BEST Breakfast in Mexico City: 25 Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants

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Looking for the best options for breakfast in Mexico City?

Mexico City has such an incredible food scene ranging everywhere from Mexican street food to international to fusion to fine dining and everything in between. Trust me when I say breakfast in Mexico City will not disappoint!

Some of the popular Mexican breakfast dishes are: chilaquiles (my fave 😋), tamales (another fave lol), huevos rancheros, huevos divorciados, and molletes to name a few. And how can I forget jugo verde (green juice). I’m obsessed with green juices in Mexico because they’re delicious, affordable and you can find them practically everywhere (along with other juice flavors of course). 

Dining out in Mexico City is my favorite. I love sitting outside in general and so many restaurants in Mexico City have their seating spilling onto the sidewalks which also creates such a vibe around the neighborhoods. 

I’ve divided my recommendations into breakfast and brunch: breakfast will consist of places that are known more for breakfast dishes or they close by early afternoon. The recommendations consist of a variety between cheap, mid-range and slightly on the pricier side. I’ve also given a variety of traditional Mexican restaurants, street food, hipster vibe, trendy, and international. 

I’ve lived in Mexico City on and off since 2019 so a lot of my recommendations will be places that only people that have lived in Mexico City would really know! Enjoy!

Best Breakfast Restaurants In Mexico City

Let’s dive into some of the best breakfast spots in Mexico City! The majority of the recommendations are around Roma Norte, Condesa, Centro and Juarez with a few being in colonias (neighborhoods) nearby. Most of the options have outdoor seating or they’re street stands so it’s safe to say they’re pet friendly 😉.

1. Lalo!

$$ | 📍 Roma Norte | 🗺️ Google Maps

Lalo! A neighborhood fave located in Roma Norte that offers both Mexican and American-style breakfast options. 

This is one of my go-to places for chilaquiles in Mexico City. What are chilaquiles? Chilaquiles is a Mexican breakfast dish consisting of tortilla chips that have been sauteed in salsa and topped with cheese, crema and onion. So.. basically soggy tortilla chips 😂. I know it sounds gross but trust me, it’s delicious and I say the soggier the better! I also love adding avocado, egg and some kind of meat on top. 

In my opinion, Mexico City has THE best chilaquiles out of everywhere I’ve been in Mexico (I obviously haven’t been everywhere but I’ve been to 24 different cities around Mexico so I’ve been around haha).

At Lalo, I would recommend the chilaquiles, breakfast sandwich, and either the pancakes or french toast which are both amazing. Note that they stop serving chilaquiles after 1pm.

I also always get the green juice here too 😋🌱. 

Lalo has both indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶). This is a very popular spot so be prepared to wait 20 minutes to an hour on the weekends, otherwise, try to go early (before 10:30am) or on a weekday.

2. Chilpa

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Chilpa is one of my favorite places for breakfast in Mexico City. Can you guess why? They have one of the best CHILAQUILES in Mexico City! 

Chilpa specializes in chilaquiles and you can customize it to your liking. First, you will choose how you like the tortilla chips – either traditional (soggy) or horneado (crunchier), then choose your salsa and spice level, then select your portion size by grams and if you want egg, veggie or meat. You can also add additional items for extra cost such as cheese, avocado, egg, more meat, etc.

And of course.. green juice here too 😋🌱.   

Chilpa has mostly outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶) and is another popular spot on the weekends so be prepared to wait up to 40 minutes so try to go early or on a weekday.

3. La Esquina de Chilaquil

$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

So much talk about chilaquiles! Why not try chilaquiles in a sandwich?? La Esquina del Chilaquil is a street vendor that serves ‘torta de chilaquil’ located in Condesa on the corner of Alfonso Reyes and Avenida Tamaulipas.

What exactly is ‘torta de chilaquil’? It’s a torta (bread roll) stuffed with chilaquiles! At La Esquina del Chilaquil, you can order milanesa de pollo (breaded chicken) or cochinita (shredded pork) or both and then you choose either green or red sauce. You can also add refried beans, cheese and crema if you’d like! 

