Why Mexico City is a Food Lover’s Paradise

There’s a lot of cities that come to mind when you think about the best food in the world, and for me, one of the most important to go and check out myself was Mexico City (CDMX). One thing you can’t replicate is local recommendations which is why I like to try to plan a food tour maybe on the day after arrival in case there are delays just see you can get the lay of the land because you’re going to get a tour of cities and I’ve done this multiple places you can go and do this, and I have in Antigua and Greece,  they’re going to give you a feeling for the neighborhoods the cuisine the culture the tradition and the heritage you’re going to learn about all of the things that are important in the place that you’re at which is one of the most important things that I like to do whenever I travel. So for our second day in Mexico City, I scheduled a taco and mezcal tour with Sabores Mexico food tours. 

Sabores Mexico Food Tour: Tacos, Beer & Mezcal

I had a LOT of taco tour options to choose from while doing my research but I chose this company and tour based on a few things; the reviews were excellent of course, but this tour stopped at the only place that has earned a Michelin star for their taco, we would get to try 9 tacos total, and additionally it included Mezcal tastings (and I am a huge fan of Mezcal). So that put this tour way ahead in value, even though some other taco tours cost less, they also didn’t include any beer or mezcal (the transportation also was a new luxury sprinter van, with the great seats and AC). 

We met our guide and group at La Tonina where we had some beers and learned the story of the owners of this restaurant, the owner became a famous luchador and his fame in the ring began to overshadow their family restaurant, when they decided to sell it, their loyal employee of 30 years insisted on buying it and keeping the tradition alive. Not only that we got to meet her, as she was hard at work making delicious tacos. We had our first 2 tacos, northern style tacos and the goat with potato was incredible! No gamey flavor at all, which is typical of most dishes with goat, it was like a comforting stew in a taco!

We learned so much about CDMX, like how it is sinking at an annual rate of 15 inches per year! Also the frequency of earthquakes makes this ancient city, one of survivors! We heard so many stories of local taquerias that have been passed down for generations and tasted their amazing tacos. We also got insights into the history of tacos, including the regional differences between corn and flour tortillas. Even as a self-proclaimed taco enthusiast, I realized how much I didn’t know!

We also tasted a mix of traditional, fusion, and classic tacos, making the tour an unforgettable culinary experience. Another bonus: we received a map with 15 more highly recommended taquerias to explore on our own throughout the trip.

The Michelin-Star Taco: El Califa de León

One of the highlights of the tour was our visit to El Califa de León, which earned a Michelin star in 2024. Their specialty? A simple yet perfect steak taco—grilled with salt and lime, incredibly tender, and complemented by delicious house-made sauces. While some might scrutinize it more due to its Michelin status, it was still one of my top favorites.

Fine Dining & Must-Visit Restaurants in Mexico City

During my research, I found that while CDMX offers fantastic fine dining options, you can also find incredible food on nearly every block without breaking the bank. Here are some of my top restaurant recommendations:

Essential Mexico City Dining Tips

1. Plan for Holiday Closures – On major holidays (like New Year’s Day), many restaurants are completely closed. One of the few places we found open was Te Quiero, a beautiful outdoor brunch spot with huge portions of chilaquiles with chicharrónes and steak.
2. Understand Local Dining Hours – Unlike the U.S., Mexico City follows different meal times:
   • Breakfast/Brunch: Open in the morning
   • Lunch: Usually starts at 2 PM (normal to eat at or after 2 PM)
   • Dinner: Traditionally around 8–9 PM, with most restaurants opening at 7 PM
3. 24-Hour Tacos? Yes, Please! – If you’re looking for late-night options, check out Tacos La Chula, a locally-owned chain with multiple locations serving incredible traditional tacos 24/7.

Locations Recommended: