Dining under hundreds of candles in a beautiful courtyard within Mexico City’s historic center is reason enough to choose Azul Historico. Add one of the capital’s most well-regarded chefs, Ricardo Munoz Zurito, and it’s clear that Azul Historico is a ‘must’ restaurant in the city. The restaurant’s cuisine is traditionally Mexican, with bright flavor notes in every dish and an impressive level of complexity to each preparation. The meal’s coup de grâce is the Mexican hot chocolate cart that allows guests to have their dessert prepared to their liking tableside.

This intimate cocktail bar has a quiet, cozy, speakeasy vibe and is great for a before- or after-dinner drink and conversation. In 2023, it made the World’s 50 Best list.

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A historic Mexico city institution, Café Tacuba is beloved for its interiors first and food second. While the stained glass draws perhaps the most eyes, the high ceilings leave plenty of space for the blue and white tiling, shelves of colored glasses surrounded by painted flowers and dangling greenery and iron lanterns. The menu is large, serving tasty, authentic Mexican dishes for reasonable prices at breakfast, lunch and dinner. To be in the center of the action, request a table in the main dining room, but the smaller spaces are atmospheric as well. A live mariachi band plays daily, but double check the website for hours.

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This whimsical little coffee shop is done up in sleek wood and burnished gold chandeliers, with an ornate spherical mirror and an ornamental metal railing blocking off a small lofted dining area. There is also a smattering of tables outside where travelers can enjoy pastries, sandwiches and coffee, or even a glass of wine. There can be long lines and during peak times, it may feel cramped.

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This local favorite serves elevated French bistro classics—mussels in white wine; beef tartare and an excellent caesar salad—alongside a variety of surprises, such as uni on brioche wedges or delicate parsnip dumplings.

This new restaurant from Gabriela Ruiz is stylish and upscale while still maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Chef Mónica Patiño is often considered the Alice Waters of Mexico, and Casa Virginia is her flagship restaurant, showcasing elevated takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Her signature dish is the roast lamb served in a pasilla chile sauce. The restaurant is open for dinner, but most CDMX locals take their biggest meal at lunchtime. To join that chic crowd, get a daytime reservation.

Set in a charming space with white tablecloths and a colorful wall mural depicting families dining outdoors, El Cardenal operates on Mexican traditions, serving authentic stews, tacos and more. The restaurant produces its own corn for tortillas as well as creams and cheeses at its ranch and also manufactures its own chocolate. Breakfast or brunch comprises authentic dishes like a spanish omelet and scrambled eggs smothered with fresh-made hot sauce.

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El Parnita is a popular spot (among locals and foreigners) for tacos and tortas in Roma, usually accompanied by live music. That makes for a fun, laid-back vibe that can get loud—especially as the night progresses. Cocktails are a highlight, and there is a comprehensive list of more than a dozen Mexican wines on offer as well.

This hole-in-the-wall taco shop always has a line out the door and serves what is arguably the best cochinita pibil in town.

In the growing “Little Tokyo” area, Em is a high-design restaurant from chef Lucho Martinez serving seasonal dishes with a Japanese influence.

Entremar is the slightly less buzzy, slightly easier to get into twin to Mexico City darling Contramar. The menu is nearly identical to Contramar and as such, equally seafood obsessed (some will vouch it’s equally delicious as well). The atmosphere is energic, the service is attentive and the food is on the pricier side. Dine on the terrace for a bit of space and fresh air.

Note: Entremar is best for a long lunch or early dinner as the restaurant closes at 8:00 p.m.

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A restaurant for the open-minded, Expendio del Maiz sin Nombre has no set menu—the chef serves whatever they’re in the mood for, though diners can expect elevated Mexican street food style dishes. Line up early to snag a picnic table and come hungry; courses are served until you say no más.

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The cocktail bar at the Four Seasons, Fifty Mils is home to some exceptional mixology. The space somehow blends a hip vibe with a more historical feel—the ornate wooden bar has a decades old feel and the floors are strewn with rugs, but both are complemented by the bright reds and blues of the plush seating. While the drinks are delicious, the lounge area can have a more sleepy feel, so we recommend taking your cocktails to the courtyard.

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From hotelier Samuel Leizorek: “I grew up going to my grandparents’ house every Sunday, and my grandmother wfould have butter cookies with a chocolate scribble on top from a bakery in Polanco run by a Jewish immigrant couple. Their son decided to expand the empire and opened Garabatos, which is Spanish for scribble. Now, it’s a chain with locations all over the city that still sells those famous cookies and the most delicious cakes. And the original pasteleria is still there in Polanco!’

Handshake Speakeasy earned its number three spot on the World’s 50 Best list in 2023 with its expert mixology and dark and moody Victorian atmosphere. Layers of flavor create a blend of sweet and savory drinks, some using teas like Matcha and others relying in part on a carefully chosen garnish. Free snacks are served upon ordering (beware of the grasshoppers), and there is bar food available as well…but the drinks are the stars.

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This cozy wine bar in a far corner of Roma Norte is a great spot for practically any occasion serving creative and comforting small plates.

With a mix of modern Mexican fare and international dishes, La Capital is a crowd pleaser with attentive and engaging service, a fun atmosphere and an elevated vibe. Travelers can dine in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace, and there is valet parking available.

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A bit more off the beaten path, Lago Algo is set in a cultural center in Chapultepec Park with views of the lake. Dine on upscale Mexican cuisine before browsing the art gallery and exhibitions or taking a stroll around the lake. This spot is especially great for brunch.

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For travelers craving a classic brunch and some tasty avocado toast, Lalo! Is a good option with a laid back vibe and outdoor seating.

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Located on the corner of a leafy street in Condesa, Lardo blends perfectly into its surroundings and is the sister restaurant to Rosetta.

A favorite on the World’s 50 Best Bars List, Licorería Limantour is a must-visit for a typical Mexican cocktail like the Paloma or Margarita al Pastor. We recommend requesting seating inside.

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The unpretentious restaurant is a farm-to-table paradise that is often referred to as the Chez Panisse of Mexico City.