This spot is notoriously known for the long line down the block and probably around the corner so try to go early – I’d say before 9am to be safe. If you happen to go after, be prepared to wait around 20 minutes to an hour. They open at 8am and people start lining up before then (around 7:30am). The line does move fast, but again, the line is usually long. Also, note that they serve until they run out, so even more so of a reason to be sure to go early! I would guesstimate that they can run out around noon or shortly after. 

Like most street vendors, this spot is CASH ONLY – luckily the torta is only 55-60 pesos!

4. Tamales Dona Emi

$ | 📍 Roma Sur | 🗺️ Google Maps

If you can wake up early enough, you must try tamales for breakfast in Mexico City. 

Tamales Doña Emi is a family-run business for generations located in Roma Sur. They have several different kinds of tamales both sweet and savory. Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them but my go-to is verde con pollo (chicken with green salsa). 

You should definitely go as early as possible as they tend to run out of certain ones pretty quickly.

5. Panaderia Rosetta

$$ | 📍 Roma Norte | 🗺️ Google Maps

Probably the most popular bakery around Roma Norte and the neighboring colonias (neighborhoods) is Panadería Rosetta. 

I love coming here in the morning and sitting outside with my coffee and pastry (one of my greatest joys in life are cute coffee shops ☕). The most popular item at Panadería Rosetta is the guava roll. I’ll be honest – I don’t love it 😅. I’m sure it’s baked to perfection and I know others find it delicious but I’m just not a fan of jam type stuff in general (the guava center is like a jam consistency). Either way, you should try it and other pastries and food as well! 

Panadería Rosetta has a lovely parklet decorated with plants and tables on the sidewalk which is where majority of the seating is (pet-friendly 🐶). This is another popular spot so I’d suggest going early before 9am to avoid waiting 20 minutes to an hour or go on a weekday. There’s also a second location also in Roma Norte just about 0.7 miles from this main location. 

This cafe is owned by the same chef and owner (Elena Reygadas) as Rosetta right across the street. Rosetta is a popular restaurant serving Italian and French food with Mexican ingredients.

6. Chilakillers

$$ | 📍 Tacubaya | 🗺️ Google Maps

Another chilaquiles gem! This colorful and lively joint is one of the most popular spots for chilaquiles. 

Portions are generous and there are a ton of options for chilaquiles to choose from. If you happen to not want chilaquiles, don’t fret, they have other options such as molletes, tortas, huevos rancheros and more.

Chilakillers is usually busy on the weekends so be prepared to wait up to an hour for a table. Otherwise, try to go early or on a weekday. 

7. Fonda Margarita

$$ | 📍 Del Valle | 🗺️ Google Maps

If you want a more traditional, no-frills, local option for breakfast in Mexico City, look no further. Fonda Margarita in Del Valle is your spot and has been open since 1948! 

One of my favorite things to eat are stews and Fonda Margarita is known for just that – guisada! They’re also known for their chicharron or longaniza en salsa verde (chicharron or sausage in green salsa) and frijoles con huevos (refried beans with eggs). 

There will most likely be a line but luckily it moves fairly quick! 

Fun fact: Anthony Bourdain has been here and said it was one of the best breakfasts around the world!

Best Brunch In Mexico City

Below are some of the best brunch spots in Mexico City. We have options ranging from traditional to healthy to trendy and vibey so let’s grab a drink! 🍹

8. Niddo

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

Niddo is such a vibe! I love this street because Niddo practically took it over with their restaurant, their cafe next door and another location right up the block on Oxford for extra seating. It’s a hipstery spot in the hipstery neighborhood of Juarez. 

There are so many dishes to try here so hopefully you’re eating with a few other folks! I would recommend trying the pancakes, chilaquiles, shakshuka, eggs benedict and the avo smash bagel. Their coffee, juices, mimosas and pastries are also delicious!

The restaurant and cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶) and is a very popular brunch spot so I would recommend either making reservations, going early or going on a weekday. There’s also another location in Polanco if you happen to be closer to that area.

9. El Cardenal

$$ | 📍 Centro | 🗺️ Google Maps

A Mexico City classic – El Cardenal is one of the most famous restaurants for locals to go with their families for a weekend breakfast or brunch. If you decide to dine here you will have authentic Mexican food, impeccable service, and a true local experience. 

