natural roof formed by the network of tree branches that grow in the pots there.
The chef, Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, is highly recognized in the gastronomic world at an international level. Their creations will make you want to return again and again to this restaurant, where the combination of flavors is exceptional.
Among its most recommended dishes are the Venison Salpicón, the Legendary Black Mole from Oaxaca, the Donuts stuffed with Roasted Duck, the Tikin Xic Fish and the Papanteco Green Pipián.
The dishes have a cost that ranges from 95 pesos ($ 4.77) to 330 pesos ($ 16.57).
Direction: Calle Isabel La Católica # 30. Historic center of Mexico City
4. Danube
This restaurant, with a great tradition in Mexico City, was founded in 1936 by some friends of Basque origin, who had in mind to establish a place that specialized in Basque food.
The atmosphere is quite traditional, hardly any changes have been made over the years. However, the real star of this venue is the food.
The restaurant specializes in fish and seafood. Among its dishes can be named Danube-style Oysters, Seafood Grill, Sea Bass Fillet Stuffed with Seafood, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, among others.
They all have in common the care and dedication with which they are prepared and that unmistakable flavor of exquisite Basque gastronomy. The selection of drinks is excellent.
The cost of the dishes covers a range that goes from 105 pesos ($ 5.27) to 625 pesos ($ 31.39).
Direction: Republic of Uruguay Street # 3. Historic center of Mexico City
5. The Sunflowers
If you want to experience traditional Mexican gastronomy in depth, you should not miss visiting this restaurant in the heart of the Mexican capital.
In a familiar and cozy atmosphere, added to the personalized and careful attention of the staff who work here, you will feel at home.
The restaurant focuses on traditional Mexican food, with minor modifications that add an avant-garde touch to the dishes.
Among its exquisite dishes, you can taste the Huazontole Huachinango Fish, the Marrow Casserole with Tequila, the Chicken in Green Pipián, Blue Quesadillas with Pumpkin Flower, Blueberry Salad, among others.
Desserts are also highly recommended, especially the Cheese Pie with Rose Petals, highly requested by diners. The selection of drinks is also excellent.
If you visit the restaurant on the weekend, you will enjoy live music such as trios or jarochos. In short, eating at Los Girasoles is a memorable experience.
The restaurant is a bit pricey. However, the quality of the service and the dishes are worth it.
Direction: Tacuba 7, Plaza Tolsá. Historic center of Mexico City
6. Testal
This is a restaurant that seeks to fuse the traditional of Mexican food with the modern. In the decoration of the enclosure you can see paintings that allude to the pre-Hispanic historical era, where traditional Mexican cuisine had its origin.
The cuisine of the Testal is based on the food of origin. Here what is sought is to prepare dishes in which the origin of their flavors is evident, using traditional ingredients and seasonings, combining them in such a way that the result is unmatched.
Among the most representative dishes of the restaurant are the Tuna Carnitas, the Tatemado Lamb, the Motuleñas Enchiladas, the Black Venado Dzik, the Pibil Cochinita, the Stuffed Cheese, among others.
If we talk about desserts, there is a Chocolate Cake wrapped in Mousse of Mamey that is exquisite.
You must visit it, if you want to know the traditional original flavors of Mexican gastronomy. We guarantee that you will not regret it.
The approximate price of a dinner is in a range that goes from 300 pesos ($ 15.18) to 600 pesos ($ 30.36).
Direction: Dolores # 16, corner with Independencia, Local C. Historic Center of Mexico City
7. The Cardinal
This restaurant dates from 1969 and is located in an old elegant house, in the heart of the historic center of Mexico City.
The type of cuisine that characterizes this restaurant is the popular Mexican. The ingredients it works with are as natural as possible.
The tortillas that are served are made through well-monitored processes, starting with the selection of the right corn.
Likewise, all dairy products come from milk milked directly on the ranch owned by the restaurant.
