Cross the Border and Try Out These 37 Must-Try Restaurants in Mexico
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Living in Texas, we have all grown accustomed to how Mexican cuisine has played a huge role in influencing the flavors of the food we eat in the Lone Star State. Of course, it's always great if you have the time to go back to our culinary roots as a state and that involves crossing the border and enjoying the flavors that have played a great role in our Texan food.
Summer is here and what better way to celebrate this inter-border tradition of sharing culinary ideas than a road trip to Mexico. Mexico is a great place to go if you're looking for some of the best Mexican cuisine out there. With so many different options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which restaurants are worth your time. So to help you plan out your road trip, here's a list of 37 must-try Mexico City restaurants that will definitely leave you wanting more.
El Cardenal
El Cardenal is a Mexico City institution. The restaurant first opened its doors in the early 20th century and has been serving up traditional Mexican cuisine ever since. If you're looking for authentic Mexico City flavors, this is the place to go.
Av. de la Paz 32, San Ăngel, Ălvaro ObregĂłn, 01000 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Los Danzantes
Los Danzantes is a Mexico City favorite for both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant serves up traditional Mexican food (What wine goes well with Mexican food?) with a modern twist. If you're looking for a Mexico City restaurant that offers something different, Los Danzantes is worth checking out.
Parque Centenario 12, CoyoacĂĄn TNT, CoyoacĂĄn, 04000 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Pujol
Pujol is one of the most celebrated Mexico City restaurants. The restaurant is known for its inventive modern Mexican cuisine. If you're looking for a truly unique dining experience, Pujol is definitely the place to go.
Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Contramar
Contramar is another Mexico City favorite. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes (What wine goes well with seafood dishes?) and beautiful setting. Contramar is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal or celebrate a special occasion.
Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Maximo Bistrot
Maximo Bistrot is a Mexico City institution. The restaurant is known for its delicious French-Mexican cuisine. If you're looking for a Mexico City restaurant that offers something different, Maximo Bistrot Local is definitely worth checking out.
Av. Ălvaro ObregĂłn 65 Bis, Roma Nte., CuauhtĂ©moc, 06700 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Quintonil
Established in 2012 in Mexico City, Quintonil is a restaurant that offers great Mexican flavors infused with the personal touch of Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo. They have ranked 27th in the 50 Best Latin American Restaurants. A must-try is their crab tostadas that deliver balanced flavors of seafood, spice, and herbs.
Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Los Toneles
If youâre in San Luis PotosĂ, Mexico and on the lookout for a high-end Mexican cuisine experience, Los Toneles is a classy rustic restaurant that may just tickle your gastronomic fancy. Here, youâll find Mexican-styled takes on steaks, roasts, and seafood.
Av. Estatuto JurĂdico 1040, Burocrata, 78270 San Luis, S.L.P., Mexico
El JardĂn de los Milagros
Guanajuato, Mexico has a lot of things going for it even by way of delicious miracles at the El JardĂn de los Milagros (The Garden of Miracles). This locally-owned restaurant is proud of its chocolate balsamic glazed octopus, and, if youâre feeling adventurous, you can also try their classic chalupas paired with escamoles (agave ant larvae).
Panoramica san javier / cata, San Luisito, 36013 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
Panchoâs Backyard
Authentic Mexican food, and delectable desserts are what you can expect from Panchoâs Backyard. Youâll know how good this food joint is from the Cozumel locals that flock to this joint. I highly recommend trying their mahimahi that is topped with a refreshing mix of almonds (how long do almonds last?), mango, oranges, and pineapple pico de gallo.
Av. Rafael E. Melgar, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
Cafe de Tacuba
Mexico Cityâs Cafe de Tacuba has a great spot where you can enjoy their specialties that they have been serving up since 1912. The interior of this restaurant speaks to diners of the rich culture and history that this food spot signifies. After knocking back a few tequilas, a great way to chase this is with their fried calfâs brains, and chuchulucos (taquitos).
Tacuba 28, Col. Centro Historico, Deleg, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Amaranta
Known for their great food, Amaranta is a family-owned restaurant that serves up Mexican traditional dishes and some pretty interestingly colorful beverages. An hourâs drive outside of Mexico City, the travel-time can be made up for their delectable takes on Mexican-inspired dishes like their ribeye served with smoked Mashed potatoes.
Calle Francisco MurguĂa 16 Ote. Poniente 402, Francisco MurguĂa, 50130 Toluca de Lerdo, MĂ©x., Mexico
La Querencia BajaMed
Tijuana, Mexico is famous for a lot of things but theyâre also bumping up their fusion restaurant game to another level with La Querencia BajaMed. They specialize in mixing elements of Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines and this especially shrines through their mixed seafood plate with miso and a spicy kick from hot chiles.