My local friend wanted to take me here to experience this popular Mexican restaurant and also to try their molcajete. The molcajete is a green salsa with slices of avocado and blocks of cheese and then you mix it all together. It was definitely unique and so good! I mean, I love green sauces in general. I can’t think of one green sauce that I don’t like lol. Aside from the molcajete, other popular items are chiles en nogada, escamoles (ant eggs), arrachera with chilaquiles, hot chocolate and conchas. 

There are several locations of El Cardenal but for your first time you should visit the ones in Centro – either on Calle de la Palma or Avenida Juarez. Seating is all indoor so I doubt they’re pet friendly.

10. Malcriado

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

I used to think Quentin Cafe had the best coffee but I’d say Malcriado’s coffee is just as good. I’m also obsessed with their chicken pesto sandwich. The bread is really good too but I swear the sandwich keeps getting smaller and smaller. 😫😂 Either way, I still go back lol.

Malcriado is a fairly new and popular spot so be prepared to wait a bit. I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes though. Pet friendly as well!

11. Maque Cafe

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Maque Café has several locations but my favorite is the one on the south side of Parque México. The restaurant is situated at the corner of a tree-lined street with vines adorning the building and plants surrounding customers seated outdoors (pet-friendly 🐶) as they enjoy their meal. 

Not only is this a beautiful setting but what I also like about this restaurant is that they stick to more traditional Mexican breakfast dishes and pastries. While I would not recommend getting coffee here (there are many other coffee shops you can go nearby) the juices, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and conchas are great! 

This is another popular spot for breakfast in Mexico City so I would recommend going early on the weekend or go on a weekday.

12. Cicatriz

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

A cool hipster-vibe gem and neighborhood fave on the east side of Colonia Juarez – Cicatriz is a coffee shop, hang-out spot, restaurant and bar all in one. I’ve been here in the morning for coffee and breakfast, during the day to work and get lunch, and at night for drinks. Cicatriz has a casual, laid back and home-y feel that you don’t necessarily get everywhere. 

Aside from an iced latte, my go-tos here are the kale salad, avocado toast, and the roasted chicken. I don’t know what it is but their chicken dish is bomb! So tender, unique and delicious. 

The interior space itself isn’t the largest but the entire front opens up into a courtyard which has tables for outdoor seating. Cicatriz is pet friendly 🐶 both indoor and outdoor. 

Tip: Just like any other non-English speaking country, I would advise to not come here speaking English off the bat. Try and speak a little Spanish, they’ll appreciate the effort. If you don’t know any Spanish – Google Translate is your best friend!

13. Helena

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

Out of all the recommendations on my list, I would say Helena is the most underrated. I found this spot when I was walking around Juarez one day back in 2020 with my friend. We noticed it from outside so we decided to go upstairs and check it out. And wow, the space is so gorgeous! 

Since then I’ve eaten here a few times and not only is the space gorgeous but the food is great too. The pancakes are a must try! It’s served w/ crispy bacon and some kind of lemon butter on top. Sounds a little interesting but trust me, it’s delicious 🤤. They also have bottomless mimosas during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays 11-2pm. Salud! 🥂

As I mentioned, this restaurant is underrated so I’ve never once had to wait for a table. It’s a great option if you don’t have the time (or patience) to wait to get seated at other restaurants! All the seating is indoor so unfortunately pets are not allowed.

14. Cafe Nin

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

One block away from Helena we have Cafe Nin – a charming neighborhood cafe nestled in a beautiful antique brick building. 

This European/Mexican cafe has the same owner as Panadería Rosetta so some menu items may be the same such as the guava roll. The fresh juices and brunch cocktails are a perfect pairing for their breakfast items such as croque madame, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, sandwiches and more. 

Cafe Nin has several different areas for seating both indoor and outdoor (pet-friendly outdoors 🐶). If you go on the weekends you may have to wait up to 30 minutes so try to go early or on a weekday.

15. Madre Cafe

$$$ | 📍 Roma Norte | 🗺️ Google Maps

Nestled in the courtyard of a gated-off beautiful old mansion – Madre Café is definitely the vibe for a trendy upscale brunch. 