The bread that is consumed, both for breakfast and for lunch and dinner, is also made in the restaurant. Here everything is as authentic as possible.
The menu that it offers includes Escamoles al Apazote, Dry Corn Soup, Chile Relleno a la Oaxaqueña, Chicken Breast stuffed with Goat Cheese with Mole Coloradito, among others. Regarding desserts, you can taste Elotes Bread with Cream and Tres Leches Cake.
Depending on the season, it also offers you certain dishes such as:
- Between April and May: Tortas de Huautzontles
- Between August and October: Chiles en Nogada and Chinicuiles
- Between November and December: Cod and Pumpkin from Castilla
The restaurant is expensive, but the investment is worth it, as you will taste one of the most delicious cuisines in the Mexican capital.
Direction: Calle de la Palma # 23. Historic center of Mexico City
8. The House of the Sirens
The building that houses this restaurant dates back around 500 years, being one of the oldest in Mexico City. It has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the National Palace and the Cathedral.
The type of cuisine served is traditional and contemporary, mixing flavors, colors and aromas to provide you with dreamy dishes.
Among the most outstanding ones that are served, we can mention: Timbal of Nopales Salad with Roasted Seafood, Mixtec Broth, Tortilla Soup with Goat Cheese, Supreme of Chicken with Mole and Beef Fillet with Entomatado Chile Meco and Orange.
Among the desserts, the house's Elote Flan is one of the most required by diners.
The variety of drinks in the restaurant is wide and well known.
The cost of food is a bit high. However, the price-quality ratio is excellent.
Direction: Republic of Guatemala # 32. Historic center of Mexico City
9. 5M Restaurant
If you want to visit a restaurant with a long history and impeccable reputation, this is the place to come. With a history of more than 40 years, the 5M restaurant is a mandatory reference for those who visit the capital. The attention of the staff is exceptional.
The type of food offered is very versatile; You can find from a Shrimp Cocktail, to a Chicken Breast stuffed with Rajas and Corn. The ingredients used to prepare the dishes are the freshest.
In the menu of the 5M restaurant you will find: Chipotle Meatballs, Shrimp and Rajas Tacos, Pampera Salad, Beef Steak with Mole de Xico, Stone Octopus, among others. It also presents in its menu a great variety of beers so that you can select the one that you most like.
The cost of the dishes ranges from 90 pesos ($ 4.55) to 395 pesos ($ 19.99).
Direction: May 05 Avenue # 10. Historic center of Mexico City
10. Spanish Casino
It is located in a building dating from the late nineteenth century. The decoration combines luxury and comfort.
The type of food served is traditional Spanish, with fresh ingredients that make the dishes served here the most recommended by those who visit the Mexican capital.
Among the most renowned of this restaurant are: the inevitable Paella, Snails, Stone Octopus, Lamb, Chorizo a la Cider, Ham Croquettes, among others.
Those who eat here agree that this restaurant serves authentic Spanish food. The wine list is exceptional.
The approximate cost per person for a dinner that includes until dessert is around 400 pesos ($ 20.22) or 500 pesos ($ 25.28)
Direction: Isabel La Católica # 29. Historic center of Mexico City
11. Terrace Gran Hotel Mexico City
Located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico City, with an excellent view, this restaurant is your ideal option, if you want to spend a different time tasting delicious dishes.
Food inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine is served here, with a contemporary twist. Many of their dishes have pre-Hispanic ingredients.
The menu includes: Tacos de Arrachera, Gran Imperio Lobster Tail, Red Snapper Fillet, Popocatepelt Beef Fillet, Iturbide Pork Loin and La Leche de la Sierra Chicken.
Once you have tasted the main dishes, you cannot stop ordering the dessert, one of the most requested being the House Cheese Cake with Red Berry Compote with Cassis.
Likewise, the restaurant offers limited-time menu promotions, at an approximate cost of 450 pesos ($ 22.75).
Don't miss out on visiting this restaurant when you come to Mexico City, we guarantee that you won't regret it.
