Mexico City for food lovers

Description:

Matisse is the offspring of a family feud involving the original owners of Snob Café in Polanco and they re-created the exquisite European cuisine that the original is famous for and it stands out in it's new location in Condesa neighborhood where there are hundreds of restaurants in a three mile radius.

The setting helps, housed in what once was one of the most exclusive areas of Mexico City, from the 1920s to the 1940's the family home was converted into a restaurant where each of the bedrooms and living areas is a niche within the restaurant with it's own feel and atmosphere.

You will find a wide selection of Eastern European dishes prepared the old-fashioned way, with recipes brought by European Jews fleeing persecution. I especially recommend the baby veal and any of the pastries baked on the premise daily.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their seafood is very memorable, try either their small seafood soup or a shrimp cocktail full of avocado and freshness

Description:

The Salon Corona is a bit of an institution, and locals claim that if you have not been there… you have not been in Mexico City. A mixture between a cantina and a restaurant, Salon Corona has been a favourite, since the 70s, as a spot to watch big soccer games. The decor boasts some of those memorable socer moments both on the field and in the restaurant. The food is your typical Mexican fast food' tortas (the massive and delicious Mexican version of the baguette), 18 different types of tacos, quesadillas and some seafood classics. Salon Corona has a reputation for delicious octopus tortas and Torta al Pastor (a torta made with skewered pork, much in the Arab tradition of the doner kebab). The place is spacious and well lit and renovations have made it look as if it was a new comer to the Centro scene, even though it has an over 40 year tradition. Due to its popularity the Salon Corona has had to open another locale nearby.

Description:

Undoubtedly one of the city's most palatable and recommendable restaurants for traditional Mexican food. El Cardenal has three locations, but this Calle de Palma one is undoubtedly the best. El Cardenal makes is own breads, tortillas, cocoa and cheese, the service is impecable and the wandering Spanish musicians lend the place a jovial and delicious tone. El Cardenal is located in a three storey turn of century colonial building covered in talavera tiles and dotted with amazing religious and local artwork from a variety of periods.

Description:

This "House of Tiles" is one of Mexico City's most precious colonial gems and popular meeting places. Covered in gorgeous blue-and-white tiles, it dates from the end of the 1500s, when it was built for the count of the Valley of Orizaba. According to the oft-told story, during the count's defiant youth, his father proclaimed, "You will never build a house of tiles." A tiled house was a sign of success, and the father was sure his son would amount to nothing. So when success came, the young count covered his house in tiles, a fine example of Puebla craftsmanship. The tiled murals in the covered courtyard, where the restaurant is located, were restored a few years back. Tile craftsmen from Saudi Arabia were brought in to ensure that the technique was true to the original 16th-century work. You can stroll through to admire the interior. Pause to see the Orozco mural, Omniscience, on the landing leading to the second floor (where the restrooms are). There's a casual but beautiful Sanborn's Mexican restaurant located in the covered patio of the building.

Description:

This impressive new building houses the most colorful and tasteful collection of popular art in Mexico. Masks, piñatas, dancing skulls, "alebrijes" (dreamlike colorful creatures), fantastic glass and decorative art make this large museum a very children friendly and non-museum-goer friendly place. The splendidly displayed collection is well labeled and has English tour facilities and a souvenir shop that is a tourist's dream come true. A definite must see while in Mexico City.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays the bistro features live contemporary jazz in the evenings.

Description:

Located in Polanco, one of Mexico City's wealthiest neighborhoods, Café Bistro MP is a sophisticated locale with equally tasteful cuisine. Started by Mexico City's possibly most talked about chef, Monica Patino, this place is a delicious mixture of Asian fusion and fresh Mexican ingredients. Try the Duck Red curry, or their duck tacos or the lobster and bay scallop dumplings. Their wine selection is also mouth watering including top selections from Chile, Spain, France and Mexico but of special interest is their house red wine (Armita, made especially for the restaurant by local viticulturist Hugo D'Acosta). The decor here is also a plus, a dark mysterious entrance will lead you to imly lit tables, all relatively close together where the wafts of various dishes will mingle. A must try.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mexico's celebrity chef Patricia Quintana's restaurant is unassuming but packs a big punch in terms of food. Gets very busy during lunchtimes so make sure to book. Superb food.

Description:

Still at the top of the city's superb dining scene, this signature venue of celebrated chef Patricia Quintana pays homage to the best of classic Mexican cooking. There are only 19 tables, and the atmosphere is simple, but what's on your plate will more than compensate. Located on the most upscale street in all of Mexico, it remains one of the capital's most popular restaurants, so reservations are essential, even at lunch. The menu is a compilation of modern versions of pre-Hispanic dishes and draws heavily on indigenous ingredients such as yucca flower, cactus, and masa (corn flour). Each dish is a delight. Try traditional Oaxacan mole, or lamb barbecued in a banana leaf. Endings are especially sweet here -- save room for Tarta Zaachila, a chocolate pastry filled with nuts, accompanied by the traditional café de olla, coffee flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar. If you're curious, izote is the beautiful white flower that adorns the yucca plant.

