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The first thing any visitor to the Mexican capital will take in — probably while staring out the window in awe as their airplane descends over the intense, urbanity-on-steroids sprawl — is the sheer size of this town, 573 square miles in total. It’s densely populated and patchworked with distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culinary identity. It would take several lifetimes to get to know all of the street stands, holes in the wall, neighborhood favorites, and high-end destinations in this city.

Yet this list — 38 restaurants, dishes, and culinary experiences that define Mexico City’s gastronomic identity — should offer a comprehensive starting point for any visitor. It includes the obvious and the overexposed; it also includes hidden gems. It covers longtime buzzing neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, as well as newer destination districts like San Miguel Chapultepec and Juarez. There are tacos, tortas, tasting menus, and tamales. There are enough sweets to satisfy the most dedicated concha enthusiast and some old-school breakfasts for the nostalgists. Whatever the type of place, it provides standout food and a taste of something visitors can’t get back home.

Updated, October 2024:

Mexico City is preparing for autumn, the most exciting season of the year. The Day of the Dead is around the corner, and various games and shows fill event calendars, bringing crowds of visitors to town. In Mexican food culture, fall also brings seasonal dishes like chile en nogada, a stuffed poblano pepper topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate, best sampled at spots like Nicos in the Azcapotzalco neighborhood. Pan de muerto, the traditional bun enjoyed on the Day of the Dead, is available in nearly every bakery in town, so do yourself a favor and try a bunch.

This season, places like Vigneron and Voraz prove that small and casual are enduring trends among CDMX restaurants, as many local diners continue to eschew stuffy fine dining. Both restaurants offer a solid point of view through their menus and smart beverage pairings. On the other hand, Ling Ling (with its incredible view from the top of the Ritz-Carlton) and Taverna (in an especially romantic, century-old townhouse) set themselves apart in unique spaces. Finally, coffee culture in Mexico City keeps expanding with the Italian-inspired El Minutito and food geek-friendly Mise en Print.

Eater updates this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Mexico City dining scene.

Natalia de la Rosa is a Mexican food writer, mezcal collector, and culinary guide based in Mexico City.

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