Mexico, Let's Eat!
WORDS & PICTURES: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
Some places simply capture your heart the moment you arrive, and Mexico has done exactly that…
It has been almost 18 years since Bruce and I were last here, and I had forgotten just how vibrant, colourful and utterly captivating this country is. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to its charming neighbourhoods filled with beautiful heritage buildings, stylish boutiques and hidden courtyards, every day has brought a new discovery. Of course, the food has been extraordinary (I could happily spend weeks eating my way through this city!), the weather has been glorious, and, yes, there have certainly been the occasional margarita and tequila along the way. But what has surprised me most is the sheer joy that seems to radiate from every corner. Bright papel picado fluttering overhead, cascading hot-pink bougainvillea spilling from balconies, colourful facades, and welcoming locals all combine to create a destination that feels full of life. Whether you're visiting for a long holiday or simply planning a few days in Mexico City, there is so much to see, do and experience. In this guide, I'm sharing some of my favourite places, unforgettable meals, beautiful neighbourhoods and the little hidden gems that made us fall completely in love. If Mexico has been on your travel wish list, consider this your sign to start planning!
Mexico City is a city that has to be experienced to truly understand. With 24 million people calling it home, the scale, energy and constant movement are incredible. What I loved most was the entrepreneurial spirit. Everywhere you look, someone is creating a living, from enormous markets stretching across neighbourhoods to tiny street stalls selling just a few treasures. The markets are unlike anything I’ve seen before. Entire streets are dedicated to one craft, and places like La Merced market are a colourful, bustling world of their own. Despite its size, Mexico City surprised me with how clean and welcoming it felt. The streets are beautifully cared for, and we always felt comfortable exploring on foot. The city's accessibility and cleanliness made it easy to enjoy, and its vibrant atmosphere is truly captivating. Colourful, chaotic, creative and endlessly fascinating, Mexico City has completely captured my heart.
Let’s Go To Dinner!
Here's a curated list of our favourite spots…chic, artsy, and mostly clustered in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Juárez, so you can visit many of them on foot.
Roma Norte
Rosetta Restaurant: A classic Italian-Mexican-inspired cuisine in a beautiful heritage setting. A must-visit; book ahead.
Contramar, Gabriela Cámara’s famous seafood restaurant, is the ultimate long lunch spot. Be sure to order the iconic red-and-green grilled fish.
Mi Compa Chava is famous for tostadas, aguachiles and fresh, casual coastal flavours.
Propio Mexico City Contemporary Mexican cooking with a chef-led approach, delicious, creative small plates.
Cursi Mexico City A lively modern Mexican spot perfect for lunch or dinner. Very fun!
Condesa
Lardo Beautiful terrace with Mediterranean charm, handmade pasta, focaccia and relaxed dining.
Maizajo One of the best places for authentic corn, tacos and tortillas.
Botánico Mexico City Plant-filled interiors with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, perfect for a long lunch.
GABA Mexico City Offers contemporary cuisine, a great wine list, and a lively atmosphere that is modern and stylish.
Condesa continued…
Botánico Mexico City Plant-filled interiors with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, perfect for a long lunch.
GABA Mexico City Offers contemporary cuisine, a great wine list, and a lively atmosphere that is modern and stylish.
Juárez
Versalles 19 Relaxed, low-key dining on a charming street gives a real neighbourhood bistro feel.
Fierro Mexico City Chef-led tasting menu with a refined approach, a perfect fine dining experience.
Caña Mexico City Great food paired with an agave-focused drinks list, think modern Mexican with a twist.
Polanco
Quintonil Jorge Vallejo’s acclaimed tasting menu celebrates Mexican ingredients and flavours. Reservations are essential for this world-class dining experience.
Let’s Go To Brunch!
Here's a curated list of our favourite spots…chic, artsy, and mostly clustered in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Juárez, so you can visit many of them on foot.
CAFES & brunch
Niddo Mexico City (Juárez) A bright breakfast favourite. Light, fresh café dishes and excellent coffee.
Café Nin (Juárez) Beautiful brunch spot with bakery-style café with delicious pastries and relaxed dining.
Cafebrería El Péndulo (Condesa) It’s a bookshop meets café. A gorgeous place to browse, read and enjoy coffee.
Bakeries & Sweet Treats
Panadería Rosetta (Roma Norte) Morning must-stop! Beautiful pastries, breads and coffee from the team behind Rosetta.
Cayetana Panadería (Roma Norte) Try the bacon cinnamon roll or guava roll at this cosy bakery.
Ficelle Mexico City (Roma Norte)Go for the croissants at this French-inspired bakery.
Pingüino México (Condesa) Ice cream and paletas featuring unique Mexican flavours like tamarind and mamey.
Time For A Cocktail!
Tlecán (Roma Norte) A Mezcal lovers’ paradise. Indigenous ingredients, thoughtful cocktails and one of the city’s best bars.
Licorería Limantour (Roma Norte) Chic, sophisticated and internationally recognised in this classic cocktail destination.
Handshake Speakeasy (Juárez) Beautifully crafted drinks in an intimate speakeasy setting, a real hidden gem for cocktails.
Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar (Juárez) Creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere; book ahead. at this secret bar experience
Rayo Cocktail Bar (Juárez) Natural wines, cocktails and a beautiful interior.
Loose Blues Mexico City (Condesa) Music, cocktails and a relaxed, stylish crowd in this cool vinyl bar.
“Spend your days wandering Roma Norte, Condesa, Juárez and Polanco.
These neighbourhoods are where the city’s best food, design, architecture and hidden gems come together.”