Armed with a daring aesthetic sense, the Baja-born chef Fabiola Escobosa gave a jolt to Mexico City’s vibrant food scene with the opening of Cana. These are some of the places where she loves to eat, drink, and shop in CDMX.
Less"This bookshop is deeply rooted in the neighborhood. It sits in a typical house in Roma Norte, a little tilted and with a distinctive façade, and it has become a must for those looking for hard-to-find publications or special editions. It's also frequently visited by tourists, since it offers an exceptional selection of books on gastronomy, art, photography, and Mexico. And last but not least, they have a fabulous selection of chocolates made right there!"
"Gabriela Cámara opened this restaurant in 2024. It's located in a small square in the Condesa neighborhood, shaded by a beautiful jacaranda tree. It's always full, so you have to make a reservation. But while you're there, don't miss the coconut tostada with avocado."
"This was my first restaurant—an unpretentious bistro that has become a city classic. I'm happy because, in addition to being on travelers' radars, we get a lot of neighborhood regulars. It's a great place to come just to read, snack, and have a drink at the bar. We host many celebrations, whole tables of friends who come to share. Never hesitate to ask the team for wine recommendations. The selection is wonderful!"
"At this restaurant in San Miguel Chapultepec, everything revolves around corn. If you're traveling there, along with the obligatory stop at the popular snack stalls in the market, this is a great place to discover how many forms a circle of dough can take–sopes, quesadillas, chilaquiles, gorditas, enmoladas, enchiladas, and so on. You have to be patient, because it's become a popular spot among locals and travelers, so sometimes you have to wait for a table."
"My favourite tacos are always the ones near my house. On the corner of Choapan and Tamaulipas, there’s a very popular street stall that attracts many people, especially those who stop by at either the beginning or end of their work day. My recommendation is to go for lunch around 11 a.m., because they start running out of cuts during the afternoon."
"We just opened the doors of this restaurant; it's an Italian-American place. I love the salads—you have to try them. They're fresh and always made with local and seasonal produce. The celery salad is a favorite. The chicken liver mousse is a must! My ideal situation is to sit out on the terrace and let time drift by, with a spritz in my hand, surrounded by friends, enjoying simple and delicious food."
“A venerable classic. This bistro is located close to Ángel de la Independencia. It closes early, so it’s better to go for lunch. I recommend the milanesa.”
“Whenever I feel like visiting a place that’s not too noisy or large, I frequent this gorgeous bar located atop the Rosetta restaurant. The selection of drinks is fascinating—a mixture of libations distilled by independent manufacturers and others mixed by a team led by chef Elena Reygadas.”
“I love going to this cantina with my girlfriends and staying late into the night. The music trio there is well versed in the repertoire of Mexican classics. I recommend the lengua tacos and rock salt fish.”
“In my opinion, the cochinita pibil here is one of the city’s best. Get a taco and a panucho.”
“This place hits the spot when you’re craving a good soup on a rainy day. I always get mine with a quarter of chicken breast. The enchiladas are a must too. They are open 24 hours a day.”
“The perfect place for any occasion, should you want to order a martini, or get some traditional Mexican fare. I love to take a stroll on the hacienda, look at the roses, and listen to the birds sing.”
“This is the biggest market in the State of Mexico, highly recommended for those interested in local ingredients and market produce. I’m always surprised by the freshness of the food and the seasonal treats.”
“Every morning, Joe makes the ice cream himself with the best possible ingredients. The textures are spectacular, and the flavors strikingly unique.”
“I love visiting this café early on Sunday morning with my dogs, when the city is still quiet. They are fastidious about the coffee-making process, and they work with great local suppliers.”
“I recommend getting to this eatery early. They open at 6:30 a.m. and run out of the good stuff soon. Don’t miss the refried beans and eggs.”