El Cardenal

https://www.theinfatuation.com/mexico-city/guides/classic-restaurants-mexico-city

21 Classic Restaurants In Mexico City - Mexico City - The Infatuation

"You’re at this decades-old institution to have a traditional Mexican breakfast, whether you visit their iconic branch on Calle de la Palma in Centro Histórico or one of the other five locations throughout the city. The ritual should start with these three courses: their baked-in-house conchas—the most famous bread in the Mexican pastries playbook—an order of natas, the creamy, fatty layer that forms on boiled milk, sourced from their own dairy farm, plus a cup of hot chocolate. Then move on to a busting plate of eggs with escamoles, chilaquiles, or enchiladas that never disappoint. There will be a crowd but don’t be discouraged. Although the wait time is typically 20-30 minutes, the attentive and efficient service makes it all worth it." - mariana camacho

https://www.theinfatuation.com/mexico-city/reviews/el-cardenal

El Cardenal - Review - Centro Histórico - Mexico City - The Infatuation

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-mexico-city

The 36 Best Restaurants in Mexico City, From the Splurge-Worthy to Streetside Tamale Stands | Condé Nast Traveler

"El Cardenal is a buttoned-up and beautiful traditional Mexican breakfast spot with multiple locations. The Centro one is particulaly alluring because it has an elevator to the second floor and delightful stained glass windows of the restaurant's namesake, bright red cardinals. Many people come here for its egg, tortilla, and black bean-heavy breakfasts, but we like it best for spiced hot chocolate and concha con nata (sweet, shell-shaped pastries sandwiched with cream) before exploring the neighborhood." - Naomi Tomky, Scarlett Lindeman

@goop

"Don't let its location in the Centro's Hilton fool you into thinking this is a tourist trap: El Cardenal has been around in several incarnations since the 80's and is one of the more formal restaurants for Mexican food, where high-fliers take their business clients and families do Sunday lunch. The menu is extensive and for newcomers, a perfect introduction to regional cuisine, from their traditional Chiles en Nogada to Enchiladas, to whole roasted fish and tacos de Arrachera (steak)—the best in town. Beyond lunch, though, breakfast is where it's at with a selection of freshly baked pastries, authentic hot chocolate, freshly squeezed juices, and traditional egg dishes—the ultimate mix of sweet and savory."

The Mexico City Guide

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-zocalo-mexico-city

14 Best Things to Do in Zócalo, Mexico City | Condé Nast Traveler

Amin Sameni

Google

Elegant lunch spot with great service and perfect location We had lunch at El Cardenal after visiting the Zócalo, and it was a lovely experience overall. The location is ideal right in the heart of the historic center and the interior is elegant, spacious, and beautifully maintained. It really elevates the dining experience. The service was excellent attentive, professional, and warm. You can tell they take pride in offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. As for the food, it was good and satisfying, though not particularly standout. Still, for its prime location, polished interior, and top-tier service, El Cardenal earns a solid 4 stars. A great choice if you're looking for a comfortable and classic Mexican dining experience near the city’s most iconic sights.

c l

Google

Very cool multi floor restaurant serving traditional breakfast and brunch options. Fresh pastries and a large variety of egg dishes, it was difficult to settle on one as I wanted to try a few. Tried eggs with the maguey 'worm' sauce. Scrambled eggs in a flavorful deep red and smokey sauce. Excellent service in a neat historical building.

Sebastian The king

Google

Amazing restaurant that overs great food, service, and a great atmosphere. There was a little bit of a wait to get in, however the food made up for it. I highly recommend coming here and if you do you won’t regret

Norbert Wangsa-Wirawan

Google

Nice traditional restaurant with some outdoor seating and plenty indoor seating. Friendly service, nice ambient, and yummy food. Some of our fav dishes - tuna ceviche, polpo a la Brazas (grilled octopus with salads), and chile ancho relleno a la Oaxaquena (in yummy mole sauce).

Juliana M.

Google

You won’t regret comming here. Our favorite restaurant since being here in Mexíco city, so much so we came back again. Margs, Pescado, Guac, Rez, Mole. All fantastic flavor.

