Looking to craft a perfect Mexico City itinerary for foodies to get the best out of CDMX for your taste buds? Mexico City is a culinary haven that offers an unmatched array of flavors, experiences, and cooking techniques.
From humble street stalls to Michelin-starred venues, this vibrant city is a treasure trove for any foodie aiming for a serious yet fun and delicious culinary adventure.
Here’s a detailed five-day perfect Mexico City itinerary for foodies that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the sprawling metropolis’s most decadent flavors. It includes something for everyone, from street tacos to internationally recognized fine dining establishments.
A Perfect Five-Day Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies
Day 1: Culinary Adventure in trendy Roma
Morning: Breakfast at Lalo!
Kickstart your first day at Lalo!, a casual but trendy spot with communal tables and vibrant murals. Their “chilaquiles verdes” or “huevos rancheros” are the perfect introduction to Mexican breakfast culture, preferably paired with a cup of Mexican coffee and a piece of freshly baked sweet bread (pan dulce).
- Location: Zacatecas 173, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @eatlalo
Midday: Street Hamburgers with a Mexican Twist
Do you get a craving for a hamburger while exploring Mexico City? Worry not, as the city has a large offering of those, too, including a street stand on Colima Street in Roma Norte.
Here, you can have delicious grilled burgers with a Mexican twist, including jalapeños. Although the stall seems somewhat humble, it is very popular and always full. Don’t worry, though, as the cooks are pretty quick to prepare their delicious fare.
- Location: Colima and Morelia street corner, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: N/A
Afternoon: Cocktails in Licorería Limantour
After lunch, head to Licorería Limantour. You can walk Roma’s streets and admire the architecture on your way to a cocktail-tasting experience in one of Mexico City’s trendiest bars.
Thanks to its excellence in mixology, this bar in the Roma neighborhood was ranked number 32 in the world’s 50 Best Bars in 2024. It offers an outstanding cocktail selection that includes reinvented versions of classic cocktails as well as its own unique specialties.
Licorería Limantour is a favorite with locals and tourists who love the trendy ambiance and friendly neighborhood bar vibe. They are open seven days a week, which makes it one of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays (many bars and restaurants are closed then).
- Location: Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @limantourmx
Evening: Michelin Bib Gourmand Tacos
Cap off your day with dinner at Los Parados, a taquería that garnered a Bib Gourmand badge from the Michelin Guide this year in its first edition, which included restaurants in Mexico.
“Los Parados” literally means “those who are standing,” a fitting name as you get to eat their exquisite tacos while standing, mimicking the experience of a street taco stall. Their specialties include traditional al pastor, arrachera al pastor, and beef with poblano pepper and melted cheese.
- Location: Monterrey 333, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @losparadosmx
Day 2: Explore the Centro Historico Flavors
Morning: Start with Street Food Staples
Begin the second day of your downtown Mexico City itinerary for foodies in Mercado de San Juan, a mecca for exotic ingredients and gourmet products. Snack on “tacos de canasta” (vapor-cooked basket tacos) filled with potatoes, beans, or “chicharrón” pork rind as you wander through the market stalls.
Make sure to sample the quesadillas sin queso, a true Mexico City specialty. These stuffed tortillas are stuffed with mushrooms, squash blossoms, meat, and other flavors and can be served with or without cheese, whichever you prefer.
- Location: Ernesto Pugibet 21, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @mercadodesanjuangourmet
Midday: Mole at Azul Histórico
For lunch, head to Azul Histórico, located in a charming colonial courtyard in the heart of Centro Histórico. This restaurant stands out for its traditional dishes served in refined presentations.
Try their “mole” sampler, which features various types of moles from several regions in Mexico. You can also indulge in their “enchiladas” or “enmoladas”, an exquisite dish of chicken-filled tortillas bathed in rich, velvety mole negro, topped with cream, white cheese, and onions.
- Location: Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @azulhistoricomx
Afternoon: Coffee, Sweet Treats, and Eye Candy at Los Azulejos Sanborns
After lunch, walk to Sanborns Los Azulejos, a stunning restaurant in the iconic “House of Tiles.” This iconic 18th-century building is adorned with vibrant Talavera tiles from Puebla, making it a visual masterpiece.
