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MexicanRoma Norte
Fonda Fina in Mexico City is the Roma Norte modern fonda on Medellin from chef Juan Cabrera, a daytime Mexican kitchen that updates traditional Mexico City.
OrderSopa de mariscos; whichever guisado fills the chef's plate that day; the daily mole.
TipLunch is the move; the dining room runs more festively on Saturdays. Closed Monday.
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Traditional MexicanCentro Historico
Azul Historico in Mexico City is chef Ricardo Munoz Zurita's Centro Historico courtyard kitchen at the Downtown Mexico hotel, the regional Mexican mole.
OrderMole negro from Oaxaca; cochinita pibil tacos; an agua fresca de la temporada.
TipThe open courtyard table closest to the fountain is the seat; brunch lasts till 17:00 weekends. Walk-ins land most weekdays.
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MexicanCondesa
Maque in Mexico City is the Condesa morning room on Ozuluama that pairs handmade pan dulce with chilaquiles and huevos divorciados, a regular Sunday brunch.
OrderChilaquiles verdes with chicken; a concha de vainilla; cafe de olla.
TipDaily 07:30-22:00. Walks-ins fill by 09:30 Sunday; arrive earlier or expect a 30 minute wait for the patio.
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Mexican SeafoodRoma Norte
Contramar in Mexico City is the Gabriela Camara-run Durango Street seafood room in Roma Norte since 1998, the lunch-only kitchen that built its name.
OrderThe tuna tostada and the pescado a la talla, half red half green down the middle.
TipOpen lunch only; lines start at 13:00. Walk-ins land easier on Mondays than mid-week.
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Mexican-mediterraneanCondesa
Lardo in Mexico City is Elena Reygadas' Condesa room on Agustin Melgar since 2015, the Mediterranean wood-fired sister of Rosetta, open from breakfast.
OrderThe wood-fired flatbread of the day; the brunch eggs with Roma garden tomatoes.
TipOpen from breakfast; the corner-window two-tops fill first. Walks-ins easier at 11:00 weekdays than 14:00.
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MexicanRoma Norte
Meroma in Mexico City is Mercedes Bernal and Rodney Cusic's Roma Norte room on Calle Colima 150, a converted 1980s motel with oval windows and a rooftop.
OrderThe wood-fired short rib; a pasta plate; a cocktail on the rooftop terrace at golden hour.
TipClosed Mondays. Book ahead via OpenTable for the rooftop. The seasonal tasting changes monthly.