Mexico City List
Food
This list is in order of my personal favorite restaurants + some random cafes and cute spots
- Maximo Bistro - Probably my #1 restaurant in CDMX currently, menu on seasonal rotation. Save room for dessert.
- Masala - Indian-Mexican fusion food, one of the most unique menus I've tasted. Save room for dessert.
- Em - Omakase-inspired Mexican food w/ a tasting menu (recommended). Went for special occasion.
- Choza - Hidden gem of a listening bar + food not on Google Maps, follow them on Instagram.
- Expendio de Maiz - 100% must-visit, no menu, you just eat until you're full & pay for the # of plates. Super special. Cash only.
- Entramar/Contramar - Big plates, save room for dessert, bring more PEOPLE.
- Marigold - Affiliated restaurant with Masala but liked Malasa more.
- Amanda Manda - Great place for brunch / quick bite during the day.
- Lardo - Great spot for brunch, there was a long line when we went.
- Taqueria Orinoco - Really really great tacos.
- MOA - Cute korean cafe w lots of drinks and small bites.
- Cafe Nin - Cute cafe with great pastries and a bigger menu for a fuller brunch meal.
- Raku Cafe - Japanese-inspired cafe & restaurant, GREAT food but I was mainly there for coffee.
- Cumbe - Lovely coffee place in the neighborhood where I stayed.
- Quintonil - World's #9 restaurant; couldn't get a res.
- Rosetta - Heard great things about this bakery but didn't get to go.
- Almanegra Cafe - Raving coffee reviews from a friend but didn't get to go.
Arts & Culture
- Barragan Houses - Need to book in advance, Luis Barragan worked on many iconic projects throughout CDMX. All are privately owned and have their own reservation system. See which ones intrigue you!
- JO-HS - Might need appointment; one of my favorite places in CDMX.
- Kurimanzutto - Gorgeous space & art, lovely neighborhood too.
- Fundacion Casa Wabi - BEAUTIFUL art foundation. No big cameras.
- AGO Projects - Great gallery space focused on local emerging artists.
- Gallery OMR - Closed when I went but on wishlist.
- Proyecto Monclova - It was ok :)
Shopping
It wasn't a very shopping-focused trip for me.
- Xinú - High perfumery brand that is inspired by American botany.
- Roma Norte (area) - walk around here for local boutiques/thrifting.
Experiences/Places
- Jose Vasconcelos Library - "The Interstellar Library" (not actually).
- Airbnb Taco Bike Tour [Link] - Great way to learn the city (we started the trip with this). Local foodie-run organization with no set agenda so it really depends what's open and what's the vibe. BEST tacos ever.
- Airbnb Chinampas Tour [Link] - Incredibly unique boat tour (alternative to the music & get wasted tours) where you experience local agriculture & see the wetlands.
- Frida Khalo Museum + Optional Airbnb Bike Tour [Link] - Run by the same foodie group (so yes there's food) but you get to skip the line! We did it to skip the line b/c tickets ran out. You need to book tickets ahead of time.
- Cooking Class - I'm sure you can find something great! We ran out of time but was on the bucket list.
Bars / Night Life
- Hugo - Beautiful wine bar with great food and drinks.
- Jazzatlán - Jazz bar with great performances, buy tickets in advance.
- Loup Bar - Cute wine bar in a quieter neighborhood, dessert had no business being that DELICIOUS.
- 686 - Higher end bar on top of Em (third bullet under Food). Had cool drinks, date spot?
- Tlecan - Vibey bar with great drinks! Looks like it can get crowded.