The interior is just as astounding, with a charming blend of traditional and colonial decor, a grand staircase, and murals. At this point, it is worth mentioning that Sanborns is a big restaurant chain with “normal” eating establishments. However, the Mexico City downtown Azulejos location offers an opportunity to step back and savor some of Mexico’s culinary and cultural heritage.
- Location: Av Francisco I. Madero 4, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @sanbornsazulejos
Evening: Fine Dining with a View at Balcón del Zócalo
Wrap up your day with dinner at Balcón del Zócalo, one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Mexico City. It serves fantastic food while you enjoy a spectacular view of the Zócalo central plaza, with the Metropolitan Cathedral taking center stage.
Chef Pepe Salinas’s tasting menu highlights modern interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine, creating a gastronomic offer that blends heritage with a contemporary flair.
Dishes here are a work of art, carefully elaborated and beautifully presented with its pairing, meticulously selected to enrich each flavor.
Each dish in Balcón del Zócalo is a work of art, beautifully presented. The tasting menu is a journey through Mexico’s culinary history, changing throughout the year to include seasonal ingredients and festivities. Everything is served with the perfect pairing.
- Location: Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @balcondelzocalo
Day 3: Mexican Tradition in Coyoacán
Morning: Market Adventure in Mercado de Coyoacán
Start your day at Mercado de Coyoacán, a bustling hub for traditional Mexican food. Grab a hearty breakfast of tamales and atole, the most popular breakfast combo for CDMX residents on the go.
Follow up with quesadillas, sopes, tlacoyos, or whatever catches your eye. There are plenty of food stalls to choose from. Wash your breakfast with freshly squeezed orange, orange, or green juice.
- Location: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City
- Instagram: @mercadodecoyoacan
Midday: Fine Dining at Los Danzantes
For a chilled-out lunch, visit Los Danzantes, located in the heart of Coyoacán. It is right by Parque Centenario and features a pleasant open-áir sitting area.
Their menu offers elevated Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist. Must-tries include flor de calabaza soup, signature mole with duck, and short rib tacos. Pair your Mexican meal with a craft mezcal from their extensive selection.
Los Danzantes in Coyoacán is the Mexico City version of Michelin-starred Los Danzantes in Oaxaca City.
- Location: Parque Centenario 12, Coyoacán TNT, Coyoacán, Mexico City
- Instagram: @losdanzantes
Afternoon: Churros and Hot Chocolate
No visit to Coyoacán is complete without a stop at Churrería General de la República, said to be the best churrería in Mexico City. These long, crispy, sugar-dusted pastries were brought from Spain during the conquest and quickly became a sweet favorite.
Churros are usually paired with hot chocolate in a beloved tradition that goes beyond a dessert. At Churrería General de la República, you’ll find the traditional version and churros filled with creamy flavors ranging from cajeta and chocolate to mango and fig.
- Location: Av. México Coyoacán 389, Coyoacán, Mexico City
- Instagram: @churreriageneraldelarepublica
Evening: Stroll and Arab Tacos
As the day winds down, enjoy a stroll through Jardín Centenario, La Conchita Plaza, and the quaint streets of Coyoacán. When you’re ready for dinner, head to El Árabe Coyoacán for a casual yet delicious taco experience.
Their “tacos árabes,” later inspired by al pastor, and flavorful salsas make this taquería a beloved local spot.
- Location: San Gonzalo 231, Pedregal de Sta Úrsula, Coyoacán, Mexico City
- Instagram: N/A
Day 4: Polanco’s Casual Elegance
Morning: Luxury Breakfast at Maison Belén
Start your foodie adventure in Polanco at Maison Belén, a charming Petit Bistrot & Pâtisserie in the exclusive neighborhood. This exquisite spot’s menu features beautifully plated breakfasts with a unique French-Mexican fusion, including croissant sandwiches, huevos a la Mexicana, and avocado toast with a twist.
Pair your breakfast with a perfectly brewed flat white or a refreshing mimosa for complete indulgence.
- Location: Emilio Castelar, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
- Instagram: @maisonbelen
Midday: Light Elegance at Eno
For lunch, head to Eno Polanco, a casual eatery run by two Michelin-starred Chef Enrique Olvera. His menu highlights seasonal ingredients in simple, comforting dishes.
Try the crispy salads, tartines, or the Cochinita Pibil torta if you prefer a heartier meal. All are complemented by artisan sodas or natural fruit juices.
