The Mexico City is one of the cities with the richest culinary heritage in the world, as it is the birthplace of a wide variety of dishes such as green chilaquiles with chicken, prepared corn with spicy chili, the zesty caldo tlalpeño, tlacoyos with ricotta and nopales, huaraches with green and red sauce, the torta de tamal, and even pancita, among many other delights from the city that highlight local and seasonal ingredients.

For several years now, the Mexican capital has become a must-visit for food lovers, who are willing to take long journeys to try the famous tacos al pastor, a wide variety of antojitos and garnachas, and the best aguas frescas. However, street food is not the only attraction in CDMX, as it is also home to award-winning restaurants such as Pujol, Quintonil, Rosetta, and Nico’s, among many others.

It is worth noting that the culinary richness of the Mexican city is not new, as the extensive variety of ingredients and preparations dates back to pre-Hispanic times. An excellent example is the Tlatelolco market, where, according to the UNAM, products such as beans, corn, chiles, chia, amaranth, quelites, vegetables, medicinal herbs, different types of meats, tortillas, tamales, atole, sweets, and more were offered. Therefore, it is not surprising that we Chilangos have such good taste.

To top it off, several years ago, UNESCO designated traditional Mexican cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, confirming what we already knew: our country has one of the most important culinary traditions in the world, which is constantly evolving.

You can also read: The evolution of the corn tortilla, from ancient times to the present

The oldest restaurants in CDMX

As you already know, the city not only has great dishes and recipes that captivate anyone, but it also has a long restaurant tradition. So, if you want to taste the most classic flavors of the city, we tell you which are the oldest restaurants in Mexico City.

1. La Jalisciense

Like the number 1 on this list, this cantina started operations in 1875 and is located in the center of Tlalpan. Among the regular customers of the establishment are Renato Leduc, Leonora Carrington, and Carlos Monsiváis.

On its culinary offer, you will find tortas, tartare, paella, and shrimp broth, as well as drinks like beer, michelada, mezcal, tequila, sangria, and cubas.

2. La Ópera

This cantina not only has incredible architecture and decor but also a great history behind it. It opened its doors in 1876 and initially was a bakery run by the Boulangeot brothers. By 1895, La Ópera transformed into a cantina.

In its early days, this classic of CDMX was frequented by Porfirio Díaz and his wife; however, it went down in history after General Pancho Villa shot inside the establishment and made a hole in the ceiling, which still exists to this day.

On its menu, you can find pulpo a la gallega, lengua a la veracruzana, snails in chipotle sauce, and chamorro a la gallega.





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3. El Taquito

This culinary corner of CDMX started operations in 1895, so its doors have been open for over 100 years. Its website states that it all began when Don Marcos and Grandma Conchita decided to sell Mexican snacks and were so successful that they rented a place.

Years later, it would become known as the “only bullfighting restaurant in Mexico” and would be frequented by Cantinflas, María Félix, and Marilyn Monroe. Its menu offers dishes such as tortilla soup, rice with banana, chalupas, quesadillas, carnitas, ribs, mole, arrachera, roasted cabrito, enchiladas, and barbacoa. For desserts, you can order ate with cheese, custard, or chongos zamoranos.

4. Café de Tacuba

After being a dairy for a brief period, this restaurant began delighting the capital's residents in 1912, with dishes from Dionisio Mollinedo. Located in the Historic Center of the city, this famous place offers breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

If you are looking for a family dining option, you can enjoy dishes such as hot cakes, chilaquiles, tamales, enchiladas, molletes, pancita, mole, pipián, milanesa, arrachera, cecina, barbecues, enfrijoladas, stuffed chiles, tortas, buñuelos, flan, ice creams, and cakes.

5. Loma Linda

Founded in 1924, Loma Linda restaurant is an institution when it comes to good cuts of meat, as it was the first restaurant to offer charcoal-grilled meat in the city.

This place is suitable for carnivores, as its menu offers a wide selection of cuts, as well as empanadas, melted cheese, Argentine chorizo, grilled bone marrow, ceviche, dry noodles, salads, and pastas. Among its desserts, you can find crepes, flan, cheesecake, alfajores, and more.

Now that you know which are the oldest restaurants and with the most history in the city, organize a family meal and feel encouraged to visit one of these 5 options.

Continue reading: History of comida corrida