There is no denying that the food in Mexico City can rivel some of the best in the world. But I only want to tell you about the place I experienced, first hand. These are my five MUST go to places (i’m sure there are countless more) that you have to try. Not a foodie? That’s okay! There are definitely places for you too ;)

1. LARDO

   Agustín Melgar 6, Colonia Condesa,

   06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

This chic daytime cafe strikes a great balance between Mexican influences and more familiar dishes. For breakfast, the black rice porridge with mango is delicious, as well as the poached eggs in red sauce. They also serve an assortment of teas and homemade nut milks for your coffee. The interior is beautiful and I almost attempted to steal one of the stools and bring it back in my carry on.

Don’t believe us? Read more what others have to say: Yelp

2. CONTRAMAR

Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte.,

06700 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico

Everything is homemade or fresh at Contramar, where you'll taste the best tuna tostadas of your life. Set aside a little time for the line outside (it's worth the wait) and a little more for the menu—you're gonna want to try a bit of everything.

food photos by: Jess Chiou

3. HANKY PACKY

Turín, Juárez, 06600

Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

I’ll probably get some grief over sharing this one, considering it’s a speakeasy. You’d never know it existed if you just walked down the street. My instructions (the night i went) was to look for a place with pinatas hanging. Really?! How generic! But this place was so cool! Once i found it (yes, it was a bit of a challenge) - the freezer door opened and voila! A world beneath the world. 100% worth the effort.

4. FREIMS

Amsterdam 62B,

Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Let’s start with the outdoor space - A big area enclosed by a muraled wall that only features local artists - it’s a fine way to work whilst still going some fresh air and sunshine. The inside is just as impressive, with two little areas where you can buy books or vinyls, white marble tables (with power outlets underneath) and ultra comfy velvet seats. The menu here is incredibly varied, so if it’s one of those busy work days, start off with a coffee and waffles, followed by a salad, hamburger or sandwich, and finish with another coffee and danish.. job well done!

Don’t believe us? Read more what others have to say: Yelp

5. Loose Blues

Calle Dinamarca 44, Juárez,

06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Loose blues is one of my favorite boutiques in the neighborhood, it is vintage, unique, and perfectly curated by the owners of the place: Jacky (Mexico) and Shota (Japan). They both run the place and are always willing to give great fashion advice. This small boutique has a basement for men; the ground level for vinyl records, zines and other publications; the first floor is for women. At the end of the store, you’ll find a stairway that will take you directly to Loose Blues Dining, they serve amazing food and drinks. It’s open daily.

Have you been here? What was your favorite place you found? We want to hear about it. Comment below!

Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek

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