- Location: Petrarca 258, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
- Instagram: @eno_mx
Afternoon: A Stroll Through Polanco’s High-End Spots
When lunch is over, explore the neighborhood’s upscale offerings. Visit El Palacio de Hierro for gourmet snacks or browse Mexican wines and artisanal products. Stop by Museo Soumaya for a dose of art and culture, followed by a coffee or light treat at Ojo de Agua, known for its healthy options and colorful açaí bowls.
- Location: Various spots in Polanco
Evening: Michelin Dinner at Pujol
If you’re looking for world-famous Michelin restaurants in Mexico City, Pujol is touted as one of the top restaurants in the world. Chef Enrique Olvera’s tasting menu highlights modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine, reflecting his profound respect for Mexican cuisine and its millenary roots.
The mole madre, a sauce aged for over 1,000 days, served alongside a fresh mole nuevo, is a culinary masterpiece. Reservations at Pujol are essential, so be sure to book well in advance.
- Location: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc., Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
- Instagram: @pujolrestaurant
Day 5: Boho-chic Foodie Tour in La Condesa
Morning: Artsy Breakfast at Frëims
For a delightful start to your day in a place that captures the essence of Condesa (one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City), head to Frëims. This spot features a cozy ambiance in an artistic setting and boasts an all-day brunch.
Known for their creative takes on classic breakfast dishes, Freims serves standout options like fantastic waffles with Nutella, fluffy pancakes topped with seasonal fruits, chilaquiles with various sauces, and perfectly poached eggs on artisanal bread. Pair your meal with freshly brewed coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Location: Amsterdam 62, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @freims.mex
Midday: Fresh Seafood for a Lighter Meal
Head to La Pescadería Condesa for lunch. This vibrant spot is a favorite among locals for its laid-back, beach-inspired ambiance and excellent fresh fish and seafood selection. The place captures the essence of Mexico’s seaside culinary traditions in a lively urban setting.
The menu here celebrates Mexico’s coastal cuisine, offering classics like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Highlights at La Pescadería Condesa include its selection of tostadas topped with tasty combinations like spicy tuna, shrimp, or crab. Pair your meal with a Michelada or tropical cocktail for the whole experience.
- Location: Av Oaxaca 137, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @lapescaderiacondesa
Afternoon: Mezcal Tasting in La Clandestina
After lunch, take a pleasant stroll through Condesa’s tree-lined streets and admire the eclectic architecture before heading to La Clandestina for a mezcal-tasting experience.
The knowledgeable staff will happily guide you to the rituals of this agave spirit, traditionally complemented by slices of orange dusted with worm salt.
- Location: Av. Álvaro Obregón 298, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @laclandestinamezcaleria
Evening: Authentic Tacos al Pastor
End your day with dinner at El Tizoncito, a legendary taquería in Mexico City touted as the birthplace of tacos al pastor. However, other taquerías claim to be the original creators of this tasty taco version that has become a staple for Mexico City locals and tourists alike.
Founded in 1966 in La Condesa, El Tizoncito’s signature tacos feature thinly sliced, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, then served on warm tortillas with fresh pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a variety of salsas.
For a marvelous twist, order a Gringa al Pastor, which consists of pastor meat and its complements served on a flour tortilla with melted cheese. Sounds tempting? It is mouthwatering and delicious!
We can’t think of a better place to end a perfect Mexico City itinerary for foodies than the place where tacos al pastor were born. Even with the enormous culinary variety the CDMX offers, “los de pastor” stands out as one of the top favorite dishes among Mexico City residents.
Helpful Tips for Foodies Exploring Mexico City
- Bring an Appetite: Portion sizes can be generous, especially with multi-course meals.
- Embrace the Spice: If you’re unsure about heat levels, ask for salsas and chiles on the side.
- Stay Hydrated: Always carry bottled water, as the high altitude and rich food can dehydrate you.
- Plan: Reservations are essential for high-end restaurants like Pujol and Balcón del Zócalo..
- Explore the Streets: Don’t skip the street stalls; they offer some of the most authentic and memorable flavors.
A Perfect Mexico City Itinerary for Foodies: Conclusion
From traditional tamales to avant-garde tasting menus, Mexico City is a culinary haven where every bite tells a story. This perfect Mexico City itinerary for foodies ensures you’ll leave not just full and satisfied but also inspired by the vibrant food culture that defines this extraordinary city.