Mari Aguilar

Google

We received a recommendation for this place, and it exceeded my expectations. Although there was a 30-minute wait, it was well worth it. Everything we tried was delicious. The hot chocolate and fresh bread were especially tasty. The enchiladas were flavorful, not too spicy, and the chicken added a nice touch.

Priscilla Moreno Wyrwich (prismiles)

Google

Service was good, lots of people helping out. The food was great. We ordered the pork knuckle, chile relleno and milanesa.

Jose Gutierrez

Google

This is one of our favorite breakfast restaurants Mexico City. Every dish I have had here is delicious

Esther Z.

Yelp

Considering the relatively low forCDMX prices, the large portions, the quality of our entrees and the prompt service, I am forced into a 5 star rating. For such a large dining area on level 1, the noise level was low. Our waiter took one look at us and asked if we need an English menu. Yep! Trying not to over order, we ordered1 entree each no starter or soup. I thought I was cutting back when I ordered the Chile Ancho relleno a la oaxaquena, 1 piece. Nope, the very large ancho pepper was fully stuffed with shredded yummy pork. My partner ordered Chamorro al Pibil(ham hock) in sauce. That ham hock was huge. She took about half home. We could have shared the ham hock and been done. So yes, I would highly recommend this place to my family and friends if they ever have the opportunity to vacation in CDMX.

Dulse Natalie M.

Yelp

Was my first time going to this place. I found it through a video I saw on tik tok. The overall look is gorgeous! Looks very fancy a bit bougie. The service they provide was amazing! We got hot chocolate and pan dulce, to start off with. Food tasted great, but the portions did seem small. Prices were a bit on the higher end but not too bad. I definitely say go check this place out!

Brianna R.

Yelp

They may have the best pan dulce of any restaurant in Centro. This location has 4 levels. We sat up top because the other levels seemed packed, even on a weekday. Order the hot chocolate! They brought us fresh bread and fresh tortillas as well. My meal was just fine, I may be should have got something different. But overall it was a good meal. Staff is great as well. Lots of locals here, not super touristy despite the location. This place was pricey though. About $800 pesos. We had an equally good meal at another place nearby for half the price.

Hannah M.

Yelp

Came here for breakfast this morning as was able to be seated immediately. The place is beautiful and very spacious, spread across multiple floors. Immediately I was asked if I wanted cafe or chocolate (opted for the former) and was offered a pastel from a tray that they were bringing out. I've heard the conchas are amazing but I was in the mood for more of a savory breakfast. They brought over a piece of free bread which looked better than it tasted. Some butter would have been nice with it. Maybe I could have asked for it idk. I ordered some fruit to start and the Enfrioladas huastecas as my main. They didn't specify the types of fruit on the menu and it was papaya and cantaloupe. Both tasted fresh and juicy. The enfrioladas huastecas were very good. It's a huge menu and I was overwhelmed. It would have been nice to be able to try a second dish but alas my stomach is only so large. Service was excellent with the exception of the end of the meal when it took FOREVER to get the check. Also, I thought the tip options were very unusual for Mexico. The LOWEST option was 15% which is what I usually pay, but I think it went up to 30%? Just something to be aware of because I almost mindlessly selected it as most places will have 15 as the max. Price was about $350 after tip. There are sooo many excellent places in the area so I'd hesitate to rush back but would I? Sure absolutely.

Zuleima E.

Yelp

Staff personnel are very attentive! Don't be fooled by the empanadas they offer or should i say practically put in your plate, they don't tell You it's an extra $120 mxc charge. My group thought they were free since they offered and didn't let us know.

Tim C.

Yelp

A bit pricey but you get the reputation and the good service and location. Food was also good and very large portions so be careful how much you order!

Jasmine R.

Yelp

This was the best pan dulce I had on my whole trip to CDMX. The hot chocolate was so delicious, not too sweet, and made traditionally. I didn't get many pictures because I wasn't feeling well that day but the staff was very accommodating. I ordered scrambled eggs and beans. So simple but so delicious. The restaurant definitely gives a traditional feel. I think this is a staple for any traveler.

Sharmila K.

Yelp

Quick service and delicious food! Don't miss out on their fresh bread. It doesn't matter which floor you are on .. there is not much view from top floors.

