The Best Casual Restaurants in Mexico City

Contramar is a busy seafood restaurant in Mexico City that draws both locals and visitors to its lively dining room. It’s known for working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a casual, energetic vibe. With chef Gabriela Cámara at the helm, this spot has become a modern classic in the city’s dining scene.

Recommended by

JR Ryall

Head Pastry Chef

An essential first stop for anyone visiting CDMX. Beautiful simple food, authentic dishes and excellent flavours. Fun, bustling and atmospheric. The service is always excellent - the tuna tostada is iconic, but the fresh tasting aguachile is what I dream about, essential.

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Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre is a relaxed sidewalk restaurant in Mexico City that centers its cooking around corn. There’s no fixed menu; dishes keep coming until you decide you’re satisfied. With an open kitchen and communal tables out front, it offers a casual spot to watch the cooking unfold.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Cook

In the bustling heartbeat of Mexico City, you might stumble upon a sidewalk sanctuary: Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre. Here, the theatre of an open kitchen unfolds before you, orchestrated by culinary alchemists dancing with wood fire, prime ingredients, and boundless imagination. This establishment defies tradition. There's no menu to peruse; instead, you're invited to surrender to the maestros at work. With every dish, you're drawn deeper into their narrative, beckoning more with just a raised hand until satiety sets in. Many inquire about my frequent sojourns to Mexico City, and it's places like this - where raw passion and talent stoke my own creative fires - that I hold up as my reasons. Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre is not just a dining spot; it's an immersive tale of Mexico's culinary tapestry.

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La Docena is a relaxed spot in Mexico City where everything is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, well-sourced ingredients. The setting feels inviting for a laid-back meal or meeting up with friends. Its multiple locations around town make it a convenient choice whenever you’re looking for a comfortable place to gather.

Recommended by

Pía León

Chef-Restaurateur

La Docena is a really nice place, it has a very cool atmosphere. There you will find super fresh products from the sea, really nice ceviches and tostadas.

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Meroma is a small restaurant in the heart of Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, led by chefs Mercedes Bernal and Rodney Cusic. They champion local producers and sustainable practices, offering a concise menu shaped by refined European techniques in a welcoming space with a calm terrace overlooking a bustling street.

Recommended by

Ali Kurshat Altinsoy

Brand Director

Superb choice of dishes inspired from across the world. Absolutely delightful restaurant atop the gorgeous street that is Colima. A superb choice of dishes inspired from across the world made with wonderful Mexican ingredients.

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CANA, led by Chef-owner Fabiola Escobosa in Mexico City, has a cozy, bistro-like setting. The food is simple but delicious, blending European flavors with subtle Mexican touches. Along with its warm service, it offers a relaxed and inviting dining experience.

Recommended by

Olle Cellton

Chef/restaurateur/author

Chef-owner Fabiola Escobosas restaurant is one of those places I wish were my own. Furnished like a fine French bistro with Thonet chairs. Food is simple but absolutely delicious, it’s European but with subtle hint is Mexico. We were served excellent oysters with a habanero mignonette, prawn cocktail, a perfect tartare with buckwheat, brioche with sea urchin, croquetas, kale with salmon caviar, clam rice and more. Everything was absolutely fabulous. Excellent service and the best playlist I ever heard! Plus amazing desserts.

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Chilpa is a relaxed spot in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a friendly space. People appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and comforting Mexican flavors. It’s a dependable choice for anyone seeking a casual and satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Ali Kurshat Altinsoy

Brand Director

This Mexican breakfast / brunch / lunch spot is one of our go-to restaurants for classic chilaquiles. Located in la Condesa, this Mexican breakfast / brunch / lunch spot is one of our go-to restaurants for classic chilaquiles

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Cicatriz is a relaxed spot in Mexico City that focuses on natural wines and comforting meals. It’s open from morning until late, making it easy to drop by throughout the day. The laid-back atmosphere draws both locals and visitors looking for a friendly neighborhood hub.

Recommended by

Gennady Jozefavichus

Food Writer

The City’s watering hole Great list with natural wines (Gabrio Bini for instance) and very good comfort food. Open for breakfast (excellent torta de huevos, a kind of frittata with potatoes and a herb known as quintonil, in a burger bun) and till late.

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CIENA is a small restaurant in the Condesa district of Mexico City, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a relaxed setting with simple, fresh meals throughout the day. People appreciate its friendly atmosphere and welcoming vibe for any occasion.

Recommended by

Olle Cellton

Chef/restaurateur/author

Beautiful little restaurant in the Condesa district of Mexico City. Open breakfast, lunch & dinner. I hade a wonderful breakfast of fresh pastries, tortilla chips with fried egg & salsa verde. The French toast with ricotta was excellent and the chocolate cookie I saved for the next day was still one of the best I’ve had!

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Imbiss is a neighborhood favorite in Mexico City, known for its natural wine and flavorful menu. It takes on a fun wine bar vibe later in the evening, drawing people from the local restaurant scene. You'll often spot chefs from around the city stopping by to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Recommended by

JR Ryall

Head Pastry Chef

An industry favourite. Natural wine and delicious flavourful food. Excellent selection of natural wines and well made cocktails. The fried chicken is a staple on the menu and not to be missed. Later in the evening the restsursnt takes on a fun wine bar vibe and becomes a popular spot for those working in the industry - you’ll often see chefs from around the city here.

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La Jefa is a small spot tucked away in Mexico City’s La Florida neighborhood, known for its fresh seafood and well-selected mezcals. The casual setting makes it inviting for a relaxed lunch or quick stop. Be sure to head to Calle Ajusco specifically, since there are other places with the same name nearby.

Recommended by

Peter Meng Sapper

Charcutier/Restauranteur

A hole in the wall with great food! La Jefa is a small place hidden in La Florida’s streets. Specializing in seafood, we tried a shrimp soup and several fresh fish tostadas. All great and different from the usual, but good. They have well selected, special mezcales to conplement the offer. Recommended for lunch, be wary that there are many places sharing the same name nearby, so make sure you get to Calle Ajusco!

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