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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.
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Traditional MexicanCentro Historico
El Cardenal Centro in Mexico City is the Briz family's 1969 Centro Historico breakfast room on Palma, the Sunday-morning institution where hot chocolate.
OrderThe hot chocolate with pan de nata; chiles en nogada in season.
TipSunday brunch fills by 09:30; arrive at opening at 08:00 to avoid the wait. Three other branches across the city.
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Regional MexicanCondesa
Azul Condesa in Mexico City is chef Ricardo Munoz Zurita's Condesa room on Nuevo Leon, the regional Mexican kitchen that tours a different Mexican state.
OrderThe mole negro de Oaxaca; whichever state is featured that month.
TipClosed Sunday dinner; the rotating monthly menu is announced on Instagram. Daughter of Azul Historico in Centro.
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MexicanDel Valle
Fonda Margarita in Mexico City is the Del Valle morning fonda on Adolfo Prieto since 1948, the open-air breakfast counter that has fed cabbies.
OrderHuevos con chorizo; frijoles refritos con asiento; chilaquiles verdes.
TipOpen Tue-Sun 06:30-12:00, closed Mondays. Arrive before 09:00 or expect a 30 minute wait on the street.
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Traditional MexicanCentro Historico
Cafe de Tacuba in Mexico City is the Mollinedo family's 1912 Centro Historico room on Tacuba, the 17th-century palace dining hall that runs every traditional.
OrderEnchiladas de mole verde; tamales served with frothy chocolate caliente.
TipDaily 08:00-23:00; the strolling student trio on Sunday afternoons is the move for the room's full character.
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French BistroJuarez
Havre 77 in Mexico City is Eduardo Lalo Garcia's classic French bistro in Juarez, the Maximo Bistrot sister room with a natural-wine list and Loire.
OrderThe steak frites; the plateau de fruits de mer to share, weekend lunch only.
TipClosed Mondays. Walk-ins land easier than booking; the deep Loire natural-wine list is the move.