Direction: September 16 # 82. Historic center of Mexico City
12. The Balcony of the Zocalo
By coming to this restaurant you will have the opportunity to admire one of the best views of the Zócalo and the Cathedral.
The type of food that characterizes this restaurant is contemporary Mexican, in which traditional dishes are given a refreshing touch.
The restaurant's chef, José Antonio Salinas Hernández, is excellent, well-known, tireless worker to provide diners with excellent recipes of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant offers different types of menus: 9-course Tasting Menu, which includes Panucho de Jaiba in Black Fill; Pairing Menu; Market Menu 5 antojos, in which you can try the Costilla Volcano.
Likewise, the restaurant's most succulent dishes include: Shrimp and Octopus Memela with Cheese Crust, Octopus Tostadas and Aged Gulf Tuna Tiradito, Pickled Watermelon and Avocado.
The cost of eating here is a bit high, however, the experience, the view, the attention and above all the food are worth every dollar invested.
Direction: May 05 # 61. Historic center of Mexico City
13. Hosteria de Santo Domingo
In operation since August 4, 1860, this restaurant is the oldest in Mexico City.
Its atmosphere is festive and colorful, that is to say, traditional Mexican, with a large amount of confetti on the ceiling, alluding to the streets of many of the towns in the interior of the country.
The dishes served here are of traditional Mexican trend, prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
Among its representative dishes is Chile en Nogada, which you cannot miss if you visit. Among other dishes are the Mexican Rice, Nopalitos Salad, Filet al Pastor and Santo Domingo Enfrijoladas.
Regarding desserts, the Chongos Zamoranos and the Pumpkin in Tacha are exceptional.
The cost of a plate here ranges from 70 pesos ($ 3.54) to 230 pesos ($ 11.63).
Direction: 72 Belisario Domínguez Street. Historic center of Mexico City
14. Zephyr
If you come to Mexico City, this is a place you must visit. The Zéfiro restaurant is also a culinary school and is a must for any lover of good gastronomy. The decoration is modern and sober, with few details.
The type of food that is prepared in this restaurant is contemporary Mexican, appreciating an attractive mix of flavors, aromas and textures.
The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. In addition, everything is homemade, including the tortillas and the bread that accompanies the menu.
Among the dishes that you can taste, are the Nopal Salad, the Rib Tlacoyo of Beef, the Tlalpeño Broth, the Marinated Arrachera, the Ensenada Taco and the Chicken Breast in Achiote, among others. If you want to eat a dessert, you can order Sacher, Tolsá or Tarta Marquesa.
The costs of the dishes at Zéfiro range from 70 pesos ($ 3.54) to 209 pesos ($ 10.57).
Direction: Saint Jerome # 24. Historic center of Mexico City
15. The Major
Located on the terrace of the traditional Porrúa Editorial and Bookstore, this restaurant represents one of the best culinary options for those visiting the Mexican capital.
If you visit it, you will be able to delight yourself with the excellent view of the Archaeological Zone of the Templo Mayor, the back of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the great variety of colonial buildings in the historic center of the city.
The dishes served here are oriented towards classic contemporary Mexican cuisine, with national ingredients that give it a traditional touch.
Among its most representative dishes are: the Chipotle Shrimp Taquitos, the Chile Relleno de Picadillo Dulce, the Enchiladas de Pato, Camarones al Pibil and the Fussili with Creamy Bacon Sauce.
The desserts are also a delight, highlighting Artisan Sorbets, Bananas with Mezcal and the Panqué de Nopal with Tequila.
The selection of drinks offered by the restaurant is exceptional.
According to those who have visited it, the cost of the restaurant is a bit high, but this is offset by the excellence of its dishes, the atmosphere and the attention of the staff.
Direction: Republic of Argentina # 15. Historic center of Mexico City
Now you know what the best gastronomic options are in the historic center of Mexico City. Do not miss them! Your palate will thank you!