I would recommend trying the hotcakes, avo toast with a poached egg, and the carajillo. Traditionally, carajillo is an espresso liqueur drink popular in Spain and Latin America. It beats espresso martinis in my opinion! Madre Café is known for their carajillos because they have several different flavors such as horchata, matcha, taro and more. I’ve tried a few of their flavors but I still prefer the traditional way.

You could try walking in but I would recommend making a reservation in advance online. Madre cafe has different areas for seating both indoor and outdoor (pet-friendly 🐶) but it’s definitely more of a vibe outside if you can request that!

16. Petit Roquefort

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

A gorgeous courtyard outside of an old beautiful colonial building, we have Petit Roquefort – another hidden gem in Juarez. Surrounded by plants, sunshine and reasonably priced delicious food makes this spot a great brunch option for any day! 

There are so many delicious options here but if I could point out a few they would be the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, chilaquiles, chicken and waffles, avo toast with bacon and fried egg, and the fruit and yogurt bowl. Now I’m getting myself hungry. 😂

I’ve never had to wait for a table at Petit Roquefort which is even more of a reason to visit this hidden gem. I believe it’s all or mostly outdoor seating so feel free to bring your pets 🐶 if you have any!

17. Canopia

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Canopia is a cafe/wine bar and has such a cool and chill vibe. Definitely a hidden gem in Condesa. The decor gives me a bit of Tulum vibes with the dark walls, dim lighting, ceramic art, and maybe the scent of palo santo burning. 

The menu changes quite often so I may not be able to recommend specific dishes but I know you can’t go wrong with the food, coffee, wine, and mezcal at this spot! 

I’ve never had to wait for a table here and seating is mostly outdoors (pet-friendly 🐶).

18. Mendl Delicatessen

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Mendl Delicatessen is a New York Jewish deli type restaurant in Condesa close to the south side of Parque Mexico. 

They’ve got your lox bagels, schmears, shakshuka, reuben sandwiches, pastrami sandwiches, latkes, matzo ball soup and more. Not only is the food amazing but their coffee comes from Quentin – one of my favorite coffee shops located on the quaint street of Amsterdam and that serves the best coffee in Mexico City. 

Being that it’s so popular, wait times on the weekend can go up to 2 hours so it’s probably best to go really early or go early-mid week. Either way, I’d say it’s worth the hassle considering there’s no other restaurant quite like it in Mexico City!

19. Café Toscano

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

There are several locations for Caffe Toscano but my favorite is the one located in Parque Mexico. This is an iconic lively corner is perfect for catching up with friends or people watching as it’s surrounded by other restaurants and cafes and situated right across the park. 

I usually order an iced latte, green juice (of course 😋🌱), and either huevos rancheros or the croissant breakfast sandwich. 

Caffe Toscano has both indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶) and usually has street performers on this popular corner so you can listen to live music while you enjoy your meal. I’ve never really had issues with waiting too long for a table but it’s also nice coming before the rush and enjoying the calm quiet mornings.

20. Lardo

$$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Bou offers both indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶). I’ve never had to wait for a table but I’ve noticed Bou has gotten more popular over the last year. I would recommend going early on the weekends or on a weekday.

Another popular restaurant by the same owner and chef as Panadería Rosetta and Café Nin! Lardo is an upscale European-Mexican fusion restaurant located in Condesa. 

I would recommend the pastries, croque madame, any of the egg dishes and the cocktails 😋🍹. 

If you can, try to book a reservation online otherwise be prepared to wait over an hour on the weekends.

21. Bou

$$ | 📍 Roma Norte | 🗺️ Google Maps

I remember when Bou opened up when I lived a block away. I was so excited since I LOVE cute cafes and it did not disappoint! 

Although slightly more expensive than your average cafe in Mexico City, the coffee here is very good. As for food – the pastries, chilaquiles, avo toast, and french toast are all delicious! 

22. Clara y Ema

$$ | 📍 Juarez | 🗺️ Google Maps

This humble little breakfast joint deserves all the rave. 

I’m a sucker for breakfast sandwiches and Clara y Ema is the place to be for just that! They have quite a few options for different breakfast sandwiches with their delicious brioche buns. Don’t forget to try their coffee and juices too! 

You shouldn’t have any issues with having to wait but they do close at 4pm so don’t try to come here after that time. Also, it wouldn’t be considered brunch anymore! 😂 There’s also another location in Condesa if you’re closer to that area.

