Book a tour (or private guide) with Club Tengo Hambre. They take you to the best food spots in the market and give you the lowdown. An absolute game changer for your trip.
Maybe my #1 food recco in DF. Frjoles negro con huevos, chicharron en verde. Where both the rich and the poor flock for authentic morning time eats. Arrive before 8:30am to beat the lines.
The bomb late night al the pastor tacos. Small and not greasy at all. Start with two but you'll probably want three, or four, maybe even five ...
At night, sit at the bar, have some natural wine, and order the fried chicken sandwich. Cicatriz is owned by a food writer and alum of Andrew Tarlow's restaurants in Brooklyn, and the vibe is legit.
In case your guide doesn't mention it... Ask what's under the curtain in the back garden. You'll be pleasantly impressed (although you're likely to be feeling so anyways).
IMO, Casa Gilardi is even cooler than Barragán's house and studio, although I think it's absolutely worth it to see both (and absolutely necessary to see at least one). Request a tour via email.
The cauliflower is a must-order dish, and I would highly recommend the octopus, too. Call for the excellent carajillo, made with Alma Mezcalera's chocolate & cinnamon distilled mezcal, for dessert.
Café Passmar supplies a lot of major restaurants (including Contramar) around the city. They take their coffee seriously, and it shows. Worth a detour for a cup at the source — inside a mercado.
The most standout restaurant in DF. Start with tuna tostadas and margaritas. The Contramar whole grilled fish (1/2 verde, 1/2 roja) is so freaking good. Also, the octopus, potato & basil dish is 😍👌.
A must for breakfast in Mexico City. Start with a concha (best ever), and then get the chilaquiles verdes.
Stay for a while, sip on various types of mezcal, and you'll start to feel like you're in a dream. I really liked the Tomás from Guerrero.
You'll want to check out at least one cantina while in Mexico City. This would be a good one to try. Order some drinks and hang for a while.
A bit out of the way, but worth it for carnitas. When engaging with the taco assemblymen, be sure you know what part (or parts) of the pig you want. Or ask for a mix. (Don't only get the dry stuff.)
Lunch is long and drawn out, but fun. If you're not trying to drink mezcal or pulque, get a michelada-they make a great one. Do not miss the tableside guac or tortilla soup (both best I've ever had).
Hip yet low-key restaurant with natural wines and simple, delicious Baha Med food. Definitely do the soft shell crab, and (if on the menu) definitely do the romaine salad with eggplant hummus.
Don't miss this one if in Mexico City. The collection is A+ and the store is filled with awesome treasures to bring home as personal souvenirs and gifts for others.
Very solid (and charming) breakfast spot off Parque Mexico in Condesa. Huevos, pan dulce, and other typical Mexican morning fare.
Get the lagrimitas (tears) — little drops that explode in your mouth like a delicate, hard candy version of gushers. But, warning: don't stash them in your bag on a hot day. Consume immediately.
Where you go for cochinita pibil. They make tacos, tortas, etc., but the panuchos are the move. 2 per person is plenty. Get a beer to help them down (a lil greasy). Service is quick and friendly.
Get an especial chocolate for drinking and an español chocolate for dipping your churros in. 👌
Solid Italian if you need a break from Mexican, and a fancier (although not so much so) meal than most that you'll (likely) have here.
Wanting to drink mezcal because you're in Mexico but not a fan of the stuff straight up? Come here, get the Aztec King cocktail, then get another one. You're welcome.
A great spot for a substantial breakfast (think egg dishes, not just pastries, juice, and coffee). Avocado toast is very solid and quite filling. They do not skimp. Pricey for DF, but still not bad.
Order at least one taco from the special menu. If they're serving one with soft shell crab, get it! Ceviche is good, too.
Great casual spot for dinner and drinks. Make a reservation in advanced if you can. Yummy creative tacos and mezcal cocktails. Cool vibe.
Some next level quesadillas. Try the one with mushrooms (hongos.) On the plancha, not fried.
If you're big into mezcal, Erick is #1. Message him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ALMAMEZCALERA/) and ask if you can come for a tasting.
