Food & Wine in Mexico City

Put simply, you would be crazy not to make exploring the vast range of culinary offerings a number one priority on any trip to this colorful capital. From tacos & tamales sold by street vendors to haute cuisine in one of the city’s posh neighborhoods, the kaleidoscopic array of authentic flavors will make you wonder how you could ever stomach another bean burrito.

From the time of the Aztecs, indigenous ingredients have been the bedrock of Mexican cooking. Feeling adventurous? Try a blue corn quesadilla with huitlacoche, a savory black fungus that grows on maize plants. Or marvel at the unique medley of chili peppers, nuts, chocolate & a dozen other ingredients that fuse together to make a dark, rich mole poblano sauce. Not feeling Mexican tonight? Don't worry. Mexico City's international range of restaurants spans from Argentine churrasco to sushi.

More things to do in Mexico City

What to Eat?

Tacos al pastor: Marinated pork tacos served with a slice of pineapple

Tamales: In Mexico, tamales are a breakfast food. You can even get them served on a freshly baked roll.

Chile relleno: A roasted poblano chili stuffed with cheese or ground meat and fried in egg batter

Pozole: A soup made with white hominy and pork or chicken

Carnitas: Slow-cooked pork

Tipping

At restaurants, about 10 to 15 percent before tax (IVA on your bill). Included tips are labeled propina. Tipping street vendors isn't necessary.

At bars, a few to 10 or 20 pesos per round, depending on the type of establishment.

Price per Meal

$5 to $15 for street vendors or no frills establishments. $25 to $80 at high-end restaurants

Best Restaurants

Café Tacuba
This century-old restaurant preserves Mexican tradition both in its food and ornate talavera decorations.
Entrees $5 to $10
Calle Tacuba 28
Centro Historico
5518 8482

El Pastorcito
Mexico City's mecca for tacos al pastor.
Tacos, about $1
4503 Lorenzo Boturini Street
Jardin Balbuena
5764 1185

Humbertos
Exquisite Yucatecan-style cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), panuchos (stuffed tortillas) and salbutes (tostadas).
Lunch only.
$5 to $10
Patricio Sanz 1440
Del Valle
5559 8760

Pujol
A locally sourced, inventively modern take on Mexican cuisine.
Tasting menus $68 - $76
Petrarca Francisco 254
Polanco
5545 3507