EscuadrĂłn 201 No. 3110, Centro, 22014 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Floraâs Field Kitchen
Floraâs Field Kitchen focuses on the principles of field-to-table to bring diners fresh dishes that use ingredients grown right there on the foot of the Sierra de Laguna mountains. Getting there may seem a bit sketchy but donât let the dirt road fool you. Floraâs Field Kitchen is located right inside of Flora Farm. Once there, make room for their 12-inch pizzas baked in their woodfired ovens.
Carretera Transpeninsular San JosĂ© del Cabo Km. 30 Las Ănimas Bajas, 23407 San JosĂ© del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
MeroToro
Baja Californian inspired dishes are what you can expect from MeroToro. This rustic-chic restaurant is an urban inspired restaurant that serves up dishes using high-quality ingredients that are treats to the taste. Chef Jair TĂ©llez's ever-shifting menu is proof of how dedicated they are to providing fresh ingredients daily but do try their pan-fried pork jowl served with lentils (how long do lentils last?) and poached eggs on the side.
Amsterdam 204, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Almoraduz Cocina de Autor
Almoraduz Cocina de Autorâs rising popularity in the Oaxaca coast is because of the combined culinary tastes of the husband-and-wife owners. Unlike other gourmet restaurants, they are known for using local recipes and serves up dishes that are in-line with whatâs in-season. A must-try is their black seafood risotto that is both filling a quite flavorful.
Benito JuĂĄrez 12, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico
El BajĂo
El Bajio is known for its Norteño cuisine, which features dishes from Mexico's northern states. Their highlight dish is the carne asada, which is grilled steak served with beans, rice, and tortillas.
Av. Cuauhtémoc 462, Piedad Narvarte, Benito Juårez, 03020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Mexico Lindo y Sabroso
Mexico Lindo y Sabroso is a restaurant in Guadalajara that offers traditional Mexican cuisine. The highlight dish at this classic Mexican food joint is the birria, a rich soup made with goat or beef - ideal for that afternoon snack.
P.Âș de La Presa, Barrio de la Presa, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
Los Tres Gallos
Los Tres Gallos is a restaurant in Baja that offers traditional Mexican cuisine. The highlight dish at Los Tres Gallos is the Mexico City-style carnitas, which are slow-cooked pork tacos.
Leona Vicario esquina 20 de Noviembre S/N, Centro, 23469 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
La Casa de Toño
La Casa de Toño is a restaurant in Mexico City that specializes in Mexico City-style street food. The highlight dish at La Casa de Toño is the quesadillas, which are tortillas filled with cheese and served with salsa.
Londres 144, Juårez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Hartwood
A mix of local and international flavors are what Hartwood in Tulum works towards whenever it comes to their dishes. And true to their skill, the amount of people (online reservations one month in advance) alone is testament to how awesome their dishes are despite their off-the-grid location. A must-try from this restaurant are their refreshing ceviche, and giant prawns.
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 7-6Km, Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Boulenc Pan Artesano
Serving up freshly baked craft bread, pastries, and brunch selections, Boulenc Pan Artesano is a great place to have a late breakfast or grab artisanal breads for on-the-go snacks. If you plan to dine, they have tables set up in a covered courtyard setting where you can enjoy their best-selling avocado toast.
C. Porfirio DĂaz 207, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de JuĂĄrez, Oax., Mexico
Rosetta
Chef Elena Reygadas features a good fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines for the dishes in Rosetta. Her take on this lovely marriage of flavors uses fresh seasonal ingredients using simple home-grown recipes. The flavorful herby green mole is a Rosetta must-try.
Colima 166, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Moxi
Located inside the Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Moxi is a restaurant that offers international flavors. A great place to start or end your day if youâre staying or if you're just passing-by, Moxiâs shrimp burgers with tartar sauce and guacamole will always be a welcome comfort food.
Aldama 53, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico
Fauna Restaurante en Bruma
Located in the luxurious Bruma boutique hotel in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, Fauna Restaurante en Brumaâs main goal is for diners to have fun with their dining experience. Owned and operated by chef David Castro Hussong of the famous Hussongâs Cantina in Ensenada and pastry chec Maribel Aldaco Silva, this restaurant has a wonderful selection of dishes like their poached scallops (What wine goes well with scallops?) with brown butter and flour tortillas.
MĂ©xico 3 km #73, 22760 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill
La Docena is a restaurant that offers fresh oysters (What wine goes well with oysters?), clams ( What wine goes well with clams?), and other seafood. I highly recommend their shrimp ceviche, which is shrimp cooked in citrus juice and served with avocado, cucumber, and onions. And, of course, try their fresh oysters paired with their drinks.
