Itinerary for Food Lovers in CDMX

Mexico City, or CDMX, is a paradise for food lovers. The city offers an incredible range of flavors, from traditional street food to innovative gourmet dishes. If you want to explore the best culinary experiences, this itinerary for food lovers in CDMX will guide you through must-visit spots, local markets, and hidden gems. Whether you have a few days or a week, this plan will help you taste the authentic flavors of Mexico City.

Tacos al pastor at a popular street food stall in CDMX

Morning: Start with Traditional Breakfast

Begin your day with a classic Mexican breakfast that locals love. Head to El Cardenal, a well-known restaurant with several locations across the city. Their chilaquiles verdes or hot chocolate with freshly baked conchas are perfect to energize your morning. If you prefer something lighter, try tamales from a street vendor near the Zócalo, the city’s main square.

Another great option is to visit Mercado de San Juan, a traditional market famous for its exotic ingredients and fresh produce. Here, you can sample quesadillas made with fresh corn tortillas and filled with cheese or huitlacoche (corn fungus). The market also offers unusual delicacies like grasshoppers (chapulines) if you want to try something adventurous.

Midday: Explore Street Food and Markets

For lunch, dive into the vibrant street food scene. The La Merced Market is a must-visit for food lovers. It’s one of the largest markets in CDMX and offers everything from fresh fruits to prepared meals. Try the tacos de canasta, soft tacos filled with stewed meats and kept warm in baskets, or the tlacoyos, thick corn masa cakes stuffed with beans or cheese.

If you want a more curated experience, visit Contramar in the Roma neighborhood. This seafood restaurant is famous for its tuna tostadas and grilled fish. The atmosphere is lively, and the flavors are fresh and bold.

Seafood dishes including tuna tostadas and grilled fish at Contramar restaurant

Afternoon: Sweet Treats and Coffee Break

After lunch, take a break at Café de Tacuba, a historic café that has been serving traditional Mexican pastries and coffee since 1912. Try their pan dulce (sweet bread) with a cup of strong Mexican coffee. Another option is Churrería El Moro, where you can enjoy crispy churros with thick hot chocolate.

If you want to explore more local flavors, visit Dulcería de Celaya in the historic center. Their cajeta (goat milk caramel) and ate (fruit paste) are perfect souvenirs or snacks to enjoy while walking around.

Evening: Dinner with a Modern Twist

For dinner, CDMX offers a variety of modern Mexican cuisine that blends tradition with innovation. Pujol is one of the city’s most famous restaurants, often ranked among the best in the world. Chef Enrique Olvera creates dishes that highlight Mexican ingredients with contemporary techniques. The tasting menu includes items like mole madre and baby corn with chicatana ants.

If Pujol is fully booked, try Rosetta in the Roma neighborhood. This restaurant offers Italian-inspired dishes with Mexican ingredients, such as guava pastries and handmade pasta with local cheese.

Late Night: Night Markets and Mezcal Bars

End your day by exploring a night market or a mezcal bar. The Mercado Roma is a trendy food hall where you can sample small plates from various vendors. It’s a great place to try different types of tacos, craft beers, and artisanal mezcal.

For a more traditional experience, visit La Botillería, a cozy mezcal bar with a wide selection of mezcals from different regions of Mexico. The bartenders can guide you through tastings and pairings with small bites like tostadas de tinga or queso fundido.

Tips for Food Lovers Visiting CDMX