Our Local Expert Says:

Casa Lamm's impressively designed restaurant is a must for anyone trying to impress guests or enjoy a meal in a fantastic surrounding. The bookshop is excellent for anyone wanting beautiful books about Latin America.

Description:

Culture is being rescued in an impressive way; more so in this city, where it seems that stress and hurry don't allow the capital's inhabitants to ever stop and take a look around. This gallery is a private association that is concerned with providing open forums for cultural and artistic expression. In its facilities you will find fine arts retrospectives, sculptures, oil paintings in a variety of techniques, photography exhibits and book presentations. It also offers courses and workshops on many arts. There is a cafeteria, video club and bookstore.

Description:

This restaurant serves seafood in the traditional Peruvian style. Chef Acurio says he is delivering sushi-quality fish in a cevicheria-style atmosphere. The atmosphere is lively, casual and friendly.

Description:

Founded in Habana Cuba, and the original creators of the Mojito this place has been and continues to be frequented by the movers and shakers of Latin culture. Hemingway, Garcia Marquez, Castro, Che Guevara, all have gone through the Bodeguita to sample their amazing cuisine, cocktails, or step into the restaurant's humidor for any of their hundred differnet brands of cigars. To prove their assistance, the Bodeguita del Medio allows costumers to write their name on any of the walls - and often ceiling - of the locale making for interesting reading. The idea here is to order various dishes which then get shared with everyone at the table. The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians - black beans and rice), their Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes - shredded beef), and fried plantains are worth the visit. Dinners are livened up by original cuban quartets and although there is little space for dancing, people manage to squeeze a few twirls in any open space. Dinner here on the weekends is an unforgettable lively event.

Our Local Expert Says:

The single best place for any lover of Mexican mariachi and other regional music.

Description:

Outside of the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Plaza Garibaldi is the world's epicenter of traditional mariachi music. Hundreds of bands gather here at nights expecting to be hired for parties, weddings, birthdays or for midnight serenades to one's loved one. At Garibaldi you can get a band of up to 20 musicians to sing any of their massive repertoire of Mexican favorite tunes (ask for "Mariachi Loco" for one of the most upbeat, fun and danceable tunes). The city has also allowed outdoor drinking at this plaza and you can buy a traditional beer cocktail called "michelada" made of beer, lime juice, chili and sometimes bitters. The adjacent restaurants (especially Tenampa) are definitely worth a visit but at night try to remain within the plaza, as the adjacent neighborhood can be dangerous.

Description:

Mariachi and tequila are the most popular traditions in Mexico and this is a great place to enjoy them. Tenampa is a bar decorated in typical Mexican style, where you can choose from an enormous variety of tequilas and listen to the best mariachis in town. Make sure you visit this great place during your stay in Mexico City.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best seafood in Mexico City

Description:

The crowded dining room at Contramar, the Roma Norte seafood restaurant, is dominated by a broad, abstract mural - of fish, naturally. The number one choice of diners at this high-end lunch spot is the snapper "a la talla" - an entire grilled, butterflied fish, flavored with red chile and green parsley. Your meal could also include such dishes as tacos with lightly fried shrimp or octopus, consommé Oaxacan "Riscalillo-style, and squid salad with warm potatoes and basil. For dessert try the fig tart or coconut flan. The perfect beverage to wash down your meal is the concoction known as a michelada - beer served over ice with lemon juice, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Arrive early (or late) if you want to secure a table without a reservation. Otherwise, enjoy the people watching as you join the crowd waiting on the sidewalk. Contramar is near the Palacio de Hierro department store on Ave. Oaxaca.

Prices: MX$250+/US$25+
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Parking: Valet, limited street parking
How to Get There: Metro Sevilla
Services: Restaurant, bar, restrooms

Description:

A former tennis court in Pedregal, one of Mexico's wealthiest neighbourhoods, has gone to become one of the latest sensations in French influenced cuisine in Mexico City. Sud 777 has been designed in what owners call "Shabby Chic" a set of wooden and stone terraces, balconies, open spaces all covered in thick vegetation and dotted with various fireplaces. The result is warm, enticing and very comfortable. The food is French influenced with large portions and their tuna (cooked in lemon and spices with a bed of avocado and crunchy tortillas) recently won an award for one of the top 15 main dishes in the city. As expected, their cellar is highly influenced by continental traditions yet remains a good place to try some of the top Mexican bottles. You can opt for the full restaurant experience, or go for their bistro. Their bar has also become a mecca for the young and wealthy and a table there must be booked at least one week in advance.