SĂŁo Paulo 1491, Providencia, 44630 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
Restaurante Benazuza
Ever tried sitting down at a restaurant only to be surprised that your food actually came from the future? Well, that rarely happens but Restaurante Benazuza in Cancun sure comes close to the experience. This is because they use cutting edge technology in preparing traditional Mexican dishes. What you can expect is truly a gastronomic adventure with dishes that seem to look like theyâre out of this world but, on that first bite, youâll find that each flavor falls into place.
Blvd. Kukulcan 77500, Zona Hotelera, 77500 CancĂșn, Q.R., Mexico
Fonda Fina
Fonda Fina is a restaurant that perfectly frames and captures the flavors of the street food scene in Mexico City. The highlight dish at Fonda Fina is the sopes, which are fried tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and salsa.
MedellĂn 79, Roma Nte., CuauhtĂ©moc, 06700 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Javiâs Cantina
Javiâs Cantina is a great place for rich home-cooked meals. Situated in Javiâs grandmotherâs house on Isla Mujeres, the ambiance of the restaurant is rustic and quite comfortable. I suggest trying their fresh-caught parmesan-crusted fish filet served with tamarind sauce.
Av JuĂĄrez 12, Centro - Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
TaquerĂa Honorio
If you want to grab a simple honest-to-goodness bite of Mexican food, TaquerĂa Honoro is a great place for this. Whatâs amazing about this place is that it may look quite unassuming taco joint 4 miles outside of Tulum is that they serve up some pretty great tacos, relleno negro, and their cochinita served on your choice of tortillas or tortas.
Satélite Sur 19, Tulum Centro, Villas Huracanes, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
El Farolito
El Farolito is a Mexico City restaurant that specializes in Mexico City-style street food. The highlight dish at El Farolito is the tacos al pastor, which are tacos made with spit-roasted pork.
Av. de Las Fuentes 510, Jardines del Pedregal, Ălvaro ObregĂłn, 01900 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
El Vilsito
One of the best al pastor tacos in Mexico City can be enjoyed at the El Vilsito. They are a no-nonsense taco joint that also serves up different dishes that use high quality ingredients. Visit in the evening because by daytime theyâre an auto mechanic shop.
Petén 248 y, Av. Universidad, Narvarte Poniente, 03020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
El Califa
If youâre looking for an upscale taco joint, El Califa is a great place to enjoy tacos offering comfortable seating and a family friendly setting. The highlight dish at El Califa is the carne asada, which is grilled steak served with beans, rice, and salsa.
Av. Universidad 654, Letran Valle, Benito JuĂĄrez, 03650 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
Barbacoa Renatos
A family-owned and operated restaurant, Barbacoa Renatos is famous for its namesake and a heck of a lot more. The blend of spices and aromatics that they use has been bringing amazing flavors to their grilled meats for over 50 years. Their panzita (tripe) paired with the brick pit cooked consommé brings traditional flavors to their meats with every bite.
Jacarandas 443, Pasteros, Azcapotzalco, 02150 Ciudad de MĂ©xico, CDMX, Mexico
La Guelaguetza
La Guelaguetza is a Mexico City restaurant that specializes in Mexican regional cuisine from the state of Oaxaca. The highlight dish at La Guelaguetza is the mole negro, which is a sauce made with over 30 ingredients and served over chicken or turkey.
Calz. de la Hacienda Mz56 lt10, Hacienda Ojo de Agua, 55770 Ojo de Agua, MĂ©x., Mexico
TaquerĂa Orinoco
First opened in 2017 in Mexico City, the TaquerĂa Orinoco originated in Monterrey, Mexico. They serve up Northern Mexican inspired dishes. Check out their chicharrĂłn (fried pork fat) and their ever-so creamy costra (toasted cheese) quesadilla.
Av. Insurgentes Sur 253, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Café des Artistes
Serving up some high quality eats in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the classy Café des Artistes. The items on their menu speak of sophisticated flavors through their grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes (What wine goes well with vegetarian dishes?). While enjoying the chamber music and dining at their garden terrace, enjoy their suckling lamb encrusted with pistachios.
C. Guadalupe SĂĄnchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
El Hidalguense
Old-world traditional Mexican flavors are what made El Hidalguense a staple for locals in Mexico City for over 15 years now. Their Hidalgo-style barbacoa is slow-cooked in a pit using aged oak wood. This results in some very tasty tacos, queso asado (grilled cheese with herbs), and their rich consommé.
Campeche 155, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, 06760 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
These 37 restaurants are enough to get you your taste of Mexico wherever you are across the border. Timeless flavors that have greatly influenced our own cuisine are what awaits. So check your tires, and clear up your schedule because the food trip possibilities across the border are almost endless.
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