Stella G.

Yelp

I came here for breakfast on a weekday morning and was able to be seated immediately. Pretty soon after seating, a waiter came around with a tray of pastries. By the time he got to our table, the only thing that was left was one concha. I got the concha and the chocolate Doña Oliva, and my boyfriend ordered the chicken enchiladas. This concha was the best one we had in Mexico City! I wish they had more because I definitely could've eaten another one. The hot chocolate was a perfect pairing - it was sweet but not too sweet. It was really cool to watch them make it in front of you too! The enchiladas were also delicious. The chicken was very tender, and the sauce on top was so good. There's a reason why this place pops up everywhere on Mexico City food guides. I would definitely go back and get the same thing again - it was that good!

Najwa G.

Yelp

El Cardenal had some amazing food in a great setting all at a reasonable price. I went with my mom who doesn't eat meat but albeit the choices being limited, we still had a great meal. First and foremost, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't get a concha and Mexican hot chocolate. Dip the former into the latter and you might be sent to heaven. For our main, my mom and I shared a zucchini omelette that was quite delicious with the salsa verde. All in all, yes this place is touristy but for all the right reasons.

Sue W.

Yelp

Very nice restaurant, good service, very good upscale food with moderately higher prices. Overall a good choice and onkyba few blocks from Cathedral. I had aguachiles whuch was marked SPICY but asked for a little less heat - it came with almost no souce so I poured on the salsa at the table. I also ordered the chile poblano which was very good. My son had the tampiwuena whic cam with a mole (excellent). I revommend this restaurant. I am still trying to buld courage to try the escamoles - next time

Mari A.

Yelp

Eric S.

Yelp

Came here with a reservation and had the best time. Absolutely great food and the service was great. I ordered the ant egg omelette and it was really tasty. Don't forget to order the hot chocolate. It was delicious and not too sweet. Their espresso was pretty good too.

Sasha M.

Yelp

The location is simply gorgeous. Food was extremely delicious. Definitely perfect spot, I will definitely dine here again when I'm in CDMX. The service was amazing as well, the waiters speak English and they have a menu in English as well.

Alberta A.

Yelp

The location was right by where we were staying so a small walk. Looked so pretty in side. The employees were very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious. Try their breads too. Not at all expensive. We went twice for breakfast.

Alvin M.

Yelp

Came here for breakfast. Come here early, lines get very long. Their hot chocolate is delicious and fresh. Bread is crusty on the outside but warm and doughy on the inside, pairs well with natale. Arrachera (skirt steak) was tender and delicious and can easily be shared for two.

Ty C.

Yelp

Started with the pumpkin and mushroom soup. Amazing! Then, on to the barbacoa appetizer, which we both benjoed. For the mauns, she had quesadillas, and i went with the verracruz sandwich. All amazing!

Fernando J.

Yelp

On my recent trip to Mexico City with my wife, we wanted to try some places she had heard of from other people on line... this one was right by our hotel...it was super convenient. The restaurant itself was really elegant! The staff was amazing and the food was out of this world!highly recommended this place! The hot chocolate and Mexican sweet bread was unlike anything I've had here in the United States. The bread was as soft as if they had just pulled it out of the oven, they prepared the hot chocolate infront of us.. the Spanish omelette with escamoles (ant roe) and cactus was incredible and the enchiladas were absolutely perfect. Long as story short...this restaurant is incredible and I could eat there regularly.

Cesar V.

Yelp

My 2nd time around my first time was in San Angel and this place in the centro histórico de Mexico did not disappoint! The service was great from the moment you enter the restaurant you're greeted by the host, taken up to the floor you will be eating, as soon as your seated your server introduces himself then offers you freshly bake Mexican bread, and fresh hot chocolate! After you're presented with your menu in which you choose different options of eggs or meals. I had chilaquiles with arrachera very spicy I might add and I'm not one to like chilaquiles but this dish was delicious. The ambiance is much different from the San Angel location however this one is the original and loved it.

Ed R.

Yelp

This is no millennial YouTuber influencer joint. This place is old school class. When those that ate out were treated like they were appreciated and respected. There is a menu but they take your chooses and plate them as if they were expecting you all along. Table service is extremely good and the food is great as are the prices. Please don't come here if you're an annoying person who just loves to complain, stay away please. The staff is exceptional and we loved all the attention and quick delivery of the tasty food.

Adra P.

Yelp

Great food and customer service The bread was so good and fresh too Enjoyed my time here, if you are visiting be sure to stop by for a bite

Tiana F.

Yelp

El Cardinal was great! This place is located on a street walking distance from the center where the White House is. It has a vintage look and feel to the building inside. It is very clean. We had the pan dulce, Mexican hot chocolate and the Chilequiles. The pan was so good. It had an almond taste. The Chilequiles had good flavor and were not spicy. Just the right amount of crunch and the meat was cooked well. The service was great. They were very attentive and spoke English as well since we didn't know much Spanish.

Shelly S.

Yelp

One of my favorite spots we ate here almost everyday the food was delicious. The tamale was delicious. The bread excellent the service and ambience. Highly recommend.

Yesenia V.

Yelp

Super quaint building and the staff is equally charming. Ordered the famous hot chocolate and bolillos (baguettes) with fresh nata (fresh cream). The hot chocolate is not your typical sweet, more bitter cacao but you can definitely ask for some sugar to sweeten. The chilaquiles must be popular as every other table had an order. A must try if you are visiting the city.

Andrea S.

Yelp

We had the mole pollo which had a hint of chocolate taste. I enjoyed the pulpo with tostadas and the creamy elote soup. The hot chocolate was freshly made and was delicious and not too sweet. We also had the Jamaica agua Fresca which was great as well.

Amina Y.

Yelp

Go to the one on Calle de la Palma- everything was so much tastier. We enjoyed several dishes and their sesame cookies were out of this world.

Beatriz C.

Yelp

Amazing food and service. We arrived on a Saturday and were seated right away. We were greeted with a basket of fresh bread and some dessert cookies. I ordered a lemonade and my husband ordered a coke. Furthermore, their menu had so much to choose from. We started off with panoches with cochinita pibil and mole poblano. My husband and I shared the dish that came with freshly made corn tortillas. Our full bill was about $37. It was all well worth it.

Eric F.

Yelp

'El Cardenal' is a well known restaurant in the "Centro Historico" (Historical City Center) and near the Bella Artes. Building the first Capital City of "New Spain" in Mexico was a very important task for the Imperial Architects of the expanding Spanish Empire. Especially when Hernando Cortez told them to build New Spain's first Capital not only in the middle of a Volcano filled Valley in the Mountains, but also on the Island in a Lake there, constructing the city of Hernando Cortez, a new legend, over the rubble of ancient pyramids & palaces, now only ruins of the former Aztec capital of "Tenochtitlan, making this city-to-be constructed at an elevation of nearly 7,400 ft, just below the line where trees stopped growing. And they designed it in a European style that incorporated Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance influences and facades. Home to numerous landmarks dating as far back as long before the Aztec era, "Centro Historico" is the city's beating heart. Circling around the massive "Zócalo Plaza", this area draws tourists to it's museums and it's iconic buildings, like the Art-Nouveau wonders of the "Palacio de Bellas Artes" and the "Metropolitan Cathedral". Street vendors and basic "Taquería stalls" exist in harmony with high-end restaurants, all alongside the bustling, pedestrian-only street "Calle Madero". 'El Cardenal' is housed in a beautiful French-style 'Porfirian' building, with high ceilings and wide stone columns, which we can still admire thanks to restorations of the meticulous work so professionally carried out by Architect José Helue Mina. Daily service at 'El Cardenal' is offered on two floors.

Gina G.

Yelp

This place in consistently good. Service excellent, food fresh and delicious. I come here every time. The best food I've had is in the Centro (La Palma) location.

Lauren C.

Yelp

Delightful breakfast at a well known restaurant in the Centro Historico and near the Bella Artes. Very popular but we were able to get a table outside on a beautiful sunny day. A basket of pastries is presented, which was a surprise. The chocolate concha melts in your mouth - so delicate and light. After struggling to decipher the menu, they presented one in English - thank you! The salmon omelet and the huevos rancheros dishes both had a depth of flavor that cannot be seen in the photos, and made them so much more than any equivalent dish we have had in the past in the US. This is why we travel! Service is very friendly and professional. Freshly baked crusty rolls were delivered. The baked goods are amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

Suzie L.