Description:

Set in the traditional, colonial neighbourhood of San Angel (think cobblestone streets, large Spanish influence mansions) Paxia fits the neighbourhood perfectly. Multi-award winning restaurant Paxia (meaning peace in Nahuatl) is without a doubt one of the most sophisticated and all around best dinning experiences in the city. Impecable service, jaw dropping decor (a mixture between Asian and Mexican touches accompanied by excellent lighting), yet with a casual and unpretentious feel to it. Paxia's food matches this ambiance perfectly' Mexican traditional dishes get a surprising reworking here - as in the chicharron (pork grind) lasagne with a pulque sauce; the ostentetious Aztec Budin (a masterfully, if excessive dish including foie gras, truffles which won top main dish in Mexico City in 2008) the "drunken duck" enchiladas with a dark beer sauce, etc. It's entree and bar menu are equally impressive and include a selection of local boutique beers, top range Mexican wines and cocktails invented by the in-house barman.

Our Local Expert Says:

Quite possibly the best culinary experience in the city

Description:

In Mexico City's up-to-the-minute Polanco district, fine restaurants are de rigeur; at the top of everyone's list is Pujol. Serving an ever-changing menu that can be safely called contemporary Mexican, Pujol's head chef Enrique Olvera specializes in taking traditional foodstuffs and preparing them in unexpected ways. To get the best sense of his wide-ranging style, select the seven-course tasting menu, which can also be paired with seven complementary Mexican beverages. The selection might include chilyacote, a squash, cured in lemon and salt; purée of cacahuatzintle, the large corn kernels used in pozole; and avocado flautas with crystallized shrimp, chipotle mayonnaise and cilantro emulsion. In 2011, Pujol received a World's 50 Best Restaurants Award, sponsored by the San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. A first time recipient, Pujol debuted at #49 and joined Biko as the only two Mexican restaurants on the list. Pujol is within walking distance of Hotel Condesa DF.

Prices: MX$500+/US$50+
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Parking: Valet
How to Get There: Metro Polanco
Services: restaurant, bar

Description:

Under the directipon of Chef Pablo San Roman this place combines minimalist decor with barroque. Their clientele is mostly business people during the days and a younger crowd at nights. They have ammased a number of local acolades for what they do best' using ingredients directly from where the dish originally comes from. Therefore meals like the Jabugo ham, the cmamebert and other delicacies can be trusted, as they are diretcly imported from Basque country and France for an original taste. For the daring, there is the rabo de toro (bull's tail), a rich dark stew. There are also the more traditional Spanish tapas like croquettes; canapés of ham made of pork tenderloin, all manners of peppers, etc. The cellar is, as expected, full of Spanish reds, but also has a good selection French wines.

Description:

Travazares is located in one of the most bohemian parts of the Roma Condesa trend setting neighbourhoods. It's ambiance fiss it perfectly. Jazz music, great artwork, a dark and mysterious vibe and a great wine list make this a super little hide out and secret gem. It's food is equally enticing and made for a big appetite' meat platters which include Spanish sausages, olives, antipastos; or the cheese platters are well worth the visit, yet the decor and surrounds alone will make you want to stay. The cafe area at Travazares is upstairs and looks like something dug out from a very stylish French film.

Our Local Expert Says:

Incredibly popular both among tourists and locals for top notch traditional Mexican food.

Description:

When you are walking around the downtown area, this is a perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. It serves traditional Mexican food and has outstanding mole, rivaling this State of Puebla specialty. Order it with chicken or enchiladas and I assure you you will not be disappointed, actually you can't go wrong with any of the items on the menu. The decor will charm you, old historic paintings and Talavera tiles give it an authentic Mexican flavor. You will find an eclectic combination of locals and tourists from all over the world in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Entrees are in the $8 to $12 range and they have a full bar. It's location is perfect, just a few blocks from Palacio de Bellas Artes and Zocalo, the main downtown square.

Description:

Multi-award winning Jaso is set in the heart of Polanco, and is run by American trained chefs Sonia Arias (pastries) and executive chef Jared Reardon. Their restaurant follows a strict "word of mouth only" marketing strategy, which also means the place has no sign, and is not listed. Yet since its opening, this little treasure has remained a popular spot for any epicurian in the city. The influences are clearly American with a slight French fusion and they specialize in a 5 or 9 dish tasting menu which is costumised for each costumer. They dinning experience is unique not just due to its costumised format, but also due to the tasteful surrounds' two levels, an inner garden, a stunning outside terrace, and particular attention on stimulation all 5 senses. Likewise Jaso has had several accolades for their wine list which includes over 450 different labels. All staff are qualified to suggest the perfect bottle for your meal. Jaso, like most of its surrounding neighbourhood of Polanco, is expensive.

