A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to CDMX.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
If you’ve been to Mexico City (also known as CDMX), I don’t need to tell you how transformative it is. As an American, it’s a shame how long it took me to get there. I spent years flying all around the world, as far as the Middle East, India, and Japan before I finally made the 4.5-hour flight from Washington DC to the Mexican capital. And now that I’ve been, I can confidently say it’s my favorite food city in North America, if not the world.
I started Epicurious Travel to help time-strapped travelers plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal.
For Mexico City, an enormous metropolis with endless food options, I’ve slimmed things down and settled on an itinerary for a single perfect Saturday, starting with a local’s breakfast and capped off by an agave spirit tasting you’ll never forget.
Where to Stay
Casa Cuenca — Colonia Condesa
Even in a neighborhood as saturated with stylish lodgings as Colonia Condesa, Casa Cuenca offers something special. Iván Esqueda oversaw the transformation of an elegant 1930s mansion into a sleek ten-room boutique hotel with a gorgeous courtyard patio and a popular farm-to-table bistro, Maleza. But there will be plenty of time for a meal at Maleza some other day. For Saturday, follow the itinerary below.
See our entire selection of boutique hotels in Mexico City.
Breakfast
La Fonda Margarita — Colonia del Valle
First thing’s first, do yourself a favor and order a Café de Olla. Then indulge in mouthwatering chilaquiles and tangy chicharrónes con salsa verde. Absolutely do not miss the frijoles. Get them plain, con huevos, or con longaniza. They’ll change your life.
Jardin del Arte Tlacoquemecatl — Colonia del Valle
There will likely be a line outside of La Fonda. If you’re craving a breakfast appetizer (because why not), stroll into Jardin del Arte Tlacoquemecatl next door for a blue corn quesadilla while you wait.
Mid-Morning Shopping
El Bazar Sabado — Colonia San Ángel
Located in Plaza San Jacinto is a once-a-week market dotted with stalls selling handmade arts, goods, and of course, food items. Think everything from hand-painted pottery and art pieces to local Mexican chocolate small batch agave spirits. This is one of the most diverse concentrations of authentic goods sold in the whole city.
Lunch
Los Milanesos — Colonia Olivar de los Padres
IYKYK about Los Milanesos, a roadside stand behind tennis courts and an apartment complex. The tacos here are otherworldly. Choose from thin slices of beef, breaded and fried ham and cheese (wow), or the classic namesake chicken milaneso. Each are served with 2 warm fresh corn tortillas that perfectly stand up to the hefty portion size of meat they pile on. Finally, top your taco at the plastic folding table of goodies next to the ordering station. Don’t miss this unforgettable, MICHELIN-rated taco stand.
Mid-Day Cocktails
Botanico — Colonia Condesa
Head back into La Condesa for some outdoor garden cocktails at Botanico. Sit out on the impeccably adorned patio surrounded by lush greenery and order yourself a Carajillo (or three).
Dinner
Fugaz — Colonia Roma
You can’t go wrong at Fugaz. A hip and casual small plate concept spot run out of a garage-sized space by chefs that meticulously craft even the simplest of dishes. Think rotating tostadas and fresh crudos all seasonal and executed perfectly. No reservations so come early or expect to wait; with a Bib Gourmand award from the MICHELIN Guide, it’s a popular place.
Night Cap
Ahuehuete — Colonia Centro
Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget at Ahuehuete. Prepare yourself for a spiritual journey through the world of privately distilled agave spirits led by two certified afficionados. A secret meeting point will lead you to a secret tasting room tucked into the heart of one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city. Book at least two weeks in advance or you’ll miss your chance.
Recap
Wow, what a day. From morning chilaquiles to an unforgettable evening journey through the world of small-batch agave spirits, you found yourself fully immersed in the diversity of Mexico City’s food and culture scene. I’d call that a success worth having a lazy Sunday for. Same time next week?
For more on Mexico City, read the full detailed itinerary on Epicurious Travel.