Yelp

Light lunch We had a light soup lunch at this branch of El Cardenal. We arrived late for lunch and were seated on the ground floor which is not as nice as the other floors. We thought it was a little pricey and the service a little offhand!

Jose L.

Yelp

To start off service was amazing. We had three waiters taken care of us. The food was very delicious. Proximity to downtown was perfect. I would definitely recommend this place. My wife had the zucchini flower omelette on a green sauce. I had the spinach and mushroom omelette. I cleaned out the plate. Everything here was just amazing.

Ed L.

Yelp

I heard that El Cardenal served an Escamole (ant eggs) omelet I had to try it. Then I found out that they served traditional Mexican hot chocolate whipped up with a molonillo, I had to make this my first stop. Located on the first level of a posh hotel, it's definitely an upscale scene. I was a little grungy in my backpack traveler gear so you may want to wash up before coming. I arrived as soon as they opened and was seated quickly. I ordered my escamoles and dug right in. There wasn't much of a flavor and tasted pretty much like a regular omelet, but I guess there was that additional protein. The hot chocolate was nice and frothy and they serve it in front of you with the traditional molonillo whisk. Excellente! I finished the meal off with a Pan Dulce and left a happy camper. Definitely worth a stop for an adventurous eater, but even if you're not they had plenty of regular brunch fare.

Celina S.

Yelp

An establishment! Three stories of restaurant, it's fun to watch the hustle and bustle. They're known for their hot chocolate. It's thick and we split a cup bc it was so rich (in a nice way, but you don't need your own) The standout dish for me was the Chile ancho relleno with pork, raisins, and nuts inside. They have a lot of dishes on the menu that are hard to find so this was a nice find for us.

Stina Marie A.

Yelp

Delicious food! Great ambiance and the staff was super friendly. Set up is a little odd but it's a nice place. Definitely try the Escamoles, you will be happily surprised. The mole was delicious as was the ceviche.

Claudia H.

Yelp

Desayunamos aquí y estuvo muy bueno, comenzó con pan dolces muy frescos, mi hermana comió excelentes chilaquiles con dos huevos perfectamente cocidos. Comí una tortilla con rajas poblanas en una salsa verde muy rica. Ambos platos principales figuraban como ligeramente picantes y tenían un poco de picante que no era abrumador. Creo que nuestro único error no fue arriba. Briefly in English: excellent breakfast with fresh pan dulces, chilaquiles with eggs, and an omelette with rajas poblanas. Eat upstairs if you can!

Anthony Q.

Yelp

Everything was excellent. Kind welcoming service, delicious well made food from the fresh mango Agua Fresca to the succulent Barbacoa and amazing cochinita. Wow. Go here.

Carlos R.

Yelp

Great food great service great chocolate and great bread a must to visit when you in Mexico City near the zocalo literally next door to the zocalo.

Luis M.

Yelp

I went to El Cardenal in the south of the city in a beautiful area called San Angel...over La Paz avenue. It is located in a very beautiful colonial style house and the menu is great basically full with all the mexicans "musts" bust also some international dishes...quality of the food is premium and is more popular for breakfast or brunch time. Do not miss the Conchas con Nata...you will thanks me later!...

Joan S.

Yelp

Delicious food, excellent service. The tortillas are wonderful. The bread basket with the rolls and cookie-like sesame bar is an added treat. Had two different soups and the stuffed poblano. Recommend if you are in Centro Histórico.

Ken G.

Yelp

Overall, I thought this place was pretty good. This is an iconic restaurant in Mexico City and it was nice to experience it. We were promptly seated and enjoyed some breakfast pastries - mine was pretty good - it was a buttery, slightly sweet roll with raisins. I ordered the chilaquiles with skirt steak and that was tasty...the steak was salty and well-seasoned and the salsa covering the tortilla chips was mild in flavor. I'd heard the hot chocolate was very good, but I thought it really lacked good chocolate flavor. The service was attentive and pretty friendly. We arrived around 9:00am and by 9:30am, a queue was already starting outside. I'm not sure if they take reservations, but you have to arrive early if you don't want to wait. This place is worth a visit for the experience at a well-known establishment.