Our Local Expert Says:

With an iPod in each room, a hip nightclub in the basement, and a restaurant fit for fashionistas this hotel is perfect for the glitterati and those not minding a bit of noise in exchange for aesthetics and the "cool" factor.

Description:

Grupo Habita's Hotel Condesa DF can claim a leading role in the transformation of Colonia Condesa into Mexico City's chicest neighborhood. It is a walker's paradise, with low-rise buildings housing some of the city's finest restaurants and bars. Occupying a 1928 French Neoclassical style edifice that was renovated by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer India Mahdavi, Condesa DF is graced by contemporary art - a Grupo Habita signature touch - in an intriguing collection curated by Betsabee Romero. Filtered sunlight streams through arched windows into the accommodations, where finely crafted wood paneling adds warmth to the modern design. "Rain" showers are a standard feature in the white stone bathrooms that also offer Malin + Goetz amenities. The fourth-floor roof terrace bar is a inviting space complete with attractive views of Chapultepec Castle and Parque Espana where guests can lounge on circular beds, imbibe martinis, and choose from perfectly prepared sushi.

Rates: USD $221-563 (Does not include 18.5% room tax)
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW house car, AC, minibar, CD/DVD player, LDC TV, iPod, telephone,... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Do try the fantastically designed bar and make sure to ask for their well known cocktails.

Description:

Across from the Alameda Central park, this is the most luxurious option in the Historic Center. The striking marble-filled lobby leads to three outstanding restaurants, including the power lunch spot El Cardenal, and a wine bar. Spacious, modern guest rooms have separate marble showers and tubs, flatscreen TVs, and ample work spaces; corner rooms are even larger, and suites include kitchenettes and Jacuzzis. Eastern rooms overlook the Alameda and adjacent Palace of Fine Arts; western rooms have city views. The Sports City gym features one of the best fitness centers of any hotel in the city, as well as an indoor pool, sun deck, and limited spa services. Despite the hotel's role as a convention center, the five-star service remains attentive and personalized. You can easily walk from here to the Palace of Fine Arts and the major destinations in the Historic Center.

Description:

From the moment you arrive at this building you know you are about to enter a magnificent space. It was originally built to house government offices at the beginning of the XX century but since 1982 (it reopened in 2000) it houses a magnificent art collection from the time of the arrival of the Spanish conquerors to painters from the 1950's like Diego Rivera and Siqueiros.

The 33 exhibit areas are organized chronologically beginning at the top of the three story building and winding your way down to the ground floor and painters that captured the Mexican landscape at the turn of the XX century like Velasco and the contribution to modern painting by renowned painters like Frida Kahlo and photographers like Alvarez Bravo.

The building itself is a work of art. Built in neo-classical style with imposing columns and detailed masonry work, you will enjoy the different views of the courtyard as you make your way down the stairs (elevators are also available).

The MUNAL as it is commonly known is in the heart of downtown three blocks from the palace of Fine Arts so it can be easily included in your tour when you visit this part of the city.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great martinis and beautiful people in a very nice building.

Description:

Young people seem to love this place as much for its great atmosphere as for its originality. You don't need to be a member of this club to enjoy it, but you do need money, preferably lots of it. Apart from a well-stocked bar, this place also offers a restaurant that serves delicious Italian food. The service and attention to detail are of the highest quality here. The music is varied, although it tends towards the newer hits.

Description:

Jazz, literature, great artwork and impressive wine list and nibbles. This is as New York bohemian as you will get in Mexico City with a stylish venue and great selection of musicians. Impeccable service and a great location. A must see.

Description:

Hooka Lounge offers house music in a middle Eastern surrounding. This place is very popular with the very hip and rather young crowd who come here to listen and dance to house music and eat Middle Eastern food and smoke shisha (flavoured tobacco) from communal water pipes.

Description:

Located at the corner of Nuevo Leon and Laredo, this bar's decor has been influenced by the Spanish sense of aesthetics. The interiors are simple, but never devoid of a rowdy crowd. The drinks flow freely, latest fashion trends shown off, and the mantra is...if you have it, then flaunt it. All in all, a great place to hangout if you are on the lighter side of 25 or if you really want to get sozzled. The place makes great snacks as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not for the peckish, but for the starved! Steaks are very large and juicy.

Description:

La Bodega de los Malazzo has been deemed one of the top 10 Argentine restaurants in Mexico City. Given the massive amount of Argentine migration into this megalopolis, the accolade is no laughing matter. Bife, Churrasco and many other top cuts of beef compete with one another. Their asador (grill) sticks to the traditional way of cooking (with charcoal) and La Bodega de los Malazzo selects some of the finest steaks around. Their wine list is also worth a look, selecting some of the finest south American reds to go with the massive servings of steak. Their empanadas are generous and the service is quick. Definitely worth a try.