23. Café de Tacuba

$$ | 📍 Centro | 🗺️ Google Maps

Opened since 1912 – Café de Tacuba is definitely the oldest restaurant on this list! Just a few blocks from Zócalo, this restaurant is located at the heart of Mexico City. Traditional Mexican food and live mariachi bands in such a historical establishment definitely makes Cafe de Tacuba worth visiting. 

They have an expansive menu but I would specifically recommend the tamales, pozole, enchiladas and mole. 

If you come during peak time on the weekends you will likely have to wait. Otherwise, you can make reservations by phone or email.

24. Freims

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

Freims is located right on my favorite street in Mexico City – Amsterdam in Condesa. This tree-lined street goes around the entire Parque Mexico and even has a pedestrian walkway that separates the two-way street. 

Now that you have a glimpse of the setting of this restaurant, let’s talk food! Known for their waffles, Friems menu has savory waffles, sweet waffles, and even waffle sandwiches. I mean, how can you not try the waffles at this point am I right? 😄 BUT if you happen to not feel like waffles, I really enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich with fries and the BLT sandwich. 

Whenever I come to Freims, I can never decide where to sit lol. I like the seating area on the street in the front, the patio area in the back and even the indoor seating is a nice space too.

25. Ojo de Agua

$$ | 📍 Condesa | 🗺️ Google Maps

There are several locations of Ojo de Agua but my favorite one is in Condesa near Parque Mexico. It’s situated around this roundabout with a little fountain and tree-lined streets which makes it such a quaint and beautiful setting. 

I was a little hesitant to include this in my list of best breakfast and brunch in Mexico City because it’s a chain and it’s known to have “gringo” (foreigner) prices. But I decided to include it because it’s a healthy option and they have the best acai bowl I’ve ever had in my life 😅. The acai smoothie part is perfectly thick and the fruits are all deliciously ripe and sweet. I also really like the chilaquiles here but I will say the portions have gotten smaller over the years. They also have a TON of healthy smoothie and juice options and the salads are great too. 

Ojo de Agua has both indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly 🐶). It’s a pretty popular spot so if you come during brunch time on the weekends you may have to wait up to 40 minutes.

If you want to avoid having to wait, the location in Roma Norte is never busy and is also a beautiful location. It’s actually right next to Lalo so it’s another good alternative if you try but can’t get seated at Lalo without a long wait.

FAQs: Visiting Mexico City

Besides New York, Mexico City is my favorite city in the world. There’s such a big food and art scene, it’s a very walkable city, tons of cute coffee shops, lots of greenery and parks, warm people, and rich culture. 

If you’re visiting Mexico City for the first time and only have a few days, check out my thorough and well-planned itinerary! 3 Days in Mexico City: Perfect Itinerary for CDMX in 2023

What food is famous in Mexico City?

Mexico City is known for tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, cochinita pibil, chiles en nogada, churros, and of course – chilaquiles!

What neighborhood in Mexico City has the best food?

It’s really hard to pinpoint one particular neighborhood as having the best food. It depends on preference. Condesa, Roma Norte and Juarez all have Mexican, international, healthy, hipster/trendy type restaurants, Asian, Asian fusion, etc. Polano will have your larger and fancier restaurants. Centro, Del Valle, Navarte and other neighborhoods will lean more authentic Mexican.

What is the best month to go to Mexico City?

Spring (March to May) is my favorite time to be in Mexico City. This is the warmest time in the city with very little rain. Temperatures will drop slightly in the summer months (June to August) which is also the rainy season. 

Where To Stay In Mexico City

Below are my recommendations for where to stay in Mexico City. I’ve provided budget, mid-range, and luxury options to accommodate for a variety of preferences 😉.

These are all within Condesa, Roma Norte, Juarez/Reforma and Centro as these are the main neighborhoods I would recommend travelers to stay in especially if it’s your first time.

Conclusion: Best Breakfast & Brunch In Mexico City

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the BEST breakfast and brunch restaurants in Mexico City. As you can see, this city has a diverse breakfast scene that you can’t miss! So set your alarm, wake up early, and indulge with breakfast in Mexico City. 

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