Jade M.

Yelp

Um YES! I absolutely recommend this place. I came here for lunch while on my layover and the food was truly second to none. My coworkers and I were all satisfied. I ordered the Lomo de robalo tallado a la brasas (which is just grilled fish marinated in lime juice and dry chili. It was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly, and tasted amazing! It's also located in this gorgeous area, by the Cathedral. Phenomenal place to grab a bite to eat. 5/5 stars!

Carmen S.

Yelp

The food and the service in this place were excellent . The chiles en bogada were delicious, a bit different from what we expected, less sweet and the meet was like " in adobo" personal will do everything possible to please your palate!

Young C.

Yelp

Went here for brunch. What a lovely place. Very friendly and attentive staff.. Ordered a dish I didn't even know what it was.. Sounded good.. Ended up being like menudo which I love.. The soup was very tasty and flavorful. Ordered chilaquile and that was also yummy.. With extra meat which was very tender and good seasoned. Ordered the traditional hot chocolate.. It was bit on the bitter side but it was good. You can't beat the price you pay for the food and service you get. I would definitely recommend this place and I would come back again. Well. I came back and tried more dish. Ordered huarache con costilla and omellete de flor de calabaza. They were both very plain. My meat was tender but lacked in flavor. The omellete was very blend and felt like I was eating bowl full of greens... Gave this place 5 stars initially but bumped it down to 4 since their dishes are not consistent.

Paula E.

Yelp

This place was good, but nothing special. The other reviews made it seem like I would be blown away by this restaurant, but not so much. The ambience was nice, the service good, the food average.

Ricardo H.

Yelp

Great food, attentive service, clean and elegant ambience, very competitive prices. If you like Mexican breakfasts and or lunch. This is a place you should try. Always full and waiting line, but worth it. If possible do a reservation. They have several locations, I know 2 in Mexico city downtown and 1 in Palmas in the Polanco Lomas área.

Randy A.

Yelp

There's a brief waiting list if it gets crowded. After my name was called they told me the lift (or elevator to some of you) will take me to the 2nd floor & a hostess seated me. It was a good ambiance with waiters pushing table carts to serve. I can't remember entirely.But I got the boneless chicken thigh with rice & cactus (or nopal) normally I don't like cactus but he talked me into it & I liked it a lot. Plus they give you a side of european style bread in a basket & the traditional corn tortillas to accompany it & I got a sprite as well. It lives up to the high star rating. The only reason why I gave it four stars instead of five was because I think they could have given me a little more chicken

Kathya S.

Yelp

Amazing food & great service they load you in on the carbs but the tortillas and the homemade bread and stuff sooo good. Cocktails also didn't disappoint

Sophia C.

Yelp

** Taste of Grandmas Kitchen ** When taking trip I always research places to visit and have an itinerary / list of must visit places to eat. This one was so good, I came twice during my stay! So first let me say, there are no fancy frills. It's just basic Mexican food, it reminds me of something my grandmother or aunt would make (that's a great feeling). I absolutely loved their breakfast menu, and the Mexican hot chocolate and freshly baked pan dulce to start were incredible. I honestly found no comparable pan dulce to theirs the remainder of my short trip. Our last dinner was here and the food was tasty and hit the spot. Potions are on the larger side, cost is very reasonable, and service is impeccable. As for the restaurant itself, it's a great location and very nicely lit / decorated. I'd definitely return, and highly recommend anyone who go to Mexico City give it a try!

https://www.theinfatuation.com/mexico-city/guides/classic-restaurants-mexico-city

21 Classic Restaurants In Mexico City - Mexico City - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/mexico-city/reviews/el-cardenal

El Cardenal - Review - Centro Histórico - Mexico City - The Infatuation

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-mexico-city

The 36 Best Restaurants in Mexico City, From the Splurge-Worthy to Streetside Tamale Stands | Condé Nast Traveler

@goop

The Mexico City Guide

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-zocalo-mexico-city

14 Best Things to Do in Zócalo, Mexico City | Condé Nast Traveler